Retropubic tape surgery for stress urinary incontinence: can women be cured without voiding dysfunction?

PURPOSE: Retropubic tension free vaginal tape (RP-TVT) has become the gold standard for surgical management of female stress urinary incontinence but is associated with voiding dysfunction (VD). We developed for more than 10 years a reproductible and totally tension free tape procedure. Our goal is to determine efficiency of this technique compared to the incidence of VD. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent RP-TVT in our center between 2011 and 2019. Subjective cure, VD (determined as maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) < 15 mL/s or post void residual (PVR) volume > 150 mL, or tape's section or resection requirement for underactive bladder (UB) with significant PVR) was assessed at 1 year. The main objective was the evaluation of subjective cure and VD at 1 year. RESULTS: On the 319 patients reviewed, 93% of the patients were dry and 10.9% presented VD at one year. UB (OR = 5.01 [1.55-16.44], p = 0.008), preoperative Qmax < 15 mL/s (OR = 0.89 [0.84-0.95], p = 0.001) and previous incontinence surgery (OR = 4.20 [1.54-11.46], p = 0.005) were associated with VD. Acute urinary retention concerned 4.7% of the population and all were resolved after 6 weeks postoperatively. We reported 0.3% of de novo urgency and patients without VD showed a significant decrease of their voiding time at 1 year. CONCLUSION: The placement of RP-TVT without intraoperative tightening seems to be a safe technique ensuring a high cure rate and low occurrences of bladder outlet obstruction.

[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.

Serious complications and recurrences after pelvic organ prolapse surgery for 2309 women in the VIGI-MESH registry.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of serious complications and reoperations for recurrence after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and compare the three most common types of repair. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study using a registry. SETTING: Nineteen French surgical centres. POPULATION: A total of 2309 women participated between 2017 and 2019. METHODS: A multivariate analysis including an inverse probability of treatment weighting approach was used to obtain three comparable groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serious complications and subsequent reoperations for POP recurrence. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 17.6 months. Surgeries were native tissue vaginal repairs (n = 504), transvaginal mesh placements (n = 692) and laparoscopic sacropexies with mesh (n = 1113). Serious complications occurred among 52 women (2.3%), and reoperation for POP recurrence was required for 32 women (1.4%). At 1 year the cumulative weighted incidence of serious complications was 1.8% for native tissue vaginal repair, 3.9% for transvaginal mesh and 2.2% for sacropexy, and the rates for reoperation for recurrence of POP were 1.5, 0.7 and 1.1%, respectively. Compared with native tissue vaginal repair, the risk of serious complications was higher in the transvaginal mesh group (weighted hazard ratio, wHR 3.84, 95% CI 2.43-6.08) and the sacropexy group (wHR 2.48, 95% CI 1.45-4.23), whereas the risk of reoperation for prolapse recurrence was lower in both the transvaginal mesh (wHR 0.22, 95% CI 0.13-0.39) and sacropexy (wHR 0.29, 95% CI 0.18-0.47) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that native tissue vaginal repairs have the lowest risk of serious complications but the highest risk of reoperation for recurrence. These results are useful for informing women and for shared decision making. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Laparoscopic sacropexy had fewer serious complications than transvaginal mesh and fewer reoperations for recurrence than vaginal repair.

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.

[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.

[12-year history of radical surgery indications for the treatment of prostate cancer]. / Évolution sur 12 ans des indications de prostatectomie totale pour cancer.

AIM: To analyze the indications of radical prostatectomy and lymph node dissection retained during the last 12 years in an academic surgical center in the Paris region in order to ensure their adequacy in relation to the current clinical guidelines. METHOD: Monocentric retrospective study of prospectively collected data, between 2007 and 2019. Analysis of the clinical and pathological characteristics which were taken into account during multidisciplinary meeting discussion for the treatment decision, and comparison of their evolution over the four 3-year period corresponding to the clinical guideline updates. RESULTS: Two thousand eighty-eight consecutive patients treated by radical prostatectomy between 16/03/2007 and 17/03/2019 were included. The proportion of patients classified as low, intermediate or high risk according to D'Amico system was 13.2%, 80.8% and 6.0% respectively. An increase in the frequency of surgical treatment of high-risk cancers has been observed. At the same time, there has been a decrease in the frequency of prostatectomies to treat low-risk cancers. CONCLUSION: The indications for radical prostatectomy and lymph node dissection have evolved in line with the current clinical guidelines which were taken into consideration in a onco-urological multidisciplinary meeting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Short version of recommendations for enhanced recovery program (ERP) for cystectomy: Technical measures]. / Version courte des recommandations de la récupération ameliorée après chirurgie (RAAC) pour la cystectomie : mesures techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The enhanced recovery program (ERP) is a management mode whose objective is to reduce the risk of complications and allow the patient to recover more quickly all its functional capacities and to reintegrate at most quickly and safely in his usual environment. This intentionally synthetic document aims to disseminate in the urological community the main points of the ERP recommendations for cystectomy. This work, coordinated by AFU, involves several other partners. The full document is available on the "Urofrance" website. Another article will follow on organizational measures. METHOD: The development of the recommendations is based on the method "formalized consensus of experts" proposed by the HAS. The report is based on a systematic review of the literature (January 2006-May 2017), two rounds of iterative quotations and a national proofreading. Levels of proof of conclusions and gradation of recommendations are based on the HAS grid. RESULTS: The bibliographic strategy made it possible to retain 298 articles. Only the recommendations that obtained a strong agreement after the two rounds of iterative listing were retained. The recommendations presented here are in chronological form (before, during, after hospitalization). Twenty-six key points on the technical and organizational measures of ERP have been identified. CONCLUSION: The result of the literature review, supplemented by expert opinion, suggests a significant clinical interest in the application and dissemination of ERP for cystectomy, despite the limited data available for this indication.

[Last resort surgical management of postradiation urinary cystitis after external beam radiation for prostate cancer: a monocentric analysis]. / Traitement chirurgical de dernier recours en cas de cystite radique après radiothérapie externe du cancer de la prostate : analyse monocentrique.

PURPOSE: To assess functional outcomes obtained after surgical management of post-radiation urinary incontinence after prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective review of the data from patients treated in our centre between September 2004 and February 2012 by surgery for vesicosphincteric injuries after prostatic external beam radiation therapy was performed. RESULTS: A total of seven men with a median age of 70 years ± 4.1 were included. Mean follow-up was 32.3 months ± 29 (3-86). All patients underwent a partial cystectomy and augmentation enterocystoplasty. The vesicocutaneous fistula rate was 33% occurring within a mean time of 18.5 days ± 2.1 (17-20). The mean length of urinary catheter and hospital stay were respectively 16 days ± 8.4 (12-35) and 18 days ± 7.8 (13-37). Five patients underwent asynchronous insertion of artificial urinary sphincter. The success rate of partial cystectomy and augmentation enterocystoplasty with asynchronous implantation of artificial urinary sphincter to treat post-radiation urinary incontinence was 71.5%. The median time between partial cystectomy and augmentation enterocystoplasty and artificial urinary sphincter implantation was 27.6months ± 26.4 (7-72). CONCLUSION: Surgical management of post-radiation urinary cystitis offers good functional outcomes albeit its morbidity is not negligible. It should be proposed only in expert surgical centres.

[Place of sclerotherapy in the treatment of chronic chyluria]. / Place de la sclérothérapie dans le traitement des chyluries chroniques.

Chyluria is rare. The parasite that causes filariasis is the most common cause while the non-parasitic causes is anecdotal. Medical treatment is often insufficient to treat cases of chronic chyluria for which the standard treatment is surgical lymphatic disconnection renovascular. However, sclerotherapy by instillation of a sclerosing agent kidney may represent an alternative to surgery. This technique has the advantage of being less invasive than surgery and has a proven efficacy in the literature.