Effect of detrusor underactivity on surgical outcomes of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of detrusor underactivity (DUA) on the postoperative outcomes of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with BPH who underwent HoLEP between January 2018 and December 2022 were enrolled in this prospective database study. Patients were divided into DUA (bladder contractility index [BCI] <100) and non-DUA (BCI ≥100) groups. Objective (maximum urinary flow rate [Qmax], post-void residual urine volume [PVR]) and subjective outcomes (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS], Overactive Bladder Symptom Score [OABSS], satisfaction with treatment question [STQ], overall response assessment [ORA], and willingness to undergo surgery question [WUSQ]) were compared between the two groups before surgery, and at 3 and 6 months after HoLEP. RESULTS: A total of 689 patients, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 69.8 (7.1) years, were enrolled. The mean (SD) BCI in the non-DUA (325 [47.2%]) and DUA (364 [52.8%]) groups was 123.4 (21.4) and 78.6 (14.2), respectively. Both objective (Qmax and PVR) and subjective (IPSS, IPSS-quality of life, and OABSS) outcomes after surgery significantly improved in both groups. The Qmax was lower in the DUA than in the non-DUA group postoperatively. At 6 months postoperatively, the total IPSS was higher in the DUA than in the non-DUA group. There were no significant differences in surgical complications between the two groups. Responses to the STQ, ORA, and WUSQ at 6 months postoperatively demonstrated that the patients were satisfied with the surgery (90.5% in the DUA group; 95.2% in the non-DUA group), their symptoms improved with surgery (95.9% in the DUA group; 100.0% in the non-DUA group), and they were willing to undergo surgery again (95.9% in the DUA group; 97.9% in the non-DUA group). There were no significant differences in the responses to the STQ and WUSQ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our midterm results demonstrated that patients with BPH and DUA showed minimal differences in clinical outcomes after HoLEP compared to those without DUA. The overall satisfaction was high in the DUA group.

A treatment prediction strategy for overactive bladder using a machine learning algorithm that utilized data from the FAITH study.

AIMS: To use machine learning algorithms to develop a model to accurately predict treatment responses to mirabegron or antimuscarinic agents in patients with overactive bladder (OAB), using real-world data from the FAITH registry (NCT03572231). METHODS: The FAITH registry data included patients who had been diagnosed with OAB symptoms for at least 3 months and were due to initiate monotherapy with mirabegron or any antimuscarinic. For the development of the machine learning model, data from patients were included if they had completed the 183-day study period, had data for all timepoints and had completed the overactive bladder symptom scores (OABSS) at baseline and end of study. The primary outcome of the study was a composite outcome combining efficacy, persistence, and safety outcomes. Treatment was deemed "more effective" if the composite outcome criteria for "successful," "no treatment change," and "safe" were met, otherwise treatment was deemed "less effective." To explore the composite algorithm, a total of 14 clinical risk factors were included in the initial data set and a 10-fold cross-validation procedure was performed. A range of machine learning models were evaluated to determine the most effective algorithm. RESULTS: In total, data from 396 patients were included (266 [67.2%] treated with mirabegron and 130 [32.8%] treated with an antimuscarinic). Of these, 138 (34.8%) were in the "more effective" group and 258 (65.2%) were in the "less effective" group. The groups were comparable in terms of their characteristic distributions across patient age, sex, body mass index, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Of the six models initially selected and tested, the decision tree (C5.0) model was chosen for further optimization, and the receiver operating characteristic of the final optimized model had an area under the curve result of 0.70 (95% confidence interval: 0.54-0.85) when 15 was used for the min n parameter. CONCLUSIONS: This study successfully created a simple, rapid, and easy-to-use interface that could be further refined to produce a valuable educational or clinical decision-making aid.

Mirabegron for treatment of overactive bladder symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial (Parkinson's Disease Overactive bladder Mirabegron, PaDoMi Study).

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of mirabegron for Parkinsonism patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria are Parkinsonism with OAB symptoms for 4 weeks or more, OAB symptom score (OABSS) questionnaire scores greater than 2, and OABSS urgency question scores greater than 1. After a 2-week wash-out period, the patients were randomized into placebo and mirabegron groups at visit 2. Visit 3 was performed after 4 weeks of medication. Mirabegron was prescribed to the two groups for the rest of the study period at visit 4. RESULT: The mean age was 68.1 ± 8.1 years and 72 males and 64 females were included. A total of 136 patients were screened, 117 patients were randomized, and 25 patients dropped out. The OABSS scores were significantly different between the two groups at Weeks 4 and 8. The OABSS scores became the same in the two groups at Week 12 (visit 5). The postvoid residual urine volume showed a mild increase to 64 ml in the mirabegron group compared to the placebo group at visit 4. Adverse events occurred in 27 patients (23.1%). The degree was mild in 26 cases (78.8%), moderate in five (15.2%), and severe in two (6.1%). Only 13 cases (39.4%) showed medication-related adverse events. Acute urinary retention occurred in a single case. The treatment satisfaction questionnaires showed no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Mirabegron was effective in treating OAB symptoms in patients with Parkinsonism with acceptable adverse events.

Enucleation of the prostate: An anatomical perspective.

Among transurethral surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP) differs from conventional transurethral surgery as it adopts the same enucleation principle as open surgery. AEEP is known as an effective and safe surgical method. However, the learning curve is steep because the surgical anatomy is different from that of conventional transurethral surgery. If information on surgical anatomy related to enucleation is enriched and surgical standardisation is achieved, the learning curve will be shortened and AEEP will become more widespread. The concept of AEEP has been developed based on the surgical techniques obtained from holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP). The original surgical technique of HoLEP is a three-lobe technique. At the 12 o'clock position at the prostatic apex, the boundary of the prostate capsule is unclear. Separating anterior prostatic tissue from the prostatic capsule while preserving the sphincter in the apical area is one of the biggest challenges in AEEP. During the AEEP procedure, an accurate understanding of the surgical anatomy of the capsular plane, bladder neck, apical sphincteric area and blood vessels is important. In this article, literature on the anatomy related to enucleation in AEEP, mainly HoLEP, is reviewed and discussed.

Bipolar enucleation of the prostate-step by step.

Bipolar enucleation of prostate (BipolEP) is a useful method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Compared with conventional transurethral resection, the enucleation technique has several advantages. However, since the cost of laser equipment used for enucleation is relatively high, enucleation using bipolar devices has been attempted by many previous surgeons. We consider bipolar enucleation is an effective and safe procedure, and we would like to share our experience of equipment settings and procedures through this article. We will introduce the equipment and settings of BipolEP and then present the actual step-by-step procedures and surgical tips. First, circular incisions are made on bladder neck and mucosa at the level of verumontanum. Then, enucleation is performed in the order of median and lateral lobes as in laser enucleation. Haemostasis should be done throughout the procedure. After enucleation and haemostasis, prostatic tissue is evacuated by morcellator. Currently, there are several types of electrode and morcellator systems. In our experience, BipolEP has a steep learning curve but it is safe and effective procedure for managing BPH. In particular, effective haemostasis is the greatest advantage of BipolEP when compared to traditional TUR or laser enucleation.

Clinical guidelines for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

The clinical guidelines for interstitial cystitis and related symptomatic conditions were revised by updating our previous guidelines. The current guidelines define interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome as a condition with chronic pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort perceived to be related to the urinary bladder accompanied by other urinary symptoms, such as persistent urge to void or urinary frequency in the absence of confusable diseases. The characteristic symptom complex is collectively referred as hypersensitive bladder symptoms. Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is divided into Hunner-type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome; Hunner-type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome represent interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome with Hunner lesions and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome without Hunner lesions, respectively. So-called non-Hunner-type interstitial cystitis featured by glomerulations or bladder bleeding after distension is included in bladder pain syndrome. The symptoms are virtually indistinguishable between Hunner-type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome; however, Hunner-type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome should be considered as a separate entity of disorder. Histopathology totally differs between Hunner-type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome; Hunner-type interstitial cystitis is associated with severe inflammation of the urinary bladder accompanied by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and urothelial denudation, whereas bladder pain syndrome shows little pathological changes in the bladder. Pathophysiology would also differ between Hunner-type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome, involving interaction of multiple factors, such as inflammation, autoimmunity, infection, exogenous substances, urothelial dysfunction, neural hyperactivity and extrabladder disorders. The patients should be treated differently based on the diagnosis of Hunner-type interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome, which requires cystoscopy to determine the presence or absence Hunner lesions. Clinical studies are to be designed to analyze outcomes separately for Hunner-type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome.

Efficacy and Safety of Tolterodine and Pilocarpine in Patients with Overactive Bladder.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a combination of 2 mg tolterodine and 9 mg pilocarpine, vs tolterodine monotherapy in patients with overactive bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled patients with overactive bladder symptoms in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel, active control study. Patients were randomized to the combination or 2 mg tolterodine twice daily for 12 weeks. After the double-blind period finished all patients were started on the combination for 12 weeks. Study co-primary end points were the change from baseline in the mean number of daily micturitions and cumulative incidence of dry mouth at the end of 12 weeks. Secondary end points were other overactive bladder symptoms, the total xerostomia inventory score and results of a visual analogue scale for dry mouth at the end of 12 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: The mean change in the number of daily micturitions from baseline to 12 weeks was -1.49 and -1.74 in the combination and tolterodine monotherapy groups, respectively. The mean difference was -0.26 (95% CI -0.79-0.27), confirming noninferiority. At 12 weeks the incidence of dry mouth was lower in the combination group than in the tolterodine monotherapy group (30.0% vs 42.9%, p = 0.009). All secondary and other efficacy outcomes related to overactive bladder symptoms improved in each group with no significant differences between the groups at 12 weeks. Changes from baseline in the total xerostomia inventory score and the visual analogue scale for dry mouth were significantly lower in the combination group than in the tolterodine monotherapy group. CONCLUSIONS: Tolterodine and pilocarpine alleviated dry mouth in patients with overactive bladder while maintaining anticholinergic efficacy similar to that of tolterodine.

Effect of preoperative detrusor underactivity on long-term surgical outcomes of photovaporization and holmium laser enucleation in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a lesson from 5-year serial follow-up data.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of preoperative detrusor underactivity (DU) on serial treatment outcomes over the course of 5 years after photovaporization (PV) or holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), to compare its impact after PV vs HoLEP, and to identify predictors of long-term lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 245 patients with BPH who had complete 5-year follow-up data (PV using 120W-HPS, n = 143, HoLEP, n = 102), grouped as follows: PV-HPS-DU(+), n = 114; PV-HPS-DU(-), n = 29; HoLEP-DU(+), n = 56; and HoLEP-DU(-), n = 46. Bladder contractility index (BCI) < 100 was regarded as DU. Serial treatment outcomes for the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, uroflowmetry and serum PSA level at 6 months, and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years after surgery, were compared among the groups. LUTS improvement was defined as a reduction in total IPSS of ≥50% relative to baseline. RESULTS: Improvement in total IPSS, quality of life (QoL) index and post-void residual urine volume (PVR) in the PV-HPS-DU(+) and PV-HPS-DU(-) groups were maintained up to 5 years after PV, except for maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax ) and bladder voiding efficiency. In the HoLEP-DU(+) and HoLEP-DU(-) groups, improvements in all outcome variables were maintained up to 5 years after HoLEP. Deteriorations in subtotal voiding symptom score, total IPSS and Qmax with time during the long-term period after surgery were more pronounced in the PV-HPS-DU(+) and HoLEP-DU(+) groups than in the PV-HPS-DU(-) and HoLEP-DU(-) groups. Reductions in subtotal voiding symptom score, total IPSS, QoL index, and serum PSA were greater in the HoLEP-DU(+) group than in the PV-HPS-DU(+) group throughout follow-up. The type of surgery (HoLEP vs PV) and higher baseline BCI were independent predictors of LUTS improvement at 5 years after surgery. CONCLUSION: Generally, improvement of micturition symptoms, QoL and PVR in patients with DU appears to be maintained up to 5 years after PV or HoLEP. Deterioration of voiding symptoms and urinary flow rate at long-term follow-up visits after PV or HoLEP was more pronounced in patients with LUTS/BPH with DU than in those without DU. Patients with BPH with DU may benefit from more complete removal of prostatic adenoma by HoLEP and greater baseline bladder contractility in terms of micturition symptoms and QoL.

Effect of urodynamic preoperative detrusor overactivity on the outcomes of transurethral surgery in patients with male bladder outlet obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of urodynamic detrusor overactivity (DO) on the outcomes of transurethral surgery in patients with male bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for articles published between January 1989 and June 2017. All results of eligible studies were synthesized. RESULTS: Nine articles met the eligibility criteria. These studies included a total of 932 patients with a median number of 92 patients per study (range 40-190). Of the nine studies, the conventional transurethral prostatectomy was adopted in four studies, photoselective vaporization of prostate in three studies, and other surgical modalities in two studies. In patients with DO positive, the pooled mean difference (MD) was not significant for a better or poorer improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score [pooled MD, - 0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), - 1.75 to 1.22; studies, 9; participants, 827], quality-of-life score (pooled MD, - 0.14; 95% CI, - 0.46 to 0.18; studies, 7; participants, 734), maximal flow rate (pooled MD, 0.79; 95% CI, - 1.57 to 3.14; studies, 8; participants, 781), and post-void residual volume (pooled MD, 2.81; 95% CI, - 4.70 to 10.32; studies, 6; participants, 509) compared to patients with DO negative. Some comparisons showed between-study heterogeneity despite the strict criteria of the eligible studies. However, there was no clear evidence of publication bias in the funnel plots. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis results demonstrated that preoperative urodynamic DO has no diagnostic role in the prediction of surgical outcomes in patients with male BOO.

Effect of Preoperative Urodynamic Detrusor Underactivity on Transurethral Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effect of preoperative urodynamic detrusor underactivity on the transurethral surgery outcomes of benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched the online PubMed®, Embase® and Cochrane Library databases for articles published between January 1989 and June 2017. RESULTS: A total of 10 articles met the eligibility criteria for this systematic review. The eligible studies included a total of 1,113 patients with a median of 73 per study (range 40 to 382). Five of the 10 studies involved conventional transurethral prostatectomy and 5 described laser surgery. In patients with detrusor underactivity the pooled mean difference was significant for the poorer I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) (pooled mean difference -3.73, 95% CI -5.65--1.80 for 9 studies and 936 participants) and maximal flow rate improvement (pooled mean difference -3.92, 95% CI -4.85--3.00 for 8 studies and 951 participants) but not for quality of life score (pooled mean difference -0.15, 95% CI -0.56-0.25 for 7 studies and 858 participants) or post-void residual volume (pooled mean difference -5.57, 95% CI -20.65-9.50 for 9 studies and 971 participants). Some comparisons showed interstudy heterogeneity despite strict selection criteria for the included studies. However, there was no clear evidence of publication bias in this meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis results showed that preoperative detrusor underactivity correlated with poorer I-PSS and maximal flow rate improvement. Preoperative urodynamic detrusor underactivity is a valuable finding for excluding patients who are inappropriate candidates for transurethral surgery.

Long-Term Outcomes of Laser Prostatectomy for Storage Symptoms: Comparison of Serial 5-Year Followup Data between High Performance System Photoselective Vaporization and Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate.

PURPOSE: We compared long-term storage symptom outcomes between photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate with a 120 W high performance system and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. We also determined factors influencing postoperative improvement of storage symptoms in the long term. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included in our study were 266 men, including 165 treated with prostate photoselective laser vaporization using a 120 W high performance system and 101 treated with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, on whom 60-month followup data were available. Outcomes were assessed serially 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months postoperatively using the International Prostate Symptom Score, uroflowmetry and the serum prostate specific antigen level. Postoperative improvement in storage symptoms was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in the subtotal storage symptom score at each followup visit after surgery compared to baseline. RESULTS: Improvements in frequency, urgency, nocturia, subtotal storage symptom scores and the quality of life index were maintained up to 60 months after photoselective laser vaporization or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. There was no difference in the degree of improvement in storage symptoms or the percent of patients with postoperative improvement in storage symptoms between the 2 groups throughout the long-term followup. However, the holmium laser group showed greater improvement in voiding symptoms and quality of life than the laser vaporization group. On logistic regression analysis a higher baseline subtotal storage symptom score and a higher BOOI (Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index) were the factors influencing the improvement in storage symptoms 5 years after prostate photoselective laser vaporization or holmium laser enucleation. CONCLUSIONS: Our serial followup data suggest that storage symptom improvement was maintained throughout the long-term postoperative period for prostate photoselective laser vaporization with a 120 W high performance system and holmium laser enucleation without any difference between the 2 surgeries. Also, more severe storage symptoms at baseline and a more severe BOOI predicted improved storage symptoms in the long term after each surgery.

Epidemiology and pathophysiology of neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) usually affects younger age groups with male preponderance. The most common traumatic cause is road traffic accident followed by sports accidents and gun-shot injuries. Infections and vascular events make up non-traumatic causes. There is regional variance in incidence and prevalence of SCI. Most systematic reviews have been undertaken from USA, Canada, and Australia with only few from Asia with resultant difficulty in estimation of worldwide figures. Overall, the incidence varies from 12 to more than 65 cases/million per year. The first peak is in young men between 15 and 29 years and second peak in older adults. The average age at injury is 40 years, with commonest injury being incomplete tetraplegia followed by complete paraplegia, complete tetraplegia, and incomplete paraplegia. The bladder function is reliant on both central and peripheral nervous systems for co-ordination of storage and voiding phases. The pathophysiology of bladder dysfunction can be described as an alteration in micturition reflex. It is postulated that a new spinal reflex circuit develops which is mediated by C fibers as response to reorganization of synaptic connections in spinal cord. This is responsible for the development of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). Various neurotrophic hormones like nerve growth factor affect the morphological and physiological changes of the bladder afferent neurons leading to neuropathic bladder dysfunction. A suprasacral SCI usually results in a voiding pattern consistent with NDO and sphincter dyssynergia. Injury to either the sacral cord or cauda equina results in detrusor hypoactivity/areflexia with sphincter weakness.

Can preoperative detrusor underactivity influence surgical outcomes of 120 W HPS vaporization of the prostate (PVP) or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)? A serial 3-year follow-up study.

AIMS: To determine the influence of preoperative detrusor underactivity (DU) on serial long-term outcomes of HPS/PVP or HoLEP for LUTS/BPH, and to compare the influence between the two surgeries. METHODS: A total of 382 men, who underwent 120W-HPS/PVP or HoLEP for LUTS/BPH and for whom 36-month follow-up data were available, were classified into four groups: HPS with DU (n = 145), HPS without DU (n = 44), HoLEP with DU (n = 105), and HoLEP without DU (n = 88). DU was defined as bladder contractility index of <100. Surgical outcomes were assessed at postoperative 6, 12, 24, and 36 months using IPSS, uroflowmetry, and serum PSA. RESULTS: All four groups maintained improvements in voiding symptom score (VSS), storage symptom score, total-IPSS, QOL index, maximum flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine volume (PVR), and bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) compared with baseline up to 3 years postoperatively. There were no significant differences in improvements of postoperative IPSS parameters including QOL index between men with and without DU throughout the follow-up period after HPS or HoLEP. In men with DU, there were no significant differences in improvements of postoperative QOL index, Qmax, PVR, or BVE between HPS and HoLEP groups throughout the follow-up period, except for VSS and total IPSS. Serum PSA reductions after HoLEP were greater than after PVP. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in LUTS, Qmax, and BVE can maintain up to 3 years after HPS or HoLEP for LUTS/BPH, irrespective of the presence or absence of preoperative DU. Although HoLEP may provide more durable improvement of VS in men with DU than HPS, there seems to be no difference in improvement of QOL or Qmax or BVE between HPS and HoLEP.

Developmental changes in contractile responses to cholinergic stimuli: role of calcium sensitization and related pathways.

This study was performed to analyze the developmental changes in bladder response to cholinergic stimulation in detail, highlighting calcium sensitization (CS) and its related pathways. Rats were divided into three groups in accordance with reported time of developmental milestones (newborns, days 1-4; youngsters, days 5-14; and grown-ups, days 15-28). Following cholinergic stimulation (carbachol, 5 µM), the contractile response to detrusor was analyzed with respect to three phases (initial phasic, tonic, and superimposed phasic contractions). Contractile responses were analyzed by their dynamic and kinetic aspects. The responses were further compared in varying external calcium concentrations and in the presence of inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and Rho kinase (ROCK), which are involved in CS. The responses of newborns contrasted with the others by their short and brisk initial phasic contractions, prominent tonic contractions, and delayed participation of irregular superimposed phasic contractions. With development, phasic contractions became prominent, and tonic contractions diminished. These developmental changes in phasic contractions were reproduced when exposed to increasing calcium concentrations. Application of specific inhibitors and molecular phasic analysis revealed that PKC was functional in tonic contractions of the newborns, whereas ROCK took over its role with development. Within a few days of birth, rats' bladders experienced drastic changes in contractile mechanisms. This included dominance of phasic contractions over tonic contractions due to increased calcium dependence and the maturational shift of the calcium sensitivity mechanism from PKC to ROCK.

Efficacy and Safety of Desmopressin Add-On Therapy for Men with Persistent Nocturia on α-Blocker Monotherapy for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: We investigated the efficacy and safety of desmopressin add-on therapy for men with persistent nocturia on α-blocker for lower urinary tract symptoms in this placebo controlled study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included men 40 to 65 years old with lower urinary tract symptoms and persistent nocturia despite α-blocker therapy for at least 8 weeks. Patients were randomized to once daily placebo or desmopressin 0.2 mg for 8 weeks. The primary end point was to assess changes in the mean number of nocturia episodes from baseline to the final assessment. Other secondary end points and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS AND LIMITATION: A total of 86 patients were randomized to treatment, including placebo in 39 and desmopressin 0.2 mg in 47. Baseline characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. The desmopressin add-on group was significantly superior to placebo in terms of the change from baseline in the mean number of nocturia episodes (-1.13 ± 0.92 vs -0.68 ± 0.79, p = 0.034), the changes in nocturnal urine volume (p <0.001), total I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) (p = 0.041), the nocturnal polyuria index (p = 0.001) and ICIQ-N (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Nocturia) (p = 0.001), and the willingness to continue (p = 0.025). The incidence of adverse events in the desmopressin add-on group was similar to that in the placebo group. Most adverse events were mild. CONCLUSION: Desmopressin add-on therapy in men 40 to 65 years old with persistent nocturia on α-blocker monotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms is effective and well tolerated.

Expressions of vaginal endothelial nitric oxide synthase and phosphodiesterase 5 in female sexual dysfunction: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to investigate the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 in vaginal tissue of premenopausal women experiencing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with and without sexual dysfunction. METHODS: Women presenting for treatment of SUI were screened using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and 10 were selected who met the criteria for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and 10 asymptomatic controls. Vaginal tissue specimens were obtained from those premenopausal women aged ≥40 years who had had sexual activity ≥2 times every month for the last 6 months and who were scheduled to undergo surgery for SUI. FSD criteria was FSFI scores <18 and arousal domain scores <3. The control group had FSFI scores ≥26 and individual domain scores ≥4. The expressions of eNOS and PDE 5 were compared in the two groups using immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. RESULTS: The mean total FSFI scores were 30.4 ± 2.6 and 15.3 ± 2.3 in the control and FSD groups respectively. In immunofluorescence staining, eNOS and PDE5 were localized in the vaginal epithelium. In western blotting, the expressions of eNOS and PDE5 were significantly lower in the FSD group than in the control group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.038 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: eNOS and PDE5 in the vagina may play important roles in the pathophysiology of FSD.

Clinical guidelines for interstitial cystitis and hypersensitive bladder updated in 2015.

Clinical guidelines for interstitial cystitis and hypersensitive bladder have been updated as of 2015. The guidelines define interstitial cystitis by the presence of hypersensitive bladder symptoms (discomfort, pressure or pain in the bladder usually associated with urinary frequency and nocturia) and bladder pathology, after excluding other diseases explaining symptoms. Interstitial cystitis is further classified by bladder pathology; either Hunner type interstitial cystitis with Hunner lesions or non-Hunner type interstitial cystitis with mucosal bleeding after distension in the absence of Hunner lesions. Hypersensitive bladder refers to a condition, where hypersensitive bladder symptoms are present, but bladder pathology or other explainable diseases are unproven. Interstitial cystitis and hypersensitive bladder severely affect patients' quality of life as a result of disabling symptoms and/or comorbidities. Reported prevalence suggestive of these disorders varies greatly from 0.01% to >6%. Pathophysiology would be an interaction of multiple factors including urothelial dysfunction, inflammation, neural hyperactivity, exogenous substances and extrabladder disorders. Definite diagnosis of interstitial cystitis and hypersensitive bladder requires cystoscopy with or without hydrodistension. Most of the therapeutic options lack a high level of evidence, leaving a few as recommended therapeutic options.

Change in storage symptoms following laser prostatectomy: comparison between photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP).

PURPOSE: To compare serial changes of postoperative storage symptoms between PVP and HoLEP, and to identify the predictors influencing postoperative improvement of storage symptoms. METHODS: A total of 486 men (PVP group: 213 cases; HoLEP group: 273 cases), in whom 12-month follow-up data were available, were included in this retrospective study. Surgical outcomes were evaluated at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12 months postoperatively using the IPSS, uroflowmetry with post-void residual urine volume (PVR) and serum PSA levels. Improvement of storage symptoms was defined as a reduction by ≥50 % of the subtotal storage symptom score postoperatively compared to baseline. RESULTS: In both PVP and HoLEP groups, total IPSS, quality-of-life index, frequency score, nocturia score, maximum flow rate and PVR were significantly decreased compared to baseline starting from 1 month after surgery. Whereas urgency score was numerically increased compared to baseline at 1 month after PVP, it was reduced compared to baseline at 1 month after HoLEP. While the subtotal storage symptom score was significantly decreased compared to baseline starting from 3 months after PVP, it was significantly reduced starting from 1 month after HoLEP. On logistic regression analysis, a higher baseline subtotal storage symptom score was the only independent predictor of improvement in storage symptoms after PVP or HoLEP. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that improvement in storage symptoms after HoLEP begins earlier than that after PVP. Also, this study indicates that patients with more severe baseline storage symptoms have a higher likelihood of improvement after PVP or HoLEP compared to those with less severe symptoms.

Impact of overactive bladder on quality of life and resource use: results from Korean Burden of Incontinence Study (KOBIS).

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the impact of overactive bladder (OAB) on quality of life (QOL), resource use and productivity loss in patients recruited from six hospitals in Korea. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey recruited 625 OAB patients between July to December 2013. Patients were categorised into four groups based on the average number of urinary incontinence (UI) episodes over the past three days (0, 1, 2-3 and ≥4 UI/day). QOL was measured using the Incontinence-Specific Quality of Life Instrument (I-QOL), the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q), and a generic health-related utility instrument (EQ-5D). Information on hospital and clinic visit frequency, and continence pads use were also collected. Work productivity was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. Between group differences were assessed using ANOVA. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine the independent effects of OAB symptoms on QOL. RESULTS: Severity of UI showed a significant linear relationship with QOL, with clinically meaningful differences between each UI severity category. Compared to the dry category, patients in the most severe category (≥4 UI/day) had significantly lower I-QOL scores (69.8 vs 42.6; p < 0.0001), greater symptom bother on the OAB-q (30.4 vs 64.6; p < 0.0001), and poorer EQ-5D utility (0.848 vs 0.742; p < 0.001). Multivariable analyses showed that UI severity, frequency, urgency, and nocturia are independently associated with poorer QOL. Incontinence severity is also significantly associated with cost of incontinence pads (p < 0.0001), and a greater interference with work and regular activities (p = 0.001), however, no significant difference in hospital and clinic visits were observed. CONCLUSION: Severity of UI is a key contributor to the disease burden of OAB in Korean patients, even after taking into account the impact of other symptoms associated with OAB.