Real-life after sacral nerve modulation implantation: Rate, reasons, and risk factors for mid-term follow-up discontinuation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate follow-up after implantation of a sacral nerve modulation implantable pulse generator (IPG) and to investigate the reasons and risk factors for follow-up discontinuation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent an IPG implantation to treat lower urinary tract symptoms between 2014-2019 within 6 hospital centers located in the district of "Hauts-de-France" (France) were systematically called during the year 2020 for a standardized (tele)consultation. Patients were divided into 3 distinct profiles according to the regularity of their 5-year postoperative follow-up: "Regular follow-up", "Irregular follow-up" and "Lost to follow-up". The primary outcome was the change in the annual proportion of the 3 follow-up profiles over the 5 years following IPG implantation. As secondary outcomes we described the reasons reported for follow-up discontinuation and looked for risk factors associated with. RESULTS: Overall, 259 patients were included. At the time of data collection, after a mean follow-up of 28.4 (± 19.8) months, 139 patients (53.7%) had a "Regular follow-up", 54 (20.8%) had an "Irregular follow-up" and 66 (25.5%) were "Lost to follow-up". The proportion of patients with a "Regular follow-up" decreased year by year, representing only 46.2% of patients at five-years. 175 patients (67.6%) underwent a standardized (tele)consultation. In multivariate analysis, only "lack of knowledge of the follow-up protocol" was statistically associated with follow-up discontinuation (OR=5.16; 95% CI [2.12-13.57]). CONCLUSION: The proportion of patients followed up after IPG implantation decreased steadily over the years, often related to a lack of therapeutic education.

Standardized one-day evaluation before urinary reconstructive surgery for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: Feasibility and impact on surgical strategy and care pathway.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a concept of standardized preoperative one-day evaluation before urinary reconstructive or diversion surgery for the treatment of neurogenic lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction, and to evaluate its feasibility and its impact on the care pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent a one-day standardized evaluation before a urinary reconstructive or derivation surgery for the treatment of neurogenic LUT dysfunction between January 2017 and December 2021 in our institution were included. Data were collected retrospectively from standardized reports. The main outcome was the rate of completion of the tests and consultations planned during this evaluation. Secondary outcomes included the findings from the one-day evaluation and changes in the urological surgical strategy at different time points within one year. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-one patients benefited from this one-day standardized evaluation. The overall completeness rate of the data collected was 77.5%, increasing from 62.3% in 2017 to 89.3% in 2021. The urological surgical plan was modified for 19.1% of patients following this preoperative evaluation. The indication was then confirmed for 114 patients (87.0%) by the multidisciplinary meeting and was carried out unchanged during the following year for 89 patients (67.9%). An associated colostomy procedure was proposed for 18.3% of patients and was finally performed in 11.5%. CONCLUSION: A standardized multidisciplinary preoperative one-day evaluation before performing reconstructive or diversion surgery for the treatment of neurogenic LUT dysfunction seems feasible and makes it possible to optimize the surgical plan and adapt the course of care.

[Prioritization of risk situations in neuro-urology: Guidelines based on the Delphi method from Association française d'urologie (AFU), Association francophone internationale des groupes d'animation de la paraplégie (AFIGAP), Groupe de neuro-urologie de langue française (GENULF), Société française de médecine physique et de réadaptation (SOFMER) and Société interdisciplinaire francophone d'urodynamique et de pelvi-périnéologie (SIFUD-PP)]. / Priorisation des situations à risque en neuro-urologie : recommandations par méthode Delphi de l'Association française d'urologie (AFU), l'Association francophone internationale des groupes d'animation de la paraplégie (AFIGAP), le Groupe de neuro-urologie de langue française (GENULF), la Société française de médecine physique et de réadaptation (SOFMER) et la Société interdisciplinaire francophone d'urodynamique et de pelvi-périnéologie (SIFUD-PP).

PURPOSE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a care reorganization was mandatory, and affected patients in different areas, including management of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. This work aims to provide validated schedule concerning the assessment and management of patients in neuro-urology. METHODS: Based on a literature review and their own expertise, a steering committee composed of urologists and physical medicine and rehabilitation practitioners generated a comprehensive risk-situation list and built a risk scale. A panel of French-speaking experts in neuro-urology was asked to define the timing for each clinical situation and validated these new recommendations through a Delphi process approach. RESULTS: The 49 experts included in the rating group validated 163 propositions among the 206 initial items. The propositions were divided into four domains - diagnosis and assessment, treatment, follow-up, and complications - and two sub-domains - general (applicable for all neurological conditions) and condition-specific (varying according to the neurological condition (spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinsonism, spinal dysraphism, lower motor neuron lesions)). CONCLUSIONS: This multidisciplinary collaborative work generates recommendations based on expert opinion, providing a validated timing for assessment and management of patients in neuro-urology which may help clinicians to reorganize their patients' list with a personalized medicine approach, in a context of health crisis or not.

[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.

Pregnancy and Delivery in Women with Lower Urinary Tract Reconstruction: A National Multicenter Retrospective Study from the French-Speaking Neuro-Urology Study Group (GENULF) and the Neuro-Urology Committee of the French Association of Urology.

PURPOSE: Management of pregnancy and delivery in women with lower urinary tract reconstruction is challenging and the currently available literature is insufficient to guide clinical practice. We report pregnancy and delivery outcomes in this specific population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a national multicenter retrospective study (16 centers) including 68 women with 96 deliveries between 1998 and 2019. These women had at least 1 successful pregnancy and delivery after augmentation enterocystoplasty, catheterizable channel creation and/or artificial urinary sphincter implantation. Maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy and delivery were reported, as well as postpartum functional outcomes, according to the delivery mode. The chi-square test and Student's t-test were used to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. RESULTS: Overall 32% of reported pregnancies were complicated by febrile urinary tract infections, 13.5% by renal colic and 14.6% required upper urinary tract diversion. In addition, 10% of patients reported transient self-catheterization difficulties and 13.5% reported de novo or increased urinary incontinence. The preterm delivery rate was 35.3%. Elective C-section was performed in 61% of pregnancies. Twenty complications occurred during delivery (20%), including 19 during elective C-section. Urinary continence at 1 year was unchanged for 93.5% of deliveries. Delivery mode (p=0.293) and multiparity (p=0.572) had no impact on urinary continence. CONCLUSIONS: In this population C-section appeared to be associated with a high risk of complications. In the absence of any obstetric or neurological contraindications, vaginal delivery should be proposed as the first line option to the majority of these women.

Quality of life associated with orthotopic neobladder and ileal conduit in women: A multicentric cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To compare quality of life and functional outcomes associated with orthotopic neobladder (ONB) and ileal conduit (IC) after anterior pelvic exenteration for bladder cancer in women, through a multicentric cross-sectional study. METHODS: All women who have undergone an anterior pelvic exenteration associated with ONB or IC for a bladder cancer between January 2004 and December 2014 within the three participating university hospital centers and that were still alive in February 2016 were included. Three distinct auto-administered questionnaires were submitted to the patients: the EORTC QLQ-C30, the EORTC QLQ-BLmi30 and the SF-12. Comparison of response to these questionnaires between women with ONB and those with IC were studied with Mann-Whitney U tests, with a statistically significant P-value set at<0.05. The primary endpoint was the "global health status" sub-score extracted from the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The secondary endpoints were the functional sub-scores and symptoms sub-scores obtained with the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire as well as the sub-scores obtained with the EORTC QLQ-BLmi30 and the SF-12 questionnaires. RESULTS: Forty women were included in the study (17 ONB, 23 IC). The primary endpoint was comparable between the ONB and IC women (83.3 vs. 66.7 P=0.22). Similarly, no significant statistical difference could be pointed between the ONB and IC women in terms of secondary endpoints. CONCLUSION: The present study did not report any significance difference in terms of quality of life and functional outcomes between women with ONB and those with IC after pelvic exenteration for bladder cancer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Non continent urinary diversion and other bladder managements in patients with multiple sclerosis]. / Dérivation urinaire non continente et modes mictionnels alternatifs chez les patients atteints de sclérose en plaques.

INTRODUCTION: To compare non-continent urinary diversion (NCUD) and other bladder managements in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), in terms of satisfaction and burden of care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients with MS that were proposed a NCUD in our center for refractory lower urinary tract disorders between January 2005 and March 2018 were eligible. Patients were attributed to two distinct groups: "NCUD" and "Other bladder management". The primary endpoint was the satisfaction related to the bladder management quoted by a numerical rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10. The secondary endpoints included, among other things, the evaluation of the burden of care associated with the bladder management. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were included in the "NCUD" group and 11 in the "Other bladder management" group, with 4 patients pursuing with spontaneous voiding, 3 with intermittent catheterization, 2 that have undergone a sphincterotomy, 1 still performing self-intermittent catheterization and 1 with a supra-pubic catheter. The "NCUD" group had a significant higher NRS than the "Other bladder management" group (8.22±1.78 vs. 6.27±2.45; P=0.0056). The daily average duration of care was 16.42minutes in the "NCUD" group and 35.6minutes in the "Other bladder management" group (P=0.1111) CONCLUSION: This exploratory study, even if not conclusive, brings to light the preliminary results needed to elaborate a high level of evidence protocol regarding the satisfaction and the burden of care associated with NCUD in MS patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Continent cystostomies - indications, surgical technique, complications and management]. / Les cystostomies continentes ­ indications et principes de prise en charge.

INTRODUCTION: To specifically introduce continent cystostomy - indications, surgical technique, complications and management - to the nurses working in a urology department. METHOD: The present article is based on a review of the literature and author's experience in continent cystostomy. RESULTS: Continent cystostomy is a neo-conduit placed between the bladder and the anterior abdominal wall using the digestive tract. It is usually performed in patients with bladder voiding dysfunction who cannot undergo clean self-intermittent catheterization through the urethra. The high success rate (>84%) associated with this procedure should not hide the frequent associated complications with the conduit. CONCLUSION: Even if continent cystostomy is associated with good mid- and long-term functional outcomes, it requires a close follow-up and in some cases "adjustments".

[Use of botulinum toxin A in pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly: A review]. / Intérêt de la toxine botulinique A dans le traitement des troubles pelvi-périnéaux de la personne âgée.

INTRODUCTION: The present article is the final report of a multi-disciplinary meeting supported by the GRAPPPA (group for research applied to pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly). The objective was to conduct a comprehensive review on the role of botulinum toxin A (BonTA) in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly. METHODS: The present article, written as a comprehensive review of the literature, combines data issued from the scientific literature with expert's opinions. Review of the literature was performed using the online bibliographic database MedLine (National Library of Medicine). Regarding intra-detrusor BonTA injections, only articles focusing on elderly patients (>65 yo) were included. Regarding other localizations, given the limited number of data, all articles reporting outcomes of BonTA were included, regardless of studies population age. In case of missing or insufficient data, expert's opinions were formulated. RESULTS: Although, available data are lacking in this specific population, it appears that BonTA could be used in the non-fraily elderly patients to treat overactive bladder or even neurogenic detrusor overactivity, with a success rate comparable to younger population at 3 months (88.9% vs. 91.2%), 6 months (49.4% vs. 52.1%) and 12 months (23.1% vs. 22.3%), as well as a significant decrease in number of voids per day (11.4 vs. 5.29 P<0.001) and in the number of pads per day (4.0 vs. 1.3, P<0.01). Furthermore, BonTA is likely to be offered in the future as a treatment of fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation syndrome symptoms. Concerning bladder outlet obstruction/voiding dysfunction symptoms, intra-urethral sphincter BonTA should not be recommended. CONCLUSION: BonTA injections are of interest in the management of various pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly, and its various applications should be better evaluated in this specific population in order to further determine its safety and efficacy.

[Adjustable continence therapy balloons in women: Evolution of efficacy within the 24 months following implantation]. / Ballons ACT chez la femme : évolution de l'efficacité au cours des 24 mois suivant l'implantation.

PURPOSE: To analyze the functional outcomes over time of ACT balloon in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). METHOD: All patients with SUI secondary to ISD who underwent bilateral ACT balloon implantation between September 2008 and November 2015 and regularly monitored for a period of at least 24 months were eligible. The results were studied at 6, 12 and 24 months. Efficacy was defined as: Success - maximum 1 safety pad per day and visual analogue scale (VAS) rating≥9/10. Improvement - decrease in the number of pads used per day and VAS≥5/10. Failure - increase or stability of the number of pads used per day and/or VAS<5/10. Failure was considered as primary when it occurred without any success or improvement. It was considered as secondary when it occurred after an initial period of success or improvement. RESULTS: 18 patients were monitored during 24 months. The success rate was respectively 17 %, 33 % and 33 % at 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. The improvement rate was respectively 61 %, 39 % and 17 % at 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. The primary failure rate was 22 %. The secondary failure rate was 6 % at 12 months and 33 % at 24 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: ACT balloon efficacy tends to decrease with time requiring a long-term follow-up of implanted patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Cardiovascular adverse effects of antimuscarinics used in the treatment of overactive bladder in the elderly : A review]. / Effets cardio-vasculaires des traitements anticholinergiques à visée vésicale chez la personne âgée : une revue.

AIM: The aim of this study was to review the evidence regarding the cardiovascular effects of urinary anticholinergic drugs in the elderly. METHODS: A literature review was conducted in October 2017 using the Medline/Pubmed database limiting the search to works in English or French. RESULTS: In total, 602 articles between March 1964 and October 2017 have been reported, 60 studies were analyzed, 19 were prospective trials. Geriatric population has a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (24.4% of heart diseases on 65-74years and 36.9% on ≥75years). More than 20% of the geriatric population has overactive bladder history and 41.43% of them use of antimuscarinic drugs. Evaluating the cardiovascular adverse effects of antimusarinics in the geriatric population is not easy because of exclusion of high-risk patients in trials. However, serious cardiovascular adverse effects were reported like atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block or torsade de pointe. Further studies are needed especially in the "real life" in order to precise the exact prevalence of such cardiovascular alterations. CONCLUSION: Without conclusive evidence, potential cardiovascular adverse effects of anticholinergic agents used in overactive bladder must lead to a cautious prescription.

Outcome comparison of different approaches to self-intermittent catheterization in neurogenic patients: a systematic review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA); http://www.prisma-statement.org). OBJECTIVES: Different types of catheters and techniques have been described in the past three decades to identify the best self-intermittent catheterization method. Our aim is to review systematically the literature on the most appropriate material and technique to perform self-intermittent catheterization in the adult neurogenic population. METHODS: A systematic review search was performed through PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases to study all types of self-intermittent catheters, and analyzing their impact on urinary tract infections (UTIs), urethral trauma, cost-effectiveness, quality of life and patient's satisfaction. We used the following keywords: 'intermittent catheterization/catheterisation', 'neurogenic', 'urinary catheters for intermittent use' and 'urethral catheterization/catheterisation' published by November 2015. RESULTS: After screening 3768 articles, 31 were included in the final synthesis (level of evidence 1b to 2b). The 2188 trial participants were mainly spinal cord injury adults and women with multiple sclerosis. Hydrophilic-coated catheters tended to decrease the incidence of UTI as well as urethral trauma and improve patient's satisfaction when compared with non-hydrophilic-coated catheters. Similarly, prelubricated catheters were associated with better results in terms of patient satisfaction. Sterile technique seemed to decrease the incidence of recurrent UTI; however, these results are counter-balanced by significantly increasing cost compared with clean catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: The present review demonstrated advantages of hydrophilic-coated catheters in decreasing risk of UTI and urethral trauma as well as improving patient's satisfaction. Prelubricated catheters has been shown to be superior to conventional polyvinyl chloride catheters. Randomized controlled trials comparing hydrophilic and prelubricated catheters must be conducted to assess possible superiority and cost-effectiveness.

Artificial Urinary Sphincter: Report of the 2015 Consensus Conference.

PURPOSE: The AMS800™ device, by far the most frequently implanted artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) worldwide, is considered to be the "gold-standard" when male incontinence surgical treatment is contemplated. Despite 40 years of experience, it is still a specialized procedure with a number of challenges. Here, we present the recommendations issued from the AUS Consensus Group, regarding indications, management, and follow-up AMS800™ implantation or revision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under ICS auspices, an expert panel met on July 10, 2015 in Chicago, IL, USA in an attempt to reach a consensus on diverse issues related to the AMS800™ device. Participants were selected by the two co-chairs on the basis of their practice in a University hospital and their experience: number of implanted AUSs according to AMS (American Medical System Holdings Inc., Minnetonka, MN) records and/or major published articles. Topics listed were the result of a pre-meeting email brainstorming by all participants. The co-chairs distributed topics randomly to all participants, who then had to propose a statement on each topic for approval by the conference after a short evidence-based presentation, when possible. RESULTS: A total of 25 urologists were invited to participate, 19 able to attend the conference. The present recommendations, based on the most recent and relevant data available in literature as well as expert opinions, successively address multiple specific and problematic issues associated with the AMS800™ trough a eight-chapter structure: pre-operative assessment, pre operative challenges, implantation technique, post-operative care, trouble-shooting, outcomes, special populations, and the future of AUSs. CONCLUSION: These guidelines undoubtedly constitute a reference document, which will help urologists to carefully select patients and apply the most adapted management to implantation, follow-up and trouble-shooting of the AMS800™.

Intermittent catheterization in neurologic patients: Update on genitourinary tract infection and urethral trauma.

Intermittent catheterization is considered the standard of care in most neurologic patients with lower urinary tract disorders. However, in this context, genitourinary tract infection and urethral trauma represent specific challenges. Such conditions have been found to significantly deteriorate quality of life and complicate subsequent treatments. Only optimal prevention associated with appropriate treatment allows for the long-term continuation of such bladder management. Here, we discuss the diagnosis and therapeutic and preventive approaches associated with genitourinary tract infection and urethral trauma in this specific population. This "state-of-the-art" article results from a literature review (MEDLINE articles and scientific society guidelines) and the authors' experience. It was structured in a didactic way to facilitate comprehension and promote the implementation of advice and recommendations in daily practice. Genitourinary tract infection and urethral trauma associated with intermittent catheterization in neurologic patients should be managed with a global approach, including patient and caregiver education, optimal catheterization with hydrophilic-coated or pre-lubricated catheters and adequate use of antibiotic therapy.

Overview of the 2015 ICS Consensus Conference.

PURPOSE: The AMS800™ device is considered to be the "gold-standard" when male incontinence surgical treatment is contemplated. Despite 40 years of experience, it is still a specialized procedure with a number of challenges. Here, we present the recommendations issued from the AUS Consensus Group, regarding indications, management and follow-up AMS800™ implantation or revision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under ICS auspices, an expert panel met on July 10, 2015 in Chicago, IL, USA in an attempt to reach a consensus on diverse issues related to the AMS800™ device. Participants were selected by the two co-chairs on the basis of their practice in a University hospital and their experience: number of implanted AUSs according to AMS (American Medical System Holdings Inc., Minnetonka, MN) records and/or major published articles. Topics listed were the result of a pre-meeting email brainstorming by all participants. The co-chairs distributed topics randomly to all participants, who then had to propose a statement on each topic for approval by the conference after a short evidence-based presentation, when possible. RESULTS: The present recommendations, based on the most recent and relevant data available in literature as well as expert opinions, successively address multiple specific and problematic issues associated with the AMS800™ trough a 6-chapter structure: pre-operative assessment, pre operative challenges, implantation technique, post-operative care, trouble-shooting, and special populations. CONCLUSION: These guidelines undoubtedly constitute a reference document, which will help urologists to carefully select patients and apply the most adapted management to implantation, follow-up and trouble-shooting of the AMS800™. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:437-443, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Approach and complications associated with suburethral synthetic slings in women: Systematic review and meta-analysis]. / Voies d'abord et complications des bandelettes sous-urétrales synthétiques chez la femme : revue systématique de la littérature et méta-analyse.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to assess the complications associated with different approaches used in female suburethral sling surgery. METHOD: We performed a research on Medline using the following keywords: "suburethral slings", "complications", "safety" and "randomized". Only randomized clinical trials including women and reporting intra- and postoperative complications associated with the retropubic (RP) approach; TOT and/or TVT-O were included. The meta-analysis was conducted using the Review Manager (RevMan 5.3) software delivered by the "Cochrane Library". RESULTS: Out of 176 articles, 23 were included in synthesis. Risks of bladder perforation during surgery (60/1482 vs 5/1479; OR=6.44; 95% CI [3.32-12.50]) and postoperative urinary retention (48/1160 vs 24/1159; OR=1.93; 95% CI [1.26-3.12]) were significantly higher with the RP approach, when compared with the transobturator (TO) approach (TOT or TVT-O). Conversely, the risk of prolonged postoperative pain was significantly lower after RP approach, when compared with TO approach (24/1156 vs 69/1149; OR=0.36; 95% CI [0.23-0.56]). Risks of intraoperative urethral injury, postoperative erosion and de novo overactive bladder were comparable between the two approaches. Data regarding the comparison between TOT and TVT-O were scarce and did not allow us to conclude about complications associated with. CONCLUSION: The RP approach was associated with a significant risk of bladder perforation and postoperative urinary retention. The TO approach was associated with a higher risk of prolonged postoperative pain.