Predictors of Undergoing Revision Within 5 Years of Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to identify the rate and risk factors for revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) within the first 5 years postoperative. Our secondary objective was to identify the rate of additional surgical procedures and death. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients in Ontario, Canada who underwent an elective, primary TKA between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2014, for osteoarthritis. We excluded patients under 40 years and who had undergone a TKA within the previous 15 years. Our final study cohort included 94,193 patients. We reported the proportion of the study cohort who experienced revision surgery within 2 and 5 years of the primary TKA; secondary surgery within 5 years. We conducted Cochran-Armitage tests for trends to assess changes in the proportion of patients who experienced each of the study outcomes, and multivariable logistic regressions to evaluate predictors of a revision TKA. RESULTS: There were 3,112 (3.3%) patients who had a revision within 5 years, and 1,866 (2.0%) within 2 years of their primary TKA. 3,316 (3.5%) had a secondary surgery (0.6% patellar resurfacing; 1.6% manipulation; 1.3% synovectomy; 0.5% washout; 0.9% debridement). Lower age, men, lower income, higher comorbidity score, depression, previous arthroscopy, lower surgeon volume, and general anesthesia were all significant positive predictors of revision. CONCLUSIONS: In our study cohort, 2.0% of patients had a revision TKA within 2 years, and 3.3% within 5 years of their primary TKA. Preoperative identification of risk factors may reduce the future prevalence of revision TKAs.

Ureteral Stent Microbiota Is Associated with Patient Comorbidities but Not Antibiotic Exposure.

Ureteral stents are commonly used to prevent urinary obstruction but can become colonized by bacteria and encrusted, leading to clinical complications. Despite recent discovery and characterization of the healthy urinary microbiota, stent-associated bacteria and their impact on encrustation are largely underexplored. We profile the microbiota of patients with typical short-term stents, as well as over 30 atypical cases (all with paired mid-stream urine) from 241 patients. Indwelling time, age, and various patient comorbidities correlate with alterations to the stent microbiota composition, whereas antibiotic exposure, urinary tract infection (UTI), and stent placement method do not. The stent microbiota most likely originates from adhesion of resident urinary microbes but subsequently diverges to a distinct, reproducible population, thereby negating the urine as a biomarker for stent encrustation or microbiota. Urological practice should reconsider standalone prophylactic antibiotics in favor of tailored therapies based on patient comorbidities in efforts to minimize bacterial burden, encrustation, and complications of ureteral stents.

Secondary surgical intervention after primary glaucoma filtration surgery: an Ontario population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with secondary surgical intervention after glaucoma filtration surgery. DESIGN: Population-based retrospective cohort. METHODS: Patient records with billing claims for a primary glaucoma filtration surgery occurring between April 2003 and March 2015 were identified. Each identified record was examined for instances of secondary glaucoma surgeries within the patient's first postoperative year. Baseline characteristics of patients who required secondary surgical intervention were compared with those who did not. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios. RESULTS: Within a cohort of 10,097 patients, 349 (3.46%) underwent a secondary surgical intervention within the first postoperative year. Interventions were less frequent after surgeries that included an indwelling drainage device (HR=0.58 95% CI, 0.37-0.89), phacoemulsification (HR=0.33, 0.21-0.52), or both (HR=0.09, 0.03-0.31). Patients with preoperative aminoglycoside and mydriatic exposure had significantly increased risk of secondary surgical intervention (HR=3.19, 1.89-5.36) and (HR=2.32, 1.49-3.61). Patients who underwent surgery on their contralateral eye experienced secondary surgical interventions more frequently: 7.44 per 10,000 person-days (versus 1.18 per 10,000 person-days, p < 0.0001). No significant differences in the rates of secondary surgical intervention were observed for patients taking different classes of glaucoma medications or those exposed to higher amounts of benzalkonium chloride. CONCLUSIONS: In Ontario, the overall rates of secondary surgical interventions in the first postoperative year are low but significantly higher in certain patient populations. Further work is required to address the higher rate of secondary surgical intervention in patients with a history of certain perioperative eye drop medications and those who require sequential-bilateral procedures.

Development of a novel classification system for anatomical variants of the puboprostatic ligaments with expert validation.

INTRODUCTION: We propose a novel classification system with a validation study to help clinicians identify and typify commonly seen variants of the puboprostatic ligaments (PPL). METHODS: A preliminary dissection of 6 male cadavers and a prospective dataset of over 300 robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (RARP) recorded on video were used to identify 4 distinct ligament types. Then the prospectively collected database of surgical videos was used to isolate images of the PPL from RARP. Over 300 surgical videos were reviewed and classified with 1 to 5 pictures saved for reference of the type of PPL. To validate the new classification system, we selected 5 independent, blinded expert robotic surgeons to classify 100 ligaments based on morphology into a 4-type system: parallel, V-shaped, inverted V-shape, and fused. One week later, a subset of 25 photographs was sent to the same experts and classified. Statistical analyses were performed to determine both the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the proposed system. RESULTS: Inverted V-shaped ligaments were noted most frequently (29.97%), parallel and V-shaped ligaments were found at 19.19% and 11.11%, respectively and fused ligaments were noted less frequently (6.06%). There was good intra-rater agreement (κ = 0.66) and inter-rater agreement (κ = 0.67) for the classification system. CONCLUSIONS: This classification system provided standardized descriptions of ligament variations that could be adopted universally to help clinicians categorize the variants. The system, validated by several blinded expert surgeons, demonstrated that surgeons were able to learn and correctly classify the variants. The system may be useful in helping to predict peri- and postoperative outcomes; however, this will require further study.

Urinary expression of novel tissue markers of kidney injury after ureteroscopy, shockwave lithotripsy, and in normal healthy controls.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) are minimally invasive treatment alternatives for kidney stones. Although less invasive, SWL subjects the renal parenchyma to a high level of energy and the potential to cause renal injury. The ability to detect renal injury post-SWL in a reliable and noninvasive way would be clinically beneficial. Kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) are two proteins secreted by the kidney into the urine and have been found to be sensitive markers of acute kidney injury in transplant patients. The aim of this work was to measure urinary levels of KIM-1 and NAG in patients with kidney stone who were treated by SWL or URS and in nonstone volunteers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with kidney stones who were treated by SWL (n = 50) or URS (n = 10) were recruited. Voided urine samples were collected before and 2 to 3 hours after URS and SWL. In addition, further urinary specimens were collected 2 days and 2 weeks post-SWL treatment. Voided urine samples from healthy volunteers were also collected. RESULTS: Mean KIM-1 values were increased in patients with kidney stones when compared with volunteers. KIM-1 and NAG levels significantly increased post-SWL and returned to baseline within 2 weeks post-SWL. Poor kidney function was significantly associated with increased biomarker activity both in baseline and post-SWL measurements. There was no significant change in urinary KIM-1 and NAG concentrations before and after URS. CONCLUSIONS: Kim-1 and NAG levels significantly increased post-SWL treatment suggesting a potential role for these urinary markers in identifying patients at higher risk of tissue injury.

The autologous fascia pubovaginal sling for complicated female stress incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to review our contemporary experience with autologous fascia pubovaginal slings (AF-PVS) in the era of the midurethral sling. METHODS: A retrospective review was completed to identify all patients who underwent an AF-PVS between 2002 and 2009. A cross-sectional questionnaire was used to assess postoperative urinary-specific quality of life (consisting of the Urogenital Distress Inventory [UDI-6] and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaires [IIQ-7]). RESULTS: We identified 33 patients. They had failed a median of two previous incontinence treatments. Of these patients, 16 (48%) had failed a previous midurethral sling, and of these half had experienced a significant mesh erosion necessitating mesh removal. Preoperative median incontinence pad usage was 5/day. After a median follow-up of 16 months from the time of AF-PVS, the median pad usage had decreased to 1/day (p = 0.003). A third of the patients had postoperative urgency, and only 1 patient continues to use intermittent catheterization. The median IIQ-7 score was 19/100, and the median UDI-6 score was 44/100. Overall quality of life was mixed-to-delighted in 62% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The AF-PVS has reasonable outcomes in a diverse population of patients, despite failure of other treatment modalities.

The augmented nontransected anastomotic urethroplasty for the treatment of bulbar urethral strictures.

OBJECTIVE: The augmented anastomotic urethroplasty (AAU) combines resection of a urethral stricture and an onlay graft. The augmented nontransected anastomotic urethroplasty (ANTA) is a modification of the AAU and involves complete stricture excision without transecting the spongiosum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study comparing ANTA with dorsal onlay buccal grafting (DOBG) for bulbar urethral strictures. Medical records between 2005 and 2010 were reviewed. A cross-sectional questionnaire was used to assess long-term outcomes. Medians and interquartile ranges are reported. RESULTS: Forty-four men (23 DOBG, 21 ANTA) with a median follow-up of 2.3 years (range 1.2-3.8) were identified. There were no significant differences between ANTA patients and DOBG patients in terms of age, previous treatment, stricture location, or postoperative follow-up. There was no significant difference between groups in the use of bilateral buccal grafts (P = .416); median buccal length harvested was significantly less in the ANTA group (4.5 cm [range 4.0-5.0]) vs the DOBG group (5.0 cm [range 5.0-8.0], P = .047). Response rate to the cross-sectional survey was 59%. Five patients reported postoperative donor site complications, and there were no significant differences between the ANTA and DOBG groups. Overall success was 93% and not statistically different between groups (log rank test, P = .548). One ANTA patient and 2 DOBG patients required posturethroplasty treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The ANTA has results similar to DOBG and appears to be a viable option in the treatment of bulbar urethral strictures. This technique allows the surgeon to avoid urethral transection, to reconfigure the width of the urethral plate, and to use a smaller buccal graft.

The male sling for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence: a review of contemporary sling designs and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the outcomes and adverse events associated with novel male sling designs described in the last decade. METHODS: A literature review was carried out using Medline, EmBase, Cochrane Registered Trials Database and the Center for Reviews and Dissemination Database. RESULTS: Three principal slings are described in the literature. The bone-anchored sling has success rates of 40-88%, with some series having a mean follow-up of 36-48 months. It is associated with a mesh infection rate of 2-12%, which usually requires sling explantation. The retrourethral transobturator sling has a success rate of 76-91% among three large case series with follow-ups of 12-27 months. There is a low reported explantation rate. The adjustable retropubic sling has a success rate of 72-79% with follow-ups of 26-45 months. Erosion (3-13%) and infection (3-11%) can lead to explantation. CONCLUSIONS: Most male slings have a similar reported efficacy. Most case series define success as either dry or improved. True cure rates are lower. Mid- and long-term data are now available that indicate the male sling is a viable option for PPI. The use of male slings in severe UI, radiated patients, and non-radical prostatectomy patients is still unclear. Further study is needed to try and define criteria for the use of male slings, and to directly compare different procedures.

Are male slings for post-prostatectomy incontinence a valid option?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Stress incontinence in men is still a common problem after surgical treatment of prostatic disease. This article reviews the techniques and results of recently described surgical slings available to treat male stress incontinence. RECENT FINDINGS: Medium-term follow-up (mean 3-4 years) of patients treated with bone-anchored slings has been recently published, suggesting a success rate (cured or improved) of 70-80%. Short-term follow-up (mean of 6-12 months) of transobturator retrourethral slings demonstrates a success rate of 62-83%. Novel sling designs include mechanisms to manipulate the tension postoperatively and inside-out transobturator trocar passage. Common complications associated with slings are acute urinary retention and perineal pain. Rare complications include urethral erosion and infection. Retropubic approaches are associated with a risk of bladder perforation. SUMMARY: Male slings are a valid option for treating male stress incontinence, and do offer several advantages over the artificial urinary sphincter. However, long-term data and multicenter series are needed in order to compare directly with the artificial urinary sphincter.

Uric acid nephrolithias in the era of noncontrast computed tomography.

We report 2 patients who presented with uric acid renal calculi. Both patients had previously been treated unsuccessfully for their stones with shock wave lithotripsy and were referred to our centre for percutaneous nephrolithomy. We were able to avoid surgery in both cases owing to the recognition of uric acid stone composition despite the calculi being visible on CT scout films.

Complications of the catheterizable channel following continent urinary diversion: their nature and timing.

PURPOSE: We reviewed the incidence, nature and timing of complications related to the catheterizable channel following continent urinary diversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 67 patients who underwent continent urinary diversion at British Columbia Children's Hospital from 2000 to 2006. Catheterizable channels included 54 Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomies and 13 ileovesicostomies. Medical records were reviewed for predetermined complications and their timing, that is early -12 months or less, or late - more than 12 months. RESULTS: At a median followup of 28 months (range 3 to 62) a total of 17 complications were identified in 14 patients (21%). Superficial cutaneous stenosis developed in 4 of 67 cases (6%) as an early and as a late complication. These cases were initially treated with operative dilation and surgical revision as necessary. Channel stricture, which developed in 4 of 67 patients (6%) as an early and as a late complication, was treated with operative revision in 2 and endoscopic resection in 2. Three patients (5%) had stomal prolapse, which was generally a late occurrence and required operative revision in all. Channel leakage developed in 6 of 67 patients, presenting as an early complication in 50%. Endoscopic injection of bulking agents was attempted in 4 of these patients and it was successful in 2. Overall 82% of complications were successfully managed by endoscopic or superficial procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Complications of the catheterizable channel are a frequent and challenging problem. They appear to occur throughout the life of the channel with most developing within the first 2 years. Further followup is required to assess the performance and durability of continent catheterizable channels in children as patients progress to adulthood.

Dyspareunia response in patients with interstitial cystitis treated with intravesical lidocaine, bicarbonate, and heparin.

OBJECTIVES: To test the dyspareunia response of patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome treated with an intravesical therapeutic solution of lidocaine, heparin, and sodium bicarbonate. METHODS: We studied consecutive patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome who were sexually active and were treated with an intravesical therapeutic solution. All patients provided their medical history, underwent a physical examination, and completed the Pelvic Pain Urgency Frequency symptom scale, voiding diary, and the pain domain (questions 17 to 19) of the Female Sexual Function Index before and after therapy. The patients were treated with intravesical instillations three times weekly for 3 weeks. The patients returned for follow-up 3 weeks later. The patients rated their response using a Patient Objective Rating of Improvement of Symptom scale. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients (mean age 38 years) were included in this study. Of the 23 patients, 15 (65%) reported improvements of greater than 50% on the Patient Objective Rating of Improvement of Symptom scale. Before and after instillation, nocturia was 4 +/- 2 versus 2 +/- 1 (P <0.001), the voided volume was 98 +/- 59 mL versus 169 +/- 80 mL (P <0.001), the Pelvic Pain Urgency Frequency score was 21 +/- 6 versus 15 +/- 6 (P <0.001), and the Female Sexual Function Index pain domain score was 1.9 +/- 0.9 versus 3.7 +/- 1.6 (P <0.001), respectively. Of the 23 patients, 13 (57%) reported resolution of dyspareunia. Of the 13 patients with bladder tenderness only versus the 7 with multiple tender locations on the vaginal examination, 11 (85%) versus 2 (29%) had resolution of dyspareunia (P <0.01) and 12 (92%) versus 2 (29%) had successful overall outcomes (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study have demonstrated that an intravesical therapeutic solution provides relief of voiding symptoms, pain, and dyspareunia in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. A randomized, prospective trial is warranted.

Pharmacological management of renal colic in the older patient.

Renal colic affects up to 12% of the population. Initial management of most patients is expectant. Acute symptom management of renal colic is best accomplished with a combination of parenteral opioids and NSAIDs. The elderly patient with a kidney stone should be screened for contraindications to NSAID therapy, such as renal failure or previous peptic ulcer disease. Use of parenteral opioids is often necessary during the acute setting, and downward-adjusted doses and monitoring are necessary to prevent associated confusion and respiratory depression. Novel therapy with desmopressin may also be effective for symptom control at the initial presentation, without the adverse effects of opioids or NSAIDs. However, use of desmopressin in the elderly must be undertaken cautiously, given the potential adverse effects of this agent. Many small, distal ureteral stones are treated initially with watchful waiting for the first 2-4 weeks after presentation. The patient should have effective, non-parenteral analgesics for use at home. Included in these agents are oral or suppository NSAIDs and oral opioids. Medical expulsion therapy with alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists or calcium channel antagonists is efficacious. alpha-Adrenoceptor antagonists such as the alpha(1A/)(1)(D)-selective tamsulosin are well tolerated in the elderly and increase the rate of spontaneous stone passage by approximately 50% for small distal stones. These agents also appear to decrease the severity of renal colic. Corticosteroids and calcium channel antagonists are also effective but their use in the elderly is not recommended as first-line therapy.