The Urological Society of India survey on urinary incontinence practice patterns among urologists.

INTRODUCTION: The Urological Society of India guidelines panel on urinary incontinence (UI) conducted a survey among its members to determine their practice patterns in the management of UI. The results of this survey are reported in this manuscript. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was carried out among members of the USI to determine their practice patterns regarding UI using a predeveloped questionnaire on using SurveyMonkey®. A second 4-question randomized telephonic survey of the nonresponders was performed after closure of the online survey. Data were analyzed by R software 3.1.3 (P < 0.05 significant). RESULTS: A total of 468 of 2109 (22.2%) members responded to the online survey. Nearly 97% were urologists, 74.8% were working at a private, and 39.4% were in an academic institution. Almost all were managing UI. 84.2% had local access to a urodynamics (UDS) facility. 85.8% would check postvoid residual urine for all the patients. Voiding diary, symptom scores, quality of life scores, pad test, Q-tip test, stress test, uroflow, and cystoscopy were ordered as part of evaluation by 86.0%, 49.8%, 24.4%, 22.0%, 6.0%, 71.8%, 69.2%, and 34.7%, respectively. 47.6% would order a UDS for patients with urgency UI who fail conservative treatment. 36.9% would get UDS prior to all stress UI surgery. Seventy-five percent would make a diagnosis of intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Solifenacin was the first choice for urgency UI in general and darifenacin was preferred in elderly. Botulinum was the first choice for refractory urgency UI. Midurethral sling was the commonest procedure for surgical management of SUI (95.1%). 147 of the 1641 non responders were randomly sampled telephonically. Telephonic respondents had similar access to UDS facility but had performed fewer lifetime number of post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) surgeries. Combining data from both surveys, total number of artificial sphincters and PPI surgeries ever performed by USI members was estimated at 375 and 718 respectively. CONCLUSION: This survey provides important new data and elicits critical differences in management practices based on demographics.

Gabapentenoids in pain management in urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Gabapentin or pregabalin?

AIMS: To compare efficacy of gabapentin and pregabalin in patients with urological chronic pelvic-pain syndrome (UCPPS). METHODS: Design-retrospective, setting-urology outpatient services of a secondary-care private hospital, inclusion criteria-men 18-50 years, presenting with pelvic pain (lower abdomen, groin, scrotum, perineum, low-back, hip) with or without lower urinary tract symptoms for at least 3 months duration. Hospital database was searched using keywords for neuropathic pain (ICD9-729.2, 719.45) and prostatitis (ICD9-601.1, 601.9). Clinical data were retrieved from patient-records, laboratory and radiology data, and analyzed using SPSS-19 statistical software. RESULTS: Between Mar 2013 and Oct 2015, data of consecutive 119 patients fulfilling the above criteria was analyzed. Median age of patients was 35 years (IQR 29-43) and median duration of symptoms 12 months (IQR 6-24 months). Before treatment median VAS (0-10) pain score was 5 (IQR 4-6). Gabapentin was significantly more effective in controlling pain compared to pregabalin. Three fourth of patients on gabapentin alone (47/62) reported at least 50% improvement in pain compared to only 40% on pregabalin alone (12/30) (P = 0.0012; χ2 = 9.765. NNT 2.9, 95%CI 1.8-6.5). Twenty patients who were initially put on pregabalin had to switch to gabapentin for lack of efficacy. Forty four percent of patients on pregabalin required amitriptyline (24/54) compared to only 13.6% of those on gabapentin (10/72) required the same (P value of difference 0.0001; χ2 = 14.622. NNT 4, CI 95% 2.2-6.6). CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin may be more effective than pregabalin in UCPPS.

Plateau pattern of detrusor contraction: A surrogate indicator of presence of external sphincter dysfunction during micturitional phase of urodynamic study.

INTRODUCTION: Dysfunctional voiding results from a disturbance in the coordination between sphincter relaxation and detrusor contraction. Video urodynamic studies with electromyography (EMG) are used for diagnosis but have limitations of availability and interpretation. We identified a plateau type voiding detrusor pressure tracing pattern in these patients with a potential of helping diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urodynamic data and tracings of adult patients having been diagnosed with external urethral sphincter dysfunction (EUSD) were retrospectively analyzed. The urodynamic studies comprised of pressure flow studies, micturitional urethral pressure profilometry, and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). Diagnosis of EUSD was based on the presence of intermittent or continuous narrowing in the region of EUS on VCUG along with a urethral-vesical pressure gradient of >20 cm H2O in males and >5 cm H2O in females. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients (14 men and 11 women) with a mean age 36.6 ± 16.5 years, presented with lower urinary tract symptoms (international prostate symptom score 18 ± 5) and were diagnosed with EUSD on urodynamics/cystourethrography. The cause of EUSD was neurogenic DESD in four, dysfunctional voiding in 20 and voluntary pelvic floor squeeze in one. Resting maximum urethral closure pressure at EUS was 142.2 ± 38.3 cmH2O in both sexes. Three patients had detrusor overactivity. EMG activity during voiding was high in 10 patients, low in three, inconclusive in seven, and not performed in three. A plateau type pattern of detrusor contraction was observed in all the patients. This was qualitatively different from the roughly bell-shaped curve of detrusor contraction in men with prostatic obstruction (n = 14) and women with stress urinary incontinence (n = 11). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with EUSD have a characteristic plateau pattern of detrusor contraction on urodynamics which can be used as a surrogate for urodynamic diagnosis of nonrelaxing EUSD.

Retrograde Urethrogram or a Venogram? Be Careful Next Time.

Retrograde urethrogram is employed for adequate demonstration of anterior urethral stricture and is commonly performed by trainee residents. Not uncommonly, contrast is injected under pressure to overcome the resistance of a stricture which can lead to extravasation or intravasation exposing the patient to risk of bacteremia, sepsis, contrast reactions, and worsening of stricture. We report two such cases of extensive intravasation delineating the "venogram" of peno-pelvic venous arcade. Such rare occurrences highlight the importance of eliciting history of various allergies and asthma, urethral instrumentation, obtaining sterile urine before the study, and performing the study under dynamic fluoroscopy.

Micturitional urethral pressure profilometry for the diagnosis, grading, and localization of bladder outlet obstruction in adult men: a comparison with pressure-flow study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accuracy of micturitional urethral pressure profilometry (MUPP) for diagnosis, grading, and localization of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in men with obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms. METHODS: This prospective study included adult men with voiding symptoms qualifying for urodynamics (UDS). Patients with urethral stricture, urinary-tract infection, and inflammatory diseases of the bladder were excluded. Patients were subjected to UDS followed by VCUG the same day. UDS was performed using Solar Silver (MMS International, Enschede, the Netherlands) and included uroflowmetry, resting cystometry with UPP, pressure-flow study with MUPP, and perineal surface-electromyography. The study was performed in accordance with International Continence Society Good Urodynamic-practice Guidelines (2002). VCUG was considered the gold standard for presence and localization of BOO. RESULTS: A total of 64 male patients with mean age 53.3 ± 17.8 years and International Prostate Symptom Score 17.2 ± 6.8 completed the study. Uroflowmetry revealed maximum urine flow 10.1 ± 7.1 mL/s, voided-volume 218.9 ± 161.6 mL, and postvoid residue 129.8 ± 126.5 mL. For diagnosis of BOO, Abrams-Griffith number, Schaefer obstruction-grades, and obstruction-coefficient had weak agreement with VCUG (Cohen's kappa k <0.20), whereas urethral closure-pressure (Pclo) had strong agreement (k = 0.78). For grading, Pclomax had a significant positive linear correlation with Abram-Griffiths number (R(2) = 0.562; P = .0001). MUPP was able to localize the site of obstruction correctly in 55 of 57 obstructed patients. CONCLUSION: MUPP is highly accurate in diagnosis, grading, and localization of BOO in men with voiding dysfunction. It might be a useful supplement to VCUG/UDS.

Rationalization of interpretation of uroflowmetry for a non-caucasian (Indian) population: conceptual development and validation of volume-normalized flow rate index.

AIMS: We intended to define volume-normalized flow rates (cQ; VQI) and to construct and validate uroflow (Q)-volume (V) nomograms in our Indian (non-Caucasian) population. METHODS: Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Group A, male healthy volunteers 18-45 years without LUTS. Group B, men >18 years with LUTS (IPSS > 7; global QOL > 2). The participants voided in standing on normal-to-strong desire into digital gravimetric uroflowmeter. Data of <50 ml void and intermittent flow was discarded. Reference cQ calculated using (i) Von Garrelts equations (=Q/VV(2)), (ii) cubic equations (=Q/VV(3)). Bladder volume (BV) rather than voided volume (VV) was considered for Q-V relation (BV = VV + PVR). VQI derived from present data were compared with the reference-VQI in terms of differences in area-under-curve of receiver operating characteristics. For comparing sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of study nomograms with Caucasian nomograms (Liverpool and Siroky), data of group-A and -B were plotted on each nomogram and no. of observations above and below the cutoffs (defined as equivalent to -1 SD) manually counted. RESULTS: Total 542 voids of group-A and 465 of group-B included for final analysis. Q-V relation was best described as [Q ∝ BV(2.4) ≅ BV(2)]. The derived VQI (=Q/BV(2.4) ≅ Q/BV(2)) fared significantly superior to reference VQI with VV as denominator. Nomograms, constructed on Q ∝ BV(2) , were less sensitive but had higher specificity and positive predictive values compared to Caucasian nomograms. CONCLUSIONS: Volume-normalized flow-rate index with BV as denominator (Q/BV(2)) is has highly discriminative value in screening for voiding dysfunction. Population-specific Q-BV nomograms are more specific and predictive than Caucasian Q-VV nomograms.

Isolated bilateral renal mucormycosis masquerading as renal abscess in an immunocompetent individual: a lesson learnt.

Isolated renal mucormycosis is a rare entity in immunocompetent subjects. It is usually a rapidly progressive disease with poor prognosis but it can mimic renal abscess with a protracted course.

Preliminary short-term outcomes of a modified double-T ileal continent cutaneous urinary diversion using Yang-Monti tube implantation through serosa-lined extramural tunnel: the PGIMER pouch.

OBJECTIVE: To present our simplified technical modification of double-T continent cutaneous diversion (CCD) using Yang-Monti tubes. METHODS: During 2008-2011, 8 adult patients underwent CCD; 4 had classical exstrophy, 2 bladder cancer, 1 recurrent vaginal cancer post-radiotherapy, and 1 prostate cancer with post-simple retropubic prostatectomy urethral stricture with incontinence. For reconstruction, a 45- to 50-cm segment of terminal ileum sparing 25 cm of terminal ileum was harvested. Its distal 3- to 6-cm and proximal 3-cm segments were separated on vascular pedicle and fashioned into Yang-Monti tubes (1 proximally and 1 or 2 distally). The middle 40- to 45-cm detubularized segment was fashioned into a "W" shape, and serosal aspects of adjacent loops were sutured together close to the mesentery. The tubes were implanted into the W pouch via extramural serosa-lined tunnel (Abol-Enein and Ghoneim). The pouch was closed transversely over an 18-Fr pouchostomy and 16-Fr stomal catheter. The ureters were implanted into the proximal tube using the Wallace principle, over 6- to 8-Fr infant feeding tubes exteriorized through the pouch. The distal end of the distal tube was made into a flush stoma. RESULTS: In the early postoperative period, intestinal obstruction (2 cases), ureteroileal anastomotic leakage (3 cases) and vesico-ileocutaneous fistula (1 case) were encountered. No ureteroileal anastomotic obstruction or catherization-related difficulty was observed until the last follow-up (2 months to 3 years). Of 15 anastomoses, 14 were nonrefluxing. CONCLUSION: Ileal double-T CCD using the Yang-Monti principle is technically feasible and relatively simple, particularly in nonirradiated ileum. However, early complications indicate a learning curve, and long-term follow-up and larger data are needed.

Impact of newer unidirectional and bidirectional barbed suture on vesicourethral anastomosis during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and its comparison with polyglecaprone-25 suture: an initial experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate impact of unidirectional barbed suture on vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and its comparison with Polyglecaprone-25 suture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was initiated as pilot study; the participants were grouped into three based on the suture material used for VUA, i.e., monofilament Polyglecaprone-25 (group 1), unidirectional barbed Glycolic acid-trimethylene carbonate (group 2), and bidirectional barbed Polyglycolic acid-polycaprolactone (group 3), respectively. Group 1 was included retrospectively and the latter two prospectively. All cases were operated upon by the same surgeon, proficient in RARP. Patient-demographics, intraoperative and peri-operative data were collected. Our technique of mucosa-to-mucosa VUA is carried out in a choreographed manner using unibarbed suture. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were included; 25 each in group 1 and 2. The group 3 was prematurely closed after 5 cases due to perceived inappropriateness of needle characteristics of the suture material. Therefore, the statistical analysis was performed between group 1 and 2 only. Preoperative characteristics including age, PSA, clinical stage, and biopsy grade were similar between the groups. The anastomosis time was significantly less in group 2 (8.4 ± 1.7 min vs. 14.3 ± 4.8 min; P = 0.0001; t test). Postoperative hospital stay was less in group 2 (2.7 ± 1.1 days vs. 1.9 ± 0.8 days; P = 0.023; Mann-Whitney U). None of the patient had presented with urinary leaks, urinary retention, or anastomotic strictures at follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSION: VUA with unidirectional barbed suture is safe and takes less time compared to monofilament suture as repeated cinching; help of assistance and knot tying are not required by virtue of its self-retaining characteristics.

Voiding dysfunction after repair of giant trigonal vesicovaginal or urethrovesicovaginal fistulae: A need for long-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Urodynamic findings of lower urinary tract of women presenting with voiding dysfunction after successful repair of complex trigonal vesicovaginal fistulas at our institute are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series, women presenting with voiding dysfunction after successful repair of obstetric fistulae were evaluated. In addition of standard clinical evaluation with history and clinical examination, all underwent kidney-ureter-bladder ultrasonography, renal function test, urine culture, and multichannel urodynamics. The latter consisted of free uroflowmetry, filling and voiding cystometry. RESULTS: Five women (median age 35 years; range 30-45) presented with difficulty in voiding after the successful repair; two presented within 1 year and 3 after 10 years. The latter three presented with bilateral hydroureteronephrosis; one of these had chronic kidney disease (CKD) grade IV at presentation. Urodynamics (UDS) of all patients revealed poor detrusor compliance (median 11 ml/cm H2O; range 5-22), high-end filling detrusor pressures (median 41 cm H2O; range 11-46) and no detrusor overactivity. All patients attempted voiding with abdominal straining; with little contribution of detrusor contraction (median 6 cm H2O; range 0-9). Two patients could not void during the study, one with Tanagho reconstruction and another with CKD. CONCLUSION: Even after successful repair, patients with complex trigonal or urethra-vesicovaginal fistulae warrant indefinite long-term follow-up for voiding dysfunction in view of possibility of developing poorly compliant bladder.

Preventive fluid and dietary therapy for urolithiasis: An appraisal of strength, controversies and lacunae of current literature.

Regulation of fluid and dietary intake habits is essential in comprehensive preventive management of urolithiasis. However, despite large body of epidemiological database, there is dearth of good quality prospective interventional studies in this regard. Often there is conflict in pathophysiological basis and actual clinical outcome. We describe conflicts, controversies and lacunae in current literature in fluid and dietary modifications in prevention of urolithiasis. Adequate fluid intake is the most important conservative strategy in urolithiasis-prevention; its positive effects are seen even at low volumes. Of the citrus, orange provides the most favorable pH changes in the urine, equivalent to therapeutic alkaline citrates. Despite being richest source of citrate, lemon does not increase pH significant due to its acidic nature. Fructose, animal proteins and fats are implicated in contributing to obesity, which is an established risk factor for urolithiasis. Fructose and proteins also contribute to lithogenecity of urine directly. Sodium restriction is commonly advised since natriuresis is associated with calciuresis. Calcium restriction is not advisable for urolithiasis prevention. Adequate calcium intake is beneficial if taken with food since it reduces absorption of dietary oxalate. Increasing dietary fiber does not protect against urolithiasis. Evidence for pyridoxine and magnesium is not robust. There is no prospective interventional study evaluating effect of many dietary elements, including citrus juices, carbohydrate, fat, dietary fiber, sodium, etc. Due to lack of good-quality prospective interventional trials it is essential to test the findings of pathophysiological understanding and epidemiological evidence. Role of probiotics and phytoceuticals needs special attention for future research.

Urodynamic profile of diabetic patients with lower urinary tract symptoms: association of diabetic cystopathy with autonomic and peripheral neuropathy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between diabetic cystopathy (DC) and neuropathy (autonomic and peripheral) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: Men with DM who presented with bothersome LUTS were enrolled from January 2008 to June 2009. Their demographic and clinical profiles were noted. Multichannel urodynamic studies were performed using the Solar Silver digital urodynamic apparatus. Hand and foot sympathetic skin responses, and motor and sensory nerve-conduction velocity studies were performed using the Meditronic electromyographic/evoked potentials system. RESULTS: A total of 52 men (mean age 61.3 ± 12.1 years, DM duration 11.0 ± 7.5 years) completed the study protocol. Of these 52 men, abnormal sympathetic skin responses, motor and sensory nerve-conduction velocity studies, and combined neuropathy (all 3 tests abnormal) were noted in 80.7% 57.7%, 57.7%, and 51.9%, respectively. Urodynamic studies showed impaired first sensation (>250 mL), increased capacity (>600 mL), detrusor underactivity, detrusor overactivity, high postvoid residual urine volume (more than one third of capacity), and bladder outlet obstruction (Abrams-Griffiths number >40) in 23.1%, 25.0%, 78.8%, 38.5%, 65.4%, and 28.8% of the men, respectively. Both sensory and motor DC correlated with abnormal motor and sensory nerve-conduction velocity studies (P = .015 and P = .005, respectively). Only motor DC correlated with abnormal sympathetic skin responses (P = .015). The correlations were stronger in the presence of combined neuropathy (sensory DC, P = .005; motor DC, P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Men with DM and LUTS can present with varied urodynamic findings, apart from the classic sensory or motor cystopathy. A large proportion of these patients will have electrophysiologic evidence of neuropathy, and electrophysiologic evidence of neuropathy can moderately predict the presence of cystopathy.

Medical therapy for calculus disease.

Urolithiasis is a common problem with a high recurrence rate. Medical therapy directed to relieve agonizing pain, expulsion of stone, dissolution of uric acid and cystine stone and prevention of recurrence. NSAIDs are superior to opioids for renoureteral colic because their use doesn't induce vomiting and there is lesser requirement of rescue analgesia. In randomized trials, anticholinergics were not found to be beneficial. Alpha blockers, particularly tamsulosin, reduce pain and facilitate expulsion of stone and fragments of stone following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy. Potassium citrate helps in chemodissolution of uric acid and cystine stones and is useful in prevention of stone recurrence in general and in those who have undergone SWL or percutaneious nephrolithotomy. Other measures for prevention of stone recurrence include fluid and dietary therapy, counteracting underlying metabolic abnormalities using suitable medications, phytotheurapeutic agents and probiotics. Once the role of nanobacteria is established in genesis of urinary stones, anti-nanobacteria therapy holds the promise of opening new horizons for prevention of urinary stones.

Incidental ureteral catheterization with cystometry catheter during video urodynamics: a prompt diagnosis.

Multichannel video urodynamics (VUDS) was performed for postlaparoscopic radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence. A temporary wavy rise was noted in vesical pressure (P(ves)) before filling. Shortly upon filling, a sudden rise was noted in P(ves) and the patient developed left flank pain. The catheter tip was visible fluoroscopically in the left upper ureter and the pump was stopped immediately. After several unsuccessful attempts, the catheter was finally placed under cystoscopic guidance. The left ureteral orifice was at the posterolateral position just at the membranous urethra. The VUDS was completed uneventfully with no further complications. Careful monitoring during VUDS is paramount to detect such complications early, especially in situations of altered trigonal anatomy.

Renal hematoma: an unusual cause of acute abdomen and fetal demise in severe pre-eclampsia.

Retroperitoneal hematoma occurs rarely in an obstetric patient. Renal hematoma may present with signs and symptoms, which may mimic the clinical presentation of abruptio placentae or rupture uterus. Although renal hematoma is sometimes a surgical emergency due to hypovolemic shock, conservative management by angiographic embolization may be done. Timely diagnosis and management is required to decrease the maternal mortality and morbidity. We hereby report a case of spontaneous renal hematoma in a patient with severe pre-eclampsia who presented with acute abdomen and intrauterine fetal death.