Urinalysis is predictive for absence of urinary tract infection in men with and without catheters.

OBJECTIVES: To determine accuracy of negative urinalysis (UA) for predicting negative urine culture and the absence of urinary tract infection (UTI), and optimal urine culture growth cutoff for UTI diagnosis in men with and without urinary catheters. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: UAs with urine cultures within 1 week from adult men were identified and evaluated. Predictive values for the absence of UTI (absence of ≥1 of the following criteria: documentation of UTI diagnosis, antibiotic prescription, uropathogen presence on culture) were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 22 883 UAs were included. Negative UA had a high predictive value for negative urine culture (0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94-0.95) and absence of UTI (0.99, CI: 0.99-0.995) in the overall cohort. Negative UA also had a high predictive value for negative urine culture (0.93, CI: 0.90-0.95) and absence of UTI (0.99, CI: 0.98-0.999) in those with indwelling urinary catheters. The traditional threshold of culture growth of 100 000 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL did not capture 22% of UTIs. CONCLUSION: UA exhibits high predictive value for negative urine culture and absence of UTI in men, supporting a protocol wherein culture is only performed in the context of abnormal UA. The traditional 100 000 CFU/mL cut-off may have not captured a subset of UTI in the male population, and warrants further investigation.

Sacral neuromodulation device biofilm differs in the absence and presence of infection, harbors antibiotic resistance genes, and is reproducible in vitro.

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is effective therapy for overactive bladder refractory to oral therapies, and non-obstructive urinary retention. A subset of SNM devices is associated with infection requiring surgical removal. We sought to compare microbial compositions of explanted devices in the presence and absence of infection, by testing phase, and other clinical factors, and to investigate antibiotic resistance genes present in the biofilms. We analyzed resistance genes to antibiotics used in commercially-available anti-infective device coating/pouch formulations. We further sought to assess biofilm reconstitution by material type and microbial strain in vitro using a continuous-flow stir tank bioreactor, which mimics human tissue with an indwelling device. We hypothesized that SNM device biofilms would differ in composition by infection status, and genes encoding resistance to rifampin and minocycline would be frequently detected. MATERIALS/METHODS: Patients scheduled to undergo removal or revision of SNM devices were consented per IRB-approved protocol (IRB 20-415). Devices were swabbed intraoperatively upon exposure, with controls and precautions to reduce contamination of the surrounding field. Samples and controls were analyzed with next-generation sequencing and RT-PCR, metabolomics, and culture-based approaches. Associations between microbial diversity or microbial abundance, and clinical variables were then analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA. Reconstituted biofilm deposition in vitro using the bioreactor was compared by microbial strain and material type using plate-based assays and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Thirty seven devices were analyzed, all of which harbored detectable microbiota. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota were the most common phyla present overall. Beta-diversity differed in the presence versus absence of infection (p = 0.014). Total abundance, based on normalized microbial counts, differed by testing phase (p < 0.001), indication for placement (p = 0.02), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), cardiac disease (p = 0.008) and history of UTI (p = 0.008). Significant microbe-metabolite interaction networks were identified overall and in the absence of infection. 24% of biofilms harbored the tetA tetracycline/minocycline resistance gene and 53% harbored the rpoB rifampin resistance gene. Biofilm was reconstituted across tested strains and material types. Ceramic and titanium did not differ in biofilm deposition for any tested strain. CONCLUSIONS: All analyzed SNM devices harbored microbiota. Device biofilm composition differed in the presence and absence of infection and by testing phase. Antibiotic resistance genes including to rifampin and tetracycline/minocycline, which are used in commercially-available anti-infective pouches, were frequently detected. Isolated organisms from SNM devices demonstrated the ability to reconstitute biofilm formation in vitro. Biofilm deposition was similar between ceramic and titanium, materials used in commercially-available SNM device casings. The findings and techniques used in this study together provide the basis for the investigation of the next generation of device materials and coatings, which may employ novel alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Such alternatives might include bacterial competition, quorum-sensing modulation, or antiseptic application, which could reduce infection risk without significantly selecting for antibiotic resistance.

Does the setting for intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection for management of overactive bladder matter?

Introduction: Intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections, to treat idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB), can be performed in the office setting under local analgesia alone or in the operating room (OR) under local and/or sedation. The objective of this study was to compare the symptomatic improvement in patients with OAB who underwent treatment with intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections in an in-office versus the OR setting. Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of women with the diagnosis of refractory non-neurogenic OAB who elected to undergo treatment with intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections between January 2015 and December 2020. The electronic medical records were queried for all the demographic and peri-procedural data, including the report of subjective improvement post procedure. Patients were categorized as either "in-office" versus "OR" based on the setting in which they underwent their procedure. Results: Five hundred and thirty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria: 297 (55%) in the in-office group and 242 (45%) in the OR group. A total of 30 (5.6%) patients reported retention after their procedure and it was more common in the in-office group (8.1%) versus the OR group (2.5%), (P = 0.003). The rate of urinary tract infection within 6 months of the procedure was higher in the OR group (26.0% vs. 16.8%, P = 0.009). The overall subjective improvement rate was 77% (95% confidence interval: 73%-80%). Patients in the OR group had a higher reported improvement as compared to the in-office group (81.4% vs. 73.3%, P = 0.03). Conclusions: In this cohort study of patients with OAB undergoing intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections, post procedural subjective improvement was high regardless of the setting in which the procedure was performed.

Updates to Surgical Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): AUA/SUFU Guideline (2023).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide a clinical structure with which to approach the diagnosis, counseling, and treatment of female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIALS/METHODS: The primary source of evidence for the 2017 version of the SUI guideline was the systematic literature review conducted by the ECRI Institute. The initial search spanned literature from January 2005 to December 2015, with an additional updated abstract search through September 2016. The current amendment represents the first update to the 2017 iteration and includes updated literature published through February 2022. RESULTS: This guideline has been amended to reflect changes in and additions to the literature since 2017. The Panel maintained that the differentiation between index and non-index patients remained important. The index patient is a healthy female with minimal or no prolapse who desires surgical therapy for treatment of pure SUI or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence. Non-index patients have factors that may affect their treatment options and outcomes, such as high grade prolapse (grade 3 or 4), urgency-predominant mixed incontinence, neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, incomplete bladder emptying, dysfunctional voiding, SUI following anti-incontinence treatment, mesh complications, high body mass index, or advanced age. CONCLUSION: While gains have been made in the field to support new methods for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with SUI, the field continues to expand. As such, future reviews of this guideline will take place to stay in keeping with the highest levels of patient care.

Cognitive impairment does not impact sacral neuromodulation implant rates for overactive bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of cognitive impairment (CI) diagnoses on sacral neuromodulation (SNM) outcomes in older patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We completed a retrospective review of all patients aged ≥55 years who underwent test-phase SNM (peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) or stage 1) for overactive bladder (OAB) between 2014 and 2021 within a large multi-regional health system. Patient demographics, relevant comorbidities, CI diagnoses (dementia or mild CI), and SNM procedures were recorded. Logistic regression modeling was performed to evaluate the impact of CI on SNM implantation rates. RESULTS: Five-hundred and ten patients underwent SNM test phase (161 PNE, 349 Stage 1) during the study period. The mean age was 71.0(8.5) years, and most (80.6%) were female. Overall, 52(10.1%) patients had a CI diagnosis at the time of SNM, and 30 (5.8%) were diagnosed at a median of 18.5 [9.25, 39.5] months after SNM. Patients with CI diagnoses were older, with more comorbidities, and were more likely to undergo PNE. Univariable comparison found no difference in implantation rate based on pre-SNM CI (85.4% vs. 76.9%, p = 0.16). Multivariable analysis identified PNE (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26-0.71), age (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.93-0.98), and prior beta-3 agonist use (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37-0.99) but not CI or dementia as independent negative predictors of implantation. Implanted patients had a median follow-up of 25 [12.0, 55.0] months. Explant and revision rates did not differ according to CI. CONCLUSION: Patients with OAB and CI diagnoses proceed to SNM implant at rates similar to patients without CI diagnoses. A diagnosis of CI should not necessarily exclude patients from SNM therapy for refractory OAB.

Effect of pulse width variations on sacral neuromodulation for overactive bladder symptoms: A prospective randomized crossover feasibility study.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The pulse width (PW) parameter in sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is understudied, with no evidence-based guidance available on optimal PW for urinary indications. The aim of this prospective, randomized, single-blinded, 3 × 3 cross over design study was to estimate the effect of two PW settings (60 µs, 420 µs) compared to the industry standard (210 µs) on SNM efficacy, quality of life, and device parameters in patients who were stable and satisfied with their SNM treatment. METHODS/MATERIALS: Eligible patients were previously implanted and had urge incontinence or urgency-frequency with satisfaction on SNM at time of enrollment. Patients completed a 3-day voiding diary, validated questionnaires, and device interrogations with sensory threshold assessment at baseline and after a 4-week period on each of the three PW settings, to which they were randomized. Eighteen participants completed the study, as called for by power analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 68 years and implant duration at the time of participation was 4.4 years. While PW variations did not produce significant differences in overall objective outcomes, device parameters, including sensory threshold amplitude and battery life differed significantly. Shortened PW necessitated higher amplitude while conserving battery life. Stimulus sensation location, quality, and intensity did not differ between PW. Standard PW was chosen by 11 patients after the study, 5 chose extended, and 2 chose shortened. Those who chose alternative PW achieved significant reductions in urinary frequency from enrollment -2.23 voids/day (p = 0.015). Upon sub-analysis, patients reporting "much better" or "very much better" on extended PW achieved significant reductions in urinary frequency and nocturia at 5.6 and 0.4, compared to 8.5 and 2.16 at baseline (p = 0.005, p = <0.001). Whereas those reporting "much better" or "very much better" on shortened PW achieved significant reductions in urinary frequency at 5.15 compared to 7.35 (p = 0.026). There were no adverse events or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Overall SNM effectiveness was unchanged with alternative PW; however, 39% of patients preferred alternative to standard PW and achieved significant improvements in urinary symptoms with such. Shorter PW can also provide savings in estimated battery life without sacrificing therapeutic efficacy.

Neural networks outperform expert humans in predicting patient impressions of symptomatic improvement following overactive bladder treatment.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to accurately predict patient-centered subjective outcomes following the overactive bladder (OAB) treatments OnabotulinumtoxinA (OBTX-A) injection and sacral neuromodulation (SNM) using a neural network-based machine-learning approach. In the context of treatments designed to improve quality of life, a patient's perception of improvement should be the gold standard outcome measure. METHODS: Cutting-edge neural network-based algorithms using reproducing kernel techniques were trained to predict patient-reported improvements in urinary leakage and bladder function as assessed by Patient Global Impression of Improvement score using the ROSETTA trial datasets. Blinded expert urologists provided with the same variables also predicted outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves and areas under the curve were generated for algorithm and human expert predictions in an out-of-sample holdout dataset. RESULTS: Algorithms demonstrated excellent accuracy in predicting patient subjective improvement in urinary leakage (OBTX-A: AUC 0.75; SNM: 0.80). Similarly, algorithms accurately predicted patient subjective improvement in bladder function (OBTX-A: AUC 0.86; SNM: 0.96). The top-performing algorithms outcompeted human experts across outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Novel neural network-based machine-learning algorithms accurately predicted OBTX-A and SNM patient subjective outcomes, and generally outcompeted expert humans. Subtle aspects of the physician-patient interaction remain uncomputable, and thus the machine-learning approach may serve as an aid, rather than as an alternative, to human interaction and clinical judgment.

Third-line therapy for overactive bladder in the elderly: Nuances and considerations.

INTRODUCTION: Overactive bladder (OAB) disproportionally affects older adults in both incidence and severity. OAB pharmacotherapy is often problematic in the elderly due to polypharmacy, adverse side effect profiles and contraindications in the setting of multiple comorbidities, and concerns regarding the risk of incident dementia with anticholinergic use. The burden of OAB in older patients coupled with concerns surrounding pharmacotherapy options should motivate optimization of nonpharmacologic therapies in this population. At the same time, several aspects of aging may impact treatment efficacy and decision-making. This narrative review critically summarizes current evidence regarding third-line OAB therapy use in the elderly and discusses nuances and treatment considerations specific to the population. METHODS: We performed an extensive, nonsystematic evidence assessment of available literature via PubMed on onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A), sacral neuromodulation, and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for OAB, with a focus on study in elderly and frail populations. RESULTS: While limited, available studies show all three third-line therapies are efficacious in older populations and there is no data to support one option over another. BTX-A likely has a higher risk of urinary tract infection and retention in older compared to younger populations, especially in the frail elderly. PTNS incurs the lowest risk, although adherence is poor, largely due to logistical burdens. CONCLUSION: Advanced age and frailty should not preclude third-line therapy for refractory OAB, as available data support their efficacy and safety in these populations. Ultimately, treatment choices should be individualized and involve shared decision-making.

Machine learning provides an accurate prognostication model for refractory overactive bladder treatment response and is noninferior to human experts.

OBJECTIVE: The increasing wealth of clinical data may become unmanageable for a physician to assimilate into optimal decision-making without assistance. Utilizing a novel machine learning (ML) approach, we sought to develop algorithms to predict patient outcomes following the overactive bladder treatments OnabotulinumtoxinA (OBTX-A) injection and sacral neuromodulation (SNM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: ROSETTA datasets for overactive bladder patients randomized to OBTX-A or SNM were obtained. Novel ML algorithms, using reproducing kernel techniques were developed and tasked to predict outcomes including treatment response and decrease in urge urinary incontinence episodes in both the OBTX-A and SNM cohorts, in validation and test sets. Blinded expert urologists also predicted outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated and AUCs calculated for comparison to lines of ignorance and the expert urologists' predictions. RESULTS: Trained algorithms demonstrated outstanding accuracy in predicting treatment response (OBTX-A: AUC 0.95; SNM: 0.88). Algorithms accurately predicted mean decrease in urge urinary incontinence episodes (MSE < 0.15) in OBTX-A and SNM. Algorithms were superior to human experts in response prediction for OBTX-A, and noninferior to human experts in response prediction for SNM. CONCLUSIONS: Novel ML algorithms were accurate, superior to expert urologists in predicting OBTX-A outcomes, and noninferior to expert urologists in predicting SNM outcomes. Some aspects of the physician-patient interaction are subtle and uncomputable, and thus ML may complement, but not supplant, a physician's judgment.

The role of pulse width manipulation compared to program changes alone for unsatisfactory sacral neuromodulation therapy: A retrospective matched-cohort analysis.

AIM: Pulse width (PW) influences neuromodulation by its impact on nerve fiber recruitment. A paucity of data regarding the manipulation of PW in sacral neuromodulation (SNM) exists. This study describes the clinical features and outcomes of PW manipulation for unsatisfactory SNM therapy. METHODS: A retrospective, single-institution review was performed of reprogrammed SNM patients between 2010 and 2019. Two cohorts were created: those with PW changes ± program changes and age-matched controls with program changes alone. Patients lacking follow-up and non-InterStim II models were excluded. RESULTS: Out of 710 SNM interrogations, 147 (20.7%) had PW changes and 80 met inclusion criteria. Most PW changes were shortened (61/80, 76.3%). Clinical features did not differ between cohorts except by indication for reprogramming. The most common indication for PW change was painful stimulation (34/80, 43%), whereas in controls it was suboptimal efficacy (76/80, 95%). Clinical success was stratified by indication. There was a higher improvement in efficacy in the PW cohort (61%, 17/28 vs. 36%, 27/76, p = .02). PW manipulation successfully relieved painful stimulation in 50% (17/34 vs. 0/3, p = .23), which was more likely with a shortened compared to extended PW (14/15, 93.3% vs. 0/6, 0%, p < .01). PW resulted in improvement in localization of the stimulus in 94% (17/18 vs. 0/1, p = .10). The subsequent lead revision or explant was significantly higher in the PW cohort (43% vs. 25%, p = .03). CONCLUSION: PW manipulation may aid the salvage of unsatisfactory SNM therapy. These findings represent an initial assessment of the role of PW in SNM, particularly regarding the efficacy and painful stimuli. The further prospective investigation is warranted.

Surgical management of vaginal prolapse: current surgical concepts.

INTRODUCTION Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition defined by a loss of structural integrity within the vagina and often results in symptoms which greatly interfere with quality of life in women. POP is expected to increase in prevalence over the coming years, and the number of patients undergoing surgery for POP is expected to increase by up to 13%. Two categories of surgery for POP include obliterative and reconstructive surgery. Patient health status, goals, and desired outcomes must be carefully considered when selecting a surgical approach, as obliterative surgeries result in an inability to have sexual intercourse postoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review article covers the role of traditional native tissue repairs, surgical options and techniques for vaginal and abdominal reconstruction for POP and the associated complications, and considerations for prevention and management of post-cystectomy vaginal prolapse. RESULTS: Studies comparing native and augmented anterior repairs demonstrate better anatomic outcomes in patients with mesh at the cost of more surgical complications, while different procedures for posterior repair result in similar improvements in symptoms and quality of life. In the management of apical prolapse, vaginal obliterative repair, namely colpocleisis, results in very low risk of recurrence at the cost of the impossibility of having sexual intercourse postoperatively. Reconstructive procedures preserve vaginal length along with the ability to have intercourse, but show higher failure rates over time. They can be divided into vaginal approaches which include sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) and uterosacral vaginal vault suspension (USVS), and the abdominal approach which primarily includes abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC). There is evidence that ASC confers a distinct advantage over vaginal approaches with respect to symptom recurrence, sexual function, and quality of life. Patients who have had radical cystectomy for bladder cancer are at an increased risk of POP, and may benefit from preventative measures and prophylactic repair during surgery. Importantly, the success rates of POP surgery vary depending on whether anatomic or clinical definitions of success are used, with success rates improving when metrics such as the presence of symptoms are incorporated. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical management of POP should greatly take into account the postoperative goals of every patient, as different approaches result in different sexual and quality of life outcomes. It is important to consider clinical metrics in the evaluation of success for POP surgery as opposed to using exclusively anatomic criteria. Preoperative counseling is critical in managing expectations and increasing patient satisfaction postoperatively.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Overactive Bladder (Non-Neurogenic) in Adults: AUA/SUFU Guideline Amendment 2019.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide a clinical framework for the diagnosis and treatment of non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB). MATERIALS & METHODS: The primary source of evidence for the original version of this guideline was the systematic review and data extraction conducted as part of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Evidence Report/Technology Assessment Number 187 titled Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Women (2009). That report was supplemented with additional searches capturing literature published through December 2011. Following initial publication, this guideline underwent amendment in 2014 and 2018. The current document reflects relevant literature published through October 2018. RESULTS: When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence for a particular treatment was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low). Such statements are provided as Standards, Recommendations, or Options. In instances of insufficient evidence, additional guidance information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence-based statements are provided for diagnosis and overall management of OAB, as well as for the various treatments. Diagnosis and treatment methodologies can be expected to change as the evidence base grows and as new treatment strategies become obtainable.

Sacral neuromodulation versus onabotulinumtoxinA for refractory urgency urinary incontinence: impact on fecal incontinence symptoms and sexual function.

BACKGROUND: Women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence can be treated with onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation. Little data exists on the comparative effects of treatment of refractory urgency urinary incontinence on other pelvic floor complaints, such as bowel and sexual function. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the impact of these treatments on fecal incontinence and sexual symptoms. METHODS: This was a planned supplemental analysis of a randomized trial in women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence treated with onabotulinumtoxinA (n = 190) or sacral neuromodulation (n = 174). Fecal incontinence and sexual symptoms were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months. Fecal incontinence symptoms were measured using the St Mark's (Vaizey) Fecal Incontinence severity scale. Sexual symptoms were measured using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, IUGA-Revised (PISQ-IR). The PISQ-IR allows measurement of sexual symptoms in both sexually active and non-sexually active adults. Primary outcomes were change in Vaizey and PISQ-12 scores between baseline and 6 months. Secondary outcomes were change in PISQ-IR total and subscores between baseline and 6 months and change in Vaizey, PISQ-12, and PISQ-IR scores between baseline and 12 and 24 months. Intent-to-treat analysis was performed using repeated measures mixed model to estimate change in all parameters from baseline while adjusting for the baseline score. A subgroup analysis of women with clinically significant bowel symptoms was conducted based on baseline Vaizey score of ≥12. RESULTS: At baseline, mean Vaizey scores were indicative of mild fecal incontinence symptoms and were not different between onabotulinumtoxinA and sacral neuromodulation groups (7.6 ± 5.3 vs 6.6 ± 4.9, P = .07). The proportion of sexually active women (56% vs 63%, P = .25), mean PISQ-12 score (33.4 ± 7.5 vs 32.7 ± 6.7, P = .55), or PISQ-IR subscores were also not different between the onabotulinumtoxinA and sacral neuromodulation groups at baseline. There was no difference between women treated with onabotulinumtoxinA and those treated with sacral neuromodulation at 6 months in terms of improvement in fecal incontinence symptom score (Vaizey: -1.9, 95% confidence interval -2.6 to -1.2 vs -0.9, 95% confidence interval -1.7 to -0.2, P = .07) or sexual symptoms score (PISQ-12: 2.2, 95% confidence interval 0.7 to 3.7 vs 2.2, 95% confidence interval 0.7 to 3.7, P = .99). There was no difference in improvement between groups in the sexual symptom subscores in sexually active and non-sexually active women at 6 months. Similar findings were noted at 12 and 24 months. In a subgroup (onabotulinumtoxinA = 33 and sacral neuromodulation = 22) with clinically significant fecal incontinence at baseline (Vaizey score ≥12), there was a clinically meaningful improvement in symptoms in both groups from baseline to 6 months, with no difference in improvement between the onabotulinumtoxinA and sacral neuromodulation groups (-5.1, 95% confidence interval -7.3 to -2.8 vs -5.6, 95% confidence interval -8.5 to -2.6, P = .8). CONCLUSION: There were no differences in improvement of fecal incontinence and sexual symptoms in women with urgency urinary incontinence treated with onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation. Women with significant fecal incontinence symptoms at baseline had clinically important improvement in symptoms, with no difference between the treatments. Our findings can help clinicians counseling women considering treatment for refractory urgency urinary incontinence.

Motor Response Matters: Optimizing Lead Placement Improves Sacral Neuromodulation Outcomes.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine the usefulness of motor responses during sacral neuromodulation lead placement by testing the hypothesis that a greater number of motor responses during intraoperative electrode testing would be associated with more durable therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all sacral neuromodulation lead placements at a large academic center from 2010 to 2015. Included in study were all unilateral sacral lead placements for which the presence or absence of a motor response was documented discretely for each electrode. Motor responses were quantified into separate subscores, including bellows and toe response subscores (each range 0 to 4) for a possible maximum total score of 8 when combined. Revision surgery was the primary outcome. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for factors associated with lead revision. RESULTS: A total of 176 lead placements qualified for analysis. Mean ± SD cohort age was 58.4 ± 15.9 years, 86.4% of the patients were female and 93.2% had undergone implantation for overactive bladder. Median followup was 10.5 months (range 2 to 36). Overall 34 patients (19%) required lead revision. Revision was negatively associated with the total electrode response score (p = 0.027) and the toe subscore (p = 0.033) but not with the bellows subscore (p = 0.183). Predictors of revision on logistic regression included age less than 59 years at implantation (OR 5.5, 95% CI 2-14) and a total electrode response score less than 4 (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.4-12.8). CONCLUSIONS: Fewer total electrode responses and specifically fewer toe responses were associated with sacral neuromodulation lead revision. These data suggest that placing a lead with more toe responses during testing may result in more durable sacral neuromodulation therapy.

The history of the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine, and Urogenital Reconstruction.

AIMS: To review the history of the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU). METHODS: We reviewed Society meeting minutes, contacted all living former Society presidents, searched the William P. Didusch Center for Urology History records, and asked Society members to share their important Society experiences in order to gather important historical information about the Society. RESULTS: The Society initially formed as the Urodynamics Society in 1969 in the backdrop of a growing passion for scientific research in the country after World War II ended. Since then, Society meetings have provided a pivotal forum for the advancement of science in lower urinary tract dysfunction. Meetings occurred annually until 2004, when the meeting schedule increased to biannual. The journal, Neurourology and Urodynamics, became the official journal of the Society in 2005. SUFU has authored important guidelines on urodynamics (2012), non-neurogenic overactive bladder (2012), and stress urinary incontinence (2017) and has shared important collaborations with other societies, including the American Urological Association (AUA), the International Continence Society (ICS), and the International Society of Pelvic Neuromodulation (ISPiN). SUFU has also been instrumental in trainee education and helped to establish formal fellowship training in the field in addition to holding a yearly educational meeting for urology residents. The Society has been led by 21 presidents throughout its history. CONCLUSION: Throughout the Society's near half-century long existence, the Society has fostered research, published guidelines, and educated trainees in order to improve the care of individuals suffering from lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Real-Time Changes in Brain Activity during Sacral Neuromodulation for Overactive Bladder.

PURPOSE: We performed functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify changes in brain activity during sacral neuromodulation in women with overactive bladder who were responsive to therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women recruited into the study had nonneurogenic refractory overactive bladder, responded to sacral neuromodulation and had had a stable program for at least 3 months with no subsequent overactive bladder treatment. Enrolled patients completed validated symptom and quality of life instruments before functional magnetic resonance imaging. Stimulus settings were recorded, devices were switched off for a 5-day washout and instruments were repeated. Three functional magnetic resonance imaging scans with simultaneous sacral neuromodulation stimulation were performed below, at and above stimulus sensory threshold using a block design. This yielded brain activity maps represented by changes in blood oxygenation level dependence. A total of 5 stimulator off and 4 stimulator on cycles of 42 seconds each were imaged. Group analysis was done using a single voxel p value of 0.05 with a false-positive error of 0.05 on cluster analysis. RESULTS: Six of the 13 patients enrolled completed functional magnetic resonance imaging. Median age was 52 years (range 36 to 64). Urinary symptoms and voiding diary data worsened with washout. Overall brain activation generally progressed with increasing stimulation amplitude. However, activation of the right inferior frontal gyrus remained stable while deactivation of the pons and the periacqueductal gray matter only occurred with subsensory stimulation. Sensory stimulation activated the insula but deactivated the medial and superior parietal lobes. Suprasensory stimulation activated multiple structures and the expected S3 somatosensory region. All devices had normal impedance after functional magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Functional magnetic resonance imaging confirmed that sacral neuromodulation influences brain activity in women with overactive bladder who responded to therapy. These changes varied with stimulus intensity.