Stress urinary incontinence post-holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: a single-surgeon experience

ABSTRACT Purpose To identify incidence and predictors of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective review of 589 HoLEP patients from 2012-2018. Patients were assessed at pre-operative and post-operative visits. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of SUI. Results 52/589 patients (8.8%) developed transient SUI, while 9/589 (1.5%) developed long-term SUI. tSUI resolved for 46 patients (88.5%) within the first six weeks and in 6 patients (11.5%) between 6 weeks to 3 months. Long-term SUI patients required intervention, achieving continence at 16.4 months on average, 44 men (70.9%) with incontinence were catheter dependent preoperatively. Mean prostatic volume was 148.7mL in tSUI patients, 111.6mL in long-term SUI, and 87.9mL in others (p <0.0001). On univariate analysis, laser energy used (p <0.0001), laser "on" time (p=0.0204), resected prostate weight (p <0.0001), overall International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (p=0.0005), and IPSS QOL (p=0.02) were associated with SUI. On multivariate analysis, resected prostate weight was predictive of any SUI and tSUI, with no risk factors identified for long-term SUI. Conclusion Post-HoLEP SUI occurs in ~10% of patients, with 1.5% continuing beyond six months. Most patients with tSUI recover within the first six weeks. Prostate size >100g and catheter dependency are associated with increased risk tSUI. Larger prostate volume is an independent predictor of any SUI, and tSUI.

The impact of perioperative complications on favorable outcomes after artificial urinary sphincter implantation for post-prostatectomy incontinence

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effect of perioperative complications involving artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation on rates of explantation and continence as well as health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Materials and methods Inclusion criteria encompassed non-neurogenic, moderate-to-severe stress urinary incontinence (SUI) post radical prostatectomy and primary implantation of an AUS performed by a high-volume surgeon (>100 previous implantations). Reporting complications followed the validated Clavien-Dindo scale and Martin criteria. HRQOL was assessed by the validated IQOL score, continence by the validated ICIQ-SF score. Statistical analysis included Chi (2) test, Mann-Whitney-U test, and multivariate regression models (p <0.05). Results 105 patients from 5 centers met the inclusion criteria. After a median follow-up of 38 months, explantation rates were 27.6% with a continence rate of 48.4%. In the age-adjusted multivariate analysis, perioperative urinary tract infection was confirmed as an independent predictor of postoperative explantation rates [OR 24.28, 95% CI 2.81-209.77, p=0.004). Salvage implantation (OR 0.114, 95% CI 0.02-0.67, p=0.016) and non-prostatectomy related incontinence (OR 0.104, 95% CI 0.02-0.74, p=0.023) were independent predictors for worse continence outcomes. Low visual analogue scale scores (OR 9.999, 95% CI 1,42-70.25, p=0.021) and ICIQ-SF scores, respectively (OR 0.674, 95% CI 0.51-0.88, p=0.004) were independent predictors for increased HRQOL outcomes. Perioperative complications did not significantly impact on continence and HRQOL outcomes. Conclusion Findings show postoperative infections adversely affect device survival after AUS implantation. However, if explantation can be avoided, the comparative long-term functional results and HRQOL outcomes are similar between patients with or without perioperative complications.

Macroplastique for women with stress urinary incontinence secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the subjective and objective outcomes of Macroplastique® (MPQ) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). Materials and Methods Following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, charts of non-neurogenic women with SUI secondary to ISD who underwent MPQ injection and had 6 months minimum follow-up were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Naïve (Group I), Prior Anti-Incontinence Surgery (Group II), and combined Prior Bulking Agent and Anti-Incontinence Surgery (Group III). Data collected included SUI self-report, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) Question 3, and VAS Quality of Life (QoL) Questionnaire scores at baseline and in follow-up. Three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) evaluated volume/configuration of MPQ. Success was defined after the last MPQ injection as a UDI-6 Question 3 score of 0 (dry) or 1, and no reoperation for SUI. Results From 2011-2017, 106 of 142 women met study criteria. At a median follow-up of 20 months (mean=26 months; range: 6-71), success rate was 41% for Group I, 40% for Group II, and 65% for Group III (p = 0.22). QoL scores were significantly improved over baseline in all groups. There was no significant difference in clinical outcome between the asymmetrical and symmetrical group on 3DUS. The completely dry rate was highest in Group III at 29%, compared to 4% for Group I and 15% for Group II (p = 0.05). Conclusion Macroplastique® improved subjective and objective outcome measures for SUI secondary to ISD as both a primary and secondary treatment option in women.

Implant of ATOMS® system for the treatment of postoperative male stress urinary incontinence: results of a single centre

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ATOMS® system for the treatment of postoperative male stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated all patients treated at our institution for postoperative male SUI with ATOMS® implant. We excluded patients with low bladder compliance (< 20 mL / cmH2O), uncontrolled detrusor overactivity, detrusor underactivity (BCI < 100), urethral or bladder neck stricture and low cystometric capacity (< 200 mL). Results: From October 2014 to July 2017 we treated 52 patients, mean age 73.6 years. Most of them (92.3%) had undergone radical prostatectomy, 3.85% simple open prostatectomy, 3.85% TURP; 28.8% of patients had undergone urethral surgery, 11.5% adjuvant radiotherapy; 57.7% had already undergone surgical treatment for urinary incontinence. The average24 hours pad test was 411.6 g (180 - 1100). The mean follow-up was 20.1 months (8.1 - 41.5) 30.8% of patients were dry, 59.6% improved ≥ 50%, 7.7% improved < 50% and 1.9% unchanged. In total 73.1% reached social continence. There was a significant reduction of the 24 hours pad test and ICIQ - UI SF scores (p < 0.01). In the postoperative follow-up we detected complications in 8 patients (19%): 5 cases of displacement of the scrotal port, in 2 cases catheterization difficulties, one case of epididimitis and concomitant superficial wound infection; no prosthesis infection, nor explants. Radiotherapy, previous urethral surgery,previous incontinence surgery were not statistically related to social continence rates (p 0.65;p 0.11;p 0.11). Conclusions: The ATOMS® system is an effective and safe surgical treatment of mild and moderate male postoperative SUI with durable results in the short term.

Transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter in radiated and non - radiated compromised urethra. Assessment with a minimum 2 year follow-up

ABSTRACT Purpose to assess the efficacy of transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation on continence for male stress urinary incontinence in cases of prior surgical treatment or/and radiation failure, and as a first option in radiation patients. Materials and Methods From March 2007 to August 2012, 37 male patients were treated with transcorporal AUS AMS™ 800. Twelve patients had primary placement of transcorporal cuff, a surgical option due to a previous history of radiation and 25 patients had secondary procedure after failure of AUS or urinary incontinence surgery. Functional urinary outcomes were assessed by daily pad use, 24-hour Pad-test and ICIQ-SF questionnaire. Quality of life and satisfaction were assessed based on I-QoL and PGI-I questionnaires. Results After a median of 32 months, the continence rate (0 to 1 pad) was 69.7%. Median pad test was 17.5g (0-159), mean ICIQ-SF score was 7.3/21 (±5.4) and mean I-QoL score was 93.9/110. A total of 88% of the patients reported satisfaction with the AUS. The 5-year actuarial revision-free for AUS total device was 51%. Patients for primary implant for radiation were not more likely to experience revision than non-radiation patients. Preservation of erections was reported in half of the potent patients. Conclusions Transcorporal AUS cuff placement is a useful alternative procedure option for severe male UI treatment, especially in patients with a compromised urethra after prior surgery or radiation. A high continence rate was reported and implantation as first option in radiation patients should be considered.

A transobturator adjustable system for male incontinence: 30-month follow-up of a multicenter study

Purpose To report long-term results of the Argus T adjustable system for treatment of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI). Materials and Methods From October 2007 to August 2008, 37 patients with PPI were included in a prospective, single-arm, multicenter trial of treatment with the Argus T adjustable system (Promedon, Argentina). Preoperative evaluation included urine culture, urethrocystoscopy, urodynamic testing, 24-h pad weight test (PWT) and quality of life questionnaires. Patients were stratified according to baseline degree of incontinence (mild–moderate or severe). Postoperative evaluation included immediate PWT, quality of life questionnaires and daily use of pads at 1, 12 and 30 months. Results and Conclusions One patient was lost to follow-up. At the 30-month follow-up, 24/31 patients (77%) were dry, 3/31 (10%) improved and 4/31 (13%) were failures. In particular, in the mild-moderate group, 8/8 (100%) patients were dry. In the severe group, 20/28 patients (71%) were dry, 3/28 (11%) improved and 5/28 (18%) were failures. Median visual analogue scale (VAS) scores dropped from 9 (4-10) to 0.5 (0-10) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form scores from (ICIQ-SF) 19 (12–21) to 1 (0–10). Retrograde leak point pressure increased from 18 (5–29) to 35 (22–45) cm H2O after intraoperative adjustment. Complications included immediate postoperative infection in 2/36 patients (6%) and transient inguinal and/or perineal pain in 22/36 patients (61%). Argus T has a long-term high success rate (86% cure + improvement at the 30-month follow-up). Good outcomes were achieved even in severe incontinence cases and maintained for over 30 months. .

Long-term results of permanent memotherm urethral stent in the treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral strictures

Purpose: To evaluate the long term outcomes of permanent Memotherm urethral stent in the treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral stricture. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients who underwent permanent Memotherm urethral stent implantation due to recurrent bulbar urethral stricture following previous unsuccessful surgical procedure from 1996 to 2002 were included in the study. Long-term outcomes of the patients were evaluated. Results: The overall success rate was 87.5% at the end of the tenth year. There was discomfort in implantation area in eight patients about 1 month following the procedure. These patients were treated with alpha-blocker and anti-inflammatory drugs. Stone formation was observed at the urethral stent implantation area in two patients. Post-void dripping has been observed in 15 patients up to the postoperative 3rd month. Stress urinary incontinence was observed in a patient with a 1-year follow-up. Partial stent migration was observed in two patients. None of the patients experienced pain during erection. Conclusion: Memotherm urethral stent is a minimal invasive surgical procedure which can be safely and effectively used in patients with recurrent urethral stricture. .

Lack of association between the ICIQ-SF questionnaire and the urodynamic diagnosis in men with post radical prostatectomy incontinence / Falta de associação entre o questionário ICIQ-SF e o diagnóstico nos homens portadores de incontinência urinária pós-prostatectomia radical

PURPOSE: To analyze the correlation between the "International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form" (ICIQ-UISF) survey and the urodynamic findings in men with urinary incontinence (UI) following radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: 88 men who presented post-RP UI for a minimum of 1 year were enrolled prospectively. All answered the ICIQ-UISF survey and underwent urodynamic testing. Patients were divided in 3 Groups according to their urodynamic diagnosis: Group 1, patients with sphincteric incontinence (SI) alone; Group 2, patients with mixed UI (SI + Bladder Dysfunction (BD)); and Group 3, patients with BD alone. Data were analyzed using SPSS v16.0 software. RESULTS: There were 51 men in Group 1 (57.9%); 30 in Group 2 (34%); and 7 (7.9%) in Group 3. BD was found in 37/88 patients (42%), but it was the main cause of UI in only 14 patients (15.9%). There was no statistically significant difference among the mean ICIQ-UISFs values from groups 1, 2, or 3 (p>0.05). The symptoms of stress incontinence correlated with the urodynamic finding of SI (r = 0.59), and complaints of urinary urgency correlated with the presence of detrusor overactivity (DO) (r = 0.37), but these complaints did not predict the main cause of UI. CONCLUSION: The etiology of UI following RP cannot be predicted by the ICIQ-UISF survey. Symptoms of stress and urge incontinence predict the findings of SI and DO on urodynamic tests, but they cannot ascertain the main cause of UI. Urodynamic testing remains the gold standard to assess the etiology of post-RP UI.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a relação entre as queixas clínicas mensuradas pelo "International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form" (ICIQ-UISF) e os achados urodinâmicos em homens com incontinência urinária (IU) após a prostatectomia radical (PR). MÉTODOS: 88 homens que apresentavam IU por um período mínimo de 1 ano após a PR foram incluídos prospectivamente. Todos responderam o questinário "ICIQ-UISF" e foram submetidos a avaliação urodinâmica. Os pacientes foram categorizados em 3 grupos de acordo com o diagnóstico urodinâmico: Grupo 1, pacientes com incontinência esfincteriana isolada (IE); Grupo 2, pacientes com IU mista (IE + disfunção vesical (DV)); e Grupo 3, pacientes com DV isolada. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o software SPSS v16.0. RESULTADOS: Dos 88 pacientes avaliados, após a avaliação urodinâmica, 51 homens (57,9%) apresentaram IE isolada (Grupo 1); 30 homens (34%) apresentaram IE associada a DV (Grupo 2) e 7 homens (7,9%) tinham somente DV (Grupo 3). A DV foi encontrada em 37/88 pacientes (42%), mas foi a principal causa de IU em apenas 14 pacientes (15,9%). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os valores das médias do "ICIQ-UISFs" entre os grupos 1, 2 ou 3 (p> 0,05). Os sintomas de incontinência de esforço se correlacionaram com o diagnóstico urodinâmico de IE (r = 0,59), e as queixas de urgência miccional se correlacionaram com a presença de hiperactividade do detrusor na avaliação urodinâmica (r = 0,37), entretanto apesar da correlação encontrada, os sintomas não foram capazes de identificar a principal causa da UI . CONCLUSÃO: A etiologia da UI após a PR não pode ser previsto pelo escore de sintomas obtidos através do "ICIQ-UISF". Os sintomas de perda urinária as manobras de estresse e de urgência miccional estão relacionados a presença de IE e hiperatividade detrusora na avaliação urodinâmica, entretanto estes sintomas não conseguem identificar com segurança qual é o principal fator da IU após a PR.O teste urodinâmico continua sendo o padrão ouro para avaliar a etiologia da IU após a PR.

Obesity and smoking: Are they modulators of cough intravesical peak pressure in stress urinary incontinence?

PURPOSE: SUI (Stress Urinary Incontinence) results from sudden increases in intravesical peak pressures exceeding urethral resistance leading to involuntary urine loss. Obesity and smoking are well established reversible risk factors for SUI and may alter intravesical peak pressures. BMI, smoking status, and other clinical factors were studied to determine their relationship to CIPP (maximal Intravesical Peak Pressures generated by Cough) in SUI complaining women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred nineteen women complaining of SUI were evaluated with medical history and urodynamics. Age, parity, comorbidities, previous surgery, BMI and history of smoking were obtained. The maximal intravesical peak pressures generated by cough (CIPP) and cough leak point pressure (CLPP) were acquired. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Current smokers and former smokers had similar CIPP (170cmH2O and 170cmH2O; p = 0.5, respectively); Those individuals who had never smoked had significantly lower CIPP (140cmH2O; p = 0.000 and p = 0.009 respectively). BMI was directly related to CIPP (r = 0.41; p = 0.000). Vaginal deliveries (r = -0.15, p = 0.08) and diabetes (r = 0.15, p = 0.016) were also directly related to CIPP on univariate analysis. Only smoking status (p = 0.000) and BMI (p = 0.000) were independently significantly related to CIPP on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and smoking showed increased CIPP (maximal Intravesical Peak Pressures generated by Cough). While reduced BMI is related to lower CIPP, smoking cessation does not appear to diminish CIPP. These findings suggest that weight loss may reduce incontinence by CIPP modulation. However, the benefits of smoking cessation without additional lifestyle modification, may have no benefit to improve urinary incontinence.

Transobturator male sling TOMS™ for the treatment of stress post-prostatectomy incontinence, initial experience and results with one year's experience

Purpose: Post-prostatectomy incontinence remains a problem, even in minor or moderate degrees. In order to minimize surgical morbidity and costs, sling procedures have been proposed. The authors have developed a new transobturator male sling procedure and report their results after one-year experience. Materials and methods: A prospective multicenter study was conducted in 50 patients with minor or moderate post-prostatectomy incontinence. Evaluation of TOMS™ two arms bulbar sling was based on clinical form assessment, The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) and short-form (SF) 36 questionnaire pre and postoperatively and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Results: The surgical procedure was considered easy to perform and no post-surgery complication was reported except for one retention. The median number of pads per day decreased significantly from 2 pads before surgery (95 percent CI: 2 - 3) to 1 during the follow-up period (95 percent CI: 0 - 2 at 360 days), and at 3 months patients using none or one pad per day were 30 percent and 32 percent respectively. The SF 36 continence and quality of life score improved from a median of 100 (95 percent CI: 83 - 133) to 300 (95 percent CI: 167 - 375), and the median ICIQ incontinence and quality of life score decreased from 15 (95 percent CI: 14 - 16) to 8 (95 percent CI: 5 - 12) one year after surgery. Conclusion: The transobturator perineal male sling TOMS™ is an attractive simple sling technique for moderate or minor post-prostatectomy stress incontinence and offers an improvement in the quality of life.

Longitudinal urethral sling with prepubic and retropubic fixation for male urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE: Description and early results of a new urethral sling technique for treatment of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence, which combines efficacy, low cost and technical simplicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2003 to April 2004, 30 patients with moderate or total urinary incontinence, following radical prostatectomy or endoscopic resection of the prostate, underwent the new technique. The technique is based on the placement of a longitudinal-shaped sling in the bulbar urethra, measuring 4 cm in length by 1.8 cm in width, made of Dacron or polypropylene mesh, fixed by 4 sutures on each side, with 2 sutures passed with Stamey-Pereira needle by retropubic approach and 2 by prepubic approach, which are then tied over the pubis. Pressure control was determined by interrupting the loss of infused water through a suprapubic cystostomy 60 cm from the pubis level. RESULTS: Pre-operative assessment excluded vesical instability, urethral stenosis and urinary infection. Suprapubic cystostomy was removed when the patient was able to satisfactorily void with urinary residue lower than 100 mL, which occurred in 29 of the 30 cases. In 2 cases, there was infection of the prosthesis, requiring its removal. In 3 cases, there was the need to adjust the sling (increasing the tension), due to failure of the urinary continence. Overall, 20 of 30 (66.7 percent) operated patients became totally continent, and did not require any kind of pads. Four of 30 (13.3 percent) patients achieved partial improvement, requiring 1 to 2 pads daily and 6 of 30 (20 percent) patients had minimal or no improvement. There was no case of urethral erosion. CONCLUSION: This new sling technique has shown highly encouraging preliminary results. Its major advantage over other surgical techniques for treatment of moderate or severe stress urinary incontinence is the simplicity for its execution and low cost. A long-term assessment, addressing maintenance of continence, detrusor function and preservation of the upper urinary tract, is still needed.