Retrourethral Transobturator Sling Research Articles

Artificial urinary sphincter significantly better than fixed sling for moderate post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence: a propensity score-matched study.

To compare the efficacy of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) vs retrourethral transobturator sling (RTS) in men with moderate post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) using propensity score-matching analysis to enhance the validity of the comparison (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Consecutive men with moderate (3-5pads/day) stress-prevalent PPI were included if implanted with a RTS (TiLOOP® Male; pfm medical, Köln, Germany) or AUS (AMS800® ; Boston Scientific, Boston, MA, USA) since July 2011 to December 2017 and with ≥12months of follow-up. Preoperative assessment included 24-h pad usage, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), urethrocystoscopy, and urodynamics if indicated. Propensity score-matching analysis was based on age, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, pad usage, previous radiotherapy, and urethrotomy. The primary outcome was at least 'much improved' response at 12-months according to the Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire, without additional PPI surgery or prosthesis explantation. Of 109 included patients, 70 patients were matched and the study groups were well balanced for the baseline matched variables. The median baseline 24-h pad usage was four in both groups (P=0.10), and median follow-up was 51.2months for AUS and 47.2months (P=0.5) for RTS patients. In the AUS and RTS cohorts, respectively, 33 (94.3%) and 24 (68.6%) patients achieved the primary outcome (P < 0.001), the 0-1pad/day rates was 94.3% vs 68.6% (P=0.012) at 12months, and 91.4% vs 68.6% (P=0.034) at last follow-up. At the last follow-up, the median 24-h leakage volumes, median ICIQ-SF scores and satisfaction rates were 0 vs 15mL (P=0.017), 4 vs 10 (P=0.001), and 94.3% vs 68.6% (P=0.012) in the AUS and RTS cohorts, respectively. There were no significant differences in overall rates of complications and re-interventions, although Clavien-Dindo Grade III complications (n = 3) occurred only in the AUS group. At sensitivity analysis, the study was reasonably robust to hidden bias. We found that AUS implantation significantly outperformed RTS in patients with moderate PPI for both subjective and objective outcomes.

Proposal of a new way to evaluate the external sphincter function prior male sling surgey.

ABSTRACTObjective:To propose a new way to objectively evaluate the external sphincter function prior to male sling surgery.Materials and Methods:We evaluated the pre-operative sphincter function throughout sphincter pressure at rest (SPAR) and sphincter pressure under contraction (SPUC) obtained throughout urethral profilometry profile (UPP) of 10 consecutive patients (age range, 54-79 years) treated with the retrourethral transobturator sling (RTS) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) because of prostate surgery. The primary endpoint for surgery success rate was post-operative pad weight test. This was correlated to pre-operative pad test, RT, SPAR and SPUC. Post-operatively patients were classified as continent (no pad use) and those who still were incontinent.Results:Mean SPUC in the continent and incontinent group was respectively 188 + 8.8 (median 185.1, range 181 to 201) and 96.9 + 49.4 (median 109.9, range 35.6 to 163.6) (P = 0.008). Mean 24-hour pad test was 151 + 84.2gm (median 140, range 80 to 245) and 973 + 337.1gm (median 1940, range 550 to 1200) in post-operative continent and incontinent groups respectively (P = 0.008). The repositioning test (RT) was positive in all continent patients except one. The RT was also positive in three incontinence patients (false positive). In all post-operative continent patients SPUC was higher than 180cmH2O and pre-operative pad test was less than 245gm.Conclusions:SPUC seems to be a way for optimizing the sphincter evaluation as well to become a useful tool for patient selection prior to RTS surgery.

A novel human cadaver model to investigate a retrourethral transobturator male sling procedure.

PurposeTo develop a cadaver model for the assessment of a male transobturator male sling (retrourethral transobturator sling [RTS], AdVance™; Boston Scientific, USA) to investigate its effect on a simulated abdominal and retrograde leak point pressures (ALPP, RLPP) and the urethral pressure profile (UPP).Materials and MethodsThree fresh frozen human male cadaver specimens were obtained. A suprapubic tube was inserted into the bladder and connected to a digital manometer to measure bladder pressure. Manual suprapubic pressure was then applied to generate an increase in intraabdominal pressure and measure a simulated ALPP. Subsequent measurements of RLPP and UPP were recorded. All measurements were undertaken prior to and following insertion of a RTS.ResultsThe placement of the RTS consistently increased the simulated ALPP for all three cadaver specimens when compared to baseline measures. No leaks occurred at simulated ALPP's of 170 cm H2O for specimen 1, 160 cm H2O for specimen 2, and 170 cm H2O for specimen 3. There was minimal or no change in the RLPP's and UPP's following insertion of the RTS when compared to respective baseline.ConclusionsA model using fresh unfixed cadavers that incorporates a simulated measurement of ALPP is feasible for male stress urinary incontinence surgical intervention investigations.

The extent of changes in the membranous urethra angle is associated with the outcome of retrourethral transobturator sling procedure.

To evaluate the outcome of the retrourethral transobturator sling (RTS) by functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to identify parameters associated with sling failure. Of thirty recruited men with postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI), 26 consecutively underwent functional MRI before sling procedure and 12 months thereafter in a prospective clinical cohort observational study. Periurethral/urethral fibrosis and sling visualization were evaluated on static sequences. The angle of the membranous urethra, position of the bladder neck and external urethral sphincter were assessed during Valsalva's maneuver and voiding. Sling success was defined as no or one dry "security" pad. The success and failure rates were 58 % (15/26 patients) and 42 % (11/26 patients), respectively. The sling leads to reduction in the membranous urethra angle during Valsalva's maneuver (39.55° vs. 36.82°, p = 0.025) and voiding (38.25° vs. 34.83°, p = 0.001) and elevation of the external urethral sphincter (2.9 vs. 4.8 mm, p = 0.017). Preoperative wider angle of the membranous urethra was significantly correlated with severe preoperative incontinence. Sling failure (p = 0.001) and severe preoperative incontinence (p = 0.001) were significantly related to only small changes of the membranous urethra angle. The interrater and intrarater reliability for membranous urethra angle was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.75). The RTS leads to reduction in the membranous urethra angle. The extent of the changes in the membranous urethra angle is associated with RTS outcome. Functional MRI is a reliable noninvasive visualization tool of interactions between the sling and pelvic floor for further research on the complex nature of postprostatectomy SUI.

A Valsalva leak-point pressure of >100 cmH2O is associated with greater success in AdVance™ sling placement for the treatment of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence.

To determine if there is a Valsalva leak-point pressure (VLPP) threshold that predicts for retro-urethral transobturator sling (RTS) success in men with post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (UI). The preoperative urodynamic parameters of all patients undergoing RTS (AdVance™) sling surgery over the last 5 years were analysed and compared with the postoperative outcomes. The sling was defined as having been successful if the patient no longer had to wear pads or merely used a pad to provide a sense of security. In all, 46 men with a mean (range) age of 65 (45-83) years, underwent AdVance™ sling surgery. 10 men had undergone holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, one a transurethral resection of the prostate and 35 radical prostatectomy. 11 men had a VLPP of ≤100 cmH2O. Of these 11 men, three had no, or minimal, improvement in their leakage and all three required a secondary procedure (artificial urinary sphincter, AUS). In the 35 men with a VLPP of >100 cmH2O there were three failures. One of these was successfully salvaged with a repeat sling, another with an AUS and one with ProACT™ balloons. The hazard ratio (HR) for failure with a VLPP of ≤100 cmH20 compared with a VLPP of >100 cmH2O was 4 (95% confidence interval 0.68-23.7). A VLPP of >100 cmH2O has a high degree of predictability for success for AdVance™ sling placement for men with post-prostatectomy UI.

How to Best Predict Success of the Transobturator Male Sling

Although the male sling is a popular and effective option to treat stress urinary incontinence, the reported success rates are highly variable. Detailed knowledge of the factors affecting male sling outcome can improve clinical efficacy and provide realistic expectations for patients. The objective of this article is to review the current literature that identifies factors associated with surgical outcome, with the goal of optimizing pre-operative selection criteria. Since most practitioners prefer the transobturator approach, the retrourethral transobturator sling (i.e., AdVance™ sling) is the focus of this review.

Slings in the management of male stress urinary incontinence

The use of synthetic slings for the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has increased over the last decade. Several sling designs and techniques are now available. The purpose of this review is to summarize the past literature with a focus on more recent contributions. The recent literature focusses on the retrourethral transobturator sling (RTS), which is considered noncompressive. MRI of patients undergoing RTS has shown an increase in membranous urethral length and elevation of the external urethral sphincter, whereas a recent large series demonstrated approximately a half and a quarter of patients are cured or improved, respectively, at 1 year after RTS implantation, with results sustained through to 3 years. Serious complications such as urethral erosion occur rarely. The available evidence suggests that male slings can be an efficacious and well tolerated treatment modality for men with SUI. Nevertheless, important questions remain with regard to the durability of repair, device safety and comparative efficacy. The mechanism of action and factors that predict failure remain to be fully elucidated.

Editorial Comment

The study titled “Radiation History Affects Continence Outcomes After AdVance Transobturator Sling Placement in Patients With Postprostatectomy Incontinence” found a significantly lower success rate for the retrourethral transobturator sling (RTS) implanted in men with postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (male SUI) after adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) compared with those who did not undergo adjuvant RT. Although it would be easy to criticize this study because of the small sample size, retrospective nature, and single-institution participation, this study represents the typical type of clinical research that can be done at this time for male SUI, especially given its lower prevalence compared with that of female SUI.

Morphology and dynamics of the male pelvic floor before and after retrourethral transobturator sling placement: first insight using MRI

We prospectively evaluated changes in morphology and dynamics of the male pelvic floor on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) associated with retrourethral transobturator sling (RTS) placement. Twenty-six men with post-prostatectomy incontinence consecutively underwent functional cine-MRI before and 12 months after RTS. The membranous urethra length (MUL) and severity of periurethral/urethral fibrosis were assessed on static MRI. A lowering of the posterior bladder wall (BPW), the bladder neck (BN), the external urinary sphincter (EUS) and symphysial rotation of these structures were analysed on dynamic MR images. The success rate was defined as cure (0-1 dry 'security' pad) or improvement (pad reduction ≥ 50 %). The success rate was 77 % (20/26 patients). The mean follow-up was 20.4 months. The MUL significantly increased post-operatively (p < 0.001). There were no significant pre- and post-operative differences in severity of periurethral/urethral fibrosis. Significant elevation of the BPW (p < 0.021), BN and EUS (p < 0.002) was observed post-operatively. The RTS failure was significantly associated with the severity of periurethral fibrosis pre- (p < 0.032) and post-operatively (p < 0.003). RTS placement is associated with MUL increase, elevation of the BN, BPW and EUS. De novo development of periurethral or urethral fibrosis seems not to be confirmed. The RTS failure was related to the severity of pre- and post-operative periurethral fibrosis. The impact of MRI on pre-operative diagnostics of RTS failure needs further evaluation.

The Retrourethral Transobturator Sling Suspension in the Treatment of Male Urinary Stress Incontinence: Results of a Single Institution Experience

Objective. To evaluate functional outcome of the retrourethral transobturator sling suspension (RTS) in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) caused by prior prostate surgery. Methods. The RTS (AdVance male sling) was implanted in 32 patients who suffered from mild to severe postsurgical-treatment incontinence at the University Hospital Ulm from September 2010 to September 2011 including 10 patients with prior radiation therapy. Functional data (uroflowmetry, daily pad use, and postvoid residual urine) as well as quality of life with impact of urinary problems (ICIQ-UI SF) were prospectively assessed at baseline and during followup. Results. After a median followup of 9 months (range, 3–14) the incontinence cure rate (no pad usage) was 56.2% and the improvement rate (1-2 pads/day or ≥50% reduction) was 21.9%. No improvement was observed in 21.9%. Daily pad use and ICIQ-UI SF score improved significantly. No major perioperative complications occurred. Postoperatively, 15.6% of the patients exhibited transient acute urinary retention which resolved without further treatment after a maximum of 3 weeks. One patient underwent sling explantation due to dislocation and persistent perineal pain. Conclusions. The implantation of the RTS is a safe and effective procedure in selected patients with SUI resulting from prostate surgery.

Male Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Review of Surgical Treatment Options and Outcomes

Introduction and Objective. Iatrogenic male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects a percentage of men undergoing urologic procedures with a significant impact on quality of life. The treatment of male SUI has evolved significantly with multiple current options for treatment available. The current paper discusses preoperative evaluation of male SUI, available surgical options with reported outcomes, and postoperative complication management. Methods. A pubMed review of available literature was performed and summarized on articles reporting outcomes of placement of the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) or male slings including the bone anchored sling (BAS), retrourethral transobturator sling (RTS), adjustable retropubic sling (ARS), and quadratic sling. Results. Reported rates of success (variably defined) for BAS, RTS, ARS, and AUS are 36–67%, 9–79%, 13–100%, and 59–91% respectively. Complications reported include infection, erosion, retention, explantation, and transient pain. Male slings are more commonly performed in cases of low-to-moderate SUI with decreasing success with higher degrees of preoperative incontinence. Conclusions. An increasing number of options continue to be developed for the management of male SUI. While the AUS remains the gold-standard therapy for SUI, male sling placement is a proven viable alternative therapy for low-to-moderate SUI.

The male sling for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence: a review of contemporary sling designs and outcomes

To examine the outcomes and adverse events associated with novel male sling designs described in the last decade. A literature review was carried out using Medline, EmBase, Cochrane Registered Trials Database and the Center for Reviews and Dissemination Database. Three principal slings are described in the literature. The bone-anchored sling has success rates of 40-88%, with some series having a mean follow-up of 36-48 months. It is associated with a mesh infection rate of 2-12%, which usually requires sling explantation. The retrourethral transobturator sling has a success rate of 76-91% among three large case series with follow-ups of 12-27 months. There is a low reported explantation rate. The adjustable retropubic sling has a success rate of 72-79% with follow-ups of 26-45 months. Erosion (3-13%) and infection (3-11%) can lead to explantation. Most male slings have a similar reported efficacy. Most case series define success as either dry or improved. True cure rates are lower. Mid- and long-term data are now available that indicate the male sling is a viable option for PPI. The use of male slings in severe UI, radiated patients, and non-radical prostatectomy patients is still unclear. Further study is needed to try and define criteria for the use of male slings, and to directly compare different procedures.

Editorial Comment

Editorial Comment

Urodynamic Parameters After Retrourethral Transobturator Male Sling and Their Influence on Outcome

To evaluate prospectively detailed urodynamic parameters before and after retrourethral transobturator sling (RTS) placement and the impact of adverse preoperative urodynamic parameters on postoperative outcome. Fifty-five consecutive patients with postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI) underwent urodynamics with pressure flow and abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) measurements, quality of life, 1-hour pad test, and daily pad use assessment before RTS (AdVance) and 12 months postoperatively. Volume of first sensation and first desire to void, maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), ALPP, maximum flow rate (Qmax.), average flow rate, time to Qmax., detrusor voiding pressure at Qmax., voiding time, and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) were assessed. The success rate was defined as cure (no or one dry "security" pad) or improvement (1-2 pads or pad reduction≥50%). Adverse parameters included ALPP≤30 cm H2O, Qmax.≤10 mdL/s, and MCC≤200 mL. Success rate after RTS was 73% (40/55 patients). Mean follow-up was 21±11.7 (range, 12-41) months. Only ALPP changed significantly (61±14.2 vs 79±20.4 cm H2O). No PVR>30 mL, de novo reduced bladder compliance and hypo- or overactivity were observed. Urine loss by 1-hour pad test (136.1±119.4 vs 39.4±77.0) and daily pad use (4.6±2.0 vs 1.9±2.1) decreased significantly. Adverse preoperative urodynamic parameters were not associated with postoperative outcome. The RTS is an effective and safe device for SUI treatment without signs of compression or obstruction of the urethra or any influence on voiding parameters. Adverse preoperative urodynamic parameters have no influence on postoperative outcome.

The AdVance ® Male Sling: Patient Selection and Workup

The AdVance ® male sling (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN, USA) is a retrourethral transobturator sling that offers an effective surgical approach for the treatment of postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Clinical studies have demonstrated success rates of 80–90% at 1-yr follow-up. The most appropriate candidate patients for the AdVance ® sling may be those with mild to moderate incontinence, but success rates may not be markedly lower in patients with severe incontinence. Clinical experience with the AdVance ® sling suggests that cystoscopically confirmed residual sphincter function is an important requirement for good outcome. Assessment of SUI should be modified to include a consideration of sphincter function in addition to the currently accepted definitions of incontinence severity (pad weight and number). The AdVance ® male sling may be considered a first-line surgical treatment as well as a salvage treatment for some patients who have failed previous surgical treatment. More data are needed to better understand the patient-related factors that affect the short- and long-term outcomes of this minimally invasive treatment for male SUI.

Risk factors of treatment failure after retrourethral transobturator male sling

Prospective evaluation of independent risk factors for failure of the retrourethral transobturator sling suspension (RTS) with special attention on sphincter function and surgical technique. A total of 189 patients with postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were treated with RTS (AdVance(®) sling) in a prospective clinical study with a mean follow-up of 20.8 months. Eleven patients were lost to follow-up. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for RTS failure. The success rate was defined as cured (no pad use or one dry 'security' pad) or improved (one to two pads and pad reduction ≥ 50%). At a mean follow-up of 20.8 months, the overall success rate was 73.1%. Multivariate analysis revealed that weak residual function and incomplete closure of the sphincter (OR, 29.0), no elongation of the coaptive sphincter zone (OR, 26.9), no sling tunnelling (OR, 22.6) and use of resorbable sutures with a small number (≤ 4) of stitches (OR, 8.4) are significant predictors for RTS failure. Preoperative selection of the patients with regard to residual sphincter function and a special attention on better sling fixation may increase RTS efficacy.

1167 RISK FACTORS OF TREATMENT FAILURE AFTER RETROURETHRAL TRANSOBTURATOR MALE SLING

Purpose Prospective evaluation of independent risk factors for failure of the retrourethral transobturator sling suspension (RTS) with special attention on sphincter function and surgical technique.

Repeat Retrourethral Transobturator Sling in the Management of Recurrent Postprostatectomy Stress Urinary Incontinence After Failed First Male Sling

BackgroundA failure rate between 20% and 45.5% after retrourethral transobturator sling (RTS) is reported. Recommendations for the management of persistent or recurrent postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after failed male sling do not exist. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was the prospective evaluation of the efficacy of repeat RTS (RRTS) in patients after failed first RTS. Design, setting, and participantsBetween March 2007 and August 2009, 35 patients with mild to severe SUI after failed first RTS were treated with a second AdVance sling (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN, USA). MeasurementsPreoperative and postoperative evaluation included daily pad use, 1-hr pad test, postvoiding residual (PVR) urine, uroflowmetry, and quality-of-life (QoL) scores. Results and limitationsAfter 6 mo, 45.5% (15 of 33 patients) showed no pad use; 30.3% (10 of 33 patients), one dry “security” pad; 3% (1 of 33 patients), one wet pad; 6.1% (2 of 33 patients), two pads; 3% (1 of 33 patients), pad reduction ≥50%; and 12.1% (4 of 33 patients), treatment failure. After 16.6 mo, 34.5% (10 of 29 patients) showed no pad use; 37.9% (11 of 29 patients), one dry “security” pad; 3.4% (1 of 29 patients), one wet pad; 3.4% (1 of 29 patients), two pads; 10.3% (3 of 29 patients), pad reduction ≥50%; and 10.4% (3 of 29 patients), treatment failure. Daily pad use and pad weight decreased significantly. PVR and uroflowmetry results showed no significant change. QoL improved significantly. Postoperative acute urinary retention was observed in 23.6% of patients. ConclusionsRRTS is an effective and safe treatment option for the management of SUI after failed first RTS.

Retrourethral transobturator sling AdVance® for the treatment of male SUI after radical prostatectomy

Introduction: Despite improved surgical techniques, exist an increasing number of patients suffering post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Some 2-5% of the patients with incontinence after radical prostatectomy exhibit a persistent incontinence for >1 yr postoperatively despite conservative therapy attempts. For these patients surgical treatment is recommended and the artificial urinary sphincter is still the gold standard. The retro-urethral transobturator sling (AdVance®) represents a non-obstructive, functional therapeutic approach. Methods: A 64-year-old male had an elevated PSA level of 6 ng/ml. The DRE findings were negative for palpable nodules and subsequent TRUS-guided needle biopsy of the prostate showed right-sided prostatic adenocarcinoma, Gleason score 7(3+4). The patient underwent a transperitoneal LRP, the tumor was confined to the prostate with negative surgical margins (stage T1cNxMx). The follow-up PSA level was undetectable and 14 months later presented moderate SUI (3-4 pads/daily), despite conservative therapy. A previous urethrocystoscopy was performed to evaluate the sphincter function and the mobility of the posterior urethra (changes achieved by perineal pressure). The AdVance® sling (American Medical Systems) was placed for the treatment of SUI according to the Rehder and Gozzi method, with a total operative time of 40 min and estimated blood loss of 70 mL. The hospital course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the first post-interventional day. This video demonstrates the surgical technique (step-by-step). Results: After 1 year, complete continence (no pads) was achieved and quality-of-life score improved significantly. Conclusions: The AdVance® represents an effective, safe and minimally invasive treatment option for mildto-moderate SUI post-radical prostatectomy. Int Braz J Urol. 2010; 36 (Video #7): 518_9 Available at: www.brazjurol.com.br/videos/july_august_2010/Rijo_518_519video.htm Correspondence address: Dr. Enrique Rijo Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona Department of Urology. Hospital del Mar Passeig Maritim 25-29 Email: rijo_enrique@yahoo.es doi: 10.1590/S1677-55382010000400030

Complications of the AdVance Transobturator Male Sling in the Treatment of Male Stress Urinary Incontinence

To evaluate prospectively the complication rate of the retrourethral transobturator sling (AdVance sling) for the functional treatment of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In 230 patients with SUI due to nonintrinsic sphincter deficiency (without direct sphincter lesion) after radical prostatectomy (n=213), radical cystoprostatectomy with ileal neobladder (n=2) and transurethral resection of the prostate (n=15) a retrourethral transobturator sling was implanted. Patients were followed up for a median of 17 months (range, 4-42 months) with regard to intraoperative, early postoperative, and midterm postoperative complications. Overall complication rate of the AdVance sling was 23.9%. Despite one accidental sling misplacement, no intraoperative complication occurred. Forty-nine patients (21.3%) experienced urinary retention postsurgery. Two slings were explanted (0.9%), 1 due to initial wrong placement and the other due to a symphysitis, attributed to a Guillain-Barré syndrome and not to a sling infection. One sling was transected (0.4%) due to slippage of the sling with obstruction of the urethra. Further complications were local wound infection (0.4%), urinary infection with fever (0.4%), and persistent moderate perineal pain (0.4%). There was no correlation between postoperative acute urinary retention and age at sling implantation, time of incontinence before sling implantation, preoperative daily pad use, or prior invasive incontinence treatment, respectively. The retrourethral transobturator AdVance sling is a safe treatment option for male nonintrinsic sphincter deficiency SUI, with the main postoperative complication being transient acute urinary retention. Severe intra- and postoperative complications are rare and sling explantation rate is very low.