Methenamine is as effective as antibiotics at preventing urinary tract infections.

The studyHarding C, Mossop H, Homer T, et al. Alternative to prophylactic antibiotics for the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: multicentre, open label, randomised, non-inferiority trial. BMJ 2022;376:e068229.To read the full NIHR Alert, go to: https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/methenamine-as-good-as-antibiotics-preventing-urinary-tract-infections/.

Infection after ureteroscopy for ureteric stones: analysis of 71 305 cases in the Hospital Episode Statistics database.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the burden of infectious complications following ureteroscopy (URS) for ureteric stones on a national level in England using data from the Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) data warehouse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort was identified and followed up in HES during the period April 2013 to March 2020 for all procedure codes relating to ureteroscopic stone treatment (M27.1, M27.2, M27.3). Treatment episodes relating to the first URS ('index ureteroscopy') for each patient were further analysed. All subsequent admissions within 30 days were also captured. The primary outcome was diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI; including all codes relating to a UTI/sepsis within the first 30 days of index URS). Secondary outcomes were critical care attendance, attendance at the accident and emergency department (A&E) within 30 days, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 71 305 index ureteroscopies were eligible for analysis. The median age was 55 years, and 81% of procedures were elective and 45% were undertaken as day-cases. At the time of index URS, 16% of patients had diabetes, 0.5% had coexisting neurological disease and 40% had an existing stent/nephrostomy. Overall, 6.8% of the cohort (n = 4822) had a diagnosis of UTI within 30 days of index URS (3.9% immediately after surgery). A total of 339 patients (0.5%) required an unplanned stay in critical care during their index URS admission; 8833 patients (12%) attended A&E within 30 days. Overall mortality was 0.18% (60 in-hospital, 65 within 30 days); 40 deaths (0.056%) included infection as a contributing cause of death. CONCLUSION: We present the largest series evaluating infectious complications after ureteroscopic stone treatment. The procedure is safe, with low inpatient infective complication and critical care admission rates.

Exploring the in situ evolution of nitrofurantoin resistance in clinically derived uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates.

BACKGROUND: Nitrofurantoin has been re-introduced as a first-choice antibiotic to treat uncomplicated acute urinary tract infections in England and Wales. Highly effective against common uropathogens such as Escherichia coli, its use is accompanied by a low incidence (<10%) of antimicrobial resistance. Resistance to nitrofurantoin is predominantly via the acquisition of loss-of-function, step-wise mutations in the nitroreductase genes nfsA and nfsB. OBJECTIVE: To explore the in situ evolution of NitR in E. coli isolates from 17 patients participating in AnTIC, a 12-month open label randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing urinary tract infections (UTIs) incidence in clean intermittent self-catheterizing patients. METHODS: The investigation of NitR evolution in E. coli used general microbiology techniques and genetics to model known NitR mutations in NitSE. coli strains. RESULTS: Growth rate analysis identified a 2%-10% slower doubling time for nitrofurantoin resistant strains: NitS: 20.8 ±â€Š0.7 min compared to NitR: 23 ±â€Š0.8 min. Statistically, these data indicated no fitness advantage of evolved strains compared to the sensitive predecessor (P-value = 0.13). Genetic manipulation of E. coli to mimic NitR evolution, supported no fitness advantage (P-value = 0.22). In contrast, data argued that a first-step mutant gained a selective advantage, at sub-MIC (4-8 mg/L) nitrofurantoin concentrations. CONCLUSION: Correlation of these findings to nitrofurantoin pharmacokinetic data suggests that the low incidence of E. coli NitR, within the community, is driven by urine-based nitrofurantoin concentrations that selectively inhibit the growth of E. coli strains carrying the key first-step loss-of-function mutation.

Synthetic sling or artificial urinary sphincter for men with urodynamic stress incontinence after prostate surgery: the MASTER non-inferiority RCT.

BACKGROUND: Stress urinary incontinence is common in men after prostate surgery and can be difficult to improve. Implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter is the most common surgical procedure for persistent stress urinary incontinence, but it requires specialist surgical skills, and revisions may be necessary. In addition, the sphincter is relatively expensive and its operation requires adequate patient dexterity. New surgical approaches include the male synthetic sling, which is emerging as a possible alternative. However, robust comparable data, derived from randomised controlled trials, on the relative safety and efficacy of the male synthetic sling and the artificial urinary sphincter are lacking. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the male synthetic sling with those of the artificial urinary sphincter surgery in men with persistent stress urinary incontinence after prostate surgery. DESIGN: This was a multicentre, non-inferiority randomised controlled trial, with a parallel non-randomised cohort and embedded qualitative component. Randomised controlled trial allocation was carried out by remote web-based randomisation (1 : 1), minimised on previous prostate surgery (radical prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate), radiotherapy (or not, in relation to prostate surgery) and centre. Surgeons and participants were not blind to the treatment received. Non-randomised cohort allocation was participant and/or surgeon preference. SETTING: The trial was set in 28 UK urological centres in the NHS. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were men with urodynamic stress incontinence after prostate surgery for whom surgery was deemed appropriate. Exclusion criteria included previous sling or artificial urinary sphincter surgery, unresolved bladder neck contracture or urethral stricture after prostate surgery, and an inability to give informed consent or complete trial documentation. INTERVENTIONS: We compared male synthetic sling with artificial urinary sphincter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The clinical primary outcome measure was men's reports of continence (assessed from questions 3 and 4 of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form) at 12 months post randomisation (with a non-inferiority margin of 15%). The primary economic outcome was cost-effectiveness (assessed as the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year at 24 months post randomisation). RESULTS: In total, 380 men were included in the randomised controlled trial (n = 190 in each group), and 99 out of 100 men were included in the non-randomised cohort. In terms of continence, the male sling was non-inferior to the artificial urinary sphincter (intention-to-treat estimated absolute risk difference -0.034, 95% confidence interval -0.117 to 0.048; non-inferiority p = 0.003), indicating a lower success rate in those randomised to receive a sling, but with a confidence interval excluding the non-inferiority margin of -15%. In both groups, treatment resulted in a reduction in incontinence symptoms (as measured by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form). Between baseline and 12 months' follow-up, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form score fell from 16.1 to 8.7 in the male sling group and from 16.4 to 7.5 in the artificial urinary sphincter group (mean difference for the time point at 12 months 1.30, 95% confidence interval 0.11 to 2.49; p = 0.032). The number of serious adverse events was small (male sling group, n = 8; artificial urinary sphincter group, n = 15; one man in the artificial urinary sphincter group experienced three serious adverse events). Quality-of-life scores improved and satisfaction was high in both groups. Secondary outcomes that showed statistically significant differences favoured the artificial urinary sphincter over the male sling. Outcomes of the non-randomised cohort were similar. The male sling cost less than the artificial sphincter but was associated with a smaller quality-adjusted life-year gain. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for male slings compared with an artificial urinary sphincter suggests that there is a cost saving of £425,870 for each quality-adjusted life-year lost. The probability that slings would be cost-effective at a £30,000 willingness-to-pay threshold for a quality-adjusted life-year was 99%. LIMITATIONS: Follow-up beyond 24 months is not available. More specific surgical/device-related pain outcomes were not included. CONCLUSIONS: Continence rates improved from baseline, with the male sling non-inferior to the artificial urinary sphincter. Symptoms and quality of life significantly improved in both groups. Men were generally satisfied with both procedures. Overall, secondary and post hoc analyses favoured the artificial urinary sphincter over the male sling. FUTURE WORK: Participant reports of any further surgery, satisfaction and quality of life at 5-year follow-up will inform longer-term outcomes. Administration of an additional pain questionnaire would provide further information on pain levels after both surgeries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered as ISRCTN49212975. FUNDING: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 36. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Leakage of urine associated with physical exertion (e.g. sporting activities, sneezing or coughing) is common in men who have undergone prostate surgery, but it is difficult to improve. Many men still leak urine 12 months after their prostate surgery and may continue to wear protective pads or sheaths. The most common operation to improve incontinence is implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter. An artificial urinary sphincter is an inflatable cuff that is placed around the urethra, the tube that drains urine from the bladder. The cuff is inflated and compresses the urethra to prevent leaking. When the man needs to pass urine, he must deflate the cuff by squeezing a pump placed in his scrotum, which releases the compression on the urethra and allows the bladder to empty. Recently, a new device, the male sling (made from non-absorbable plastic mesh), has been developed. The sling, which is surgically inserted under the urethra, supports the bladder, but, in contrast to the artificial sphincter, it does not need to be deactivated by a pump and, therefore, the patient does not need to do anything to operate it. A sling is also easier for the surgeon to insert than a sphincter. However, in some men, the sling does not provide enough improvement in incontinence symptoms and another operation, to place an artificial urinary sphincter, is needed. The aim of this study was to determine if the male sling was as effective as the artificial urinary sphincter in treating men with bothersome incontinence after prostate surgery. The study took the form of a randomised controlled trial (the gold standard and most reliable way to compare treatments) in which men were randomised (allocated at random to one of two groups using a computer) to either a male sling or an artificial urinary sphincter operation. We asked men how they got on in the first 2 years after their operation. Regardless of which operation they had, incontinence and quality of life significantly improved and complications were rare. A small number of men did require another operation to improve their incontinence, and it was more likely that an artificial urinary sphincter was needed, rather than another sling operation, if a male sling was not successful. Satisfaction was high in both groups, but it was significantly higher in the artificial urinary sphincter group than in the male sling group. Those who received a male sling were less likely than those who received an artificial urinary sphincter to say that they would recommend their surgery to a friend.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: a review and meta-analysis with a focus on management.

PURPOSE: Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare form of pyelonephritis more commonly seen in females and diabetics. Frequently associated with renal tract calculi, it is often difficult to diagnose, as it can clinically and radiologically mimic other disorders. Most cases are treated with antibiotics and nephrectomy. The aim of our review is to summarise and analyse the current evidence focusing on management. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify papers relating to xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in adults. Studies containing ten or more patients with XGP were included for descriptive analysis, and a meta-analyses of cohort studies conducted comparing open and minimally invasive nephrectomy undertaken. Other papers were included for narrative review. RESULTS: 52 studies were identified, 20 were included for narrative review and 32 retrospective observational studies containing 868 patients were included for descriptive analysis. 99.8% of patients underwent nephrectomy, about one-third laparoscopically. The most commonly cultured organisms were Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. 60% of patients, where reported, underwent preoperative drainage. Seven studies containing 211 patients were included for meta-analysis which found that postoperative complications, length of stay and transfusion requirements were all significantly reduced in those who underwent minimally invasive surgery. CONCLUSION: The mainstay management of XGP is antibiotic therapy and nephrectomy. Some studies highlight a role for preoperative upper urinary tract drainage, but evidence supporting this is limited. We present the first meta-analyses examining operative approach for patients undergoing nephrectomy for XGP. Though limited by the data available, our meta-analysis indicates minimally invasive nephrectomy for XGP provides better postoperative outcomes.

Methenamine hippurate compared with antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in women: the ALTAR non-inferiority RCT.

BACKGROUND: Daily, low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis is the current standard care for women with recurrent urinary tract infection. Emerging antimicrobial resistance is a global health concern, prompting research interest in non-antibiotic agents such as methenamine hippurate, but comparative data on their efficacy and safety are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of methenamine hippurate (Hiprex®; Mylan NV, Canonsburg, PA, USA) compared with current standard care (antibiotic prophylaxis) for recurrent urinary tract infection prevention in adult women. DESIGN: Multicentre, pragmatic, open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial of 12 months' treatment with the allocated intervention, including an early, embedded qualitative study and a 6-month post-treatment observation phase. The predefined non-inferiority margin was one urinary tract infection per person-year. SETTING: Eight UK NHS secondary care sites. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 240 adult women with recurrent urinary tract infection requiring preventative treatment participated in the trial. INTERVENTIONS: A central randomisation system allocated participants 1 : 1 to the experimental (methenamine hippurate: 1 g twice daily) or control (once-daily low-dose antibiotics: 50/100 mg of nitrofurantoin, 100 mg of trimethoprim or 250 mg of cefalexin) arm. Crossover between treatment arms was permitted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary clinical outcome was incidence of symptomatic antibiotic-treated urinary tract infection during the 12-month treatment period. Cost-effectiveness was assessed by incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained, extrapolated over the patient's expected lifetime using a Markov cohort model. Secondary outcomes included post-treatment urinary tract infections, total antibiotic use, microbiologically proven urinary tract infections, antimicrobial resistance, bacteriuria, hospitalisations and treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: Primary modified intention-to-treat analysis comprised 205 (85%) randomised participants [102/120 (85%) participants in the antibiotics arm and 103/120 (86%) participants in the methenamine hippurate arm] with at least 6 months' data available. During treatment, the incidence rate of symptomatic, antibiotic-treated urinary tract infections decreased substantially in both arms to 1.38 episodes per person-year (95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.72 episodes per person-year) for methenamine hippurate and 0.89 episodes per person year (95% confidence interval 0.65 to 1.12 episodes per person-year) for antibiotics (absolute difference 0.49; 90% confidence interval 0.15 to 0.84). This absolute difference did not exceed the predefined, strict, non-inferiority limit of one urinary tract infection per person-year. On average, methenamine hippurate was less costly and more effective than antibiotics in terms of quality-adjusted life-years gained; however, this finding was not consistent over the longer term. The urinary tract infection incidence rate 6 months after treatment completion was 1.72 episodes per year in the methenamine hippurate arm and 1.19 in the antibiotics arm. During treatment, 52% of urine samples taken during symptomatic urinary tract infections were microbiologically confirmed and higher proportions of participants taking daily antibiotics (46/64; 72%) demonstrated antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli cultured from perineal swabs than participants in the methenamine hippurate arm (39/70; 56%) (p-value = 0.05). Urine cultures revealed that during treatment higher proportions of participants and samples from the antibiotic arm grew E. coli resistant to trimethoprim/co-trimoxazole and cephalosporins, respectively. Conversely, post treatment, higher proportions of participants in the methenamine hippurate arm (9/45; 20%) demonstrated multidrug resistance in E. coli isolated from perineal swabs than participants in the antibiotic arm (2/39; 5%) (p = 0.06). All other secondary outcomes and adverse events were similar in both arms. LIMITATIONS: This trial could not define whether or not one particular antibiotic was more beneficial, and progressive data loss hampered economic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: This large, randomised, pragmatic trial in a routine NHS setting has clearly shown that methenamine hippurate is not inferior to current standard care (daily low-dose antibiotics) in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections in women. The results suggest that antimicrobial resistance is proportionally higher in women taking prophylactic antibiotics. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Future research should include evaluation of other non-antibiotic preventative treatments in well-defined homogeneous patient groups, preferably with the comparator of daily antibiotics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered as ISRCTN70219762 and EudraCT 2015-003487-36. FUNDING: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 23. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Women with recurrent urine infections often require preventative treatment to reduce the frequency of infection episodes. Daily low-dose antibiotic medication is a guideline-recommended treatment option for these women. There is increasing concern globally regarding antibiotic-resistant infections, which has led researchers to look at alternative treatments. This trial was conducted to find out whether or not taking an alternative treatment that is not an antibiotic [i.e. methenamine hippurate (Hiprex^®; Mylan NV, Canonsburg, PA, USA)] was as effective as the standard daily low-dose antibiotics. A total of 240 women from across the UK took part in the trial. They were divided equally into two groups; half of the women were given methenamine hippurate and the other half were given standard low-dose antibiotics. Both treatments were prescribed to be taken every day for 1 year. To make a fair comparison, people were put into the two groups at random using a computer program. Aspects of the trial that could be improved were identified through telephone interviews with patients and recruiting staff. Feedback from these telephone interviews helped to ensure the successful conduct of the trial. Patients were followed up for 18 months, comprising the 12 months when they were taking treatment and a 6-month follow-up phase after they had finished treatment. We found that the non-antibiotic option of methenamine hippurate was no worse than the current standard treatment of daily antibiotics in preventing urinary tract infection episodes in adult women. For both treatments, patients expressed high levels of satisfaction. One advantage of the methenamine hippurate treatment was that infecting bacteria were slightly less likely to develop resistance to antibiotics. We also evaluated health-care costs of both treatments and found that methenamine hippurate seemed worthwhile to the NHS in the short term, but there was uncertainty over longer-term costs and benefits. These results will help patients with repeated urinary tract infections to decide on treatment options, particularly if they want to avoid prolonged courses of preventative antibiotics.

LEARN: A multi-centre, cross-sectional evaluation of Urology teaching in UK medical schools.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the status of UK undergraduate urology teaching against the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Undergraduate Syllabus for Urology. Secondary objectives included evaluating the type and quantity of teaching provided, the reported performance rate of General Medical Council (GMC)-mandated urological procedures, and the proportion of undergraduates considering urology as a career. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LEARN was a national multicentre cross-sectional study. Year 2 to Year 5 medical students and FY1 doctors were invited to complete a survey between 3rd October and 20th December 2020, retrospectively assessing the urology teaching received to date. Results are reported according to the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). RESULTS: 7,063/8,346 (84.6%) responses from all 39 UK medical schools were included; 1,127/7,063 (16.0%) were from Foundation Year (FY) 1 doctors, who reported that the most frequently taught topics in undergraduate training were on urinary tract infection (96.5%), acute kidney injury (95.9%) and haematuria (94.4%). The most infrequently taught topics were male urinary incontinence (59.4%), male infertility (52.4%) and erectile dysfunction (43.8%). Male and female catheterisation on patients as undergraduates was performed by 92.1% and 73.0% of FY1 doctors respectively, and 16.9% had considered a career in urology. Theory based teaching was mainly prevalent in the early years of medical school, with clinical skills teaching, and clinical placements in the later years of medical school. 20.1% of FY1 doctors reported no undergraduate clinical attachment in urology. CONCLUSION: LEARN is the largest ever evaluation of undergraduate urology teaching. In the UK, teaching seemed satisfactory as evaluated by the BAUS undergraduate syllabus. However, many students report having no clinical attachments in Urology and some newly qualified doctors report never having inserted a catheter, which is a GMC mandated requirement. We recommend a greater emphasis on undergraduate clinical exposure to urology and stricter adherence to GMC mandated procedures.

Alternative to prophylactic antibiotics for the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: multicentre, open label, randomised, non-inferiority trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test and compare the efficacy of methenamine hippurate for prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections with the current standard prophylaxis of daily low dose antibiotics. DESIGN: Multicentre, open label, randomised, non-inferiority trial. SETTING: Eight centres in the UK, recruiting from June 2016 to June 2018. PARTICIPANTS: Women aged ≥18 years with recurrent urinary tract infections, requiring prophylactic treatment. INTERVENTIONS: Random assignment (1:1, using permuted blocks of variable length via a web based system) to receive antibiotic prophylaxis or methenamine hippurate for 12 months. Treatment allocation was not masked and crossover between arms was allowed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Absolute difference in incidence of symptomatic, antibiotic treated, urinary tract infections during treatment. A patient and public involvement group predefined the non-inferiority margin as one episode of urinary tract infection per person year. Analyses performed in a modified intention-to-treat population comprised all participants observed for at least six months. RESULTS: Participants were randomly assigned to antibiotic prophylaxis (n=120) or methenamine hippurate (n=120). The modified intention-to-treat analysis comprised 205 (85%) participants (antibiotics, n=102 (85%); methenamine hippurate, n=103 (86%)). Incidence of antibiotic treated urinary tract infections during the 12 month treatment period was 0.89 episodes per person year (95% confidence interval 0.65 to 1.12) in the antibiotics group and 1.38 (1.05 to 1.72) in the methenamine hippurate group, with an absolute difference of 0.49 (90% confidence interval 0.15 to 0.84) confirming non-inferiority. Adverse reactions were reported by 34/142 (24%) in the antibiotic group and 35/127 (28%) in the methenamine group and most reactions were mild. CONCLUSION: Non-antibiotic prophylactic treatment with methenamine hippurate might be appropriate for women with a history of recurrent episodes of urinary tract infections, informed by patient preferences and antibiotic stewardship initiatives, given the demonstration of non-inferiority to daily antibiotic prophylaxis seen in this trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN70219762.

Polypharmacy and Smoking as Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors Associated with Symptom Severity in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Primary Care: Findings from the PriMUS Study.

Polypharmacy and smoking are associated with higher symptom severity in men with lower urinary tract symptoms presenting to primary care. These are potentially modifiable risk factors that can be targeted when managing these patients.

Benefits and Harms of Conservative, Pharmacological, and Surgical Management Options for Women with Bladder Outlet Obstruction: A Systematic Review from the European Association of Urology Non-neurogenic Female LUTS Guidelines Panel.

CONTEXT: While the management of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in men has been a topic of several systematic reviews and meta-analyses, no such evidence base exists for female BOO. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the benefits and harms of therapeutic interventions for the management of BOO in women. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020183839). A systematic literature search was performed and updated by a research librarian in May 2021. The study population consisted of adult female patients diagnosed with BOO, who underwent treatment. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Out of 6344 records, we identified 33 studies enrolling 1222 participants, of which only six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found. One placebo-controlled crossover randomized trial assessed the role of baclofen in 60 female patients with dysfunctional voiding. The trial met its primary endpoint with a significantly greater decrease in the number of voids per day in the baclofen group (-5.53 vs -2.70; p = 0.001). The adverse events were mild and comparable in both groups (25% vs 20%). One placebo-controlled crossover randomized trial assessed the role of sildenafil in 20 women with Fowler's syndrome. There were significant improvements from baseline in maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and postvoid residual (PVR), but with no statistically significant difference when compared with placebo. In a large RCT including 197 female patients with functional BOO, the alpha-blocker alfuzosin significantly improved IPSS, Qmax, and PVR compared with baseline, but the differences were not statistically significant compared with the placebo group. Several small single-arm prospective series reported improvement of BOO-related symptoms and voiding parameters with urethroplasty, sling revision, urethral dilation, vaginal pessary, and pelvic organ prolapse repair. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence to support the use of conservative, pharmacological, and surgical treatments for BOO is scarce. PATIENT SUMMARY: According to the present systematic review of the literature, evidence to support the use of conservative, pharmacological, and surgical treatments for either anatomical or functional bladder outlet obstruction is scarce.

British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) consensus document: Management of female voiding dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: To report the British Association of Urological Surgeon's (BAUS) guidance on the assessment and management of female voiding dysfunction. METHODS: A contemporary literature search was conducted to identify the evidence base. The BAUS Section of Female, Neurological and Urodynamic Urology (FNUU) Executive Committee formed a guideline development group to draw up and review the recommendations. Where there was no supporting evidence, expert opinion of the BAUS FNUU executive committee, FNUU Section and BAUS members, including urology consultants working in units throughout the UK, was used. RESULTS: Female patients with voiding dysfunction can present with mixed urinary symptoms or urinary retention in both elective and emergency settings. Voiding dysfunction is caused by a wide range of conditions which can be categorized into bladder outlet obstruction (attributable to functional or anatomical causes) or detrusor underactivity. Guidance on the assessment, investigation and treatment of women with voiding dysfunction and urinary retention, in the absence of a known underlying neurological condition, is provided. CONCLUSION: Wa have produced a BAUS approved consensus on the management pathway for female voiding dysfunction with the aim to optimize assessment and treatment pathways for patients.

UK national bladder outlet obstruction surgery snapshot audit.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the preoperative assessment and perioperative outcomes of men undergoing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) surgery in the UK. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all men undergoing BOO surgery in 105 UK hospitals over a 1-month period. The study included 1456 men, of whom 42% were catheter dependent prior to undergoing surgery. RESULTS: There was no evidence that a frequency-volume chart or urinary symptom questionnaire had been completed in 73% or 50% of men, respectively in the non-catheter-dependent group. Bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was the most common BOO surgical procedure performed (38%). Monopolar TURP was the next most prevalent modality (23%); however, minimally invasive BOO surgical procedures combined accounted for 17% of all procedures performed. Of the cohort 5% of men had complications within 30 days of surgery, only 1% had Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥III complications. Less than 1% of the cohort received a blood transfusion after BOO surgery and 2% were re-admitted to hospital after their BOO surgery. In total only 4% of the whole cohort were catheter dependent after BOO surgery. Pre- and postoperative paired International Prostate Symptom Score scores reviewed suggest that minimally invasive surgical procedures achieved comparable levels of improvement in both symptoms and bother at 3 months postoperatively in men who were not catheter dependent preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a substantial shift in the available choice of procedure for BOO surgery around the UK in recent years. However, men can be reassured that overall BOO surgery treatments are safe and effective. Evidence of adherence to guidelines in the preoperative assessment of men with lower urinary tract symptoms undergoing surgery was poorly documented and must be improved.

A Machine Learning Predictive Model for Post-Ureteroscopy Urosepsis Needing Intensive Care Unit Admission: A Case-Control YAU Endourology Study from Nine European Centres.

INTRODUCTION: With the rise in the use of ureteroscopy and laser stone lithotripsy (URSL), a proportionate increase in the risk of post-procedural urosepsis has also been observed. The aims of our paper were to analyse the predictors for severe urosepsis using a machine learning model (ML) in patients that needed intensive care unit (ICU) admission and to make comparisons with a matched cohort. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted across nine high-volume endourology European centres for all patients who underwent URSL and subsequently needed ICU admission for urosepsis (Group A). This was matched by patients with URSL without urosepsis (Group B). Statistical analysis was performed with 'R statistical software' using the 'randomforests' package. The data were segregated at random into a 70% training set and a 30% test set using the 'sample' command. A random forests ML model was then built with n = 300 trees, with the test set used for internal validation. Diagnostic accuracy statistics were generated using the 'caret' package. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were included (57 in each group) with a mean age of 60 ± 16 years and a male:female ratio of 1:1.19. The ML model correctly predicted risk of sepsis in 14/17 (82%) cases (Group A) and predicted those without urosepsis for 12/15 (80%) controls (Group B), whilst overall it also discriminated between the two groups predicting both those with and without sepsis. Our model accuracy was 81.3% (95%, CI: 63.7-92.8%), sensitivity = 0.80, specificity = 0.82 and area under the curve = 0.89. Predictive values most commonly accounting for nodal points in the trees were a large proximal stone location, long stent time, large stone size and long operative time. CONCLUSION: Urosepsis after endourological procedures remains one of the main reasons for ICU admission. Risk factors for urosepsis are reasonably accurately predicted by our innovative ML model. Focusing on these risk factors can allow one to create predictive strategies to minimise post-operative morbidity.

Acupuncture in addition to standard conservative treatment for overactive bladder; a feasibility trial for a randomized controlled study.

AIMS: This study aims to assess the feasibility of an randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test treatment efficacy of acupuncture for symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), a common long-term condition with physical, psychological, social and sexual consequences. METHODS: A total of 30 participants were recruited and randomized to either standard conservative management for OAB or standard conservative management plus acupuncture. Standard care consisted of individually tailored advice regarding bladder health, pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle adjustments. The intervention group received 6 sessions of acupuncture over an 8-week period. Outcomes measured included adherence to the study protocol, recruitment rate, participant attrition rate and adverse events. A 3-day bladder diary and Incontinence Questionnaire-short form questionnaire were used to assess symptoms. The ICEpop CAPability measure for Adults measure was used to assess well-being. Outcomes were collected at baseline, after 8 weeks of intervention and 6 weeks after completing intervention. An exit questionnaire captured participant experience data. RESULTS: Comparison of the two groups at baseline did not detect statistically significant differences in demographics and symptom profile. A total of 23 participants completed all study proceedures. Recruitment was completed in 11 months, quicker than anticipated. No serious adverse events occurred; minor adverse events were recorded in 11/114 (9.6%) treatments. A total of seven participants failed to complete one or more study proceedures with an overall attrition rate of 23.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants completed all aspects of the study and found the protocol acceptable. The interventions appear safe and well tolerated. The concept of a large-scale RCT with a similar protocol was proven and appears feasible based on this pilot work.

Managing lower urinary tract symptoms in primary care: qualitative study of GPs' and patients' experiences.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in males aged ≥40 years and have a considerable impact on quality of life. Management can be complex, and although most LUTS could be treated effectively in primary care, referrals to urology outpatients are increasing. AIM: To explore GPs' experiences of managing LUTS together with patients' experiences of and preferences for treatment in primary care. DESIGN AND SETTING: Telephone interviews were conducted with GPs and male patients presenting to primary care with bothersome LUTS. METHOD: Eleven GPs and 25 male patients were purposively sampled from 20 GP practices in three UK regions: Newcastle upon Tyne, Bristol, and South Wales. Interviews were conducted between May 2018 and January 2019, and were analysed using a framework approach. RESULTS: Difficulty establishing causes and differentiating between prostate and bladder symptoms were key challenges to the diagnosis of LUTS in primary care, often making treatment a process of trial and error. Pharmacological treatments were commonly ineffective and often caused side effects. Despite this, patients were generally satisfied with GP consultations and expressed a preference for treatment in primary care. CONCLUSION: Managing LUTS in primary care is a more accessible option for patients. Given the challenges of LUTS diagnosis, an effective diagnostic tool for use by GPs would be beneficial. Ensuring bothersome LUTS are not dismissed as a normal part of ageing is essential in improving patients' quality of life. Greater exploration of the role of non-pharmacological treatments is needed.

Conducting invasive urodynamics in primary care: qualitative interview study examining experiences of patients and healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND: Invasive urodynamics is used to investigate the causes of lower urinary tract symptoms; a procedure usually conducted in secondary care by specialist practitioners. No study has yet investigated the feasibility of carrying out this procedure in a non-specialist setting. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore, using qualitative methodology, the feasibility and acceptability of conducting invasive urodynamic testing in primary care. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted during the pilot phase of the PriMUS study, in which men experiencing bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms underwent invasive urodynamic testing along with a series of simple index tests in a primary care setting. Interviewees were 25 patients invited to take part in the PriMUS study and 18 healthcare professionals involved in study delivery. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a framework approach. RESULTS: Patients generally found the urodynamic procedure acceptable and valued the primary care setting due to its increased accessibility and familiarity. Despite some logistical issues, facilitating invasive urodynamic testing in primary care was also a positive experience for urodynamic nurses. Initial issues with general practitioners receiving and utilising the results of urodynamic testing may have limited the potential benefit to some patients. Effective approaches to study recruitment included emphasising the benefits of the urodynamic test and maintaining contact with potential participants by telephone. Patients' relationship with their general practitioner was an important influence on study participation. CONCLUSIONS: Conducting invasive urodynamics in primary care is feasible and acceptable and has the potential to benefit patients. Facilitating study procedures in a familiar primary care setting can impact positively on research recruitment. However, it is vital that there is a support network for urodynamic nurses and expertise available to help interpret urodynamic results.

British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) and Nurses (BAUN) consensus document: management of the complications of long-term indwelling catheters.

OBJECTIVE: To look at best evidence and expert opinion to provide advice in the form of a consensus statement lead by Female, Neurological and Urodynamic Urology (FNUU) section of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) in conjunction with the British Association of Urological Nurses (BAUN). METHODS: Initially a literature search was performed with incorporation of aspects of the existing guidance and further informed by UK best practice by core members of the group. The document then underwent reviews by the FNUU Executive Committee members, the BAUN executive committee, a separate experienced urologist and presented at the BAUS annual meeting 2020 to ensure wider feedback was incorporated in the document. RESULTS: Complications of long-term indwelling catheters include catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), purple urine bag syndrome, catheter blockages, bladder spasms (causing pain and urinary leakage), loss of bladder capacity, urethral erosion ("catheter hypospadias")/dilatation of bladder outlet and chronic inflammation (metaplasia and cancer risk). CONCLUSIONS: We have provided a list of recommendations and a troubleshooting table to help with the management of the complications of long term catheters.

Outcomes of a Noninferiority Randomised Controlled Trial of Surgery for Men with Urodynamic Stress Incontinence After Prostate Surgery (MASTER).

BACKGROUND: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common after radical prostatectomy and likely to persist despite conservative treatment. The sling is an emerging operation for persistent SUI, but randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparison with the established artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of surgery in men with bothersome urodynamic SUI after prostate surgery. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A noninferiority RCT was conducted among men with bothersome urodynamic SUI from 27 UK centres. Blinding was not possible due the surgeries. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to the male transobturator sling (n = 190) or the AUS (n = 190) group. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was patient-reported SUI 12 mo after randomisation, collected from postal questionnaire using a composite outcome from two items in validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form questionnaire (ICIQ-UI SF). Noninferiority margin was 15%, thought to be of acceptable lower effectiveness, in return for reduced adverse events (AEs) and easier operation, for the sling. Secondary outcomes were operative and postoperative details, patient-reported measures, and AEs, up to 12 mo after surgery. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 380 participants were included. At 12 mo after randomisation, incontinence rates were 134/154 (87.0%) for male sling versus 133/158 (84.2%) for AUS (difference 3.6% [95% confidence interval {CI} -11.6 to 4.6], pNI = 0.003), showing noninferiority. Incontinence symptoms (ICIQ-UI SF) reduced from scores of 16.1 and 16.4 at baseline to 8.7 and 7.5 for male sling and AUS, respectively (mean difference 1.4 [95% CI 0.2-2.6], p =  0.02). Serious AEs (SAEs) were few: n = 6 and n = 13 for male sling and AUS (one man had three SAEs), respectively. Quality of life scores improved, and satisfaction was high in both groups. All other secondary outcomes that show statistically significant differences favour the AUS. CONCLUSIONS: Using a strict definition, urinary incontinence rates remained high, with no evidence of difference between male sling and AUS. Symptoms and quality of life improved significantly in both groups, and men were generally satisfied with both procedures. Overall, secondary and post hoc analyses were in favour of AUS. PATIENT SUMMARY: Urinary incontinence after prostatectomy has considerable effect on men's quality of life. MASTER shows that if surgery is needed, both surgical options result in fewer symptoms and high satisfaction, despite most men not being completely dry. However, most other results indicate that men having an artificial urinary sphincter have better outcomes than those who have a sling.