Multichannel Urodynamic Studies Research Articles

Efficacy of transurethral bladder neck incision with 2-micron continuous wave laser (RevoLix) for the management of bladder outlet stricture in women.

To report the short-term outcome of transurethral bladder neck incision with 2-micron continuous wave laser (RevoLix) in the management of bladder outlet stricture in women. In a prospective study, between January 2011 and February 2012, a total of 14 patients with the complaint of difficulty in voiding underwent transurethral bladder neck incision with 2-micron 120-W continuous wave laser (RevoLix) using low energy setting (24 W). Pre-operative investigations included international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and quality of life index evaluation, multi-channel urodynamic study, and urethrocystoscopy. Postoperative clinical and urodynamic improvement were compared with the pre-operative data. Of 14 patients, 4 and 10 subjects suffered from chronic urinary retention and difficulty in voiding, respectively. The mean age of the patients was 55.1 years (range, 40 to 67 years). Mean operation time and postoperative follow-up period were 23.8 minutes (range, 15 to 30 minutes) and 10.2 months (range, 6 to 18 months), respectively. Median IPSS improved significantly from 28 points at baseline to 11 points postoperatively (P = .005). Median quality of life score also improved from 4.2 points to 1.5 points (P = .005). None of the patients needed re-operation. Median post void residual urine decreased significantly after the procedure (101 mL versus 17 mL; P = .003). No significant complications and de-novo incontinence were noted in this study. Transurethral bladder neck incision with 2-micron continuous wave laser (RevoLix) may be used safely in the management of bladder outlet stricture in women with satisfactory short-term clinical outcomes.

Bacteriuria and safety of female urodynamic studies

Our aim was to study the incidence of bacteriuria after urodynamic studies (UDS) and prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria before UDS. In this prospective study between March and September 2011, 140 women undergoing UDS were subjected to urine culture before the investigation. Urine was collected aseptically with a sterile catheter transurethrally. Multichannel UDS were performed 3-5 days after urine collection. Prophylactic antibiotics were not administered to these women. A second urine sample was collected within 5-7 days after UDS. Significant bacteriuria was defined as 10(2) colony-forming units (cfu)/ml or more of a single organism cultured. Thirty (21.4 %) women had asymptomatic bacteriuria before UDS and were excluded from the main study group. Among the 110 women in the study group, 4 (3.6 %) acquired infection after UDS. Three grew organisms found in the vagina (group B Streptococcus and yeast-like organism) and one grew Proteus mirabilis. Age 60 years and above is a significant risk factor. In contrast to the study group, among 30 women who had infection before UDS, Escherichia coli was the commonest pathogen in 19 (63.3 %) and 30 % had diabetes. Eleven (36.7 %) had persistent infection after UDS and the rest resolved spontaneously. In addition, no other related complication was observed on the UDS. This study shows that risk of post UDS bacteriuria is low in women and screening for vaginal infections may be necessary before UDS. Women over 60 years old are significantly at risk of infection. Bacteriuria is nevertheless mostly asymptomatic and transient in nature.

The effect of rectal distension on bladder function in patients with overactive bladder

To investigate the effect of rectal distension on bladder sensation volumes and the number of detrusor contractions in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. A prospective randomized study included patients with OAB symptoms. Multichannel urodynamic studies were completed with and without rectal balloon distension. Bladder sensation volumes and detrusor contractions were compared. Twenty-six patients were included in the study. The mean age was 67 years and mean BMI was 28.3 kg/m(2) . Bladder sensation volumes were lower with rectal distention as follows: normal desire to void (139 ml SD, ±114 vs. 197 ml SD ±150, P = 0.01), strong desire to void (260 ml SD ±171 vs. 330 ml SD ±172, P = 0.01), and maximum cystometric capacity (326 ml SD ±183 vs. 403 ml SD ±180, P = 0.0001). There was no difference in the number of detrusor contractions or the bladder volume at which the first detrusor contraction had occurred with and without rectal distension. Rectal distention in patients with OAB symptoms significantly lowered bladder sensation volumes (normal desire, strong desire, and maximal capacity).

Neurogenic bladder evaluation and management after spinal cord injury: Current practice among urologists working in Saudi Arabia.

Aim:The aim of this study is to determine the current trends in the management and surveillance of the NB population secondary to spinal cord injury (SCI) or myelomeningocele by certified urologist working in Saudi Arabia and to compare it to the current guidelines.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using a 12-points questionnaire distributed to urologists working in Saudi Arabia and registered at the Saudi medical association. The assessment and follow-up of upper and lower urinary tract function in neurogenic bladder patients, their optimal frequency and management of related infections were the topics of inquiry.Results:Of the 272 urologists surveyed, 105 responded, yielding a response rate of 38%. Eighty-nine percent of respondents said that ultrasound was their diagnostic tool of choice for upper tract evaluation. Sixty-one percent of respondents said that they would follow their patients with a multichannel urodynamic study. Forty percent of urologists stated that they would treat asymptomatic bacteriuria. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) was the most common modality chosen for the management of neurogenic bladder in patients with emptying difficulties.Conclusion:This study confirms that most urologists in Saudi Arabia involved with neurogenic bladder management. However, more than one third of the urologists do not have urodynamic machine and only two of the reporting practitioners has a videourodynamic machine. The results emphasize the need for clear guidelines in this field of urology in Saudi Arabia. Highly specialized rehabilitation centers for neurogenic bladder secondary to SCI are required for optimal care and urologist teaching.

Urodynamic Profile of Diabetic Patients With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Association of Diabetic Cystopathy With Autonomic and Peripheral Neuropathy

To evaluate the association between diabetic cystopathy (DC) and neuropathy (autonomic and peripheral) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Men with DM who presented with bothersome LUTS were enrolled from January 2008 to June 2009. Their demographic and clinical profiles were noted. Multichannel urodynamic studies were performed using the Solar Silver digital urodynamic apparatus. Hand and foot sympathetic skin responses, and motor and sensory nerve-conduction velocity studies were performed using the Meditronic electromyographic/evoked potentials system. A total of 52 men (mean age 61.3 ± 12.1 years, DM duration 11.0 ± 7.5 years) completed the study protocol. Of these 52 men, abnormal sympathetic skin responses, motor and sensory nerve-conduction velocity studies, and combined neuropathy (all 3 tests abnormal) were noted in 80.7% 57.7%, 57.7%, and 51.9%, respectively. Urodynamic studies showed impaired first sensation (>250 mL), increased capacity (>600 mL), detrusor underactivity, detrusor overactivity, high postvoid residual urine volume (more than one third of capacity), and bladder outlet obstruction (Abrams-Griffiths number >40) in 23.1%, 25.0%, 78.8%, 38.5%, 65.4%, and 28.8% of the men, respectively. Both sensory and motor DC correlated with abnormal motor and sensory nerve-conduction velocity studies (P = .015 and P = .005, respectively). Only motor DC correlated with abnormal sympathetic skin responses (P = .015). The correlations were stronger in the presence of combined neuropathy (sensory DC, P = .005; motor DC, P = .0001). Men with DM and LUTS can present with varied urodynamic findings, apart from the classic sensory or motor cystopathy. A large proportion of these patients will have electrophysiologic evidence of neuropathy, and electrophysiologic evidence of neuropathy can moderately predict the presence of cystopathy.

Long-term lower urinary tract dysfunction after radical hysterectomy in patients with early postoperative voiding dysfunction

To compare long-term lower urinary tract dysfunction after radical hysterectomy in patients with or without early postoperative voiding dysfunction. Thirty patients at least 2 years after radical hysterectomy were evaluated with multichannel urodynamic studies. Fifteen patients (group A) had early postoperative voiding dysfunction (required urethral catheterization more than 1 month), and 15 patients (group B) had no early postoperative voiding dysfunction. Overall voiding dysfunction was more prevalent in group A than group B (73.3% versus 33.3%, p > 0.05). In particular, high postvoid residual urine and abdominal straining increased significantly in group A (40% versus 0% and 60% versus 13.3%, respectively). Total and all domains scores from Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire were not different between both groups. High postvoid residual urine and abdominal straining increased significantly in patients with early postoperative voiding dysfunction without impairment on quality of life.

LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF THE TENSION-FREE VAGINAL TAPE (TVT) PROCEDURE FOR TREATING FEMALE STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the long-term results of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure for treating stress urinary incontinence in women. Materials and Methods: Of 211 women who underwent the TVT procedure for stress urinary incontinence, 124 were followed up for at least 5 years following surgery. Preoperatively, the patients were evaluated with history taking, physical examinations, one hour pad tests, urine analysis, urine cultures and complete multichannel urodynamic studies. Long-term evaluations were performed via questionnaires on the durability of the surgical outcome and the patients' satisfaction with the procedure. Results: The follow-up period was a mean of 66.8 months. Of the 124 patients who were followed up for at least 5 years, the TVT procedure remained successful in 95.2% (cured: 71.0%, improved: 24.2%). 115 patients (92.7%) were satisfied with the TVT procedure. Also, 103 (83.1%) patients would like to recommend the TVT procedure to others. There were no serious or long-term complications related to the procedure. The factors related with the cure rate of the TVT procedure were the age of the patient, the presence or absence of combined urge incontinence and a past history of pelvic surgery. Conclusions: The TVT procedure showed a good long-term cure rate for treating female stress urinary incontinence. The procedure was less effective for the women with proven associated urge incontinence, a positive past history of the pelvic surgery and an older age. (Korean J Urol 2006;47:729-733) ꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏꠏ

Detrusor wall thickness as a test for detrusor overactivity in women

The measurement of detrusor wall thickness has been used as a screening test for detrusor overactivity and bladder outlet obstruction in men and women. The aim of this study was to determine, using receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, the diagnostic value of detrusor wall thickness in predicting detrusor overactivity in women. The records of 686 women who attended a tertiary urodynamics service from November 2002 to January 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients had undergone an interview, clinical examination, multichannel urodynamic studies and translabial ultrasound examination. Detrusor wall thickness measurements were taken at the bladder dome, after bladder emptying. ROC analysis was used to identify the optimal cut-off of detrusor wall thickness in predicting detrusor overactivity. Average detrusor wall thickness in the detrusor overactivity group was 4.7 +/- 1.9 mm (mean +/- SD), compared to 4.1 +/- 1.6 mm in the non-detrusor overactivity group (P < 0.001). Using a cut-off of detrusor wall thickness of 5.0 mm gave a sensitivity of 37% and a specificity of 79% for diagnosing detrusor overactivity. The ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.606 (95% CI, 0.56-0.65). There is a statistically significant association between detrusor wall thickness and detrusor overactivity (P < 0.001). However, ROC analysis demonstrated that detrusor wall thickness as measured by translabial ultrasound is of little use as a diagnostic test for detrusor overactivity, giving an AUC of only 0.606. Measurement of detrusor wall thickness should therefore not be used as a diagnostic parameter for detrusor overactivity in women.

Outcomes of autologous fascial slingplasty procedure for treating female urinary incontinence

The aims of this study were to compare the pre- and postoperative urodynamic findings of the suburethral autologous rectus fascial sling procedure and to determine patient satisfaction with the procedure by telephone interviews. Eight-four female patients with urodynamic stress incontinence completed a multi-channel urodynamic study and pad test before and after the operation. Subjective and objective satisfaction were also recorded. Significant changes were noted in the stress maximal urethral closure pressure, pad test, voided volume, and peak flow rate (P < 0.05). The success rate was about 94%, and subjective satisfaction was about 72%. The most common complication was transient urinary tract infections. The suburethral sling resolved 50% of detrusor overactivity (DO), but de novo DO was 24%. The procedure combined with anterior colporrhaphy corrected or improved 97% of anterior vaginal wall prolapses (> or =stage II). This retrospective study demonstrates that suburethral autologous facial slingplasty has a high cure rate, high patient satisfaction, and is a less complicated procedure. It can also correct and prevent a recurrence of anterior vaginal wall prolapse when combined with anterior colporrhaphy.

Ultrasonographic assessment of tape location following tension‐free vaginal tape and transobturator tape procedure

The purpose of this study was to perform an ultrasonographic comparison of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and the TVT-obturator (TVT-O) procedure in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We retrospectively reviewed 159 women with SUI undergoing either TVT (n=91) or TVT-O (n=68). All subjects underwent perineal ultrasonographies, pelvic examination, urinalyses, 1-h pad tests, multichannel urodynamic studies and a personal interview using the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Questionnaire before and 1 year after surgery. At rest or during Valsalva, the middle of the TVT-O tape localised more distally than the TVT on ultrasound (p<0.01). A higher rate of urethral kinking during straining was observed in the TVT group compared with the TVT-O group after surgery (86.9 versus 23.9%, p<0.01). Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the TVT-O group (16.2 versus 28.6 min, p<0.01). The rate of objective cure was comparable for the TVT and TVT-O groups (94.5 versus 88.2%, p<0.05). However, subjective cure rate was significantly lower for the TVT-O than the TVT group (82.4 versus 93.4%, p=0.042). There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups regarding patient characteristics and complication rates. TVT-O tape results in a less acute angle and localises to a more distal part of the urethra, resulting in less urethral compression and a lower rate of urethral dynamic kinking.

Urodynamic changes after tension-free sling procedures: Mycromesh-Plus® vs TVT sling®

Assortments of suburethral sling procedures have become increasingly important in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This study compared a consecutive series of patients undergoing two types of no-tension, midurethral sling procedures: a traditional pubovaginal technique and graft (modified polytetrafluoroethylene graft; Mycromesh-Plus [MMP]) and the more recently introduced tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) sling. We observed for differences in success rates, urodynamic parameters, and complications of the two procedures. One group received a MMP sling, which was placed at the midurethra without tension. The other group underwent a minimally invasive TVT sling. Multichannel urodynamic studies were performed pre- and postoperatively. Cure rates for SUI were similar for the two groups (95 vs 95%). Urgency and urge incontinence symptoms improved substantially in both groups. Comparison of pre- and postoperative urodynamic indices demonstrated no differences in changes in average functional urethral lengths, changes in maximum urethral closure pressures, or improvement in pressure transmission ratios. Both groups showed a decrease in urethral mobility postoperatively. However, the TVT group demonstrated a lesser degree of change. While the TVT group did spontaneously void earlier than the MMP group (5.7 vs 9.7 days, p < 0.05), this did not result in significantly different postvoid residual volumes (71 vs 101 mL). Complications, including need for self-catheterization and sling revision or removal, and urinary tract infections also were fewer in the TVT group. This study demonstrated that the TVT sling affords an equivalent cure of SUI with similar urodynamic changes but significantly fewer complications than the more traditional MMP sling.

Women with Voiding Dysfunction Secondary to Bladder Outlet Dyssynergia in the Setting of Multiple Sclerosis Do Not Demonstrate Significantly Elevated Intravesical Pressures

Elevated intravesical pressures secondary to detrusor sphincter dyssynergia result in an increased risk of renal deterioration in patients with cervical and thoracic spinal cord injury, although the risk is less clear in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this study was to study the impact of a closed bladder outlet on intravesical pressures in patients with MS. The data from all patients with MS referred for urologic evaluation were prospectively entered into a urodynamic database. Patients were advised to undergo full multichannel urodynamic studies. Among the patients with detrusor overactivity, the detrusor pressures were compared between the patients with and without bladder outlet dyssynergia (BOD). Of the 143 patients referred for evaluation and entered into the database, 127 were women. Of the 127 women, 108 completed the urodynamic studies. Overall, 62 (57%) of the 108 women had detrusor overactivity, 30 of whom had coexisting BOD. The detrusor pressures during bladder contractions were greater in patients with BOD, although not significantly. For example, the maximal detrusor pressure (49.9 +/- 19.5 cm H2O versus 43.7 +/- 23.0 cm H2O, P = 0.25) and detrusor pressure at maximal flow (37.9 +/- 15.7 cm H2O versus 33.5 +/- 16.3 cm H2O, P = 0.93) were both only slightly greater in patients with BOD. Nonsignificant elevations in detrusor pressures were noted in patients with MS and BOD. The lack of significant elevations in detrusor pressure among the patients with MS, detrusor overactivity, and BOD could account for the relatively low incidence of upper tract damage in women with MS.

Age effects on anorectal pressure in anal continent women with lower urinary tract dysfunction

The objective of this paper is to evaluate age and associated factors affecting anorectal pressure profilometry in anal-continent women with lower urinary tract symptoms. One hundred and ten anal-continent women (mean age, 47.7+/-12.8 years; range, 23-87 years) with lower urinary tract symptoms voluntarily participated in this study after undergoing a complete urogynecological evaluation including a multichannel urodynamic study. Anorectal pressure was evaluated by using a radial four-channel manometry with a water-filled catheter, which was placed 10 cm into the anorectum above the anal verge. We divided the anorectal pressure profile into five segments and four axes to clarify the axis-specific defect or site-specific damage in the sphincter profile. The aging process had a negative effect on the peak resting pressure from the 41 to 100th percentile of the anorectal pressure profile at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, and 6 o'clock (P<0.05). With voluntary squeezing, aging had negative effects on the peak squeeze pressure from the 41 to 100th percentile of the anorectal pressure profile at 3 o'clock, and 61 to 80 percentile at 12 o'clock (P<0.05). There is a trend where anorectal pressure reduces as a woman ages, especially at the anal sphincter area in women with lower urinary tract symptoms. The anterior and left sides of the anorectal sphincter seem to be the most vulnerable in the aging process.

Functional correlates of Doppler flow study of the female urethral vasculature

To examine the effect of individual patient factors (age, parity, body mass index, menstrual cycle, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, bladder neck position and urethral mobility) on the appearance of Doppler flow in urethral vessels, to investigate the association between the Doppler flow parameters and intrinsic urethral function, storage and voiding, and to explore differences in the urethral vasculature between subjects with and without urodynamic stress incontinence (USI). Over a 4-year period we prospectively performed imaging studies in 355 women, including 244 who denied any lower urinary tract symptoms within the previous 3 months (Group A) and 111 who had had lower urinary tract symptoms (Group B). Studies included morphologic assessment and Doppler flow investigation of the lower urinary tract. Vascular flow velocity and vessel density in the urethral vasculature were measured. For women in Group B, multichannel urodynamic studies were also performed. The urethral vasculature has five main branches of vessels. Their appearance was not affected by the menstrual cycle or menopause except for those of the anterior vaginal vessel and anterior branch of the middle urethral vessel. Other than that of the posterior urethral vessel, in which there was a correlation with parity, the resistance index (RI) was not affected by individual patient factors. However, there was a correlation between the vascular index (VI) and individual factors such as age (r = -0.336, P = 0.002), body mass index (r = -0.287, P = 0.028), menopause (r = -0.402, P < 0.001), and hormone replacement therapy (r = 0.392, P = 0.027). Only the VI and RI of the posterior urethral vessel correlated significantly with the urethral pressure profile. In subjects with lower urinary tract symptoms, the appearance of the urethral vasculature on power Doppler imaging and the corresponding RI and VI values were not correlated with objective evidence of USI. Patient factors may affect specific Doppler flow parameters of the urethral vasculature, which are related to intrinsic resting urethral closure. There is no difference in the appearance of the urethral vasculature in subjects with or without USI.

Five-Year Outcomes of the Tension-Free Vaginal Tape Procedure for Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

ObjectivesWe evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in a Korean population. MethodsWe included 134 patients (mean age, 52.3±9.3 yr) who underwent the TVT procedure for SUI in three institutions and followed for 5 yr (mean, 67.0 mo; range, 60–76 mo) postoperatively. We analysed voiding diaries and complete multichannel urodynamic studies preoperatively as well as cough stress tests, uroflowmetry, and questionnaires postoperatively. ResultsThe overall 5-yr success rates (cure/improved) were 94.9% (76.9% and 18.0%, respectively), with an 86.6% patient satisfaction rate. Although the success rates between 1 and 5 yr were similar (97.7% vs. 94.9%), the cure rate decreased from 90.1% to 76.9% (p<0.001) at 5 yr. The 5-yr cure rate for mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) was 72.0%, which was not significantly different from pure SUI (78.0%, p>0.05). Maximal flow rate dropped from 25.9±10.3ml/s to 20.4±8.6ml/s at 1 mo postoperatively and recovered to 24.8±8.5ml/s at 5 yr. Complications included bladder perforation in 5 patients (3.7%), tape cutting or release in 11 (8.2%), and persistent suprapubic pain in 3 (2.2%). Urgency and urge incontinence improved in 46.7% and 48.0% of patients, respectively. ConclusionsTVT was an effective and safe procedure for SUI and MUI with high success rates in the long-term follow-up. It also improved concomitant overactive bladder symptoms and initially reduced postoperative urine flow, which recovered over time.

Urodynamic studies in the evaluation of young men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms

To evaluate the usefulness of urodynamic study in young men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We reviewed the charts of 50 men with LUTS aged 50 years and below. Those with neurological diseases, urethral trauma or strictures were excluded. All underwent multichannel urodynamic studies (UDS). The pre- and post-UDS diagnoses and treatment modalities were compared. Mean age was 38.1 years (17-49). The main pre-UDS diagnoses included prostatitis in seven (14%), overactive bladder in seventeen (34%) and benign prostatic hyperplasia in nine (18%). Pre-UDS management ranged from anticholingeric agents for thirteen (26%), alpha-adrenergic antagonists for nine (18%), antibiotics for six (12%). Abnormal UDS were noted in 36 (72%), including detrusor overactivity in 9 (18%), detrusor underactivity/acontractility in 5 (10%) and bladder outlet obstruction in 21 (42%). Fourteen (28%) had primary bladder neck dysfunction and five (10%) had benign prostatic hyperplasia. Post-UDS management included anticholingeric agents for ten (26%), alpha-adrenergic antagonists for seventeen (34%), catheterization for four (10%), behavioral therapy for three (6%), surgery for three (6%). None were prescribed antibiotics. Following UDS, the diagnosis had to be updated in 40 (80%) and concomitant change in management was required in 34 (68%). Young men presenting with LUTS have different underlying etiologies. Clinical diagnosis and treatment are often empiric and inaccurate. Urodynamic study is useful in the evaluation of this group of patients as it aids in arriving at an accurate diagnosis and guides treatment therapy.

Laparoscopic Burch Colposuspension Versus Tension-Free Vaginal Tape: A Randomized Trial

To compare the laparoscopic Burch colposuspension with the tension-free vaginal tape procedure (TVT) for efficacy. Seventy-two women from 2 institutions were randomized: 36 to laparoscopic Burch colposuspension and 36 to TVT. Multichannel urodynamic tests were performed preoperatively and 1 year after surgery. A research nurse administered the Urogenital Distress Inventory, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and pelvic examinations using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system preoperatively, and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. Voiding diaries were collected at 1 and 2 years. Primary outcome was objective cure, which was defined as no evidence of urinary leakage during postoperative urodynamic studies. Secondary outcomes included subjective continence, perioperative and postoperative data, and quality of life. Thirty-three laparoscopic Burch colposuspension and 33 TVT patients were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 20.6 +/- 8 months (range 12-43). Mean operative time was significantly greater in the laparoscopic Burch colposuspension group compared with the TVT group, 132 versus 79 minutes, respectively (P = .003). Multichannel urodynamic studies in 32 laparoscopic Burch colposuspension and 31 TVT patients showed a higher rate of urodynamic stress incontinence at 1 year in the laparoscopic Burch colposuspension group, 18.8% versus 3.2% (P = .056). There was a significant improvement in the number of incontinent episodes per week and in Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire scores in both groups at 1 and 2 years after surgery (P < .001). However, postoperative subjective symptoms of incontinence (stress, urge, and any urinary incontinence) were reported significantly more often in the laparoscopic Burch colposuspension group than in the TVT group (P < .04 for each category). The TVT procedure results in greater objective and subjective cure rates for urodynamic stress incontinence than does laparoscopic Burch colposuspension.

Laparoscopic colposuspension using sutures or prolene meshes: a 3-year follow-up

Objective( s): To compare the long-term effectiveness of two different laparoscopic colposuspension procedures. Study design: Sixty women affected by genuine stress incontinence (GSI) were enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) and treated by transperitoneal laparoscopic colposuspension using nonabsorbable sutures (group A) or prolene mesh fixed with tackers or staplers (group B). In each group the subjective and objective failure rates were evaluated at 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery. For the subjective evaluation patients were asked whether they had experienced urine leakage and any urine loss they reported was recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The objective evaluation was performed by means of a clinical examination and multichannel urodynamic studies. The data were analyzed by the intention-to-treat method. Results: The subjective failure rate was significantly ( P < 0.05) lower in group A than in group B at 12 months (3.3% versus 13.3%, respectively), 24 months (20.0% versus 36.7%, respectively), and 36 months (33.3% versus 53.3%, respectively) after surgery. The objective failure rate also differed significantly ( P < 0.05) between the two groups after 12 (10.7% versus 25.0% for group A and group B, respectively), 24 (29.6% versus 57.7%, respectively), and 36 (42.3% versus 61.5%, respectively) months of follow-up. Conclusion( s): Laparoscopic colposuspension performed with sutures is more effective than laparoscopic colposuspension accomplished with the use of prolene meshes in the long term, and the use of prolene meshes should be avoided in treatment of GSI.

When the sling is too proximal: A specific mechanism of persistent stress incontinence after pubovaginal sling placement

Objectives To review a series of patients with persistent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after pubovaginal sling (PVS) placement because of an excessively proximal position of the graft on the bladder neck. Methods Four women, who had previously undergone PVS placement for SUI, presented for evaluation of persistent SUI. All underwent investigations, including history, symptom questionnaire, quality-of-life assessment, physical examination, voiding cystourethrography, and multichannel urodynamic studies. Subsequently, takedown of the primary PVS and placement of an autologous fascial PVS were performed on all patients. A detailed case review of one of the patients is presented. Results All patients had persistent severe SUI confirmed by a positive supine stress test and Valsalva leak point pressure determination. Malposition of the graft was diagnosed preoperatively on the basis of severe distortion of the bladder base and a wide-open bladder neck at rest on the lateral standing voiding cystourethrography images. The diagnosis was confirmed on operative exploration. All patients were continent after takedown of the prior PVS and placement of an autologous fascial sling. Conclusions Persistent SUI after PVS placement may occur secondary to positioning of the graft excessively proximally on the bladder neck. True lateral voiding cystourethrography views are essential for the precise diagnosis. In our experience, optimal management involves takedown of the primary PVS and placement of an autologous fascial PVS.

VALIDATION OF A CLINICAL ALGORITHM TO DIAGNOSE STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE FOR LARGE STUDIES

We assessed the accuracy with which a clinical diagnostic algorithm for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) based on symptoms and signs without including urodynamics predicted the observation of urodynamic SUI and the condition of SUI. Such an algorithm would have applicability to ensure that the majority of women entering large SUI clinical trials would have urodynamic SUI and/or the condition of SUI without performing urodynamic testing in all subjects. A total of 1455 women with urinary incontinence at least 3 months in duration were enrolled in 3 randomized clinical trials (1 phase 2 and 2 phase 3 trials) of duloxetine vs placebo for the treatment of SUI in Europe and North America. Subjects were identified as having SUI based on a clinical algorithm that required a predominant symptom of SUI with a weekly incontinence episode frequency of 4 or greater (phase 2 study), or 7 or greater (phase 3 studies), absent predominant urge symptoms, normal diurnal and nocturnal frequency, a bladder capacity of 400 ml or greater, and a positive cough stress (sign of SUI) and stress pad test. Multichannel urodynamic studies were performed in a subset of 184 women at 23 study sites. Of these urodynamic tracings 173 (94%) were of adequate quality to make an assessment of the filling phase and assign a diagnosis of urodynamic SUI, detrusor overactivity or a normal filling phase. Two-sided 95% exact CIs for the proportions were calculated. The clinical algorithm had a positive predictive value of 90.2% for urodynamic SUI with or without detrusor overactivity and 76.9% for urodynamic SUI only (pure urodynamic SUI). The positive predictive value for the condition of pure SUI was 85.0%, while for the condition of SUI in pure and mixed forms the positive predictive value was 98.3%. Patient age, previous continence surgery or the severity of incontinence did not influence algorithm accuracy. The algorithm is suitably feasible and sufficiently predictive to be used in large clinical trials designed to evaluate conservative treatment for women with SUI. It ensures that the overwhelming majority of the study population would have urodynamic SUI and the condition of SUI.