Aquablation versus TURP: 5-year outcomes of the WATER randomized clinical trial for prostate volumes 50-80 mL.

INTRODUCTION: To report the 5-year efficacy and safety of Aquablation compared with transurethral resection of the prostate for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with prostate volumes 50-80 mL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a large double-blinded, multicenter, and prospective randomized controlled trial, 96 randomized men with 50-80 mL prostates who underwent Aquablation or transurethral prostate resection were prospectively identified for subgroup analysis. Follow up was performed for up to 5 years. The primary efficacy endpoint was the reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 6 months. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of Clavien-Dindo (CD) postoperative complications grade 1 persistent and grade 2 or higher at 3 months. RESULTS: Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Reduction in IPSS score was significantly higher in the Aquablation group across 5 years of follow up (-14.1 vs. -10.8, p = 0.02). The Aquablation group achieved a significantly lower rate of CD1P and CD2 or higher events at 3 months follow up (risk difference of -23.1%). Among recorded adverse events, de novo postoperative ejaculatory dysfunction was notably lower in Aquablation (risk difference of -21.9%), while the risk of bleeding remained similar after 6 months. The surgical and medical retreatment rate at 6 months was also lower in Aquablation (risk difference of -14.4%). CONCLUSIONS: In the 50-80 mL prostate volume subgroup, Aquablation yields superior long-term symptom relief and lower complication rates than standard transurethral resection, with notably lower rates of ejaculatory dysfunction. This further supports the adoption of Aquablation for men with medium-sized prostates.

Chemokine therapy for anal sphincter injury in a rat model: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To determine whether delayed administration of CXCL12 alters anorectal manometric pressures and histology in rats following anal sphincterotomy compared to primary surgical repair alone. METHODS: Adult female rats were divided into three groups: A, a control group that did not undergo surgery; B, anal sphincterotomy with primary surgical repair; C, anal sphincterotomy with primary surgical repair and intra-sphincteric injection of CXCL12 at 6 weeks post-injury. All rats underwent anal manometry measurements at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks post-injury. Histologic analysis of the anal sphincters was also performed. RESULTS: At baseline and 6 weeks, there were no statistically significant differences among D, Tmax and P∆ of Groups A, B and C. At 12-week manometry, the total duration of contractions on anal manometry was significantly less in Group C compared to Groups A and B (3.65, 5.5, 5.3 p < 0.01) as was time to peak of contraction at 12 weeks (1.6, 2.1, 3.1, p < 0.01); however, group C had a significantly higher P∆ at 12 weeks compared to Groups A and B (2.25, 1.4, 0.34, p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in the ratio of muscle to collagen at the site of injury; however, muscle fibers were significantly smaller in group C and less per bundle than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of chemokine therapy at 6 weeks post-repair using CXCL12 enhanced the magnitude of anal sphincter contractions in a rat model of anal sphincter injury but decreased overall duration of contraction. Increased anal sphincter contraction magnitude was not explained by histologic differences in explanted specimens.

Applicability of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in female patients.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is an age health-related issue that generates interest due to its considerable public health burden and the controversies surrounding treatment. It is highly prevalent affecting 30-40% of all women during their lifetime. Midurethral slings are the standard of gold standard treatment for female patients with SUI. They have excellent short-term cure rates; however, their efficacy tends to decrease over time and patients often report urinary incontinence recurrence. This paper addresses the applicability of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering for the treatment of SUI in female patients. Cell-based treatment with periurethral injection of autologous adipose or muscle-derived stem cells have been used for SUI; however, the cure rates and SUI recurrence at 1 year were 40% and 70%, respectively. Novel minimally invasive approaches, such as low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapies have shown promising results in SUI animal models. In addition, local injection of growth factors, chemokines, and specific antibodies have shown histological evidence of neoangiogenesis, nerve, and sphincter regeneration in rodents and nonhuman primates with SUI. The use of bioactive factors and proteins secreted by cells, which is called secretomes, have been recognized as key regulators of various mechanisms, such as immunomodulation, angiogenesis, inflammation, apoptosis, and tissue repair. Emerging therapies aiming to replace or restore tissues and organ functionality may improve the long-term efficacy and in the near future may represent the standard of care for the treatment of SUI.

Current concepts of the acontractile bladder.

The acontractile bladder (AcB) is a urodynamic-based diagnosis wherein the bladder is unable to demonstrate any contraction during a pressure flow study. Although it is often grouped with underactive bladder, it is a unique phenomenon and should be investigated independently. The purpose of the present review was to examine the current literature on AcB regarding its pathology, diagnosis, current management guidelines, and future developments. We performed a review of the PubMed database, classifying the evidence for AcB pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and potential future treatments. Over the 67 years covered in our review period, 42 studies were identified that met our criteria. Studies were largely poor quality and mainly consisted of retrospective review or animal models. The underlying pathology of AcB is variable with both neurological and myogenic aetiologies. Treatment is largely tailored for renal preservation and reduction of infection. Although future developments may allow more functional restorative treatments, current treatments mainly focus on bladder drainage. AcB is a unique and understudied bladder phenomenon. Treatment is largely based on symptoms and presentation. While cellular therapy and neuromodulation may hold promise, further research is needed into the underlying neuro-urological pathophysiology of this disease so that we may better develop future treatments.

Vaginal Mesh Exposure Presentation, Evaluation, and Management.

INTRODUCTION: According to FDA, in 2010, approximately 300,000 women underwent surgical procedures in the USA to repair pelvic organ prolapse and approximately 260,000 underwent surgical procedures to repair stress urinary incontinence. From 560,000 surgeries, synthetic mesh was used in one out of three, and three out of four were performed transvaginally. The incorporation of mesh into pelvic organ prolapse repair has improved the long-term surgical anatomical outcomes and lower recurrence rates. However, vaginal mesh placement is associated with risks such as vaginal mesh erosion, exposure, and infection. OBJECTIVE: The main objectives of this study were to review the literature regarding vaginal mesh exposure and, based on the literature evidences, develop an algorithm to help urologists and gynecologists to promptly recognize the problem and treat it effectively with minimal additional morbidity. RESULTS: Diabetes mellitus, advanced age, smoking, concomitant hysterectomy, surgeon's experience, surgical technique, and proper training in pelvic organ reconstructive procedures have all been shown to be risk factors for vaginal mesh exposure. The clinical presentation of mesh exposure varies and the management depends upon the extent and location of exposure, associated patient bother, voiding complaints, and involvement of adjacent viscera if any. Once vaginal mesh exposure is diagnosed, it would be pragmatic to rule out simultaneous perforation/erosion into the bladder/urethra or bowel and associated collection if any. CONCLUSIONS: The exponential increase in the number of mesh-related complications is related mainly to a lack of surgeon's experience and proper training in reconstructive pelvic surgeries as well as availability of easy-to-handle kits. Despite improvements in short- and long-term outcomes since the introduction of mesh in pelvic surgeries, the incidence of post-operative complications remains elevated. We developed an algorithm to facilitate prompt recognition and treatment of vaginal mesh exposure aiming to help urologists and gynecologists to achieve better outcomes and success rates.

The management of prostatic obstruction with urethral stents.

INTRODUCTION: Elderly men with multiple comorbidities may be unfit to undergo surgical management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Permanent and temporary prostatic stents have been developed as an alternative to chronic indwelling catheters in men unfit for surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Herein we review the past and present literature on the role and effectiveness of prostatic stents in the treatment of BPO. RESULTS: Permanent prostatic stents have largely been abandoned in North America due to unfavorable outcomes and improved technologies to allow for treatment of BPO. Currently, the temporary Spanner stent is the only available stent on the market, but its effectiveness has mostly been documented for temporary relief of tissue edema following minimal invasive ablative treatments for BPO. CONCLUSIONS: The advent of well-tolerated surgical treatments for BPO (KTP laser vaporization, bipolar TURP, urethral lift devices) has diminished the need for permanent prostatic stents. The temporary Spanner stent is an alternative to urethral catheter, but requires adequate detrusor function and can cause irritative symptoms.

Correlation of gene expression with bladder capacity in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

PURPOSE: Interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome are terms used to describe a heterogeneous chronic pelvic and bladder pain disorder. Despite its significant prevalence, our understanding of disease etiology is poor. We molecularly characterized interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and determined whether there are clinical factors that correlate with gene expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bladder biopsies from female subjects with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and female controls without signs of the disease were collected and divided into those with normal and low anesthetized bladder capacity, respectively. Samples then underwent RNA extraction and microarray assay. Data generated by these assays were analyzed using Omics Explorer (Qlucore, Lund, Sweden), GeneSifter® Analysis Edition 4.0 and Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis to determine similarity among samples within and between groups, and measure differentially expressed transcripts unique to each phenotype. RESULTS: A total of 16 subjects were included in study. Principal component analysis and unsupervised hierarchical clustering showed clear separation between gene expression in tissues from subjects with low compared to normal bladder capacity. Gene expression in tissue from patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome who had normal bladder capacity did not significantly differ from that in controls without interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Pairwise analysis revealed that pathways related to inflammatory and immune response were most involved. CONCLUSIONS: Microarray analysis provides insight into the potential pathological condition underlying interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. This pilot study shows that patients with this disorder who have low compared to normal bladder capacity have significantly different molecular characteristics, which may reflect a difference in disease pathophysiology.

Evidence-based outcomes for mesh-based surgery for pelvic organ prolapse.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In light of all the recent controversy regarding the use of synthetic mesh for pelvic organ prolapse, we did a retrospective review of the evidence-based outcomes and complications for its use. RECENT FINDINGS: A total of 18 of the most recent studies in the last 5 years were selected. Studies selected were prospective randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials that included surgical operations for pelvic organ prolapse for this review. Additionally, Cochrane review and meta-analysis of outcomes and complication were also analyzed. In terms of outcomes, the definition of successful surgery is currently being debated. Synthetic mesh provides superior anatomical and subjective cure rates compared with native tissue repair. Success rates varied greatly depending on the nature of prolapse and surgical approach. Furthermore, recurrence rates for mesh-based surgery are significantly lower than that for native tissue repair. The main unique complication of mesh is exposure and was reported in a mean of 11.4% of patients, with 6.8% of patients requiring surgical partial excision of mesh. SUMMARY: Mesh significantly improves anatomical outcomes with sacrocolpopexy and vaginal repair. Mesh does create the unique complication which can be reduced with training and proper patient selection. Further development of better materials is vital rather than reverting to tissue-based repair. Ultimately, the decision to use mesh should be based upon a patient's personal goals and preferences after an informed conversation with her physician.

The incidence and etiology of overactive bladder in patients after cerebrovascular accident.

Cerebrovascular accident or stroke is a devastating neurologic event that can have both short and long term urologic complications. The purpose of this article is to provide an up-to-date review of the incidence and causes of voiding dysfunction after stroke, the evaluation of voiding dysfunction in patients after stroke, and the recommendations on the management of voiding dysfunction following stroke. The reported incidence of urinary incontinence varies from 28-79 % and the causes of urinary incontinence following stroke are multifactorial. Detrusor overactivity is predominant and detrusor underactivity is somewhat less prevalent. Urodynamic findings in patients with stroke vary depending upon timing of the study and associated comorbidities. Currently there are no large longitudinal studies linking urodynamic findings with location or degree of infarct. Based on current studies, we conclude that patients with detrusor underactivity should be managed with clean intermittent catheterization or indwelling Foley catheter, while timed voiding with or without anticholinergic therapy may be an effective treatment for patients with detrusor overactivity after stroke.

Pelvic floor disorders: linking genetic risk factors to biochemical changes.

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) such as stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) may share a common pathophysiological process related to pelvic floor tissue laxity and loss of support. We reviewed recent literature on observed biochemical changes in women with SUI and POP, linking them to genetic predisposition. We found that studies of pelvic tissues showed differences between control subjects and women with POP and SUI in collagen and elastin structure at a molecular and fibrillar level. Studies were heterogeneous but showed a trend towards decreased collagen and elastin content. The contribution of matrix metalloproteinases to increased collagenolysis can be related to genetic polymorphisms present in higher frequency in women with PFD. Extracellular matrix (ECM) protein turnover plays a role in the development of POP and SUI, but much remains to be understood of this complex dynamic interplay of enzymes, proteins and molecules. Genotyping of candidate genes participating in ECM formation will elucidate the missing link between the manifestation of the disease and the biochemical changes observed systematically, in addition to those in the pelvic floor.

Training, credentialing, proctoring and medicolegal risks of robotic urological surgery: recommendations of the society of urologic robotic surgeons.

PURPOSE: With the exponential growth of robotic urological surgery, particularly with robot assisted radical prostatectomy, guidelines for safe initiation of this technology are a necessity. Currently no standardized credentialing system exists to our knowledge to evaluate surgeon competency and safety with robotic urological surgery performance. Although proctoring is a modality by which such competency can be evaluated, other training tools and guidelines are needed to ensure that the requisite knowledge and technical skills to perform this procedure have been acquired. We evaluated the current status of proctoring and credentialing in other surgical specialties to discuss and recommend its application and implementation specifically for robot assisted radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the literature on safety and medicolegal implications of proctoring and the safe introduction of surgical procedures to develop recommendations for robot assisted radical prostatectomy proctoring and credentialing. RESULTS: Proctoring is an essential mechanism for robot assisted radical prostatectomy institutional credentialing and should be a prerequisite for granting unrestricted privileges on the robot. This should be differentiated from preceptoring, wherein the expert is directly involved in hands-on training. Advanced technology has opened new avenues for long-distance observation through teleproctoring. Although the medicolegal implications of an active surgical intervention by a proctor are not clearly defined, the role as an observer should grant immunity from malpractice liability. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of guidelines and proctoring recommendations is necessary to protect surgeons, proctors, institutions and, above all, the patients who are associated with the institutional introduction of a robot assisted radical prostatectomy program. With no current guidelines we anticipate this article will serve as a catalyst of interorganizational discussion to initiate regulatory oversight of surgeon certification and proctorship.

Update on lower urinary tract symptoms.

Management of incontinence is forever changing, evolving as our understanding of the pathophysiology improves. It sometimes feels like a sand castle, as the principles of therapy of yesterday are replaced by new modalities, without leaving a trace of treatments in which we so firmly believed. This special issue of TheScientificWorldJOURNAL: TSW Urology was aimed at new treatments, including terminology, the assessment of symptoms and need for urodynamics, pharmacologic therapy in the elderly, use of injectable materials, biomaterials to correct pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence, clinical experiences including the costs involved in trying to reduce morbidity, the application of techniques to improve long-term outcomes, the use of robotics, and neuromodulation of bladder over activity. It is never easy to project what will be new and exciting, yet have clinical relevance, as well as some evidence of success to put together this special issue on incontinence that offers meaningful information.

The science behind biomaterials in female stress urinary incontinence surgery.

Female stress urinary incontinence, while not life threatening, can present with various social and economic implications. Biomaterials, primarily synthetic, are often utilized to augment surgical correction. Repair with biomaterials involves midurethral support to function against weakened connective tissue caused by injury, abnormal collagen metabolism, or genetic predisposition. Even though efficacy rates are high, the potential for complications, such as erosion, are great without comprehension of inherent characteristics of each graft material. Low-weight, macroporous, monofilament synthetic grafts and noncross-linked biologic grafts are examples of biomaterials that implant reasonably well with host tissue. This paper reviews the justification for biomaterial use, host reaction, and the various parameters of natural and synthetic grafts.

Evaluation of Clinical Use and Cost-Effectiveness of a Flexible Cystoscope System with a Disposable Sheath: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Flexible cystoscopy is routinely performed as an outpatient procedure. The use of disposable sheaths can increase cystoscope life span and reduce staff costs. The primary end point of this study was to evaluate procedure related discomfort and pain, physician maneuverability, residual bioburden and reprocessing time. The secondary end point was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of a flexible cystoscope with a disposable sheath compared to a standard flexible cystoscope. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was performed with women older than 18 years, with intact cognition and 7 days antibiotic-free who were referred to outpatient clinic for cystoscopy. Patients underwent cystoscopy with a standard flexible cystoscope or flexible cystoscope with disposable sheath. Urinalysis and culture were performed before and 14 days after cystoscopy. Patients filled out a pain/discomfort visual analog scale. Physicians filled out a 5-point Likert scale for the elements of ease of insertion, manipulation, optical quality and overall use. Reprocessing time and costs were compared between both cystoscopes. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were included in the study, comprised of 30 who underwent standard flexible cystoscopy and 30 who underwent flexible cystoscopy with a protective sheath. Patient discomfort/pain was equivalent in both groups. The Likert scores were similar except for ease of insertion, which was higher with protective sheaths (p <0.02). Protective sheaths were associated with lower reprocessing time and costs (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of protective sheaths effectively reduced procedure and staff related costs without causing any additional patient discomfort or pain. The learning curve of the sheathed scope may explain the difference reported by physicians regarding the ease of insertion.

High-energy transurethral thermotherapy with CoreTherm approaches transurethral prostate resection in outcome efficacy: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Minimally invasive office-based treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are challenging the traditional surgical and medical management options for symptomatic BPH. We conducted a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials that compared high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (HE-TUMT) with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to compare subjective and objective outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search using Pub-Med was conducted to obtain all published data on HE-TUMT and all randomized controlled trials that compared HE-TUMT with TURP. Data were analyzed focusing on the pretreatment and posttreatment end points of the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS), maximum flow rate (Q(max)), and postvoid residual (PVR). A meta-analysis was conducted, and data were stratified with respect to the type of HE-TUMT machinery used. RESULTS: A total of 458 patients were studied. Differences in IPSS, Q(max), and PVR from current trials that compared TURP with HE-TUMT are best evaluated at 1-year follow-up. At this time point, changes in Q(max) (P < 0.001), IPSS (P = 0.01), and PVR (P = 0.02) are more significant if TURP is the management mode. HE-TUMT with the CoreTherm() device demonstrates the most significant improvements in subjective and objective criteria that approximate outcomes with TURP (Figs. 1-3). CONCLUSIONS: A meta-analysis of current randomized controlled trials that compared TURP with HE-TUMT demonstrates more significant changes in Q(max), IPSS, and PVR when TURP is used to manage symptomatic BPH. Despite these statistical differences, stratified data demonstrate that current HE-TUMT machinery is more effective than previously used lower-energy machinery, especially at objective end points. This is most evident when the CoreTherm device is used. These findings, coupled with the decreased costs and morbidity associated with HE-TUMT, support this treatment as a reasonable alternative to TURP.

Midurethral Slings.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common symptom affecting almost one-third of adult women. UI can occur because of hypermobility or intrinsic sphincter deficiency of the urethra. Regardless its etiology, it is associated with poor quality of life and most of the incontinent women develop symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation over time. The synthetic midurethral sling (MUS) was first introduced in 1995 and quickly became the gold standard treatment for women with stress UI because of intrinsic sphincter deficiency and/or urethral hypermobility. This session addresses the indications, preoperative preparation, surgical steps, postoperative care, and complications related to synthetic MUSs. Owing to the exponential increase in the prevalence of mesh-related complications, we also developed a rational evidence-based algorithm that will help urologists to diagnose and manage this specific subset of patients.

Peripartum Perineal Hernia: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVES: This article reviews the literature for the management and repair of perineal hernias and presents a previously undescribed case of perineal bladder herniation after intrapartum pubic symphysis rupture. METHODS: A review of the literature was completed through the PubMed database using the search terms "bladder," "canal of Nuck," "labial hernia," "gynecology," "hernia," "obstetrics," "perineal hernia," "postpartum," "pubic diastasis," "pubic symphysis," "vaginal delivery," "symphyseal rupture," and "symphyseal separation." The electronic medical record for the patient was reviewed and used with the consent of the patient. RESULTS: There were no reports of peripartum perineal hernias in the English language literature on human subjects. Literature review with the previously mentioned search terms demonstrated that there is not a standardized approach to repair given the rarity of these defects. There are data to support the use of mesh as opposed to primary repair but no data to support abdominal versus perineal versus combined approach. We describe a successful repair of a complicated peripartum perineal hernia using a combined abdominal-perineal approach with mesh. CONCLUSIONS: Obstetric trauma is a previously unreported cause of perineal hernias. Perineal hernias are rare conditions that must be considered in any patient who presents with a bulging perineal mass. Puerperal pubic symphysis rupture can lead to a large bladder hernia. Our combined abdominal-perineal approach of repair resulted in minimal perioperative morbidity and short-term resolution of the hernia.