Endoscopic Collagen Injection Research Articles

Long-Term Outcome of the Pippi Salle Procedure for Intractable Urinary Incontinence in Patients with Severe Intrinsic Urethral Sphincter Deficiency

We evaluated the long-term outcome of the Pippi Salle procedure in patients with severe intrinsic urethral sphincter deficiency. We performed the Pippi Salle procedure in 6 males and 6 females with severe intrinsic sphincter deficiency between March 2003 and August 2013. Median patient age was 15 years (range 6 to 45). Mean followup was 75 months (range 17 to 142). Six males and 3 females had neurogenic intrinsic sphincter deficiency (spina bifida in 8 and spinal cord injury in 1). Three females had anatomical intrinsic sphincter deficiency (idiopathic bladder hypoplasia in 2 and pseudo-ureterocele in 1). Four patients had previously undergone bladder neck surgery, 3 had been treated with endoscopic injection of collagen, 2had undergone fascial sling and 1 had been treated with tension-free vaginal tape surgery. The Pippi Salle procedure was performed alone (2 patients), or in combination with bladder augmentation (4) or catheterizable abdominal stoma (1), or both (5). Complete dryness was achieved in 7 patients (58%). Of 9 patients with neurogenic intrinsic sphincter deficiency 7 (78%) achieved complete dryness. Eight patients experienced complications, including continued urinary incontinence (5), difficulty catheterizing per urethra (3) and urinary calculi (1). These 8patients were successfully treated with additional endoscopic interventions, including injection of collagen in 4, injection of dextranomer-hyaluronic acid in 1,transurethral incision of urethral kink in 3 and vesicolithotripsy in 1. After these simple interventions complete dryness was achieved in all 12 patients. Although we experienced some minor complications in the short term, most patients were simply and successfully treated with endoscopic surgery. The long-term results of the Pippi Salle procedure are promising.

Erratum to: Transurethral ultrasonography-guided injection of adult autologous stem cells versus transurethral endoscopic injection of collagen in treatment of urinary incontinence

Erratum to: Transurethral ultrasonography-guided injection of adult autologous stem cells versus transurethral endoscopic injection of collagen in treatment of urinary incontinence

Acquired urinary incontinence in the bitch: Update and perspectives from human medicine. Part 3: The urethral component and surgical treatment

Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) is the most common cause of urinary incontinence in dogs. Surgery may be recommended if the animal does not respond to medical treatment or becomes refractory. In this third part of a three-part review, surgical options for the treatment of USMI are described. Colposuspension is the most frequently described procedure and offers a fair prognosis, with about 50% of the dogs being continent after surgery and most of the reminder being improved or more responsive to medical treatment. Urethropexy offers a similar success rate, but with a higher rate of complications. Endoscopic injection of collagen is an attractive technique due to its minimally invasive nature and low risk of adverse effects. Initial results may however deteriorate with time. Other procedures have been reported, but involve a low number of cases and have resulted in variable success rates. In women, stress urinary incontinence is mainly treated by minimally invasive procedures involving vaginal placement of sub-urethral slings.

NOVEL RECTUS CROSSOVER TECHNIQUE FOR ENHANCING CONTINENCE IN CUTANEOUS URINARY DIVERSION

We evaluated the long-term outcome of the Pippi Salle procedure in patients with severe intrinsic urethral sphincter deficiency.We performed the Pippi Salle procedure in 6 males and 6 females with severe intrinsic sphincter deficiency between March 2003 and August 2013. Median patient age was 15 years (range 6 to 45). Mean followup was 75 months (range 17 to 142). Six males and 3 females had neurogenic intrinsic sphincter deficiency (spina bifida in 8 and spinal cord injury in 1). Three females had anatomical intrinsic sphincter deficiency (idiopathic bladder hypoplasia in 2 and pseudo-ureterocele in 1). Four patients had previously undergone bladder neck surgery, 3 had been treated with endoscopic injection of collagen, 2 had undergone fascial sling and 1 had been treated with tension-free vaginal tape surgery. The Pippi Salle procedure was performed alone (2 patients), or in combination with bladder augmentation (4) or catheterizable abdominal stoma (1), or both (5).Complete dryness was achieved in 7 patients (58%). Of 9 patients with neurogenic intrinsic sphincter deficiency 7 (78%) achieved complete dryness. Eight patients experienced complications, including continued urinary incontinence (5), difficulty catheterizing per urethra (3) and urinary calculi (1). These 8 patients were successfully treated with additional endoscopic interventions, including injection of collagen in 4, injection of dextranomer-hyaluronic acid in 1, transurethral incision of urethral kink in 3 and vesicolithotripsy in 1. After these simple interventions complete dryness was achieved in all 12 patients.Although we experienced some minor complications in the short term, most patients were simply and successfully treated with endoscopic surgery. The long-term results of the Pippi Salle procedure are promising.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Transurethral ultrasonography-guided injection of adult autologous stem cells versus transurethral endoscopic injection of collagen in treatment of urinary incontinence

In the last years preclinical studies have paved the way for the use of adult muscle derived stem cells for reconstruction of the lower urinary tract. Between September 2002 and October 2004, 42 women and 21 men suffering from urinary stress incontinence (age 36-84 years) were recruited and subsequently treated with transurethral ultrasonography-guided injections of autologous myoblasts and fibroblasts obtained from skeletal muscle biopsies. The fibroblasts were injected into the urethral submucosa, while the myoblasts were implanted into the rhabdosphincter. In parallel, 7 men and 21 women (age 39-83 years) also diagnosed with urinary stress incontinence were treated with standard transurethral endoscopic injections of collagen. Patients were randomly assigned to both groups. After a follow-up of 12 months incontinence was cured in 39 women and 11 men after injection of autologous myoblasts and fibroblasts. Mean quality of life score (51.38 preoperatively, 104.06 postoperatively), thickness of urethra and rhabdosphincter (2.103 mm preoperatively, 3.303 mm postoperatively) as well as contractility of the rhabdosphincter (0.56 mm preoperatively, 1.462 mm postoperatively) were improved postoperatively. Only in two patients treated with injections of collagen incontinence was cured. The present clinical results demonstrate that, in contrast to injections of collagen, urinary incontinence can be treated effectively with ultrasonography-guided injections of autologous myo- and fibroblasts.

Results of a 2-Year Multicenter Trial of Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux With Synthetic Calcium Hydroxyapatite

With no FDA approved material available for endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux, in 2001 we began a prospective multicenter trial of synthetic calcium hydroxyapatite as a subureteral bulking agent in children with traditional indications for surgical repair. A total of 98 patients (155 ureters) with grades II to IV reflux were enrolled at 10 sites in the United States to obtain 86 patients with completed protocol end points at 3 months. Of the 86 patients 74 underwent renal and bladder ultrasonography, blood count and serum chemistry analysis, and VCUG at 1 year. A total of 46 patients (47%) completed 2-year study end points, including VCUG. At 1 and 2 years 24 of the 74 patients (32%) were cured. Ureteral cure rates were 46% and 40% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. With 35 patients treated and 85% compliance with the required 2-year VCUG the primary center achieved 2-year cure rates of 66% of patients and 72% of ureters. Synthetic calcium hydroxyapatite is a safe, durable and effective material for endoscopic treatment of VUR. Increased experience with the injection of synthetic calcium hydroxyapatite yields improved results.

Evaluation of long-term effects of endoscopic injection of collagen into the urethral submucosa for treatment of urethral sphincter incompetence in female dogs: 40 cases (1993–2000)

To evaluate long-term success of endoscopic injection of collagen into the urethral submucosa in female dogs with urinary incontinence caused by urethral sphincter incompetence. Retrospective study. 40 incontinent female dogs. Medical records were reviewed for outcome and other results for dogs in which a cystoscope was passed into the urethra for deposition of 3 collagen deposits into the submucosa. 27 (68%) dogs were continent for 1 to 64 months (mean, 17 months) after the collagen injection. In another 10 dogs, incontinence improved and in 6 of these dogs, full continence was regained with administration of additional medication. In 3 dogs, incontinence was unchanged. As long as 12 months after injection, there was a deterioration in the initial result in 16 dogs, after which their condition stabilized. Mild and transient adverse effects developed in 6 (15%) dogs. Long-term success of endoscopic injection of collagen was satisfactory. Relapse of incontinence might be caused by flattening of the collagen deposits rather than resorption of the collagen.

CESSATION OF PROPHYLACTIC ANTIBIOTICS FOR MANAGING PERSISTENT VESICOURETERAL REFLUX

We reviewed our experience with patients with vesicoureteral reflux treated off prophylactic antibiotics. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with vesicoureteral reflux treated off prophylactic antibiotics, noting the intervals on and off antibiotics, urinary tract infection, signs and symptoms associated with urinary tract infection, and renal ultrasound and dimercapto-succinic acid scan findings. We identified 196 patients with vesicoureteral reflux treated off prophylactic antibiotics, including 122 who were infection-free while on and 124 who had no urinary tract infection while off prophylactic antibiotics. The infection rate on and off prophylactics was 0.29 and 0.24 urinary tract infections per patient per year, respectively. New scars were identified in 5 patients while on prophylactics and in 7 after antibiotics were discontinued. Comparing different subgroups off prophylactic antibiotics showed that children who presented with scarring had statistically fewer new scars than those with normal initial dimercapto-succinic acid imaging (p <0.043). Girls had significantly more urinary tract infections than boys while off prophylactics (p <0.01) despite the older age at antibiotic cessation. However, after infection occurred while off prophylactic antibiotics, new renal scars developed at about the same rate in boys and girls. Because most patients did not have a urinary tract infection while off prophylactic antibiotics, new renal scars developed in only 2.2% of all boys and 4% of all girls. Our findings imply that discontinuing antibiotics is reasonable and safe in patients in whom vesicoureteral reflux fails to resolve.

COLLAGEN INJECTION FOR TREATMENT OF URINARY INCONTINENCE IN CHILDREN

We assess the success rate of periurethral collagen injection in children with neurogenic bladder dysfunction secondary to myelomeningocele. From 1992 to 1998, 15 male and 5 female patients with spina bifida (age 13.3 +/- 3.8 years) underwent endoscopic collagen injection for the treatment of urinary incontinence secondary to sphincter deficiency. Mean followup was 4.2 years. Pretreatment urodynamic study showed a stable compliant bladder with an average leak point pressure of 52 cm. H2O (range 23 to 100). Concurrent medical management included anticholinergics in 15 cases, agonists in 3, and clean intermittent catheterization in 16. Five patients had undergone previous ileocystoplasty. Collagen injections were given with the patient under general anesthesia. The number of injections was 1 in 5 cases, 2 in 11, 3 in 3, and 4 in 1. Average collagen volume injected per treatment was 6.6 cc (range 2 to 13). All patients were evaluated on a subjective continence scale of no change (wet), improved or completely dry at the time of assessment. Of the 20 patients, 16 had no change, 3 showed improvement and 1 was dry. Initial improvement in the first 2 months after injection deteriorated thereafter in 16 cases. The previously reported high success rate of collagen injection is not supported by this study. With long-term followup collagen injection is rarely effective for treating urinary incontinence in children with neurogenic sphincter deficiency.

Possible Causes of Unsuccessful Endoscopic Collagen Treatment of Vesicoureteric Reflux in Children

Objective: The purpose of this prospective study was to identify possible causes of unsuccessful treatment of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) in children by endoscopic collagen injection. Patients and Methods: Between February 1994 and September 1996, 130 primary VURs in 94 children aged 3–16 years were treated by endoscopic injection of collagen. Grade 2 VUR was found in 46 ureteric units, grade 3 in 55, and grade 4 in 11 ureteric units. Seventy-seven children had normal micturition, and 17 showed signs of an unstable bladder. The collagen injection was performed under general anasthesia. All children had a follow-up assessment on average 5.1 months after the first injection of collagen. They were evaluated by micturition cystography and ultrasound examination of the urinary tract. Results: A single injection of collagen eliminated VUR in 74 (56.9%) cases. There was a statistically significant correlation between the grade of VUR and the success rate of collagen therapy (p < 0.01). The average amount of collagen used in cured and in noncured children was 0.55 and 0.76 ml, respectively (p < 0.01). Children with normal appearance of the ureteric orifice had significantly better results as compared with other children (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant correlation between the success rate of treatment and the place of collagen injection or the shape of ureteric orifice following the injection. A statistically significant association, however, was found between the function of the lower urinary tract and the results of endoscopic collagen treatment for VUR (p < 0.05). Ultrasound showed no obstruction of the upper urinary tract. Conclusion: High-grade VUR, incorrect technique of injection, and voiding dysfunction seem to be some of the possible causes of an unsuccessful endoscopic collagen treatment of VUR in children.

Effect of transurethral collagen injection for vesicoureteral reflux in patients with spina bifida

The effect of endoscopic injection of collagen was assessed in spina bifida patients with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Endoscopic collagen injection was carried out for grade II or worse VUR according to the international classification. Twenty-two ureters were studied in 6 boys and 8 girls (mean: 14.4 years) who were followed up over a period of at least 3 months (mean: 5 months) after surgery they all had a negative preoperative skin test for collagen and were investigated radiologically and urodynamically. Cystograpy was performed 1, 3 and 12 months after surgery and thereafter once a year to detect recurrence of VUR. Anesthesia was not necessary in 4 patients. No adverse reactions occurred to the injection of collagen. VUR disappeared after 1 and 2 collagen injections in 17 (77%) and 2 (9%) ureters, respectively. The therapeutic effect of the single collagen injection showed no relationship to shape of the ureteral orifice, grade of VUR, compliance of the bladder, and presence of detrusor hyperreflexia. Endoscopic treatment of VUR with collagen injection in spina bifida patients is a simple and less invasive method. We obtained satisfactory short-term results by this method. However, since the risk factor of recurrence remains unclear, sufficient investigation of long-term results is important to determine the role of this method in the treatment of VUR in patients with spina bifida.

Endoscopic injection of collagen for the treatment of female urinary stress incontinence.

The objective of our study was to assess the efficacy and safety of glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen injection in the treatment of female urinary stress incontinence. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the records of 105 women who underwent collagen injection for urinary stress incontinence between March 1991 and April 1995. Preoperative assessment included uroflowmetry, residual urine determination, and urodynamic studies. Of the 105 women in our series, 95 patients (90.5%) had initial successful results at 3 months (61.0% cured, 29.5% significantly improved) while 4 patients (3.8%) had slight improvement and 6 (5.7%) failed surgical correction. One year after the procedure, the success rate dropped to 81.9% (86 patients) with 46.7% cured and 35.2% significantly improved. Nine patients (8.6%) had slight improvement and 10 patients (9.5%) failed surgical correction. Eight patients (7.6%) with initial unsatisfactory results underwent additional sessions of collagen injection and were subsequently either cured or had significant improvement. Twenty-three patients (21.9%) suffered a relapse. The mean time to relapse was 13.3 months, and 6 of those who relapsed underwent repeated injections with favorable results. Complications were minimal; 6 patients had temporary retention of urine, and 2 patients had urinary tract infections. We conclude that glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen injection is a simple and safe method of treatment for urinary stress incontinence. A longer follow-up period is necessary to assess the long-term efficacy of this treatment.

Endoscopic Collagen Injection: Its Limits in Correcting Vesico-Ureteral Reflux in Duplicated Ureters

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether it is possible, by endoscopic collagen injection, to treat vesicoureteral reflux in children with reflux into a totally duplicated ureter system. For more than 7 years a prospective study has been in progress on children with grade III or IV reflux (international grading). Injections were made through a pediatric cytoscope, submucosally beneath the refluxing ureteral orifice. 0.2-1.5 ml collagen was injected. Reflux was controlled with direct radionuclide cystography 1 month later. Injections were repeated once or twice (within 3 months from the first injection) if reflux persisted. Additional controls with direct radionuclide cystography were made 6 months and 2 and 4 years later. Up to now, 24 children (27 ureter units) with reflux to a totally duplicated ureter have been treated. After 1 month, 11 out of 24 children were free from reflux; after 6 months only 6 out of 24, after 2 years only 5 out of 23, and after 4 years only 3 out of 13 children were free from the disorder. There was no statistical difference between 1-month, 6-month, 2-year, and 4-year follow-up results. The differences among children with duplicated and single ureters at each control visit were statistically highly significant. There was no significant difference between results in grade III and IV reflux. We had to treat the reflux operatively (Cohen) in 20 of these 24 children (83%). Most of the children with reflux into a duplicated ureter system cannot be cured by endoscopic collagen injection.

Comparative Cost Analysis of Collagen Injection and Fascia Lata Sling Cystourethropexy for the Treatment of Type III Incontinence in Women

We examined the cost of 2 common forms of surgical treatment of genuine stress urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency, that is sling cystourethropexy and periurethral collagen injection. Between May 1994 and July 1995, 14 women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency underwent sling cystourethropexies. A total of 14 matched patients with intrinsic sphincter deficiency underwent endoscopic collagen injection during the same period. The total cost per treatment of fascia lata sling cystourethropexy ($10,382) was 2.1 times greater than that for collagen injection ($4,996, p < 0.001). At an average followup of 14.9 months for fascia lata cystourethropexy and 21.3 months for collagen injection, 71.4% of patients in the former and 26.7% in the latter groups were completely continent (p = 0.05). One or no pads were used daily by 85 and 40% of the patients, respectively. Fascia lata sling cystourethropexy may be a more cost-effective surgical treatment than periurethral endoscopic collagen injection for treating genuine stress urinary incontinence in women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency when the greater success rate of the former procedure is considered.

Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux with Collagen: Preliminary Report and Cost Analysis

Purpose We determined therapeutic and operative cost efficacy of endoscopic collagen injection for vesicoureteral reflux. Materials and Methods We performed a multicenter study of 10 male and 23 female sequential patients (45 renal units) with vesicoureteral reflux and a surgical indication. Patients were skin tested with collagen and when negative, they underwent endoscopic injection. Renal ultrasound/ cystography was done 3 months after treatment. Cost analysis was performed at 1 institution. Results Reflux was grade I in 2 renal units, II in 18, III in 15 and IV in 10. The majority of cases were single systems with primary reflux. We performed 1 treatment in 32 renal units, 2 in 6, 3 in 6 and 4 in 1. Cure was evident in 31 of 38 renal units (81.6 percent) and 21 of 27 patients (78 percent) 3 months after the last injection. Patient morbidity was minimal. Operative cost per renal unit was $1,599.68 for collagen injection and $9,144.47 for reimplantation. Conclusions Endoscopic injection of collagen is effective treatment for vesicoureteral reflux. Furthermore, it causes minimal morbidity and may effect cost savings in health care management.

Endoscopic Collagen Injection Therapy in Elderly Women with Type I Stress Urinary Incontinence

Purpose The safety and efficacy of collagen injection therapy for the treatment of type I stress urinary incontinence were determined. Materials and Methods A total of 12 women 68 to 85 years old (mean age 76) with type I stress urinary incontinence underwent collagen injection. Incontinence was subjectively categorized as grades 0 to 3, and Valsalva leak point pressures were measured before and after injection. Results At a mean of 10.3 months (range 3 to 24) 10 of the 12 women (83 percent) were cured, while the remaining 2 noticed subjective improvement in incontinence. Average number of injections per patient was 1.25 (1 injection in 9 and 2 in 3), average total collagen injected per patient was 2.2 cc (range 1.0 to 3.5) and average increase in Valsalva leak point pressure after collagen injection was 22 cm. water (range 0 to 40). Conclusions Collagen injection appears to be an effective alternative method for the treatment of type I stress urinary incontinence in elderly women.

Endoscopic Collagen Injection Therapy in Elderly Women with Type I Stress Urinary Incontinence

Endoscopic Collagen Injection Therapy in Elderly Women with Type I Stress Urinary Incontinence

Correction of Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children by Endoscopic Collagen Injection

The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the long-term results of correction of vesicoureteral reflux in children by subureteral submucosal endoscopic collagen injection.Between May 1988 and June 1994, 197 refluxing ureters in 148 children (grade III or IV, international grading system) were treated by collagen injection. Injection was done using general anesthesia and repeated 1 or 2 times if reflux persisted on the 1-month followup radionuclide cystogram. Cystography was repeated at 6 months, 2 years and 4 years.After 1 month, 6 months, 2 years and 4 years grades III and IV reflux were cured in 93.9%, 91.7%, 85.3% and 81.8%, respectively, of 132 simple ureters. For the 27 duplex ureters success rates were 44.4%, 25.9%, 23.1% and 21.4%, respectively, after 1 month, 6 months, 2 years and 4 years. After failed injections neo-implantation was performed with no difficulty.Our results show that in simple ureters reflux, especially grade III, can be corrected by collagen injection. Results seem to be stable after 2 years of followup.

Endoscopic treatment of vesico-ureteric reflux and urinary incontinence: technical problems in the paediatric patient.

Bovine collagen has been successfully used for the endoscopic treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) and vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) in children for more than 8 years, although its long-term efficacy has sometimes been questioned. Its failure is generally ascribed either to technical difficulties or to instability of collagen at the site of the implant. To assess the efficacy of the procedure we evaluated the children treated at this hospital between 1990 and 1993. A total of 156 children, aged 5 months to 13 years, were treated for VUR. Over the same period, 25 patients aged between 2 and 14 years (nine with neuropathic bladder and 16 with exstrophy-epispadias complex who were still incontinent after bladder neck reconstruction) had periurethral or pericervical glutaraldehyde cross-linked bovine collagen injection for UI. Five more children with exstrophy-epispadias complex (aged 1-3 years) underwent periurethral collagen injection to stimulate bladder enhancement and allow subsequent bladder neck reconstruction. In children treated for VUR, a single injection proved successful in 72.2% of cases (127 ureters); a second collagen injection raised the success rate to 81%. Continence improved in all nine neuropathic bladders and in 10 of 16 children with exstrophy-epispadias complex treated for UI after bladder neck reconstruction. In four of the five exstrophy-epispadias complex patients who were treated to stimulate bladder enhancement, bladder capacity increased by 25%. Endoscopic treatment of VUR seems to be a valid alternative to open surgery, even though concerns remain about the long-term efficacy of collagen implantation. An important distinction should be made between early and late failure of the procedure. Early failure, which we define as persistence of reflux, is usually due to incorrect technique or technical difficulties. Late failure, or recurrence of reflux, which has previously been attributed to the biodegradability of collagen, seems to be due to the displacement of the injected collagen. Micturition itself or high bladder pressure (such as detrusor instability) could be responsible for the displacement of the injected collagen medially and distally, where it can no longer support the submucosal ureteric tunnel. In the treatment of urinary incontinence, both the implant technique and the choice of the site of injection seem to have a considerable effect on the results. In our experience, endoscopic collagen injection is effective in the treatment of both urinary incontinence and VUR in paediatric patients. Accurate selection of patients and technical adjustments and refinements are essential to obtain the best results.