Practices and knowledge of general practitioners on erectile dysfunction: A practice survey.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common and underestimated sexual disorder. This sexual concern, which should raise the suspicion of an underlying coronary artery disease, is rarely broached by general practitioners (GPs). The aim of this work was to establish an inventory of the practices and knowledge of general practitioners when faced with a case of ED. METHODS: This survey is a descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study targeting GPs' practice. Answers were collected through a self-questionnaire, "KIKI SAIT?", online that explored: demographic data, level of practice and theoretical knowledge regarding ED. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-seven GPs took part in this study. Regarding their practice, 80.2% of doctors expected the patient to bring up the subject. Few clinicians managed ED according to recommendations of the French Association of Urology. More than 30% referred the patient to a urologist, cardiologist or endocrinologist. In total, 57.6% of practitioners prescribed a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5I) as first-line treatment. Regarding their knowledge, 67.8% of doctors considered their level of knowledge about PDE5I to be poor, 96.6% about intracavernosal injections, 88.7% about vacuum devices and 91% about penis rings. The main obstacle retained was the lack of medical knowledge (71.2%). Clinicians who rarely consulted for ED were less confident in explaining possible treatments (25/63 versus 18/113, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Strengthening initial training and providing a practical algorithm for the management of ED could be useful to help general practitioners detect ED, which could be a sentinel of coronary heart disease.

Initial experience with ACT™ periurethral adjustable balloons to treat urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency in the pediatric population.

PURPOSE: To present our initial experience with periurethral adjustable continence therapy (ACT™) for urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in children. METHODS: This is an approved prospective non-randomized pilot study (NCT03351634) aiming to treat children born with spinal dysraphism (SD) or exstrophy epispadias complex (EEC) with ACT™. Endpoints were patient-reported changes in daily pad count, 24-h Pad test and complications. RESULTS: Since April 2018, 13 children (six girls, seven boys) were implanted at the median age of 12 years (5-16). The etiology of incontinence was neurogenic ISD (7/13, 54%) and EEC (6/13, 46%). After ACT™ implantation, continence (no pad or 1 security pad/day) was achieved in 9(69%) patients (5/7 SD, 4/6 EEC). Additionally, two (15%) patients had a significant improvement (decreasing Pad test from 1049 to 310 g at 3 months). One patient (7%) had no improvement. Results were stable at 21 months (6-43) of follow-up. Mean final balloon volume was 2.89 ml (± 0.85) with a median of 3 fillings to obtain continence. We had four revisions due to cutaneous port erosion (n = 3) and balloon migration (n = 1) and two definitive explantations. PinQ score was significantly improved (47 vs 40.5 with balloon, p = ns). Neither degradation of the upper urinary tract nor cystomanometric changes have been observed at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Urinary incontinence due to ISD owing to EEC or SD can be successfully treated with ACT™ periurethral balloons. Given the minimal invasiveness of this therapy, it might be a first-line option treatment in children with complex stress urinary incontinence.

Cost and Environmental Impact of Disposable Flexible Cystoscopes Compared to Reusable Devices.

Objectives: To quantify the environmental impact and costs associated with flexible cystoscopy procedures from an institutional perspective, with particular attention for the comparison between disposable and reusable cystoscopes. Materials and Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study, including all flexible cystoscopies performed between 2020 and 2021 using reusable or single-use devices. The Ambu aS4C single-use cystoscope (Ballerup, Denmark) gradually replaced the reusable device in our center, with exclusive use from October 2021. Reprocessing costs for reusable cystoscopes were evaluated using a micro-costing approach. The environmental impact of reusable and disposable cystoscopes was assessed by the amount of waste and water consumed for each procedure. Results: A total of 1578 flexible cystoscopies using reusable cystoscopes were performed in 2020, and 550 cystoscopies were performed using the Ambu aS4C cystoscope from October 2021 to February 2022. The cost of flexible cystoscopy with a reusable and a disposable endoscope was €196 and €192, respectively. The amount of waste generated by reprocessing reusable and disposable cystoscopes was 800 and 200 g per procedure, respectively. Water consumption for sterilization of the reusable cystoscope was 60 L per procedure, whereas no water consumption was required with the Ambu aS4C cystoscope. A 100% Ambu aS4C cystoscope use would reduce waste generation and water consumption by 946.8 kg and 94.68 m3 per year. Conclusion: In this study, implementing a strategy of using 100% disposable cystoscopes was associated with similar costs and reduced waste generation and water consumption compared to reusable devices. Future studies are needed to compare the carbon footprint of these devices, through a comprehensive and rigorous life cycle assessment from manufacturing to recycling.

Non-continent Urinary Diversion (Ileal Conduit) as Salvage Therapy in Patients With Refractory Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunctions due to Multiple Sclerosis: Results of a National Cohort From the French Association of Urology (AFU) Neurourology Committee and the French-speaking Neurourology Study Group (GENULF).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of ileal conduit as a salvage therapy for refractory lower urinary tract dysfunctions (LUTDs) due to multiple sclerosis (MS) in a national neurourology referral center network. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter French study was carried out to identify MS patients who underwent non-continent urinary diversion for refractory LUTDs from January 2010 to December 2015. Multiple sclerosis status, urological history, surgical indication and technique, postoperative complications, renal anatomy and function at last follow-up as well as number of rehospitalizations for urinary tract infections (UTI) were collected. Preoperative and postoperative urinary-related quality of life (urQoL) through the Qualiveen short-form questionnaire (QSF) and patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 10 centers identified 211 patients with a mean age of 54±11 and mean preoperative EDSS (expanded disability status scale) score of 7.3±0.9. The main indication for diversion was MS progression leading to impossible intermittent self-catheterization (55%). Cystectomy was performed either by open (34.6%), laparoscopic (39.3%) or robotic (21.8%) approach (unknown: 4.2%) with cystectomy in all cases. Early complications were reported in 42% of the patients, mainly Clavien I or II grades. There was no difference in GFR (glomerular filtration rate) after surgery. After diversion, patients had fewer hospitalizations for UTI and better urQoL on QSF confirmed by evaluation of PGI-I. CONCLUSION: This study, reporting the largest series of ileal conduit in selected MS patients with end-stage LUTDs, showed significant improvement in symptomatic UTI and quality of life with a low high-grade complication rate.

A study of the immunohistochemical profile of bladder cancer in neuro-urological patients by the French Association of Urology.

PURPOSE: To establish whether the expression of markers of cell differentiation (CK7, CK14, CK20, GATA3), apoptosis (p53), proliferation (Ki67, STAG2) and peri-tumoural lymphocytes (CD3, CD8), provides specific information about urothelial carcinogenesis in neuro-urological patients with bladder cancer (NBC). METHODS: Tissue samples from NBC were retrieved from 15 centres in France and compared to control samples from non neuro-urological patients with bladder cancer (NNBC) and from neuro-urological patients without bladder cancer (NB). The expression of CK7, CK14, CK20, GATA3, p53, Ki67, STAG2, CD3 and CD8 markers was analysed using immunohistochemistry of tissue microarray sections. RESULTS: Overall, tissue samples from 124 patients were included in the study (n = 72 NBC, n = 26 NNBC and n = 26 NB). Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) was found in 52 NBC patients (72.2%) and squamous cell differentiation in 9 (12.5%). In NBC samples, the expression of CK20 and GATA3 was significantly more frequent in NMIBC compared to MIBC (p = 0.015 and p = 0.004, respectively). CK20 and GATA3 were significantly more expressed in NBC compared to NNBC (p < 0.001 and p = 0.010, respectively). The expression of CK14, Ki67, CD3 and CD8 was significantly more frequent in NBC than in NNBC samples (p = 0.005, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The expression of CD3 and CD8 was similar in NBC and NB samples. CONCLUSION: In NBC, markers of basal differentiation, proliferation and peri-tumoural lymphocytes were significantly more expressed compared to NNBC controls. These results suggest the aggressiveness of NBC and the role of chronic inflammation in the carcinogenesis of bladder cancer in neuro-urological patients.

Incidence of bladder cancer in neuro-urological patients in France: a nationwide study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of bladder cancer (BCa) in patients with the main neurological diseases that induce neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, namely, multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI) and spina bifida (SB). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of nationwide data from the French Hospital Discharge Database (PMSI) from January 2010 to December 2018. The incidence of BCa was calculated in patients with MS, SCI and SB. Incidence, sex, age, radical cystectomy after BCa diagnosis and in-hospital deaths were compared between the three groups. The Chi2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for qualitative and quantitative data comparisons, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 2015 neuro-urological patients (mean (± SD) age: 65.4 ± 12.3 years) were hospitalized in France between 2010 and 2018 with a new diagnosis of BCa. In neuro-urological patients, BCa was more frequent in men than in women (sex ratio: 3.08). The incidence of BCa in neuro-urological patients was 174.9/100,000 persons/year. The incidence of BCa was 791.1/100,000 persons/year in SCI compared to 56.6 in MS and 113.8 in SB (p < 0.0001). After the initial diagnosis of BCa, 551 (27.3%) patients underwent a radical cystectomy and 613 (30.4%) died in hospital after BCa diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of BCa in France between 2010 and 2018 was 174.9/100 000 persons/year, and was particularly high in patients with SCI.

Epidemiology and care pathway of vesicovaginal fistulas managed in France between 2010 and 2018.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) in France. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively and systematically collected data from January 2010 to December 2018 in the French Hospital Discharge Database. We used ICD-10 code "N820" to identify new VVF diagnoses. VVF incidence was calculated using estimations of the French population. We compared age on diagnosis, medical history of pelvic tumoral disease, radiotherapy, hysterectomy and childbirth, according to three subgroups: surgical repair attempt (SRA), long-term catheter and/or nephrostomies (LTC) or immediate surgical urinary diversion (ISUD). We focused on the patients diagnosed in 2017 to better analyse VVF aetiologies and outcomes (7-year hindsight and 1 year of follow-up). Chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests were, respectively, used for qualitative and quantitative data comparisons. RESULTS: Of the 196 million hospital stays out of 50 million French citizens hospitalised from 2010 to 2018, 5499 women were hospitalised for VVF. The estimated incidence of VVF was 2.3/100,000 women-year. Approximately half of the patients underwent SRA (48.4%); 39.8% had LTC and 11.9% had ISUD. Patients were younger in the SRA subgroup (53.4 ± 14.7 years p < 0.001) with a lower rate of pelvic cancer (p < 0.001) or radiotherapy (p < 0.001) and a higher rate of hysterectomies (p > 0.001). In 2017, two-thirds of the VVF diagnosed were secondary to pelvic surgery. Mean management time was 9.2 ± 10.6 months. After SRA, 5.4% underwent incontinence surgery and 5.0% underwent secondary surgical urinary diversion. CONCLUSIONS: VVF is not a rare pathology in France, mainly due to pelvic surgery. Its management is complex and not well defined.

Bladder carcinomas in patients with neurogenic bladder and urinary schistosomiasis: are they the same tumors?

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate and compare the expression of different immunohistochemical markers in Bladder Carcinomas (BC) in patients with Neurogenic Bladder (NB) and Urinary Schistosomiasis (US) infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected tissue samples from patients with Neurogenic Bladder and Bladder Carcinoma (NBC Group) and from patients with Urinary Schistosomiasis infection and Bladder Carcinoma (SBC Group). We compared to these two groups to control samples from resection from patients with Urinary Schistosomiasis without Bladder Carcinoma (US Group); we also investigate patients' characteristics according to urothelial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histopathological differentiation. The expression of markers in all groups (CK7, CK14, CK20, FoxP3, GATA3, STAG2, CD3, CD8, Ki67, and P53) was analyzed using immunohistochemistry of tissue micro-array sections (TMA). RESULTS: Overall, 136 patients were included in the study (n = 72 in the NBC group, n = 33 in the SBC group, and n = 31 in the US group). In the TCC subgroup, the expression of CK7, CK14, CK20, and Ki67 was significantly higher compared to US controls (p 0.002; p < 0.001; p 0.036; p < 0.001). In the SCC subgroup, the expression of CK7, CK14, and CK20 was significantly higher compared to US controls (p 0.007; p < 0.001; p 0.005). Both in TCC and SCC subgroups, no difference in the expression of any tested markers was found comparing NBC and SBC groups. In US group, a significant higher expression of STAG2 was found compared to SCC subgroup (p 0.005). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, the profile of immunohistochemical biomarkers' expression in both NBC and SBC groups is similar.

Active Surveillance for Biopsy Proven Renal Oncocytomas: Outcomes and Feasibility.

OBJECTIVES: To report the outcomes and feasibility of active surveillance (AS) of biopsy-proven renal oncocytomas. METHODS: Multicentric retrospective study (2010-2016) in 6 academic centers that included patients with biopsy-proven renal oncocytomas who were allocated to AS (imperative or elective indication) with a follow-up ≥1 year. Imaging was performed at least once a year, by CT-scan or ultrasound or MRI. Conversion to active treatment (surgical excision or ablative treatment) was at the discretion of the urologist. The primary endpoint was renal tumor growth (cm/year). Secondary outcomes included accuracy of biopsy, incidence, and reason to change AS to active treatment. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were included: Median age 67 years (26-89) and median tumor size 26 mm [15-90] on diagnosis. During a mean follow-up of 43 months'' (median 36 [12-180]), mean tumor growth was 0.24 cm/year. No predictive factors (demographical, radiological or histologic) of tumor growth could be identified. Conversion from AS to active treatment occurred in 24 patients (27%) (13 surgical excisions, 11 ablative procedures), in a median time of 45 (12-76) months'' after diagnosis. Tumor growth was the main indication to convert AS to active treatment (58%) with 8% of the patients opting to discontinue AS. No patient had metastatic progression nor disease-specific death. The correlation between biopsy and surgical specimen was 92%. CONCLUSION: Active surveillance for biopsy-proven renal oncocytomas was oncologically safe and patient adherence was high. No predictive factor for tumor growth could be identified but the tumor growth rate was low, and biopsy efficacy was high.

Miami Pouch: A Simple Technique for Efficient Continent Cutaneous Urinary Diversion.

OBJECTIVE: To report a contemporary series of Miami pouch (MP) enriched with a full technical description and step-by-step video to contribute to wider use. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective charts review of all patients who had a MP at our center between January 2016 and December 2017 was performed. The MP technique uses the terminal 15cm of ileum and the right colon to build an intestinal heterotopic pouch located in the right iliac fossa and connected to the skin by an efferent catheterizable tube. Primary outcome was continence defined as the absence of leakage between clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) with a maximal interval of 4 hours between each CISC. RESULTS: Fifteen patients had MP during the study period. Thirty-day postoperative Clavien III complications were observed in 2 (13.3%) patients. At 39 months of median follow-up, continence was obtained for all patients except for 2 patients whom reported intermittent night-time leakages due to long intervals (5 to 7 hours) between 2 CISC. No significant alteration of renal function was reported and no stenosis of the efferent tube neither difficulty to perform CISC was observed. CONCLUSIONS: For patients who are candidates for radical cystectomy and not eligible for orthotopic neobladder, intestinal heterotopic pouch with a cutaneous continent urinary diversions as MP may be a reliable alternative. Patients should be informed of the existence of a valid alternative to ileal conduit since it may fit their expectations of a preserved body image without urine collecting appliances.

Micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Microperc) for renal stones, outcomes and learning curve.

OBJECTIVE: To report the effectiveness, reliability and learning curve of Microperc, a minimal invasive percutaneous technique using a 4.85-Ch (16-gauge) sheath, in the treatment of nephrolithiasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 31 consecutive Micropercs for nephrolithiasis<2.5cm were performed by 2 operators in 2 different institutions from the 1st of May 2015 to 31st of December 2017. RESULTS: The mean size of stones was 19mm±11mm, and mean density was 1048±249UH. Stones were located in lower calyx in 21/31(68%), medium calyx in 3/31(10%), pelvis in 4/31(12%) and were multi-caliceal in 3/31(10%). Five patients (16%) had urinary diversion (4 ileal conduits, 1 enterocystoplasty with Mitrofanoff+bladder neck closure) all of those having neurological disease (2 multiple sclerosis, 3 spinal cord injury). Mean operating time was 83±35min and decreased after short period for both operators. 9/31(29%) patients had complication: 8 (26%) had fever (Clavien II) and 1 (3%) had renal colic pain (Clavien III) (required JJ stent). Stone-free was obtained in 13/31(42%) and 11/31(36%) had residual microfragments<3mm which did not require further treatment, corresponding to a technical success of 78% (24/31). Success rate was similar in patients with urinary diversion and patients with normal anatomy. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that Microperc was an effective technic for kidney stone treatment with low complication rate, acceptable operating time and short learning curve. Microperc was useful for stones in the lower calyx and/or urinary diversion where retrograde ureteroscopy could reach its limits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

The prognostic value of serum procalcitonin in acute obstructive pyelonephritis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prognostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) in the occurrence of infectious complications in the management of acute obstructive pyelonephritis (AOP) compared with other biological parameters (leucocyte count, C-reactive protein [CRP]). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study including patients who were treated for AOP and performed serum PCT tests in our center between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017. Upper urinary tract obstruction was confirmed by either ultrasound or CT urography. Clinical examinations and laboratory tests including leukocyte count, CRP, urine and blood cultures, and serum PCT measurements were performed in the emergency unit. Treatment included early renal decompression using indwelling ureteral stents or nephrostomy and empiric antibiotic therapy. The primary endpoint was occurrence of severe sepsis (SS), a composite criterion including urosepsis and/or septic shock and/or admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and/or death. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients (median age: 61 years) were included, of whom 56.3% were female. SS occurred in 39 cases (35.4%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that serum PCT (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03-1.17; p = 0.01), CRP (OR 1.007; 95% CI 1.001-1.015; p = 0.03), and diabetes mellitus (OR 5.1; 95% CI 1.27-27.24; p = 0.04) were independent predictors for SS. Serum PCT was the biological marker associated with the highest accuracy to predict SS (ROC 0.912 (95% CI 0.861-0.962) and was superior to CRP (p < 0.001): the sensitivity and specificity of PCT to predict SS were 95% and 77%, respectively, with a serum PCT cutoff value of 1.12 µg/L. CONCLUSIONS: PCT levels > 1.12 µg/L could help physicians to identify high-risk patients who could benefit from early and aggressive management in collaboration with intensive care specialists.

Diagnostic ureteroscopy prior to nephroureterectomy for urothelial carcinoma is associated with a high risk of bladder recurrence despite technical precautions to avoid tumor spillage.

PURPOSE: There have recent reports in the literature of increased rates of bladder recurrence (BR) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) when diagnostic flexible ureteroscopy (DFU) was performed before RNU. The technical heterogeneity of DFU was a major bias in these studies. Our purpose was to evaluate the impact of a standardized DFU technique before RNU on the risk of BR. METHODS: A retrospective monocenter study including patients who underwent RNU for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) between 2005 and 2017. 171 patients were identified. 78 patients were excluded owing to a history of bladder cancer before RNU or neo-adjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy. 93 included patients were stratified according to pre-RNU ureteroscopy (DFU + 70 patients) or no pre-RNU ureteroscopy (DFU-23 patients). The standardized DFU technique consisted of systematic ureteral sheath (ch9-10), flexible ureteroscopy, biopsy, and drainage with a mono-J/bladder catheter to avoid contact of contaminated urine of the upper tract with the bladder. RESULTS: Epidemiological, initial staging, and postoperative tumoral characteristics were similar in both groups. Mean follow-up was 35 months [2-166], 47(50%) BR occurred with 41(87%) in the DFU + group, and pre-RNU-DFU was an independent predictive factor of BR (OR = 4[1.4-11.9], P = 0.01) (Cox regression model). The characteristics of BR were similar in both groups, although BR occurred earlier in DFU + (427 days vs. 226 days (P = 0.07)). CONCLUSION: Bladder recurrence after diagnostic ureteroscopy + nephroureterectomy was high despite technical precautions to avoid contact of bladder mucosa with contaminated urine from the upper urinary tract. Post-DFU endovesical instillation should be investigated.

MRI-targeted biopsy for detecting prostate cancer: have the guidelines changed our practices and our prostate cancer detection rate?

PURPOSE: In our center, until 2018, MRI-targeted biopsy was underused. Since January 2018, we systematically performed MRI-targeted biopsy for suspicious PI-RADS ≥ 3 lesions in accordance to the recent guidelines. We hypothesized that the implementation of systematic prebiopsy MRI would increase the detection rate (DR) of prostate cancer (PCa) without increasing DR of clinically insignificant PCa (insignPCa). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study including consecutive men who underwent prostate biopsy for suspicion of PCa in our center between January 2017 and December 2018 was conducted. Combined biopsies were performed for suspicious MRI and systematic biopsies for nonsuspicious MRI. The primary outcome was to compare the DR of PCa per year. Secondary outcomes included DRs of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) and insignPCa between both years and outcomes of targeted vs systematic biopsies. RESULTS: A total of 306 men (152 in 2017 and 154 in 2018) were included. Respectively, median (IQR) age was 69 (63-75) vs 70 (65-76) years (p = 0.29) and median (IQR) PSA density was 0.17 (0.13-0.28) vs 0.17 (0.11-0.26) (p = 0.24). There was a significant increase in prebiopsy MRI performed (120 [78.9%] vs 143 [92.8%]; p < 0.001) in 2018. DRs of PCa (94 [61.8%] vs 112 [72.7%]; p = 0.04) and csPCa (76 [50%] vs 95 [61.6%]; p = 0.04) increased in 2018, while the insignPCa DR was stable (p = 0.13). The DR of PCa was 58.3%, 65% and 71.2%, respectively, in targeted, systematic and combined biopsies (p = 0.02). In case of nonsuspicious MRI, the prevalence of csPCA was 12.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Introducing systematical MRI-targeted biopsy in our clinical setting increased the PCa DR without overdiagnosing insignPCa. Implementation of prebiopsy MRI does not seem to avoid the need for systematic biopsy, and nonsuspicious MRI should not obviate the need for prostate biopsy when otherwise clinically indicated.

Robot-assisted implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter, the AMS-800, via a posterior approach to the bladder neck in women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a new technique for robot-assisted AMS-800 artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) bladder neck implantation in women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical files of patients who underwent robot-assisted AUS implantation between March 2017 and November 2018 at our centre. All of the implantations were performed using a posterior approach to the bladder neck in order to avoid blind dissection and the risk of vaginal and/or bladder injury. This strategy was viewed as an alternative to the anterior robot-assisted implantation recently described. The AUSs were activated 5 weeks after implantation. Patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months, then annually. RESULTS: Eight patients, with a median age of 64 years, underwent robot-assisted AUS implantation via a posterior approach to the bladder neck. The median preoperative pad weight was 300 g/24 h. The median operating time was 244 min. No peri-operative vaginal and or bladder injuries were observed. At a median of 12 months of follow-up, all the AUSs were functional. Five patients required no protection (62.5%), three had day protection (37.5%), and all said they were satisfied except for one patient (12.5%) who requested treatment for persistent urge incontinence. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted AUS implantation in women via a posterior approach to the bladder neck is a procedure that is simple, reproducible and safe. The short-term functional results are satisfactory and comparable to those obtained via an open approach. A more long-term comparison of the efficacy and longevity of AUSs implanted using this posterior approach is needed to confirm its benefit compared with the anterior robot-assisted approach and the classic open technique.

Comparative medico-economic study of reusable vs. single-use flexible ureteroscopes.

PURPOSE: Reusable flexible-ureteroscopes (fURS) require personnel and budget for processing and repairing, whereas single-use fURS were recently developed. After exclusive reusable fURS since 2011, we experienced high repair costs and single-use fURS were therefore introduced in mid-2017. We aimed to evaluate economic and practical advantages and disadvantages of reusable versus single-use fURS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, we evaluated the incidence of breakage and repairs of reusable fURS in 2017. We assessed the overall operational costs of reusable fURS including purchase, processing, and repairing in our institution from 2011 to 2017. Following our experience, we created a model to compare operation costs/procedure of single-use fURS with reusable fURS depending on repair costs. RESULTS: In 2017, repair costs of reusable fURS increased by 345% compared with the period 2011-2016, causing: a median unavailability per reusable fURS of 200 days/year (100-249), median number of functioning fURS 0/5-3/5 per operating day, while unavailability of reusable fURS had become the first reason for cancellation of procedure. Since it was introduced, single-use fURS accounted for 59% of the flexible ureteroscopy activity. Taking into account the costs of processing, maintenance and repair, in 2011-2016 versus 2017, the single-use fURS was cost-effective compared with the reusable fURS until the 22nd procedure versus the 73rd procedure, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After years of exclusive reusable fURS, the rising incidence of breakage not only increased maintenance costs but also hampered daily activity owing to unavailability of the devices. The introduction of single-use with reusable fURS provided substantial help to maintain our activity.

Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection After Failure of Augmentation Enterocystoplasty Performed for Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity: Preliminary Results of a Salvage Strategy. The ENTEROTOX Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy, urodynamic effect and safety of Botulinum Toxin A (BTXA) injections after failure of augmentation enterocystoplasty (AE) performed for neurogenic detrusor overactivity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective study that included patients who had AE and at least one injection of BTXA after AE in 15 GENULF (French Speaking Neuro-Urology Study Group) centers. Clinical and urodynamic data were collected from medical files according to a standardized questionnaire and colligated in an anonymous database. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients with an injection of BTXA after AC in 9 out of 15 centers were included. Mean age at the time of AE was 24 ± 15 years. Overall efficacy (defined by clinical efficacy associated with a request by the patient for reinjection) was observed in 58% of the patients. Mean maximum cystomanometric capacity increased by 28% (333 ± 145 vs 426 ± 131 mL; P = .007) and maximum detrusor pressure (Pdet max) decreased by 43% (44 ± 37 vs 25 ± 18 cm H2O; P = .02) after BTXA. Only one side effect was recorded out of the 152 procedures (transient generalized muscle weakness without respiratory distress). CONCLUSION: In patients with failure after AE performed for neurogenic detrusor overactivity, injection of BTXA in the enlarged bladder was effective in over half of the cases with low morbidity. If this therapeutic approach were confirmed, it could be proposed as an alternative to AE surgical revision.