Mean Maximum Urethral Closure Pressure Research Articles

Modified Urethral Graciloplasty Cross-Innervated by the Pudendal Nerve for Postprostatectomy Urinary Incontinence: Cadaveric Simulation Surgery and a Clinical Case Report.

An artificial sphincter implanted in the bulbous urethra to treat severe postprostatectomy urinary incontinence is effective, but embedding-associated complications can occur. We assessed the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of urethral graciloplasty cross-innervated by the pudendal nerve. A simulation surgery on three male fresh cadavers was performed. Both ends of the gracilis muscle were isolated only on its vascular pedicle with proximal end of the obturator nerve severed and transferred to the perineum. We examined whether the gracilis muscle could be wrapped around the bulbous urethra and whether the obturator nerve was long enough to suture with the pudendal nerve. In addition, surgery was performed on a 71-year-old male patient with severe urinary incontinence. The postoperative 12-month outcomes were assessed using a 24-hour pad test and urodynamic study. In all cadaveric simulations, the gracilis muscles could be wrapped around the bulbous urethra in a γ-loop configuration. The length of the obturator nerve was sufficient for neurorrhaphy with the pudendal nerve. In the clinical case, the postoperative course was uneventful. The mean maximum urethral closure pressure and functional profile length increased from 40.7 to 70 cm H 2 O and from 40.1 to 45.3 mm, respectively. Although urinary incontinence was not completely cured, the patient was able to maintain urinary continence at night. Urethral graciloplasty cross-innervated by the pudendal nerve is effective in raising the urethral pressure and reducing urinary incontinence.

MP52-07 MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF NEUROGENIC INTRINSIC SPHINCTER DEFICIENCY OF SPINA BIFIDA PATIENTS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP52-07 MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF NEUROGENIC INTRINSIC SPHINCTER DEFICIENCY OF SPINA BIFIDA PATIENTS Benoit Peyronnet, Claire Richard, Claude Bendavid, Juliette Hascoet, Camille Haudebert, Caroline Voiry, Emmanuelle Samson, Jacques Kerdraon, Andrea Manunta, and Xavier Gamé Benoit PeyronnetBenoit Peyronnet More articles by this author , Claire RichardClaire Richard More articles by this author , Claude BendavidClaude Bendavid More articles by this author , Juliette HascoetJuliette Hascoet More articles by this author , Camille HaudebertCamille Haudebert More articles by this author , Caroline VoiryCaroline Voiry More articles by this author , Emmanuelle SamsonEmmanuelle Samson More articles by this author , Jacques KerdraonJacques Kerdraon More articles by this author , Andrea ManuntaAndrea Manunta More articles by this author , and Xavier GaméXavier Gamé More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003300.07AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Intrinsic sphincter deficiency is common in patients with spina bifida have a different pathophysiology and impact than in other neurogenic and non neurogenic populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between five urinary biomarkers (NGF, BDNF, TIMP-2, TGF-B1 and PGE2) and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in adults with spina bifida. METHODS: A single center prospective study was conducted between March 2015 and March 2017 including all consecutive adult spina bifida patients who were seen for urodynamic testing. Urinary tract imaging was also performed in all patients. At the end of the inclusion period, urines were defrosted and urinary NGF, BDNF, TIMP-2, TGF-B1 were assessed using validated ELISA kits. The urinary markers levels were adjusted on the urinary creatinine level. Urinary MMP-2 levels were assessed by zymography. Associations between urinary markers levels and clinical (stress urinary incontinence (SUI)) and/or urodynamic (lowered maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP)) of intrinsic sphincter deficiency were sought. RESULTS: Forty patients were included. Of these, 17 had SUI (42.5%). The mean MUCP was 56.7 cm H2O. Urinary TIMP-2/Cr and urinary BDNF/Cr were the only two markers significantly associated with MUCP (r=-0.37; p=0.02 in both cases, Figure 1). TIMP-2/Cr was significantly higher in the SUI group (p=0.003), as was BDNF/Cr (p=0.02). Urinary NGF/Cr, TGF-B1/Cr and MMP2 did not differ significantly between SUI and non-SUI groups. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary TIMP-2 and BDNF may be associated with intrinsic sphincter deficiency in adults with spina bifida. These results suggest a possible pathophysiological role of extracellular matrix remodeling and both a fibrosis and a neurogenic component in the intrinsic sphincter deficiency of adults with spina bifida. Source of Funding: none © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e705 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Benoit Peyronnet More articles by this author Claire Richard More articles by this author Claude Bendavid More articles by this author Juliette Hascoet More articles by this author Camille Haudebert More articles by this author Caroline Voiry More articles by this author Emmanuelle Samson More articles by this author Jacques Kerdraon More articles by this author Andrea Manunta More articles by this author Xavier Gamé More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Botulinum toxin A injection to the external urethral sphincter for voiding dysfunction in females: A tertiary center experience.

The aim of this study is to examine the functional outcomes of ona-botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection into the external urethral sphincter (EUS) for female patients with nonneurogenic nonrelaxing sphincter as the underlying cause of voiding dysfunction (VD). A retrospective analysis was performed for all the patients with the urodynamic findings of higher than expected maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) who received their first injection during the study period. All patients were evaluated with preoperative videourodynamic study and urethral pressure profilometry and received 100 U of EUS BTX-A. Patients aged less than 18 years and those with neurogenic bladder were excluded. All patients were followed up with the free flow, postvoid residuals (PVR), and patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) scale at 6 weeks and then at 3 monthly intervals. We identified 35 female patients with a mean age of 37.5 ± 15 years (range 18-72 years) with a mean follow-up of 20 months. More than 50% of patients had a history of prior surgical intervention and 28 (80%) patients were catheter dependent, a suprapubic catheterization, or clean intermittent self-catheterization. Mean MUCP was 97.1 ± 22 cm of water. After treatment with BTX-A, 21 (60%) patients were able to void per urethral (p = 0.02). The mean maximum flow rate (Qmax) improved from 8.8 to 11 mls/s and the mean PVRdecreased from 200 to 149 mls (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, we identified high preoperative PVR, high preoperative actualMUCP, and previous surgical intervention (urethral dilatation, sacral neuromodulation, and pelvic surgery) as predictors of successful voiding restoration. The mean duration of response was 4.7 months, 46% of patients requested repeat injection, and 29% were established on maintenance injections. On the 5-point PGI-I score, 13 (37%), 12 (34%), and 10 (29%) patients reported good, some, and no improvement, respectively. Quality of life was also improved in 60% of patients. Two patients had transient stress urinary incontinence (for<6 weeks) and there were no significant long-lasting adverse events. EUS BTX-A is a valid treatment option for VD considering therapeutic options are limited. The patient must be made aware of the need for repeat treatments.

The Anatomy of Caprine Female Urethra and Characteristics of Muscle and Bone Marrow Derived Caprine Cells for Autologous Cell Therapy Testing.

Cell therapy is emerging as an alternative treatment of stress urinary incontinence. However, many aspects of the procedure require further optimization. A large animal model is needed to reliably test cell delivery methods. In this study, we aim to determine suitability of the goat as an experimental animal for testing intraurethral autologous cell transplantation in terms of urethral anatomy and cell culture parameters. The experiments were performed in 12 mature/aged female goats. Isolated caprine muscle derived cells (MDC) were myogenic in vitro and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) population was able to differentiate into adipo-, osteo- and chondrogenic lineages. The median yield of cells after 3 weeks of culture amounted 47 × 10(6) for MDC and 37 × 10(6) for MSC. Urethral pressure profile measurements revealed the mean functional urethral length of 3.75 ± 0.7 cm. The mean maximal urethral closure pressure amounted 63.5 ± 5.9 cmH2 O and the mean functional area was 123.3 ± 19.4 cm*cmH2 O. The omega- shaped striated urethral sphincter was well developed in the middle and distal third of the urethra and its mean thickness on cross section was 2.3 mm. In the proximal part of the urethra only loosely arranged smooth muscle fibers were identified. To conclude, presented data demonstrate that caprine MDC and MSC can be expanded in vitro in a repeatable manner even when mature or aged animals are cell donors. Results suggest that female caprine urethra has similar parameters to those reported in human and therefore the goat can be an appropriate experimental animal for testing intraurethral cell transplantation. Anat Rec, 00:000-000, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 300:577-588, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Should maximal urethral closure pressure be performed before midurethral sling surgery for stress incontinence? A time to revisit.

Maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) provides an objective assessment of urethral integrity, but its role in predicting outcome after midurethral sling (MUS) placement is debatable and current practice in the UK is variable. The study was carried out to determine if lower preoperative MUCP is associated with poor outcome following MUS. The study was a retrospective review of the British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG) database and urodynamics (UDS) data. Patients who reported outcome as "no improvement", "worse" or "much worse" on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGII) scale were identified as having a poor outcome. Patients who reported "a little improvement", "improved" and "very much improved" on the PGII were thought to have a good outcome. The preoperative demographics, UDS findings and quality of life (International Consultation of Incontinence questionnaires [ICIQ-SF]) data of the two groups were compared. A total of 236 women were identified for the study. Of these, 24 women (10.2%) had a poor outcome. Of the remaining women reporting a good outcome, 50 cases were randomly selected. All urodynamic parameters, including mean functional urethral length (FUL), bladder capacity, and Qmax, were similar, except for mean MUCP 37.05 cm H2O, which was significantly lower in group 1 (poor outcome 37.05cm H2O) compared with a mean MUCP of 50.6 cm H2O in group 2 (good outcome; p = 0.005). We conclude that failure following MUS is associated with preoperatively lower MUCP, which can be used as a predictor of failure.

Reconstruction of the Urethral Sphincter with Dynamic Graciloplasty in a Male Rabbit Model

Introduction: The use of artificial urinary sphincters can improve urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomies; however, complications can arise. We hypothesized that dynamic graciloplasty improves urethral sphincter reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Models of urethral sphincter muscle reconstruction were developed in 5 adult rabbits by wrapping the gracilis muscle flap around the urethra. Intra-urethral pressure was measured in each of the models before reconstruction (control), after reconstruction, and after electrical stimulation of the flap in reconstructed models (stimulated models). Results: The mean maximum urethral closure pressure was significantly greater in the reconstruction model (69.7 (66.5-115.8) mm Hg) than in the control model (39.2 (33.7-49.6) mm Hg). The mean integral of the urethral pressure and urethral length was also significantly greater in the reconstruction model than in the control model. Furthermore, sphincter tightening was enhanced by the electrical stimulation of the flap. Conclusions: Our results support our hypothesis that the functional reconstruction of urethral sphincters using muscle flaps is promising for the treatment of urinary incontinence.

A Method for Recording Urethral Pressure Profiles in Female Rats

AimsUrethral pressure profile (UPP) and leak-point pressure (LPP) measurements as well as external urethral sphincter (EUS) electromyography (EMG) and videourodynamic analyses are the primary methods for evaluating urethral function in humans. However, UPP recording in female rats, a widely used animal model, is challenging due to their small body sizes. This study reports a novel method for recording UPP in female rats.Materials and MethodsSeventeen anesthetized female rats were studied. LPP data for 14 rats were included. The other 3 rats were excluded because of death or abnormal urogenital organs. UPP curves were recorded using a modified water-perfusion catheter system, with the lateral hole facing the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-o’clock positions in a randomized sequence. LPP, functional urethral length (FUL) and maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) were analyzed.ResultsThe mean LPP was 64.39 ± 20.29 cm H2O. The mean FUL and MUCP values at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-o’clock positions were 12.90 ± 1.20, 16.70 ± 1.95, 13.90 ± 2.42, and 11.60 ± 0.97 mm, respectively, and 38.70 ± 11.85, 33.90 ± 11.82, 37.40 ± 11.95, and 71.90 ± 23.01 cm H2O, respectively. The FUL at the 6-o’clock position and MUCP at the 12-o’clock position were significantly greater than those at the other 3 positions. The FUL and MUCP of repeated UPP recordings were not significantly different than those of the first recordings.ConclusionsUPP recording using a modified method based on a water-perfusion catheter system is feasible and replicable in female rats. It produces UPP curves that sensitively and appreciably reflect detailed pressure changes at different points within the urethra and thus provides opportunity to evaluate urethral structures, especially the urethral sphincter, in detail. These results may enhance the utility of female rat models in research of urinary sphincter mechanisms.

Chronological Urodynamic Evaluation of Changing Bladder and Urethral Functions After Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy

To examine chronological changes in urethral and bladder functions before, immediately after, and 1 year after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), urodynamic studies were prospectively performed. Sixty-three consecutive patients underwent pressure-flow studies, urethral pressure profiles, and abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) tests 1-2 days before, immediately after, and 1 year after RARP. The mean bladder compliance was 28.3 mL/cm H₂O before RARP; it worsened to 16.3 mL/cm H₂O immediately after RARP and recovered to 27.1 mL/cm H₂O at 1 year. The mean detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate was 61.9 cm H₂O before RARP; it decreased to 34.3 cm H₂O immediately after RARP and remained at 35.6 cm H₂O at 1 year. The mean maximum urethral closure pressure was 84.2 cm H₂O before RARP; it decreased to 33.4 cm H₂O immediately after RARP and recovered to 63.0 cm H₂O at 1 year. Intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) evaluated by the ALPP test was observed in 53 patients immediately after RARP, although no patient showed ISD before RARP. ISD remained in 7 patients at 1 year. Both ALPP and maximum urethral closure pressure at 1 year were significant factors for continence in multivariate analysis. Urethral sphincter and bladder function worsen immediately after RARP and recover over time. The bladder storage function after RARP returns to almost the same level before RARP, and the voiding function improves compared with the condition before RARP; however, the urethral sphincter function does not return to its preoperative level. Urethral sphincter dysfunction is considered the main factor for urinary incontinence after RARP.

Implantation de sphincter artificiel urinaire par voie laparoscopique chez des femmes avec incontinence urinaire d’effort sévère

To evaluate, feasibility, efficacy and morbidity of laparoscopic artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in women with severe stress urinary incontinence. Twenty-six women with severe stress urinary incontinence were treated between October 2007 and January 2012 by laparoscopic implantation of an AUS AMS 800 (American medical Systems, Inc., Minnetonka, Minnesota). For 18 patients AUS was primary implanted and, for eight, AUS was revised for a mechanical failure. Three patients had a concomitant laparoscopic vaginal prolapse repair. Mean value was for age 64 years, BMI 27.8kg/m2, and mean maximal urethral closure pressure was 26.75cm of water. Most of the patients (88%) had a history of pelvic or incontinence surgery. The study was a retrospective analysis of operative parameters, complications and functional results. Three conversions in open surgery and five bladder injuries were described. Mean operative time was 149 minutes. Bladder catheter was removed at a mean of day 3.8. Mean post-operative stay was 5 days. Early postoperative complications consist in eight acute transient urinary retentions, two pump migrations, and one vaginal injury. Late post-operative complications consist in one vaginal erosion. Explantation of AUS was performed for these last two patients. Mean follow-up was 20 months. Sixteen patients are totally continent, five have a social continence (1 pad/day) and three need more than one pad/day. Our results compare favorably to literature either for laparoscopic or conventional approach with a limited learning curve. Laparoscopic implantation of AUS in women with severe stress urinary incontinence was feasible and efficient.

Value of Maximum Urethral Closure Pressure in Predicting the Outcome of Tension-Free Vaginal Tape and Transobturator Tape Procedure.

The short-term results for the tension-free vaginal tape procedure (TVT) and the transobturator tape procedure (TOT) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were compared using the preoperative maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP). A total of 278 patients treated for SUI was considered: 165 who underwent TVT and 113 who underwent TOT retrospectively. The MUCP in a preoperative urodynamic study before and 3 months after surgery were evaluated. At 3 months after TVT, 159 patients (96.4%) were cured and four patients failed. The mean MUCP of the patients who failed was 22.5 ± 5.3 cmH2 O, which was significantly lower than that among the cured patients (P < 0.007). At 3 months after TOT, 100 patients (88.5%) were cured and seven patients failed. The mean MUCP of the patients who failed was 27 ± 6.3 cmH2 O, which was significantly lower than that among the cured patients (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean MUCP among the patients who were cured after TOT was significantly higher than that among the patients who were cured after TVT (P < 0.01). A further analysis using a ROC curve indicated that the MUCP value in the successful patients after TVT was ≧ 24 cmH2 O and that in the failures after TOT was ≦ 30 cmH2 O with selection sensitivity at 80%. These results suggest that the failure cases after TVT or TOT are often found in SUI with a low MUCP and that TVT might be superior to TOT in SUI with a MUCP ≦ 30 cmH2 O.

Maximum urethral closure pressure in women: normative data and evaluation as a diagnostic test

Our goal was to identify correlates of maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and MUCP as a diagnostic test for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This study was a retrospective review of women with non-neurological referrals for urinary incontinence between1995 and 2006. We studied the characteristics of 8,644 women who underwent urodynamics for non-neurological referrals. Mean MUCP was 48 cm H(2)O in urodynamic stress incontinence (USI), 50 cm H(2)O in mixed urinary incontinence (MUI), 65 cm H(2)O in detrusor overactivity incontinence (DOI) and 67 cm H(2)O for continent women . Age and MUCP were negatively correlated in all groups. Multiple regression analysis showed lower levels of MUCP in women with USI who also had previous hysterectomy or anti-incontinence surgery or who were in an older age group. Previous anti-incontinence surgery and older age were risk factors for lower MUCP in women with MUI and DOI. Receiver operator curves did not show MUCP to have utility as a diagnostic test despite age and parity stratification. MUCP < 20 cm H(2)O showed a sensitivity of 5 % and specificity of 98 % in diagnosing USI. MUCP failed to meet the criteria for a diagnostic test. Women with USI and MUI have lower MUCP than women with DOI and continent women in each decade of life. MUCP decreases with age.

Urethral distension as a novel method to simulate sphincter insufficiency in the porcine animal model

To describe a novel animal model of intrinsic sphincter deficiency. The study was carried out on 10 female pigs. Injury to the urethral sphincter was induced by distension of the urethra. This was obtained by using the balloon of an 18-F Dufour catheter for 5 min followed by its retraction through the urethra without draining the balloon. The urethral pressure profile was evaluated before injury, immediately postinjury and at day 28 postinjury in the experimental group (n = 5), and on day 1 and day 28 in the control uninjured group (n = 5). The maximal urethral closure pressure, the functional urethral length and the area under curve of the urethral pressure profile were measured. The mean maximal urethral closure pressure at the beginning of the experiment was 32 cmH(2) O, and the mean functional urethral length was 4.88 cm. The assessment at day 28 showed a reduction of the maximal urethral closure pressure (50% of the control, P > 0.05), the functional urethral length (52.5% of the control, P < 0.05) and the area under curve (52% of the control, P < 0.05) in injured pigs. Histologically, a fibrosis of the sphincter was detected without rupture of the muscle layer in all the samples. The proposed porcine model can be used to obtain intrinsic sphincter deficiency-like urodynamic findings without rupturing the sphincter. This methodology can be applied to investigate therapies for intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

Can maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) Be used to predict outcome of surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence?

The outcome of surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can be unpredictable. Urethral pressure measurements, including measurement of maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) can form part of the investigation of women prior to SUI surgery and some studies have suggested that women with higher MUCP may have a better surgical outcome. This study aims to determine whether outcome of SUI surgery is related to pre-operative MUCP. All patients undergoing colposuspension or TVT in a large European city between 1998 and 2002 were included. All women underwent pre-operative urodynamics, including measurement of urethral pressure profile; urodynamic data, including MUCP, were determined. Surgical outcome was measured using the ICIQ-FLUTS questionnaire, which was mailed to allow for a minimum follow-up period of 3 years. Surgical outcome was measured by assigning patients to one of three post-operative Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) groups. Group 1 (No incontinence), Group 2 (< 1 incontinence episode per day), Group 3 (> 1 incontinence episode per day). Independent statistical analysis was undertaken using STATA® software and a two-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) test to determine the relationship between pre-operative MUCP and post-operative SUI group. A total of 463 postal questionnaires were mailed, with a response rate of 62%, allowing for those who had died or moved away. Of the 285 responders, 218 had undergone colposuspension and 66 had a TVT. Median age, length of follow up and MUCP were 54 years (range 23-81), 77 months (range 47 to 107) and 45 cmH(2) O (range 5 to 105) respectively. Difference in MUCP between the two operation groups (colposuspension and TVT) was not significant (p > 0.19). No significant difference in preoperative MUCP was demonstrated between the three SUI groups, with mean MUCP in the three SUI groups of 50, 45 and 43 cmH(2) 0 respectively, confirming that patients with higher MUCP were not more likely to be in a lower post-operative SUI group (F(2, 237) = 3.42, p < 0.04). Our data demonstrate that women with higher preoperative MUCP do not have a better surgical outcome following stress incontinence surgery.

Clinical and urodynamic effect of methylphenidate for the treatment of giggle incontinence (enuresis risoria)

We retrospectively investigated the efficacy of methylphenidate (MPH) in giggle incontinence (GI), and the relationship between GI and urodynamic parameters. Nine (n = 9) female GI patients underwent 1 year of treatment with 5 mg MPH. Three questionnaires, voiding diaries, and UDS were conducted before and after treatment. The severity of GI was classified into mild, moderate, and severe. Clinical success was characterized as: full response, response, partial response, and non-response. The mean age of all patients was 16.2 ± 2.3 years. Five patients had mild, one had moderate, and three had severe grade incontinent. All patients reported complete cessation of wetting after MPH treatment. The mean duration of asymptomatic period was 7 ± 3.2 months. There were no statistically significant score changes in all three questionnaires: Urgency Perception Scale (UPS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and Primary Overactive Symptom Questionnaire (POSQ), and voiding diaries (P > 0.05). In UDS, there were no statistically significant altered parameters, except maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and maximum urethral pressure (MUP). After treatment, the mean MUCP was increased from 52.2 ± 6.8 to 73.0 ± 5.4 cmH(2) O (P < 0.05), and the mean MUP was increased from 48.6 ± 7.3 to 70.2 ± 5.0 cmH(2) O (P < 0.05). MPH can be a viable option for the primary treatment of GI, and it may be related to increasing urethral closure pressure. It was not possible to establish if a relationship between GI and detrusor overactivity exists.

Urethral instability.

Urethral instability is still evolving as a clinical entity. Using pressure variation of 15 cm water or more at the point of maximum urethral pressure (MUP), urethral pressure profilometry on patients referred for urodynamic assessment for lower urinary tract symptoms revealed urethral instability in 6.4% of 608 patients. The close association between urethral and detrusor instability was noted. Urethral instability appears to be a cause of frequency and urgency of micturition, and its presence increase the risk of urinary incontinence.

Is HCl Duloxetine Effective in the Management of Urinary Stress Incontinence after Radical Prostatectomy?

Introduction: Up to 70% of patients who undergo radical prostatectomy complain about urine leakage, but persistent stress incontinence 1 year after surgery affects <5% of them. HCl duloxetine is a dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that relieves the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of HCl duloxetine in the management of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy and its impact in urodynamic parameters such as maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP), abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) and retrograde leak point pressure (RLPP). Material and Methods: The study included 18 men with stress urinary incontinence 12 months after radical prostatectomy. All underwent a pad test to quantify the degree of urine loss and a urodynamic evaluation before and after a three month treatment with HCl duloxetine. The intrinsic sphincter was evaluated by ALPP and RLPP and the striated sphincter by MUCP. Results: At the pretreatment evaluation the mean ALPP was 52.1 cm H₂O, the mean MUCP was 52.5 cm H₂O and the mean RLPP was 43.1 cm H₂O. After 3 months of HCl duloxetine treatment the mean ALPP was 59.1 cm H₂O, the mean MUCP was 67.3 cm H₂O and the mean RLPP was 45.1 cm H₂O. There was a statistically significant correlation among RLPP, MUCP and ALPP before treatment. After HCl duloxetine treatment there was significant correlation between RLPP and ALPP. Conclusion: The use of HCl duloxetine results in mild increase of MUCP and in significant reduction of urine loss. Its action on the extrinsic sphincter does not provide a complete treatment option for postprostatectomy incontinence.

Urinary retention in women: its causes and management

To report the experience of the last 4 years from a centre to which women with voiding difficulties and urinary retention were referred nationally, describing what investigations were helpful in making a diagnosis and the management strategies used. Women with voiding difficulties and urinary retention remain a diagnostic and management challenge, and those with no anatomical or neurological basis for their symptoms may be dismissed, assuming that their retention has a psychogenic basis. The finding of an electromyographic (EMG) abnormality of the striated urethral sphincter explaining their disorder (Fowler's syndrome) has led to the referral of women for consideration of that diagnosis. Thus we audited the referrals to the centre over a 4-year period of such women. In all, 247 women (mean age 35 years) with complete (42%) or partial retention (58%) were referred; 175 (71%) had urethral pressure profilometry, 141 (57%) had a transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of the sphincter volume, and 95 (39%) had sphincter EMG. The mean maximum urethral closure pressure difference between patients with an EMG abnormality (101.5 cmH(2)O) and the patients with known other causes of voiding dysfunction (66.2 cmH(2)O) was 35.3 cmH(2)O (P < 0.05). In patients with complete retention there was a significant difference in sphincter volume between those who were EMG-positive (2.14 mL) or EMG-negative (1.64 mL) (P < 0.05). These investigations helped to classify the cause of retention in two-thirds of cases. The commonest diagnosis was Fowler's syndrome, in which sacral nerve stimulation is the only intervention that restores voiding.

Episiotomy and Perineal Tears Presumed to be Imminent: The Influence on the Urethral Pressure Profile, Analmanometric, and Other Pelvic Floor Findings???Follow-up Study of a Randomized, Controlled Trial

There is convincing evidence that routine episiotomy is inappropriate. The Cochrane Collaborations' systematic review and several randomized trials have shown that the restricted use of episiotomy, compared with routine use, causes significantly less damage to the posterior perineum and fewer complications of healing. The present investigators compared these 2 strategies in a prospective follow-up study of a randomized, controlled trial. Restrictive episiotomy was done only on fetal indications or when a tear was thought to be imminent. The participants in this 18-month study were 146 primiparous women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies past 34 weeks gestation. Sixty-eight women who delivered live infants at term during the study interval were added for an intention-to-treat analysis. Maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP), functional urethral length, maximum anal pressure (MAP), and functional anal sphincter length (ASL) were estimated at rest and during contraction. Pelvic floor muscle strength also was graded. Women were asked about dyspareunia, urinary incontinence, and anorectal incontinence. After a mean follow up of 7.3 months, there were no statistically significant differences between the ordinary and restrictive approaches to episiotomy with respect to mean MUCP, mean MAP, or mean ASL at rest or during contraction. In addition, no significant differences were found in mean pelvic floor muscle strength, the frequency of pain on intercourse, or the prevalence of either urinary or anorectal incontinence. These findings suggest that there is no advantage in performing mediolateral episiotomy when a tear is considered imminent when considering the urodynamic and analmanometric results and pelvic floor function. Because mediolateral episiotomy under this condition causes significant perineal pain without any apparent benefit to the mother or infant, the investigators believe that an imminent tear is not an indication for mediolateral episiotomy.

Predictive Value of Maximum Urethral Closure Pressure, Urethral Hypermobility and Urethral Incompetence in the Diagnosis of Clinically Significant Female Genuine Stress Incontinence

We determined the value of urethral hypermobility, maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and urethral incompetence in the diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In this study 369 women with clinical symptoms suggestive of SUI without symptoms of bladder overactivity were evaluated in regard to urethral incompetence, urethral hypermobility and mean MUCP. The cohort was divided into 2 groups according to continence/incontinence status. ROC curves were used to test the performance of the various predicting factors. These factors were combined in forward stepwise logistic regression to find the cutoff point that simultaneously optimized sensitivity and specificity. Continent and incontinent patients differed with regards to urethral incompetence and hypermobility (each p <0.0001). Incontinent patients had a greater probability of a higher grade of each factor. Even after adjusting for the older age of incontinent patients by ANCOVA. MUCP was significantly lower in the incontinent group (p <0.001). The best univariate optimized cutoff point for discriminating continence from incontinence was obtained with urethral incompetence greater than grade I. The best single predictor of clinically significant SUI is urethral incompetence, followed by urethral hypermobility and MUCP. When combining several factors, namely grade II urethral incompetence with grade III hypermobility, grade III urethral incompetence with grades I to III hypermobility and grade IV urethral incompetence with or without urethral hypermobility, all indicated more than a 90% probability of clinically significant SUI.

Le TVT ( tension-free vaginal tape) a-t-il une place dans le traitement de l’insuffisance sphinctérienne ?

The objective of this article is to estimate results and place of TVT in female stress urinary incontinence with intrinsic sphincter incompetence. This was a retrospective study over a period of 57 months in a population of 38 patients treated by TVT for sphincter incompetence with or without inefficient pressure transmission. Mean patient age was 52 years. Fourteen patients (37%) had a history of incontinence surgery. The physical examination demonstrated urethral mobility in 22 patients (58%) and positive Bonney or Jacquetin tests in 15 patients (39%). Mean maximum urethral closure pressure was 40 cm H2O, with 12 patients (32%) 30 cm. Six patients (16%) had detrusor instability. Seven patients (18%) had pure sphincter incompetence. Median follow-up was eight months (two months to 32 months). Twenty five patients (66%) were cured, nine (24%) improved and treatment failed in four (10%). Results are less satisfactory for patients with preliminary failure of incontinence surgery, fixed urethra, pure sphincter incompetence or with detrusor instability without inefficient pressure transmission. The only major complication was an expulsion of the prosthesis. Results of TVT in sphincter incompetence are slightly less satisfactory than in pure urinary stress incontinence. In a short follow-up, they are comparable in sphincter incompetence to those of sling procedures which are the current gold standard. Risk of urinary retention is lesser. The minimally invasive nature of TVT suggests that it will replace sling procedures in the future for this particular indication. Longer follow-up will be necessary for confirmation.