The use of midurethral sling in the correction of low-stage cystoceles: a prospective randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to assess whether midurethral slings (MUS) can improve both stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and cystoceles. MUS with anterior colporrhaphy (AC) as a treatment for SUI with cystocele is more invasive and carries greater risk than MUS alone. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized study involving women with stage 1 or 2 cystocele and SUI, who were > 21 years of age, who had had no previous surgery for SUI. Predominant SUI, symptomatic anterior pelvic organ prolapse, and informed consent were mandatory. Patients were randomized as to whether AC had been performed. The sling procedure was left to the surgeon's discretion: pubovaginal sling, tension-free vaginal tape, or trans-obturator tape. Success was defined as a negative stress test and no evidence of cystocele upon local examination. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled, 48 underwent MUS, and 50 underwent MUS and AC. Mean age ± SD was 44.96 ± 8.13 years. Baseline characteristics were similar. Operative time and blood loss were significantly higher in the MUS/AC group (p = 0.01 and 0.02 respectively). At 3 months, success was 79.1% and 77.8% in the MUS and MUS/AC groups respectively. This was maintained until 6 months (79.1% and 77.8% respectively). At 1 year, the results were comparable with success rates of 96.2% and 87.0% in the MUS and MUS and AC groups respectively. Symptom scores were comparable at 6- and 12-month evaluations. CONCLUSION: Midurethral slings correct symptomatic stage 1 or 2 cystoceles without the need for AC, which carries the risk of a significantly longer procedure and more significant blood loss.

Psychological and mental impact of long-standing incontinence on children and adolescents with complex urologic disorders.

PURPOSE: Incontinence has a negative impact on the quality of life and is associated with psychiatric disturbances in humans. This study evaluates the impact of long-standing incontinence on psychological and mental development. METHODS: This is a cohort study carried out in a tertiary care urologic facility. After obtaining an IRB approval, we enrolled 49 children with severe incontinence (incontinence for at least 1 year duration and one surgical intervention) and interviewed between October 2019 and March 2020. Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and intelligence quotient (IQ) testing was performed for each using Stanford-Binet-4th edition. An age-matched control group was recruited for comparison. A total of 51 children in the control group were later recruited from March 2020 to October 2020 from the Psychiatry Department. RESULTS: A total of 49 children fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 9.93 years, 31 males and 18 females. The etiology of incontinence was neuropathic bladder in 30, exstrophy in 8, incontinent epispadius in 4, valve bladder in 4; common urogenital sinus in 2, and refractory OAB in 1. Median number of procedures was 2 (Range 0-9). Median pads were 5 per day and median hospital stay was 32 days. Median total score of CBCL was 26.5 compared to 7 for the control group (p = 0.00023). Mean IQ of the study group was 88.3 as compared to that of the control (94.65), the difference is significant (p = 0.00023). CONCLUSION: Children with severe degree of incontinence suffered from significant psychiatric disorders and negative affection of their intelligence. A multidisciplinary approach is advised for management of those children.

Bladder function in children with posterior urethral valves: impact of antenatal versus postnatal diagnosis

ABSTRACT Purpose: Posterior urethral valves (PUVs) are the most common cause of congenital bladder obstruction in boys. Our aim was to assess the impact of early diagnosis and fulguration of PUVs on bladder function and compare their functional and urodynamic outcome with children who underwent delayed intervention. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 153 patients who underwent primary valve ablation from two tertiary hospitals between 2001 and 2018. Patients have been divided into 2 groups, group 1 included 69 patients who were detected antenatally and underwent early fulguration of PUVs while group 2 included 84 children presented postnatally and underwent delayed valve ablation. The recorded data throughout follow-up in renal function tests, urodynamics and changes in the upper urinary tracts were evaluated and compared. Results: Median age at time of valve ablation was 10 days in group 1 and 7 months in group 2. The median follow-up period was 6.5 and 7 years in group 1 and 2, respectively. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) developed in 15 (22%) boys in group 1 while in group 2 it was observed in 31 (37%), p=0.04. While Q-max, mean bladder capacity and post-void residual (PVR) volumes were comparable in both groups, percent PVR was significantly higher in group 2 (3.27 vs. 1.44, p=0.002). Detrusor overactivity was slightly different in both groups (p = 0.07). Conclusions: Compared to delayed intervention, primary ablation of PUVs during the early neonatal life possibly provides the optimum chance to have optimum renal function without impact on bladder function.

Reporting and grading of complications after mid-urethral sling surgeries: Could the "Clavien-Dindo Classification" be adopted?

BACKGROUND: To construct a modified model for reporting and grading of postoperative complications after the mid-urethral sling (MUS) procedure based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. In addition, complications of three different types of MUS were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PubMed search for postoperative complication after MUS was carried out for the period between January 1990 and July 2018. Reported complications were stratified in a plate form designed in accordance with grades of the Clavien-Dindo classification. Then, the proposed model was applied on reported complications in 160 females who underwent three different procedures of MUS (transvaginal tape [TVT], transobturator tape [TOT], and autologous fascial sling) with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age at time of surgery was 46 ±â€Š7 years. TVT was carried out in 75 (47%) patients, TOT in 40 (25%), and fascial sling in 45 (28%). The total number of complications was 62 in 43 (26.8%) patients. The vast majority of complications were Grade I and Grade II 19 (12%) and 21 (13%) out of 160 patients, respectively. Transient postoperative voiding difficulty (Grade II) and de novo urgency (Grade II) were the most prevalent complications in the fascial sling method (15.4% for each), whereas transient thigh pain (Grade II) was the most frequently reported complication after TOT (10%). Life-threatening vascular injury (Grade IV-a) was a serious complication in TVT cases. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complications of the MUS could be graded according to Clavien's classification. The vast majority of complications were Graded I or II. TVT can cause serious life-threatening complications.

Trigonal-sparing versus trigonal-involved Botox injection for treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of trigone-involved Botox injections in comparison with trigone-sparing injections in refractory idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and three patients randomly received a 100-IU intradetrusal injection of Botox either sparing the trigone (52 patients) or involving the trigone (51 patients). Patients were prospectively evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months. Efficacy was evaluated by 3-day voiding diaries, OAB symptom score (OABSS), and pressure flow study. Any complications were recorded. An ascending cystogram was done at 3 months for detection of vesicoureteral reflux. Urinary tract infection (UTI) was estimated on urine culture basis. Primary outcome was the difference of total OABSS at 3 months. RESULTS: The mean age ± SD was 34.3 ± 10 years (range 18-59 years). There was a reduction of episodes of all components of OAB in both groups in comparison with baseline by the end of the study but without significant difference between both groups. The trigonal-sparing group had less score of frequency compared with the trigonal-involved group throughout the study period (P < .05). There was no difference in OABSS at 3 months (1.5 ± 0.4 vs 1.6 ± 0.3, P .875). Two patients in the trigonal-involved group out of 51 (3.9%) were in need of clean intermittent catheterization because of voiding difficulty and a postvoid residual > 200 mL. There was a higher rate of UTI in the trigonal-involved group ranging from 5.6% up to 11.7% at each follow-up visit. No patient had reflux. CONCLUSION: Trigone injections are not superior to trigone-sparing injections. On the contrary, the incidence of UTI and voiding difficulty were higher. The concept of reflux induced by trigonal injection has not been proven.

How correlated is BOO with different objective parameters commonly used in evaluation of BPH: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The use of non-intubated uroflowmetry, PVR, prostate volume, and I-PSS are the most commonly used tools for the evaluation of patients with BPH. In this prospective study, we elucidated the correlation between BOO as rated by pressure-flow study in men with LUTS attributed to BPH and those parameters. METHODS: Over a period of 2 years 460 men above the age of 45 years old (mean age 60.46 ± 9.4) were prospectively included in this study. Symptoms were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score, and digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen, and transrectal ultrasound were done. The urodynamic evaluation included uroflowmetry, filling cystometry, and voiding cystometry with the plotting of pressure-flow study according to Lin-PURR (Schäfer's nomogram). The correlation coefficient was calculated between these variables. RESULTS: The correlation of other objective parameters with total score was not much better. The Spearman's correlation coefficient were - 0.09, 0.07 and - 0.1 for prostate weight, post voiding residual urine and maximum free flow rate respectively. Correlations between Schäfer's grade and Qmax, PVR and prostate volume were found to be weak to fair correlation (r values were - 0.4, 0.18, and 0.39 respectively). CONCLUSION: Objective non-invasive parameters most commonly used in the evaluation of men with LUTS attributed to BPH have limited correlation with obstruction, as diagnosed by pressure flow nomogram.

Retropubic bulbourethral sling in incontinence post-exstrophy repair: 2-year minimal follow up of a salvage procedure.

AIMS: Post-exstrophy incontinence is a challenge because continence is difficult to achieve and more difficult to maintain. Feasibility and outcomes of a bulbourethral sling to treat post-exstrophy incontinence is shown in this report. METHODS: A retropubic bulbourethral sling was applied to male patients with incontinence post-exstrophy-epispadius repair. The study included children with total (continuous) incontinence who underwent multiple previous anti-incontinence procedures, ranging from bladder neck injection to bladder neck reconstruction. Preoperative assessment includes urinalysis, renal US, VCUG, 1-hr pad test and urodynamics. The bulbourethral sling applied is made of polypropylene and is suspended by 4 pairs of nylon sutures, to support the bulbar urethra within its covering muscles with the sutures tied on the rectus muscles. Continence was evaluated as well as adverse events. RESULTS: Seventeen children, (median age 8.7 years) completed 24-month of follow up. All had CPRE. Five children (29.27%) were dry. Four micturated through the urethra and one by catheterizing his cutaneous stoma every 3-4 hr. In none, PVR exceeded 10% of expected capacity. Four children underwent re-tightening 1-4 weeks after removal of urethral catheter. Perineal wound dehiscence occurred in one, perineal/suprapubic pain in seven and epididymo-orchitis in one child. CONCLUSION: The current technique is promising for difficult cases of incontinence after CPRE. It is safe, as no serious adverse events occurred during follow up period. It is economic and re-tightening is easy to perform. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:497-502, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Management of refractory OAB in the non-neurogenic patient.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is one of the most common bothersome urological diseases. It also has a negative economic impact. Pathophysiology entails changes in neurogenic and myogenic factors, as well as urinary biomarkers such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and prostaglandins (PGs). With symptoms from OAB-Dry to OAB-Wet, the urodynamic pattern of OAB bladder is often characterized by idiopathic detrusor overactivity with lower threshold of sensation, diminished compliance and capacity. Treatment ranges from a combination of behavioral modifications (BM)/ pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) to combinations of antimuscarinics, Botox injection, nerve stimulation and augmentation cystoplasty. Herein, a contemporary review on the different aspects of management of refractory OAB in patients without neuropathic disorders is presented.

Detrusor after contractions in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: Myth or reality?

OBJECTIVES: To study after contractions in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), in the absence of neuropathy, and to verify whether it is associated with the severity of symptoms or certain filling and voiding variables. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 380 patients with LUTS and who were assessed using urodynamic studies, we retrospectively analysed those who had after contractions (ACs). Bladder overactivity was diagnosed as any increase in the detrusor pressure of <2-s duration during the filling phase, and an AC was diagnosed as any increase in the detrusor pressure of ⩾2 s after the end of the voiding phase and complete cessation of flow. The presence of ACs was then assessed in relation to different components of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), using a two-tailed Levene's test, and to filling and voiding cystometry variables, using Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon Rank test. RESULTS: In all, 373 of the 380 patients were included (seven had invalid voiding cystometry); ACs were detected in 51 (13.9%). There was no statistical significance for associations between AC and any of the variables assessed, including individual questions of the IPSS, detrusor overactivity, cystometric capacity, compliance, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), detrusor pressure at Qmax or the maximum detrusor voiding pressure. CONCLUSION: ACs detected on voiding cystometry of men with LUTS attributed to BOO do not seem to be related to symptoms, or filling and voiding variables.

TVT versus TOT, 2-year prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in a comprehensive way TVT in comparison with TOT, the results of a single-center RCT are presented. Many studies addressed efficacy and safety of TVT and TOT. METHODS: Women included were adults having predominant SUI with positive stress test. They were randomized to get either TVT (Gynecare(®)) or TOT (Aris(®)). All women were seen 1 week, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. RESULTS: Seventy-one women completed 2-year follow-up. Median age was 47 (range 33-60 years). Mean ± SD BMI in TVT group was 34 ± 5 while in TOT group was 32 ± 5 kg/m(2). POP of any degree was seen in 50 % (35 women). At 1 year, pad test-negative women were 31 and 29 for TVT and TOT, respectively. At 2 years, figures became 28 in TVT group and 27 in TOT. At 1 year, UDI 6 and IIQ 7 decreased by 78.5 and 81 % for TVT and by 69 % and 75 % for TOT group. At 2 year, comparable percentages were 73 and 79 % for TVT and 69 and 82 % for TOT. Fifteen unique patients had adverse events, 10 of them had TOT. CONCLUSIONS: Both tapes have similar efficacy, regarding cure of incontinence. TVT is more effective, albeit insignificantly, than TOT at 2 years. However, serious adverse events were more frequent with TVT, yet TOT has more unique adverse events.

Severe stress urinary incontinence: Objective analysis of risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences between patients suffering from severe degree of stress urinary incontinence versus those with mild degree and to detect the risk factors of severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 118 patients suffered from pure SUI were enrolled in a prospective study. According to VLPP, patients were categorized into 2 groups: mild (VLPP>60) and severe (VLPP<60). Risk factors included age, parity, gravidity, menopausal status, co-morbidities and surgical history were investigated. RESULTS: 35 patients had severe SUI; their mean VLPP±SD was 47±8cm H2O, while in 83 patients with mild SUI, mean VLPP was 90±20cm H2O. No significant difference was detected between both groups concerning clinical parameters except for the presence of bronchial asthma in which the difference was approaching statistical significance (P=0.07). Patients with multiple deliveries have triple risk to develop severe SUI. Obese patients with BMI>30 and those with bronchial asthma are more prone to develop severe type (OR: 1.9, 95%CI: .07-5 and OR: 9.4, 95% CI: 0.7-25 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Bronchial asthma, obesity and multiple parities might be associated with low VLPP. Severe SUI is a resultant of multi-factors rather than one risk factor.

Urinary tract infection before and after mid-urethral slings: culture-proven diagnosis and analysis of risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: To study prevalence of UTI in women with SUI before and after mid-urethral slings based on culture-proven diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clean catch midstream urine samples were collected and sent for agar culture in 150 patients before and on follow-up after mid-urethral slings visit. Degree of agreement between culture-proved UTI and clinically suspected was assessed. In addition, risk factors for UTI were analyzed. RESULTS: Preoperative culture was positive in 9 (6%) patients, 7 of them were asymptomatic. UTI was primarily diagnosed in 39 (26%) patients suggested by symptoms. No bacterial growth was detected at first postoperative day. There were 6 out of 62 (9.7%) patients who had positive urine cultures at follow-up visits, all of them were symptomatic. Eleven (18%) patients were diagnosed as UTI, based on clinical suspicion. CONCLUSION: In contrast to UTI before surgery, asymptomatic UTI is unlikely to happen after mid-urethral sling.

Repair of vesicovaginal fistula: Single-centre experience and analysis of outcome predictors.

OBJECTIVES: Data from 80 patients with a vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) were collected and analysed, to define the probable factors affecting the outcome of surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, the records of 80 women with a mean (SD) age of 35.8 (9) year were assessed; 40% of the VVF occurred after abdominal hysterectomy, 30% after Caesarean section, 15% after difficult vaginal delivery and 11.25% after forceps vaginal delivery. Fifteen women (18%) had a previous failed repair. The median duration of the VVF was 11.5 months. RESULTS: Of the 80 VVF, 41 were high, 30 were low, four combined high and low and five were at the bladder neck. Nine cases had multiple openings on pan-endoscopy. An abdominal approach was used in 54 patients, vaginal in 20 and a combined approach in six. The median (SD) catheter duration was 14 (3.9) days. Ureteric stents were left in 59 patients. At a mean (SD) follow-up of 33.02 (65.7) months, the VVF was cured in 65 (81%) patients. Univariate analysis of variables possibly affecting the success of surgery showed that the duration of VVF, surgical approach, previous repair and position of the VVF were significant factors. Only previous intervention and surgical approach maintained significance in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: An abdominal approach seems to give superior results. Previous failed repair had a significant negative effect on success. An earlier repair (<6 months) is associated with higher success rates.

Urethrorectal fistula repair in children: urologic perspective.

OBJECTIVES: We report our experience in the management of urethrorectal fistulae in children with emphasis on the complexity of this rare disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed in cases that underwent repair of urethrorectal fistula at our center between 1997 and 2007. Records were reviewed for age, history, presentation, radiologic data, operative data, and condition at last follow-up. RESULTS: Five children were managed for urethrorectal fistula. Their mean age was 6.8 years (range, 2 months-12 years). One case had congenital urethrorectal fistula and four had acquired fistulas including two after abdomino-perineal pull through for imperforate anus, one case post perineal urethroplasty, and another post repair of posttraumatic rectal tear. All patients presented with history of passing urine both through the rectum and the urethral meatus. We have three urinary diverted cases: one case in whom urinary and fecal diversions were performed and the remaining case was operated without diversion. Perineal approach was adopted in four procedures and abdomino-perineal approach in one. One patient required optical internal urethrotomy for anastomotic stricture at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Urethrorectal fistula is a rare complication whether congenital or iatrogenic. Perineal repair is challenging, necessities meticulous dissection, adequate vascularity of the edges, and interposition of vascularized flaps and is potentially successful.

Retropubic bulbourethral sling for post-prostatectomy male incontinence: 2-year followup.

PURPOSE: Post-prostatectomy incontinence is usually due to sphincter damage as a complication of prostatectomy but may result from other causes. The intermediate term outcome of the retropubic bulbourethral sling is presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included in study were 40 men with post-prostatectomy incontinence who used 5 or greater pads daily for protection. All patients had undergone prostatectomy, including transurethral resection in 17, holmium laser enucleation in 3, and open retropubic and radical prostatectomy in 12 and 8, respectively. Preoperatively voiding cystourethrogram and urodynamics were done in all men as applicable. A bulbourethral sling was prepared from polypropylene mesh. Suspension was achieved using size zero nylon sutures to fix the mesh in front of the rectus sheath. Patients were followed at 1 week, 3 and 6 months, and semiannually thereafter. RESULTS: Median incontinence duration was 3 years (range 0.5 to 14). Concomitant surgery was done in 11 men (27.5%), 34 (85%) were dry at 24-month followup and 10 (25%) underwent retightening at 3 to 6 months. Urodynamics showed no significant change in filling or voiding parameters. The increase in maximum urethral closure pressure and functional urethral length was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The described retropubic bulbourethral sling is a viable option for severe male incontinence with a satisfactory cure rate at intermediate followup. It is adjustable and cost-effective.

Minimum 2-year follow-up of mid-urethral slings, effect on quality of life, incontinence impact and sexual function.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: In this study, the impact of mid-urethral slings (MUS) on incontinence-related distress, quality of life and sexual function is assessed at a minimum 2 years. METHODS: Patients received either a pubovaginal sling (PVS) or a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT). The Arabic translation of urogenital distress inventory (UDI)-6, incontinence impact questionnaire (IIQ)-7, and short form Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were administered at baseline and 24 months. RESULTS: Sixty three women with a mean age of 47.8 years were included in this study. A median follow-up was done after 54 ± 21.9 months. Thirty nine women had PVS while 24 had TVT. Cure was defined as a significant decrease in UDI-6 and a negative stress test at 200 ml, which was found to be 93.65% and 95.2%, respectively. Overall, UDI-6 decreased from a mean preoperative value of 68.1 ± 16.9 to 27.6 ± 18.3 (p < 0.0001). IIQ-7 decreased from 70 ± 19 to 24 ± 20.8(p < 0.0001). The difference between pre- and postoperative values was insignificant. CONCLUSION: An MUS gives a cure rate of over 93% at a median follow-up of 54 months. A significant decline in UDI-6 and IIQ-7 is evident after surgery. Sexual function, as measured by the FSFI, was not significantly affected.

TOT for treatment of stress urinary incontinence: how should we assess its equivalence with TVT?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Synthetic mid-urethral slings are currently considered the treatment of choice for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In this study, two types of slings are compared: TVT vs. TOT. METHODS: In a prospective randomized study, 40 patients underwent either TVT (19 patients) or TOT (21 patients). Stress-specific and overall success was evaluated. Perioperative complications were classified according to Clavien's classification. RESULTS: Mean duration of follow-up was 20 months. At last follow-up, stress-specific success rate was 94.6% in TVT vs. 81% in TOT. No significant difference was detected in terms of post-void residual urine, symptom score, and filling and voiding parameters. Thigh pain represented the main complication in the TOT group. CONCLUSIONS: Both TVT and TOT are effective procedures for treatment of SUI. When compared to each other, TOT seems to be inferior to TVT in terms of efficacy, causing less serious complications.

Novel technique for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Early experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of in situ anterior vaginal wall sling, reinforced with polypropylene mesh, in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Seventeen patients with mean age of 51.29 years (range: 27-73) underwent surgery for SUI from August 2006 to August 2007 at Osmaniye State Hospital, Osmaniye, Turkey. Two out of 17 patients gave history of previous anti-incontinence surgical intervention, while the remaining were primary cases. In situ anterior vaginal wall sling, reinforced with semi-size monofilament polypropylene tape (size of the mesh was similar to size of in situ sling), was used as an anti-incontinence procedure. The mean follow-up period was 9.29 months (range: 4-16). RESULTS: In-situ anterior vaginal wall sling reinforced with polypropylene mesh was successful in 16 (94.1%) patients, 14 of them were cured, and 2 had clinical improvement. There was no report of preoperative urethral, bladder, or bowel injury. One patient developed postoperative urinary retention that resolved after decreasing the tension of the suspension sutures, and one patient had suprapubic wound sepsis treated by oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. No postoperatively significant post-voiding residue was detected. CONCLUSION: The early results of this technique are encouraging. It is easy to learn, economical, with a good success rate. Urethral erosion is less likely to occur due to the presence of intervening vaginal mucosa. In the future, a prospective study recruiting a larger number of patients undergoing this technique with long-term follow-up is recommended.