Pubourethral Ligaments Research Articles

An Anatomical Pathogenesis for Science and Surgery of the Working Group's Recommendations for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

ABSTRACTAimsTo provide a brief anatomical pathogenesis of the Working Group SUI publication recommendations.Methods and ResultsThe anatomical science and surgical practice presented here formed the original basis for the MUS and other bladder dysfunctions, updated to 2024 with videos: https://atm.amegroups.org/issue/view/1400. Bladder control is binary, from outside the bladder, with ONLY two modes, EITHER closed (continence) OR open (micturition). The key concept for surgical repair of stress (SUI) and other types of urinary dysfunctions, is the role of three balanced oppositely‐acting muscle forces which contract against PUL (pubourethral ligament) and USL (uterosacral ligaments) to close urethra, open it before evacuation and stretch vagina to prevent premature activation of micturition, perceived as “urge to go.” Collagen‐induced weakness in PUL or USL may cause dysfunction in all three of these activities, which can be improved or cured by collagen‐creating ligament repair techniques (e.g., slings). It is important to diagnose Tethered Vagina Syndrome (TVS), iatrogenic scarring at bladder neck, much more frequent since large vaginal mesh implantation. TVS is often confused with SUI, as its cardinal symptom is massive urine loss with the “effort” of getting out of bed. Sling surgery worsens TVS as it adds more scar. Vaginal skin graft is required to restore elasticity and continence.Conclusions“Anatomical defects in binary control may cause SUI, retention or urge,” and are potentially repairable. With regard to SUI, “a normal PUL does not lengthen during effort.”

The female urethral closure mechanism during physical stress.

The closure of the urethra under the condition of stress is the result of a reflex contraction of the urethral rhabdosphincter and pelvic floor muscles. This is likely induced by activity of the abdominal muscles due to a sudden increase in abdominal pressure. This reflex contraction with an increase of urethral pressure occurs a few milliseconds before an increase in intraabdominal pressure. The urethral pressure increase during stress is only possible with fixation of the urethra by the pubourethral ligaments (PUL), facilitating urethral kinking. The highest and most important increase in pressure and resistance occurs in the distal urethra due to this kinking of the urethra.

Control of urine loss on coughing by mechanical support of the pubourethral ligament with a hemostat. By permission from Professor Paolo Palma.

Control of urine loss on coughing by mechanical support of the pubourethral ligament with a hemostat. By permission from Professor Paolo Palma.

Mechanical support of the pubourethral ligament immediately behind the symphysis controls urine loss on coughing.

Mechanical support of the pubourethral ligament immediately behind the symphysis controls urine loss on coughing.

Further developments of pubourethral ligament surgery for stress urinary incontinence.

Midurethral slings (MUS) have revolutionized the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MUS operations work by creating a collagenous pubourethral ligament (PUL). Since 1996, more than 10 million operations have been performed worldwide. Early complications with the MUS included bowel perforations, massive retropubic hemorrhages, nerve injuries, even death. Though the invention of the transobturator tape (TOT) operation, and later, minislings, has eliminated many such complications, the most frequent complication, post-operative urinary retention, remains. MUS operations are unavailable in many countries because of expense. Low-cost surgical options discussed include the tension-free artisan minisling which uses a 10 cm × 1 cm tape inserted as a "U" below the urethra; 91% cure was achieved at 5.7 years in a study of 90 women, though it was accompanied by a 4.2% erosion rate. The more recent urethral ligament plication (ULP) is based on transperineal ultrasound studies which showed that the main cause of the SUI was elongation of weak PULs. This allowed the posterior pelvic muscles to open out the posterior urethral wall to cause SUI. Basic science collagen studies indicated that suturing PULs with No. 2 wide-bore polyester sutures would provide sufficient collagen to repair weakened PULs. Cure of SUI, when it occurred, was immediate. Reference to the original experimental animal studies indicated that collagen 1, the key structural support of PUL, had formed by 3 months. This is an optimistic sign for longer term cure, substantiated by very little deterioration after 3 months over a 12-month period in the first surgical trial (unpublished data). In conclusion, the ULP operation can be performed under local anesthesia/sedation. If it fulfils its promise for longer-term cure, SUI cure will be available for hundreds of millions of women in underdeveloped countries for a few dollars per case.

Pubourethral and uterosacral male analogues suggest parallel male/female pelvic anatomy and symptom pathogenesis.

The thesis that functional/dysfunctional male/female pelvic floor anatomy are parallel, originated from two studies: a successful retropubic perineal male sling for post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and discovery of a male uterosacral ligament (USL) analogue, we named "prostatosacral ligament" (PSL). In 25 out of the studied 27 males (92.6%), it starts on both sides of the median sulcus of the prostate the ligament passes lateral to the rectum being fused with the lateral margin of the mesorectum before leaving it as it thins out to be attached posteriorly similar to the USL. The ultrasound data during straining in men and women showed the same three oppositely acting muscle vectors contracting around analogous ligaments, puboprostatic ligament (PPL) (male), and pubourethral ligament (PUL) (female). Further parallels were pubovesical ligaments (PVLs) and arc of Gilvernet as part of the continence and micturition mechanisms. Impressive evidence for parallel anatomy came from the successful cure of 22 males with post-prostatectomy SUI using a perineal retropubic tissue fixation system (TFS) minisling applied to the PPL using a similar methodology to that used in the female for PUL midurethral sling repair for cure of SUI. Laparoscopic evidence confirmed the prostate as a male analogue of the cervix, and PSLs as analogues of USLs: PSL origin from the prostate attached laterally to the mesorectum and inserted into the sacrum. Histologically, PSLs had identical features with USLs: collagen, elastin, smooth muscle, blood vessels and nerves. Virtually identical symptoms for "chronic prostatitis" (CP) and "posterior fornix syndrome" (PFS), such as chronic pelvic pain, overactive bladder (OAB), abnormal emptying, gave birth to the hypothesis, of a common pathogenesis for "CP" and "PFS", USL (or PSL) laxity. If this could be proven by "simulated operations", "CP", at least in theory, may be potentially correctible by PSL repair.

Wide-bore polyester sutures may create sufficient collagen for cure of prolapse/incontinence: a work in progress.

The main thrust of the Integral Theory Paradigm (ITP) is that inadequate ligament collagen causes pelvic organ prolapses (POP) and pelvic symptoms, a concept validated by multiple publications which cured POP and bladder/bowel/pain dysfunctions by collagen-creating slings. Sling surgery for surgical cure of these conditions was eliminated in the United States, Europe and other regulatory jurisdictions by banning all mesh products (including tapes) in about 2017. The aim of this work was to inform of the progress of a highly promising alternative method for collage creation for ligament repair: wide-bore polyester sutures accurately applied to weak ligaments. The scientific rationale for the wide-bore polyester plication method was a revisit and analysis of prior Instron testing data from a rejected polyester aortic graft from a doctoral thesis. The analysis indicated that the collagen produced by No. 2 polyester sutures would be sufficient to repair weakened pelvic ligaments. The surgical methodology consisted of application of wide-bore No. 2 or No. 3 polyester sutures to existing vaginal surgical techniques such as cardinal/uterosacral ligament (CL/USL) repair in the Fothergill operation, deep transversus perinei (DTP) ligamentous supports of the perineal body (PB) and uniquely, pubourethral ligament (PUL) repair for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). No vaginal tissue was excised. These operations are now being performed in several centres around the world. Because of this, the results detailed below are indicative only, and necessarily incomplete, as they are only from these units. Twelve month data (n=35) for SUI cure (83%) following PUL repair by the urethral ligament plication (ULP) operation has been submitted for publication; POP quantification (POPQ) points Ba, C, Bp, D were significantly improved at 6 weeks postoperative review following repair of CLs (cystocele) and USLs (uterine/apical prolapse) (n=56): deep transverse perinei ligament repair (descending perineal syndrome "DPS") (n=4) were cured at 6-12 months review. Though numbers are few, in the context of DPS being considered incurable, these numbers are significant. Except for the ULP operation, the techniques for cystocele, uterine prolapse, perineocele were essentially evolved versions of the Fothergill and standard PB repairs without any vaginal or ligament excisions. Though promising, more extensive and longer-term results are clearly required before this wide-bore polyester ligament repair method can become mainstream.

Squatting-based exercises cure bedwetting in children and improve pain and bladder symptoms in premenopausal women.

This paper explores a practical approach to pelvic floor health called the Skilling technique. Unlike the commonly recommended "squeezing upwards" method which teaches a woman to voluntarily squeeze upwards (a learnt technique), the Skilling method is entirely reflex: the squatting-based exercises on which it is based, strengthen the three reflex pelvic muscle forces which pull against the suspensory ligaments pubourethral ligament (PUL) and uterosacral ligament (USL) to: close the urethra during effort (control of stress incontinence), open the urethra during micturition, and stretch the vagina in opposite directions to control inappropriate activation of the micturition reflex [overactive bladder (OAB)]. The strengthened ligaments better support the pelvic visceral plexuses (VPs), which unsupported, can fire off de novo impulses which the brain interprets as "chronic pelvic pain". This review investigates the impact of the Skilling technique on pain, bladder and bowel symptoms in women. In premenopausal women, results show a 50% symptom improvement in 68% to 82% of women who have chronic pelvic pain, urge, frequency, nocturia, abnormal emptying, and post-void residual urine. A modified Skilling technique was applied in children aged 6-11 years with day/night enuresis. Remarkably, an 86% cure rate was achieved over 4 months. It was hypothesized that this accelerated cure, which is achieved naturally with age, may be connected to the reinforcement of collagen which occurs with the increase in pubertal hormones. In summary, the Skilling technique is a promising and accessible method to enhance pelvic floor health for both women and children, offering a practical alternative to traditional approached like Kegel exercises.

Peripheral muscle force balance/imbalance in neurological binary control of bladder function and dysfunction.

Bladder control is not from the bladder itself but from muscles and ligaments outside of it. Bladder control is binary, either closed or open. Control is exerted cortically, directly and via a peripheral pelvic mechanism comprising three reflex pelvic muscles which contract (variously) against pubourethral ligaments (PULs) anteriorly and uterosacral ligaments (USLs) posteriorly. Directed efferent impulses from the cortex close the urethra, open it, and stretch the vagina in opposite directions to prevent urothelial impulses inappropriately activating micturition (urge incontinence). Normally, the opposite muscles are equivalent in force, and balance at the bladder neck. Weak PULs weaken the forward closure force: the posterior forces become relatively more powerful; balance shifts behind bladder neck; the posterior urethral wall is pulled open like a trapdoor, and urine is lost on effort (stress urinary incontinence). Weak USLs weaken the posterior muscle forces; the balance of forces shifts forwards, and the urethra is closed relatively more tightly by slow-twitch forward muscle vector forces (pubococcygei), which stretch each side of the distal vagina forwards to compress the posterior urethral wall; in consequence, the weakened posterior muscle forces cannot easily open the posterior urethral wall; the bladder has to contract against a relatively unopened urethra, perceived as "obstructed micturition". Nor can weakened posterior forces stretch the vagina sufficiently to support the urothelial stretch receptors from below; these may fire off excess afferent impulses to cause urgency. As bladder control is strictly binary, in women with urgency, control swings between open and closed modes. This condition is known as an "unstable bladder", which is defined symptomatically as "overactive bladder", and urodynamically as "detrusor overactivity". In summary, bladder control is binary, either closed or open. How the cortex integrates and computes multiple inputs determines the type of closure, opening or unstable control which is experienced by the patient.

A practical ligament-based diagnostic system for cure of pelvic symptoms and prolapse.

The Integral Theory Paradigm (ITP) has a 25-year track record of successfully treating bladder/bowel/pain symptoms caused by laxity in specific ligaments, even when the prolapse is minimal. The ITP-based treatment involves ligament support and can be nonsurgical or daycare surgical. An accurate diagnostic protocol is required. The Integral Theory Diagnostic system is performed in an outpatient setting. It a step-by-step "how to" resource for clinicians who wish to learn a practical anatomical diagnostic method which can quickly and accurately identify a ligament cause for bladder/bowel/pain symptoms, and therefore, potentially cure them. The structured ITP diagnosis flow chart uses symptoms to diagnose anatomical defects. It comprises 4 related steps. The ITP is holistic, and bladder, bowel, pain symptoms co-occur. The first step, therefore, is to establish all possible symptoms for transfer to the Diagnostic Algorithm which is the second step. Because patients complain of one main symptom, other symptoms must be located by direct questioning, using the Diagnostic Algorithm as an aide memoire, or a questionnaire to locate bladder, bowel, pain symptoms. Second step: symptoms are placed into 3 anatomical zones: anterior zone, pubourethral ligament (PUL) [stress urinary incontinence (SUI)]; middle zone, cardinal ligament (CL) (transverse defect cystocele); posterior zone, uterosacral ligament (USL) (uterine prolapse and enterocele). The third step is a vaginal examination to confirm the ligament damage (prolapses) in the three zones predicted by the algorithm. The fourth step is "simulated operations" (mechanical support of specific ligaments per vaginam) to validate the particular ligament indicated by the diagnostic algorithm, is indeed causing that symptom. For SUI, a hemostat test at midurethra supports PUL vaginally to stop urine loss on coughing; the lower blade of a bivalve speculum gently inserted into the vagina can relieve urge and pain.

Simulated operations (SOs) apply mechanical support to structures to confirm symptom causation.

Simulated operations (SOs) are a direct application of the Integral Theory (IT) mantras, "structure and function are related" and "restore the structure and you will improve the function". SOs performed in a clinic setting, are the most effective way possible to test the validity of the IT predictions: stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge are mainly caused by laxity in the vagina or its supporting ligaments. The SUI prediction of the IT is validated if a hemostat applied vaginally in the position of the midurethra to mechanically support the pubourethral ligament (PUL) immediately stops urine loss on coughing. The urge and chronic pelvic pain (CPP) predictions of the IT are similarly validated if a patient states her urge and pain symptoms are relieved by insertion of the bottom blade of a bivalve speculum which supports the uterosacral ligaments (USLs). An important use of SOs is to preoperatively assess (by the hemostat test) whether sling surgery for SUI is likely to cure the patient. Similarly, the speculum is very useful for diagnosing whether severe urge or pain symptoms in a woman with minimal prolapse are originating from weak USLs. If digital support of a cystocele relieves urge symptoms, the patient can reasonably be informed that a cystocele repair should improve the urge as well her cystocele prolapse. Used intraoperatively under spinal anesthesia, SOs can determine whether a sling is sufficiently tight to reverse the loose PUL which is causing the SUI. Approximating both cardinal ligaments (CLs) intraoperatively can result in a remarkable disappearance of a transverese defect cystocele; approximating USLs intraoperatively can give an indication of how effective a USL plication would be surgically.

A brief physiology and pathophysiology of the bladder.

The remit of this review is confined to experimental works and publications relevant to the integral theory of female urinary incontinence (IT). Since its first publication in 1990, the IT has challenged the general view that the pathogenesis of overactive bladder (OAB) (urge, frequency, nocturia) is unknown and there is no cure. According to the IT, normal function bladder control is binary, either closed or open. Control is cortical via a peripheral feedback component: oppositely acting reflex striated pelvic muscles contract against suspensory ligaments to close the urethra for continence, open it prior to evacuation, and stretch the vagina like a trampoline to prevent excess impulses from the urothelial stretch receptors which may cause unwanted urgency at low bladder volumes (OAB). The pathogenesis of female urinary incontinence is from outside the bladder, mainly weak ligaments or vagina, due to collagen deficiency. Damage in childbirth (collagen depolymerization) and age (collagen loss) make ligaments vulnerable to damage. With weak ligaments, muscles contracting against them weaken: the muscles cannot close the urethra (manifested as stress incontinence), open it (manifested as emptying problems or retention) or stretch the vagina to prevent the urothelial stretch receptors firing off prematurely (manifested as urge incontinence). Weak pubourethral ligaments can cause stress urinary incontinence (SUI), or SUI plus urge (mixed incontinence). Weak uterosacral ligaments (USLs) can cause urge, frequency, nocturia and emptying difficulties. Treatment consisting of surgical/non-surgical strengthening of ligaments can cure or improve SUI, OAB, and emptying dysfunctions. In summary, bladder control is from outside the bladder, binary, with cortical and peripheral components. A small change in definition, from "overactive" to "overactivated" is consistent with this concept, retains the acronym "OAB", and opens the door to probability of cure and a massive increase in research endeavours.

Evaluating Patient Preferences and Clinical Outcomes in Stress Urinary Incontinence Treatment: A Short-Term Follow-Up Study of the Transobturator Tape Procedure and Pubourethral Ligament Plication (a Minimally Invasive Technique).

This study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of patient preferences and clinical outcomes associated with two surgical techniques for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI): the transobturator suburethral sling (TOT) procedure and the pubourethral ligament plication (PUL) procedure. We evaluated the rates of postoperative complications, the duration of each procedure, hemoglobin loss, and days of hospitalization. This prospective study included 80 patients who underwent surgery for SUI: 40 patients for the TOT procedure and 40 patients for the PUL procedure. Clinical data on patient characteristics, treatment efficacy, and post-surgical outcomes were analyzed to assess patient preferences and real-world clinical effectiveness. Regarding patient preferences, those who underwent TOT surgery were more likely to be older, had a higher average number of pregnancies, and were more often postmenopausal, in contrast to those who underwent PUL surgery (p < 0.001 for each comparison). TOT patients had a hospital stay on average of 1.02 days, while PUL patients benefited from ambulatory stays only. In addition, the TOT group had a significantly longer average operating time (16.80 min) compared to the PUL group (9.90 min, p < 0.001). The study revealed notable outcomes in both groups, with high cure rates for both TOT (N1 = 33, 82.5%) and PUL (N2 = 28, 70%) procedures. Specifically, 76.25% of the patients (61 out of 80) were cured after the procedures. Chronic pelvic pain was present in 3.75% of all patients and was notably only observed in the TOT group, with 3 (7.5%) cases being noted. Similarly, vaginal erosion was experienced by 5% of all patients, with 10% of patients in the TOT group and none in the PUL group being affected. Dyspareunia occurred in 2.5% of all patients, with there being two (5%) cases in the TOT group and none in the PUL group. This study highlights that while the PUL procedure achieves cure rates comparable to TOT, it offers a less invasive option with shorter operating times and no hospitalization required. These findings suggest that PUL could be a viable alternative for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treatment, especially in contexts where avoiding mesh use is preferred. This adds significant value to patient-centered care in SUI management, offering tailored treatment options based on patient characteristics, preferences, and risk profiles.

Which parameters, related to the female urethra and pelvic floor, determine therapy selection for recurrent female stress urinary incontinence: ICI-RS 2023?

The evidence basis for therapy selection in women who have failed primary stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery is limited. The ICI-RS group discussed the available data at its meeting in June 2023, particularly the anatomical characteristics as assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) modalities, functional characteristics associated with storage and voiding urodynamic assessment, as well as the patient characteristics that might influence outcomes. This paper summarizes the evidence base that supported these discussions and offers the basis for research proposals for future groups. A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed, and the data is presented. Research questions are based on the knowledge gaps highlighted. Possible MRI parameters that may influence outcomes were striated urethral sphincter volume, bladder and proximal urethral funneling, pubo-urethral ligament integrity, distance of the bladder neck below the pubococcygeal line, posterior urethra-vesical angle, and bladder neck to levator ani distance. US parameters included sling distance to the urethral lumen and pubis, sling position, bladder neck mobility, and lateral arm asymmetry, twisting, or curling. Urodynamic parameters included detrusor overactivity, Valsalva leak point pressure, maximum urethral closure pressure, and bladder outlet obstruction. Important patient parameters included body mass index, age, and previous interventions. Identifying and quantifying causative factors in patients with recurrent SUI, that allow clinicians to modify subsequent treatment choices and techniques may help reduce treatment failure and complications. Formulating algorithms is the next step in optimizing patient counseling, surgical selection, and healthcare allocation.

Commentary to Partial Urogenital Mobilization in Cloacal Malformation: Is it a Viable Option?

This study reports outcomes of a cohort of 10 patients with short (<3cm) common channel cloacal malformations (CM) who underwent partial urogenital sinus mobilization (PUM). 1 Al-Soudan Al-Anazi N, Curry J, Blackburn S, et al. Partial urogenital mobilization in cloacal malformation: is it a viable option? J Pediatr Urol Google Scholar The authors emphasize the utility of PUM in patients with short common channels, specifically noting that PUM has good continence outcomes with appropriate separation of the urethra and vagina at a median of five-year follow-up. Partial urogenital mobilization in cloacal malformation: is it a viable option?Journal of Pediatric UrologyPreviewTotal Urogenital Mobilization (TUM) has been the standard surgical approach for the urogenital complex in Cloacal Malformations (CM) since its inception in 1997. Partial Urogenital Mobilization (PUM) in CM remains an under-utilized or under-reported option. The main anatomical difference between TUM and PUM is the division of the pubo-urethral ligaments. Full-Text PDF Response to commentary to Partial Urogenital Mobilization in Cloacal Malformation: is it a viable option?Journal of Pediatric UrologyPreviewWe thank you for your comments and are pleased to know our article was well received. We would like to make clear that there was no separation of urethra and vagina but mobilisation of the urogenital complex. This may be semantic. Full-Text PDF

Partial urogenital mobilization in cloacal malformation: is it a viable option?

Total Urogenital Mobilization (TUM) has been the standard surgical approach for the urogenital complex in Cloacal Malformations (CM) since its inception in 1997. Partial Urogenital Mobilization (PUM) in CM remains an under-utilized or under-reported option. The main anatomical difference between TUM and PUM is the division of the pubo-urethral ligaments. We explored the feasibility of PUM in a select subset of our patients with CM and report early outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data of all our CM patients who had primary reconstruction at our centre from 2012 to 2020. We included in our review the patients who underwent PUM. Mullerian abnormalities, spinal cord involvement, common channel length (CC), urethral length (UL), surgical reconstruction, and outcomes including urinary continence, recurrent UTI, ultrasound and preoperative DMSA/MAG3, cystovaginoscopy post-reconstruction, and post-void residuals were noted. Fifty-three patients had primary reconstruction, and of these, eleven had a common channel less than 3cm. Of the eleven, only one underwent TUM. In the PUM group, two underwent filum untethering (20%). Mullerian duplication was noted in 5 patients (50%). The median CC length=1.6cm (range=1.5cm-2.7cm), and median UL=1.5cm (range=1.5cm-2.5cm). Follow-up ranged from 9 to 134months (median=63months). Post-reconstruction all had a separate urethral and vaginal opening on examination and cysto-vaginoscopy. The continence outcomes are summarized in Fig.1. Although TUM is the most common solution for the urogenital complex in CM, a subset would be suitable for PUM, and this option is under-utilized or under-reported in literature. We presume that many who had TUM probably only needed a PUM, and therefore could report better outcomes from a bladder function aspect. It is important to differentiate the two, and outcomes should be appropriately categorized. Our default approach is a PUM in all CM with less than 3cm common channel. Only the lateral and posterior aspects of the urogenital complex are mobilized and if the urethra did not reach a satisfactory level for easy intermittent catheterization, then we proceed to a TUM dividing the pubo-urethral ligaments. PUM avoids the potential complications related to dividing the pubo-urethral ligament in TUM. It may also avoid the need for CIC which is encountered in patients who undergo TUM. PUM is a viable alternative in cloacal malformations with good outcomes in those with a common channel under 3cm. This of course requires appropriate patient selection and accurate categorization of interventions to understand the true outcomes.

V12-09 FEMALE URETHRAL LEIOMYOMA RESECTION AND JUGAL GRAFT URETHROPLASTY: STEPWISE VIDEO

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023V12-09 FEMALE URETHRAL LEIOMYOMA RESECTION AND JUGAL GRAFT URETHROPLASTY: STEPWISE VIDEO Bruno Di Domenico, Arthur Degani Ottaiano, Fabio Franco Oliveira Junior, Natália Dalsenter Avilez, Joao Marcos Ibrahim de Oliveira, Jefferson Douglas Camargo Moreira, André Canettieri Rubez, Caio De Oliveira, Gabriel Chahade Sibanto Simoes, Lucas Mira Gon, and Cassio Luis Zanettini Riccetto Bruno Di DomenicoBruno Di Domenico More articles by this author , Arthur Degani OttaianoArthur Degani Ottaiano More articles by this author , Fabio Franco Oliveira JuniorFabio Franco Oliveira Junior More articles by this author , Natália Dalsenter AvilezNatália Dalsenter Avilez More articles by this author , Joao Marcos Ibrahim de OliveiraJoao Marcos Ibrahim de Oliveira More articles by this author , Jefferson Douglas Camargo MoreiraJefferson Douglas Camargo Moreira More articles by this author , André Canettieri RubezAndré Canettieri Rubez More articles by this author , Caio De OliveiraCaio De Oliveira More articles by this author , Gabriel Chahade Sibanto SimoesGabriel Chahade Sibanto Simoes More articles by this author , Lucas Mira GonLucas Mira Gon More articles by this author , and Cassio Luis Zanettini RiccettoCassio Luis Zanettini Riccetto More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003347.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Leiomyoma is a benign tumor that originates from smooth muscle cells. Despite being the most common benign tumor in women, it is exceptionally uncommon in the urethra, with approximately 150 reported cases. The peak incidence is in the third and fourth decades. The symptoms are location and size related, usually affecting the proximal urethra with a mean diameter of 3.7 cm. The main signs and symptoms are mass sensation in the urethra, dyspareunia, irritative and obstructive urinary tract symptoms, hematuria, and acute urinary retention. Imaging tests such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help diagnose and adequate surgical planning. Complete resection helps avoid recurrence, which may require urethral resection and reconstruction. METHODS: A 25-year-old patient with moderate intellectual disability reported vaginal bleeding for 15 days, despite using medroxyprogesterone acetate. Progressive growth of a perineal mass, incomplete bladder emptying sensation and straining were present for one year. She denied hematuria. There was a fixed and painless solid mass of 4×3 cm on the anterior vaginal introitus, with minor bleeding at the mobilization. MRI showed a solid and heterogeneous mass, measuring 4.4×3.2×2.4 cm and no defined cleavage plane with the urethra or anterior vaginal wall. A surgical intervention was proposed. Under general anesthesia, with the patient in the lithotomy position, a U-shape supra-meatal incision was made. Total en-bloc resection of the mass was performed, with an unsuccessful attempt at urethral preservation. The proximal margin was sent to frozen section biopsy with negative result to determine where to stop ressection. Jugal graft urethroplasty was performed using 5-0 polydioxanone. The pubourethral ligament was reconstructed with vycril 2-0. Closure of the vaginal mucosa was made with 2-0 vycril. RESULTS: An anatomopathological study revealed complete resection of leiomyoma. Patient was discharged on the first postoperative and had the Folley catheter removed after 3 weeks. At a four-month follow-up, there were no complications or recurrence of urinary symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral leiomyoma is a rare pathology, and there is no established protocol for its treatment. The challenge is resecting the lesion entirely while preserving the structures. It is crucial to reconstruct the urethra and connective tissue support to maintain adequate urinary function. Although it may prolong operation time, jugal graft urethroplasty is a feasible option for large leiomyomas. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e1067 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Bruno Di Domenico More articles by this author Arthur Degani Ottaiano More articles by this author Fabio Franco Oliveira Junior More articles by this author Natália Dalsenter Avilez More articles by this author Joao Marcos Ibrahim de Oliveira More articles by this author Jefferson Douglas Camargo Moreira More articles by this author André Canettieri Rubez More articles by this author Caio De Oliveira More articles by this author Gabriel Chahade Sibanto Simoes More articles by this author Lucas Mira Gon More articles by this author Cassio Luis Zanettini Riccetto More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Conceptualizing stress urinary incontinence surgery beyond midurethral slings: Very early results from simplified ligament repair without tapes.

To find a simpler cure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) without tapes. Proposed is a paraurethral operation with incisions in both sulci to plicate pubourethral ligaments (PUL) with thick polyester sutures. VIDEO and ultrasound experiments showed the main cause of SUI was weak PULs extending on effort, allowing the posterior pelvic muscles to open out posterior urethral wall, so urine was lost on effort. Midurethral sling (MUS) tapes prevent PUL extension and SUI. The research question: "Would PUL plication by 0.5or 0.25 mm polyester tapes create sufficient new collagen to cure SUI in the longer term?" Instron-testing of collagen from a rejected polyester aortic graft indicated sufficient potential collagen strength. Five surgeons unrelated to the authors who tested the new operation, reported negative cough tests on 30/31 women before patient discharge; these data were encouraging, but not conclusive. PUL ligament repair by large polyester sutures, like the MUS, appears to prevent PUL elongation and cure SUI in the very short term, thereby validating the predictions of the Integral Theory as regards the role of ligaments in continence. If successful long term, this operation could avoid many problems associated with MUS operations. 1. Simplicity: less surgical skill is required; the local anesthetic methodology makes the operation widely scalable especially in poor countries with few health facilities. 2. Built-in safety: there is no tape to compress urethra, no applicators to damage bladder, nerves, blood vessels, bowel. 3. Cost: a polyester suture.

An anatomical pathway for restoration of bladder neck closure by a midurethral sling, according to the integral theory.

A firm pubourethral ligament (PUL) is required to prevent the reflex posterior pelvic muscle forces forcibly opening out the posterior urethral wall on effort. A weak or loose PUL elongates on effort and this allows the posterior pelvic muscles to stretch open the posterior urethral wall causing urine loss, "stress urinary incontinence."Such forcible opening out of the urethra exponentially reduces the urethral resistance to flow inversely by the fourth power of the radius (i.e., 16 times). For example, if the radius doubles in size, the bladder pressure required for urine to flow out decreases by a factor of 16, from say, 160to 10 cm H2 O. A midurethral sling reinforces PUL to prevent the urethra opening out, thereby restoring both the distal urethral and bladder neck closure mechanisms.

The emperor has no clothes: OAB can be cured surgically

The paper by Karjalainen et al., who reviewed 2,933 pelvic organ prolapse surgeries, showed 75% cure for “bothersome” urge urinary incontinence (UUI), is more than an “Aha” moment; it is an “Emperor has no clothes” moment. Since 1976, a convention of “no surgery” for women with UUI (now overactive bladder, OAB) has become almost an article of faith. Yet, surgical cure of OAB has been known since 1997, when this journal published the first urodynamically controlled study with 20-month data: 86% cure for UUI, 85% for frequency, 80% for nocturia following pubourethral ligament (PUL) and uterosacral ligament (USL) sling repair in 85 women. This study was followed by many other publications over the years recording OAB cure. It is not that even a small fraction of the 600 million women on the planet will now undergo surgery, or that damaged ligaments are the only cause of OAB. However, knowing OAB can be cured opens the door for young creative minds to bring hope and relief to these women non-surgically, as well as surgically.