What more comprehensive physiotherapy techniques than pelvic floor muscles training should be investigated in the context of post-prostatectomy? A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: In a previous article, we have underlined the emerging level of evidence for the effectiveness of a more comprehensive functional physical therapy than solely pelvic floor muscles training (PFMT) for men after radical prostatectomy (RP). More and more authors suggest that physiotherapy programs should not focus only on the side effect of continence, but more generally on the interaction of continence disorders with all other side effects related to patient's physical and emotional functioning. RESEARCH QUESTION: The aims of this narrative review are to highlight rehabilitation approaches unrelated to analytical PFMT that would seem relevant to consider in the future for post-RP men. METHOD: Our narrative review sought to map the body of literature relevant to the primary objective (non-PFMT), supplementing the data from our previous review with additional recent articles that were not eligible due to not meeting the inclusion criteria for a systematic review. RESULTS: After full text screening, 13 interventional studies have been selected. Intervention strategies were based on five major type of exercises: flexibility, synergism & co-activation, coordination & movement control, strength & endurance, aerobic & games therapy. Most of the studies of this narrative review focused on synergies, co-activations and movement control techniques that emphasized the deep abdominal muscles and PFMs reflexive activation. The wide variety of countries represented in the 13 studies with consistent results point to the potential effectiveness and replicability across various socio-cultural, ethnical, or religious contexts. CONCLUSION: We found 13 studies from 9 different countries that provide a more complete rehabilitation approach than PFMT alone in men post-RP. Intervention strategies were built around five main types of exercises, with the majority of them emphasizing synergies, co-activations, and movement control techniques. In light of these data, we hope that future research will enable us to offer the most relevant and patient-centered physiotherapy treatment.

Neutral posture education during cough can reduce urine leakage in women with cough-related stress urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Current literature highlights the difficulty in identifying an optimal educational technique for maintaining continence during cough. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the effects of an educational intervention focusing on neutral posture during cough in women with cough-induced urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS: This interventional study design included women with cough-induced UI. We recorded PFMs surface electromyographic (sEMG) peak activity, and assessed symptoms and quality of life (QoL) 6 weeks after the intervention. The effect of the experimental situation was estimated using a linear mixed model, sEMG measurements during coughing were indexed to each situation and adjusted to the resting value at, and a moderation analysis was used. RESULTS/FINDINGS: Eighteen participants were included. The measurement situations (control versus experimental) did not have a statistically significant impact on sEMG peak activity during coughing: mean effect [95% CI] 3.42 [-1.28; 7.66]. Six weeks post-intervention, participants reported statistically significant decrease in urinary symptoms (P=0.0246) and significant improvement in QoL (P=0.00776). This was also particularly marked on the dimension related to effort activities (P=0.00162). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a brief educational intervention focusing on neutral posture during cough, without voluntary pre-contraction of the PFMs, has no clinically significant influence on sEMG peak activity of the PFMs in women with cough-induced UI. However, this intervention can lead to a significant improvement in urinary symptoms and QoL at 6 weeks. These improvements seem to be independent of electromyographic PFMs peak activity recorded during cough. As such, our preliminary results pave the way for future research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NP4.

Differential impact of COVID-19 on urological surgeries in public and private institutions between 2019 and 2021 in France.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted all routine health care services in 2020. To date, data regarding adjustment and coverage of surgical backlog in the post-COVID era actually remains scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the number of urological procedures coded between 2019 and 2021 in public and private institutions to (i) quantify the variation in surgical activity linked to the shutdown in 2020 and (ii) study the adjustment of procedures over the year 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a comprehensive retrospective analysis of all urological surgeries coded between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021 in France. Data were extracted from the open access dataset of the national Technical Agency for Information on Hospital Care (ATIH) website. In total, 453 urological procedures were retained and allocated in 8 categories. Primary outcome was the impact of COVID-19 analyzed by the 2020/2019 variation. The secondary outcome was the post-COVID catch-up analyzed by the 2021/2019 variation. RESULTS: Surgical activity in public hospitals dropped by 13.2% in 2020 compared to 7.6% in the private sector. The most impacted areas were functional urology, stones and BPH. Incontinence surgery did not recover at all in 2021. BPH and stone surgeries were far less impacted in the private sector, with even explosive activity in 2021, post-COVID period. Onco-urology procedures were roughly maintained with a compensation in 2021 in both sectors. CONCLUSION: The recovery of surgical backlog was much more efficient in the private sector in 2021. The pressure on the health system associated to the multiple COVID-19 waves may generate a gap between public and private surgical activity in the future.

[Practice of French urologists concerning the checklist of the operating room]. / Les pratiques professionnelles des chirurgiens urologues en France concernant la check-list au bloc opératoire.

INTRODUCTION: In 2018, the French High Authority of Health (HAS) included a "time-out" phase in the latest version of the checklist for the operating room in order to improve the safety of operated patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the practice of French urologists concerning the check list (CL) of the operating room. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey of 30 items was developed by the committee of accreditation of the French Association of Urology (AFU) and other contributors. It was centered on the characteristics of the urologists, the details of application of the CL, and the evaluation of the current version. After validation, the questionnaire was emailed as an online form in July 2021 for all the members of the AFU and AFUF. RESULTS: Overall, 369 form the 1700 contacted urologists responded to the survey. The majority were more than 40 years old (70.11%) and less than 20 year of experience (54.49%). The engagement in individual or team accreditation was observed in 222 (60.7%) and 145 (39.84%) urologists, respectively. Almost half of them were present at the beginning of the CL (47.18%), and prescribed postoperative medication with the anesthesiologist (55.56%). The CL has modified the practice in 47.54%, however, with greater administrative burden, and 80% preferred that the AFU adapts the CL to the urology field. CONCLUSION: The practice of CL between urologists is variable. On multivariate analysis, the engagement in team accreditation was the only variable to influence the practice of time out.

Quality of life in neurogenic patients based on different bladder management methods: A review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the overall quality of life and patient satisfaction associated with different bladder management strategies in neuro-urological patients. The second objective was to identify other associated factors that may further influence the patient's quality of life. DESIGN: Systematic Review. METHODS: Studies from Pubmed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were extracted using terms relating to 'quality of life', 'satisfaction', in 'neurogenic bladder' combined with 'bladder management methods' that included 'continent and non-continent urine diversion', 'intermittent-catheterization', 'indwelling catheter' and 'condom-catheter'. Only studies with a minimal proportion of 80% of neurogenic bladder patients were included. Search was conducted, and article titles and abstracts were rated. 136 papers were screened and assessed for eligibility. RESULTS: 25 studies were included in the final analysis and consisted of ten retrospective, nine prospective, five cross-sectional and a single randomized controlled trial. In total, 3002 patients were included, with a majority of male (55%) and spinal cord injury (88%) patients. 167 patients had incontinent urinary diversions, 464 had continent urinary diversions (bladder augmentation with or without cutaneous catheterizable channel), 1698 used intermittent catheterization (self or by an attendant), 550 had an indwelling catheter (urethral or suprapubic), and 123 had condom catheters. Quality of life was assessed using a wide variety of validated and non-validated questionnaires. Overall, patients with continent and incontinent diversion tended to have better scores. Use of catheters tended to have more unsatisfactory scores, with indwelling and attendant-intermittent catheterization often scoring worse. On the other hand, patients using self-intermittent catheterization tended to fair well. CONCLUSION: Normal micturition followed by self-catheterization yielded an overall higher quality of life. Data were too divergent to rank the other bladder management methods. However, by improving continence, each method aims to enhance quality of life.

Sacral neuromodulation: Rechargeable versus non-rechargeable device. What would the patient preferences be in France?

AIMS: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive technique that provides effective treatment for the management of refractory overactive bladder (OAB), non-obstructive urinary retention (NOUR), and fecal incontinence (FI). This study assessed patient preferences between the currently available non-rechargeable SNM device and a new, full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-safe, smaller, rechargeable device. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among French OAB, NOUR, FI patients, recruited via a market research vendor. To assess their preferences, patients were asked to indicate their level of agreement with 10 statements regarding the size of the device, its rechargeability, and the role of MRI using a 6-item Likert scale. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: In all, 95 patients (68% women), mean age 50 years, were included in the study: 51% were treated for OAB; 44% received an oral treatment and 28% had SNM. Overall, 71% of the 95 patients indicated a preference for the new device; 75% considered that recharging the device would not impact their lifestyle; 74% believed that the smaller size of the rechargeable device would facilitate their choice to be treated with SNM; 80% found full-body MRI compatibility important. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients may prefer the new rechargeable SNM device over the current "standard". Compatibility with full-body MRI and the smaller device size seemed the key features of the newer device that would influence their choice of being treated with SNM. Future national and international recommendations should consider a shared decision-making process between the physician and the patient.

[Impact of the aged-related changes of sagittal spinal curvature on pelvic organ prolapse. A systematic review of the literature]. / Impact des modifications des courbures vertébrales sagittales liées à l'âge sur les prolapsus des organes pelviens. Une revue systématique de la littérature.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to specify the potential association between age-related changes in sagittal spinal curvature and risk of pelvic organ prolapse in women. METHODS: A systematic review based on the PRISMA statement was performed. Keywords were chosen according to the eligibility criteria in line with the PICO model. For inclusion, studies had to be based on observational cohorts, case controls and cross sectional studies. The quality of the articles was assessed using the STROBE scale. RESULTS: Five papers from 1996 to 2021 were included in the present review with conflicting results. Four studies reported a positive association between anatomical pelvic organ prolapse at clinical examination, a loss of lumbar lordosis and an increase in thoracic kyphosis. The remaining study, using a questionnaire-based assessment of symptoms, found no association between prolapse-related symptoms and age-related changes in sagittal spinal curvatures. CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence, this systematic review suggested a very moderate evidence of association between the development of anatomical pelvic organ prolapse and age-related changes in sagittal spinal curvature in women. This review remains very limited by the small number and the heterogeneity of the studies included. Further studies in the lifetime continunm, with high quality methodology are needed to better understand the physiopathology of pelvic organ prolapse.

Preoperative risk factors for complications after flexible and rigid ureteroscopy for stone disease: A French multicentric study.

BACKGROUND: With an increasing prevalence in industrialized countries, lithiasis represents a public health problem with significant economic cost. Ureteroscopy is nowadays the main treatment for kidney and ureteral stones with increasingly broad indications. While this treatment is relatively safe and effective, the complications can be severe. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the preoperative risk factors of complication in the 30 days following a rigid or flexible ureteroscopy in a large cohort of patients. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted in 5 French centers between January 1st 2017 and 31st December 2018. All flexible and rigid ureteroscopies performed were included. All preoperative and per operative data were collected in an electronic database. Outcomes and complications within 30 days of the procedure were also collected. Univariate and multivariable analyses evaluated for potential predictors of postoperative complications. RESULTS: 1124 procedures were included. According to the occurrence of a postoperative complication, patients were divided into two groups, 109 in the group with complications. The majority of complications were minor, with only 13.7% classified as Clavien 3-4. In univariate analysis, ASA score>2 (odd ratio, OR=1.68, P=0.04), WHO performance status≥1 (OR=1.50, P=0.04) and neurologic disease (OR=2.78, P=0.005) were predictors of postoperative complications. In multivariable analysis, Charlson's score (OR=0.79, P=0.01) and ASA score>2 (OR=1.48, P=0.03) were independents risk factors of postoperative complication. Concerning major complications, in univariate analysis, cardiovascular disease (OR=3.71, P=0.032) and BMI (OR=0.87, P=0.02) were the only predictors of major complications after ureteroscopy. Only BMI was found In multivariable analysis (OR=0.86, P=0.01) CONCLUSION: Baseline characteristics and comorbidities of the patients, especially neurological diseases, were the main risk factors for short-term complications after ureteroscopy. Ureteroscopy remains a relatively safe and effective procedure. However, we advise surgeons to take precautions with fragile patients with multiple comorbidities or neurological disease.

Is YouTube™ a reliable source for patient information about Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate?

OBJECTIVES: Prior to benign prostate surgery, the patient's informed consent is mandatory. Among the multiple source of information for patients, social networks are very popular, but the quality of information delivered is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of the information freely available for patients on YouTube™ regarding HoLEP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The term "HOLEP" was searched on YouTube™ on December 24, 2020. Videos that were not in English, French or Arabic, specifically destined to the medical community, with no written or oral comment, patient testimonials, pure surgical technique or had content unrelated to HoLEP were excluded from the study. The patient information sheet by the French Urology Association (AFU) was used to create a list of 31 items classified into 4 categories as follows: anatomy and pathophysiology (6 items), technique and perioperative preparation (10 items), usual outcomes (10 items) and complications (5 items). For each item on the predefined list, correct, missing and incorrect information were rated respectively 1, 0 and -1. RESULTS: Thirty-five videos met the inclusion criteria. Their average length was 6'06"±7'03" [00'20"; 31'30"], with an average number of views of 5279±17,821 [8; 87,354]. The information provided on the videos was written and oral, oral-only and written-only in 51%, 34% and 14% of cases, respectively. 23% of the videos showed surgery sequences, 40% animations and 62% a doctor speaking. Only one video had a quality score greater than 80% and 7 videos got a score below 20%. CONCLUSION: The information about HoLEP on YouTube™ seemed not of sufficiently high quality to allow patients to make informed decisions, and was occasionally misleading. Surgeons still have the duty to give the best quality information, and may point patients towards adequate sources of information, especially those delivered by national and international professional societies.

[Intravesical instillations for inflammatory and sensory chronic bladder diseases: Literature review and guide to clinical practice]. / Instillations endovésicales pour les cystopathies chroniques inflammatoires et douloureuses : revue de la littérature et guide de la pratique clinique.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory and sensory chronic bladder diseases have a significant impact on quality of life. These pathologies share alteration of the layer between urine and urothelium, making the use of topical agents appropriate. OBJECTIVES: Review the efficacy and tolerance of intravesical treatments for these pathologies. Give practical guidelines for the use of agents currently available in France. METHOD: A narrative review was performed in March 2021 using PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar and the international guidelines. Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies were interviewed. RESULTS: Although numerous molecules were tested over the last 5 decades, only dimethylsulfoxyde and glycosaminoglycans are available in France today. Results are promising: response rates are up to 95% and 84% respectively in bladder pain syndrome. In urinary tract infections, glycosaminoglycans could decrease annual number of cystitis by 2.56 (95% confidence interval (CI) -3.86, -1.26; P<0.001) and increase the time to first cystitis recurrence by 130 days (95% CI: 5.84 - 254.26; P=0.04). In radiation cystitis, results could be comparable to hyperbaric oxygen regarding pain and frequency of voiding (-1.31±1.3 visual analogic scale et -1.5±1.4 voiding per day, respectively, at 12 months, P<0.01). However, literature has a low level of evidence. CONCLUSION: Chronic bladder diseases have limited treatment options. Intravesical agents are a good alternative, although their cost is significant and their outcome uncertain.

[Artificial urinary sphincter in patients with urinary incontinence after High Intensity Focused ultrasound]. / Sphincter urinaire artificiel chez les patients présentant une incontinence urinaire après High Intensivity Focused Ultrasound Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence after High Intensity Focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a poorly documented issue. To our knowledge, no study has evaluated the outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) after HIFU. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of AUS for post-HIFU urinary incontinence. METHODS: The charts of all male patients who underwent an AUS implantation between 2004 and 2020 in 13 centers were reviewed retrospectively. Only men with a history of HIFU were included. The primary endpoint was social continence at 3 months defined as wearing 0 to 1 pad per day. RESULTS: Out of 1318 procedures, nine men were implanted with an AUS after HIFU including four men with an history of pelvic irradiation: 3 pelvic radiation therapy and 1 prostatic brachytherapy. The patients were divided into two groups, 5 in the HIFU group without a history of pelvic irradiation, 4 patients in the HIRX group with a history of pelvic irradiation. The median age was 74 years (IQR 71-76). There was no perioperative complication. The median follow-up was 47.5 (IQR 25-85.5) months. Social continence at 3 months was 75% in the total cohort: 80% in the HIFU group and 67% in the HIRX group. CONCLUSION: AUS implantation may provide satisfactory long-term functional outcomes in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence resulting from HIFU. Larger series are needed to confirm these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

2021 opinion from the CUROPF on THE efficacy and safety of mid-urethral slings used in women WITH urinary stress incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of mid-urethral slings (MUS) in the surgical management of women presenting with urinary stress incontinence (USI) METHOD: A consensus committee of multidisciplinary experts (CUROPF) was convened and focused on PICO questions concerning the efficacy and safety of MUS surgery compared to other procedures and concerning which approach (retropubic (RP) vs transobturator (TO)) should be proposed as a first-line MUS surgery for specific subpopulations (obese; intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD); elderly) RESULTS: As compared to other procedures (urethral bulking agents, traditional slings and open colposuspension), the MUS procedure should be proposed as the first-line surgical therapy (strong agreement). MUS surgery can be associated with complications and proper pre-operative informed consent is mandatory (strong agreement). Mini-slings (SIS/SIMS) should only be proposed in clinical trials (strong agreement). Both RP and TO approaches may be proposed for the insertion of MUS (strong agreement). However, if the woman is willing to accept a moderate increase in per-operative risk, the RP approach should be preferred (strong agreement) since it is associated with higher very long-term cure rates and as it is possible to completely remove the sling surgically if a severe complication occurs. The RP approach should be used for the insertion of MUS in a woman presenting with ISD (strong agreement). Either the RP or TO approach should be used for the insertion of MUS in an obese woman presenting with USI (strong agreement). In very obese women (BMI ≥35-40kg/m2), weight loss should be preferred prior to MUS surgery and bariatric surgery should be discussed (strong agreement) CONCLUSION: The current Opinion provides an appropriate strategy for both the selection of patients and the best therapeutic approach in women presenting with USI.

[Complications of mid-urethral sling - A review from the Committee for Female Urology and Pelviperineology for the French Association of Urology]. / Complications des bandelettes sous urétrales : une revue de la littérature par le Comité d'urologie et pelvipérinéologie de la femme de l'Association française d'urologie.

INTRODUCTION: Placement of a mid-urethral sling is the gold standard in the surgical management of stress urinary incontinence in women in France. The cure rate of this material is no longer to be demonstrated, but the per- and post-operative complications are currently the subject of a growing controversy not only in Europe but also across the Channel and across the Atlantic, having led to the modification of operative indications. In France, recommendations are also evolving with a stricter framework for indications for surgery by multidisciplinary consultation meeting and an obligation for postoperative follow-up in the short and long term. OBJECTIVES: In this context, CUROPF realized a review of the literature bringing together the available scientific evidence concerning the occurrence of per- and post-operative complications relating to the installation of mid urethral sling. The bibliographic search was carried out using the Medline database and 123 articles were selected. RESULTS: Analysis of the data highlights various complications, depending on the implanted material, the patient and the indication for surgery. The retro-pubic mid urethral sling provides more bladder erosion during surgery (up to 14%), more suprapubic pain (up to 4%) and more acute urinary retention (up to 19,7%) and postoperative dysuria (up to 26%). The trans obturator mid-urethral sling is responsible for more vaginal erosion during the operation (up to 10,9%), more lower limb pain of neurological origin (up to 26,7%). The risk of developing over active bladder is similar in both procedures (up to 33%). But these risks of complications must be balanced by the strong impact of urinary incontinence surgery on the overall quality of life of these women. CONCLUSION: Thus, surgical failure and long term complications exist but should not limit the surgical management of stress urinary incontinence with mid urethral tape. Women should be treated with individualized decision-making process and long-term follow -up is necessary.

[Onco-TESE and testicular cancer]. / Onco-TESE et cancer du testicule.

INTRODUCTION: Fertility preservation is essential before cancer treatment. When ejaculated sperm preservation is not possible, testicular tissue can be surgically collected by Onco-TESE technic (Oncological Testicular Sperm Extraction) to isolate sperm. We report on our experience with Onco-TESE in testicular cancer patients at the Rouen University Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study including all pubescent men, treated for testicular cancer, uni- or bilateral, before any carcinological therapy, who have undergone Onco-TESE at the Rouen University Hospital. Fragment weight, detection of sperm or its precursors were analysed. A histological interpretation of the testicular tumor was carried out. For each positive sample, straws were kept at the French Sperm Bank. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients had an Onco-TESE: 58.34% severe sperm alteration (SSA) and 41.36% sperm collection failure (SCF), between 1996 and 2019. The mean age was 26.6 (±5.29) years. The mean procedure and length of stay were 71minutes (±30.7) and 3.75 days (±2.83), respectively. The rate of positive testicular biopsies (TB) was 58.33% overall and 66,67% in the case of TB on tumour testis. One patient had a Clavian-Dindo III complication. The mean number of straws preserved per patient was 14.28 (±15.34) for 7.14% use. CONCLUSION: Our results seem to confirm that Onco-TESE is an effective solution for preserving fertility in men with testicular cancer in cases of SSA or SCF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

[BCG strain shortage from 2012 to 2014: Evaluation of its impact on the management of patients with high-risk NMIBC]. / Pénurie en souche de BCG entre 2012 et 2014 : évaluation de son impact sur la prise en charge des patients présentant une TVNIM de haut risque.

INTRODUCTION: BCG instillations are the gold-standard treatment for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with a decreased risk of tumor recurrence and muscle infiltration. From 2012 to 2014, a stock shortage of the Connaught strain has led to the cessation of supply for immucyst in France. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of BCG shortage on the management of patients with NMIBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-center study including patients followed from May 2005 to May 2015 with a high-risk NMIBC (primo-diagnosis). Patients were separated into two groups: not impacted by the shortage (NISG: 56 patients) and impacted by the shortage (ISG: 53 patients). Data on tumour recurrence (RFS), muscle progression (PFS) and overall and specific survival (OS and SS) were also analysed. RESULTS: The BCG induction schedule could not be carried out in 20.8% of cases in the ISG compared to only 5.3% of cases in NISG (P=0.02). Similarly, the maintenance treatment was incomplete for 56.6% of cases versus 37.5% in NISG (P=0.047). Nevertheless, it should be underlined that very high-risk NMIBC received a complete induction BCG schedule. The ISG seems to have benefited with the evolution of the guidelines with the use of diagnosis bladder fluorescence but without significant difference on the rate of second look bladder trans-uretral resection. The cystectomy rate was higher in ISG. No significant difference in RFS, PFS, OS, and SS between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In our experience, RFS, PFS, OS or SS were not impacted by the BCG shortage. These data may be explained by a better selection of very high-risk patients including the recommended BCG schedule and more frequently the use of diagnosis bladder fluorescence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Vaginal LASER therapy for genito-urinary disorders: A systematic review and statement from the Committee for Female Urology and Pelviperineology of the French Association of Urology]. / Utilisation du LASER vaginal pour le traitement des pathologies génito-urinaires : revue systématique de la littérature et position du CUROPF.

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal LASER therapy is increasingly used in the field of urogynecology, but several points remain unclear. Our goal was to produce a systematic review of available evidence and provide a critical appraisal of available data. METHODS: A systematic review until march 2020 was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane and Embase databases. All studies about vaginal LASER use in the field of urogynecology were included. RESULTS: Forty studies have been included (8 for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, 19 for stress urinary incontinence, 3 for overactive bladder, 7 for urogenital prolapse, 3 for other indications). Data were heterogeneous, and level of evidence was weak or very weak. Few studies were comparative, and only 3 were randomized). Mild improvement of symptoms and quality of life and limited satisfaction were seen for genitourinary syndrome, stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and prolapse. Few adverse events were reported. However, major methodological biases were noted regarding efficacy and safety evaluation. No long-term results were available. CONCLUSIONS: While Vaginal LASER therapy seem to provide encouraging results, the level of evidence supporting its use was weak, especially regarding long-term outcomes. Studies of better quality are warranted before any recommendation can be made. Current use should be limited to clinical research.

Is intraoperative heparin during renal transplantation useful to reduce graft vascular thrombosis?

OBJECTIVES: The standard treatment for end-stage renal disease is renal transplantation. As vascular anastomoses are performed during the surgery, it may expose to a risk of vascular thrombosis. This raises the question of using intravenous heparin during the procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of renal transplant vascular thrombosis in the perioperative period based on whether the patients received or not intraoperative heparin. METHODS: A single center retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of consecutive patients who underwent renal transplantation between 2011 and 2015. Patients were divided into two groups: patients not receiving heparin vs. receiving heparin at the dose of 0.5mg/kg. A Doppler ultrasound was performed at day one postoperatively to assess the occurrence of vascular thrombosis. Hemorrhagic complications and the need for postoperative transfusion were also assessed. RESULTS: In total, 261 patients were included. Fifty-one patients received heparin (19.5%). Patient's baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. No significant difference was found regarding the incidence of vascular thrombosis (6% for both groups, P=1). In addition, no difference was found regarding hemorrhagic complications requiring surgical revision (P=1) as well as early postoperative transfusion rate (P=0.57). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that intraoperative IV heparin doesn't improve the risk of vascular thrombosis following renal transplantation. However, intraoperative IV heparin was not significantly associated with a higher rate of hemorrhagic complications suggesting that heparin can be safely used if required in some selected patients at higher risk of thrombosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Combined vaginal-laparoscopic approach vs. laparoscopy alone for prevention of bladder voiding dysfunction after removal of large rectovaginal endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the combined vaginal-laparoscopic route may reduce the risk of postoperative bladder atony, when compared to an exclusively laparoscopic approach, in patients presenting with deeply infiltrating rectovaginal endometriosis with extensive vaginal infiltration. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative cohort study using data prospectively recorded in the CIRENDO database. SETTING: Academic Tertiary Care Centre. PATIENTS: One hundred and thirty-two consecutive patients who underwent surgery of rectovaginal endometriosis with vaginal infiltration measuring greater than 3cm diameter. INTERVENTIONS: Combined vaginal-laparoscopic versus laparoscopic approach. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Sixty-two patients underwent excision of endometriosis via a combined vaginal-laparoscopic approach (study group, or cases), while 71 patients underwent surgery via an exclusively laparoscopic route (controls). Rates of preoperative cyclical voiding difficulty and sensation of incomplete bladder emptying were comparable between the two groups. Preoperative urodynamic assessment was carried out in 18% of cases and 38% of controls, with abnormal results in 27.3% and 11.1% of cases and controls respectively. Early postoperative voiding difficulty (post-void residual>100mL) occurred in 14.7% and 24.3% of cases and controls respectively. There was a significant reduction in risk of intermittent self-catheterisation of 13% at time of discharge in the study cases. Three months postoperatively, one case and 6 controls had persistent voiding dysfunction requiring prolonged self-catheterisation. CONCLUSION: The combined vaginal-laparoscopic approach for large rectovaginal endometriotic nodules could reduce the risk of postoperative bladder dysfunction, when compared to an exclusively laparoscopic approach, most likely due to a reduced risk of damage to the pelvic splanchnic nerves at the paravaginal level.

[Nurse's role in functional urology]. / Rôle de l'IDE en urologie fonctionnelle.

INTRODUCTION: The management of patients in functional urology is complex and requires the expertise of the medical team but also of the nurse team. The aim of this article is to detail the roles of the nurses in functional urology. METHODS: Exchanges with the nurses of our unit, analysis of the literature using the terms "nurse", "urology", "urodynamics" in the PubMed search engine, and a search for regulatory texts relating to the practice of nurses in urology units were conducted. RESULTS: Since the creation of the Inter-University Diploma of Nurse Expert in Urology in 2002 and the inter-professional cooperation protocols in 2009, the urologist can rely on the specific skills of nurses to optimise the patient's management: from endoscopic or urodynamic explorations, to stomatherapy or sexology, from therapeutic education to specialised treatments such as posterior tibial nerve stimulation, sacral neuromodulation or botulinum toxin injections. Their expertise is an undeniable asset in the patient support and for the quality of care. The cooperation protocols respond to the current problems of the healthcare system: attractiveness for paramedical professionals, medical demographics and ambulatory care. The increasingly frequent practice of multidisciplinary consultation meetings also gives them a coordinating role. CONCLUSION: Nurses in functional urology plays a major role in diagnostic and therapeutic management as the patient's privileged contact and collaborator with the referring urologist.

Long-term follow-up reveals a low persistence rate of abobotulinumtoxinA injections for idiopathic overactive bladder.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about long-term efficacy and tolerance of intra-detrusor injections of abobotulinumtoxinA for management of idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). We report long-term efficacy and compliance of abobotulinumtoxinA in patients treated for OAB. METHODS: All patients treated with abotulinumtoxinA for OAB in a tertiary reference centre between 2005 and 2012 were included in a retrospective analysis. Patients received 150, 250 or 500 U of abotulinumtoxinA as first injection. The primary endpoint was the discontinuation rate at 5 years. Other outcomes of interest were: rate of failure, reasons for discontinuation and subsequent treatment elected in those who did not persist with abobotulinumtoxinA. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (50 women and 9 men) were included. Forty-one patients (69.4%) received 250 U of abobotulinumtoxinA as first injection. Thirteen patients (22%) received 500 U and 5 (8.4%) received 150 U of BoNT-A. Median follow-up was 83.6 months [0.3-183.6]. Median number of injections per patient was 2 [1-15] and median reinjection interval was 10.7 [3-86.4] months. The estimated 5-year discontinuation-free survival rate was 23.4%. Fourteen patients (23.7%) experienced persistent improvement of symptoms and 12 patients (20.3%) stopped the injections because of tolerability issues. Main cause of discontinuation was primary failure, which occurred in 21 patients (35.5%). CONCLUSION: Overall, 59.3% of patients were successfully treated with first abobotulinumtoxinA injection. Although the estimated 5-year discontinuation-free survival rate is low, abobotulinumtoxinA could be considered as an alternative off-labelled in patients not responders to onabotulinumtoxinA after failure of other conservative measures. LEVEL OF PROOF: 3.