Severe Overactive Bladder Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of Tolterodine Extended Release and Dutasteride in Male Overactive Bladder Patients With Prostates >30 Grams

To assess safety and efficacy of 4 mg tolterodine extended release (TER) with 0.5 mg dutasteride (DUT) in men with persistent overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) unsuccessfully treated with DUT alone. TER is indicated for OAB and DUT is indicated for LUTS from benign prostatic hyperplasia. A total of 51 men treated with DUT for >or=6 months with persistent OAB symptoms enrolled in a 12-week, open-label study, and given TER (4 mg q.h.s.). Inclusion criteria were international prostate symptom score (IPSS) >or=12, IPSS quality-of-life item >or=3, significant bother, frequency (>or=8 voids/24 h), and urgency (>or=3 episodes/24 h). Visits occurred at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by changes in diary endpoints and IPSS (total, storage, and voiding). Safety was assessed by changes in postvoid residual, peak flow rate (Q(max.)), adverse events, and retention. Baseline prostate volume was 54.3 mL. TER significantly reduced frequency and urgency: 24-hour micturition frequency (-3.2, P <.02), OAB episodes (19.2%, P <.03), severe OAB episodes (71.4%, P <.05), and nighttime voiding (-0.9, P <.003). IPSS decreased with DUT (19.3-14.3) and decreased with addition of TER to 7.1 (P <.001). Storage symptoms decreased from 9.8 to 4.5 (P <.001). Dry mouth occurred in 4 (7.5%) subjects, constipation in 1 (2%), and decreased sexual function in 2 (3.9%) subjects. Postvoid residual increased by 4.2 mL, Q(max.) decreased by 0.2 mL/s, and no patients went into retention. The combination TER and DUT was effective, safe, and well-tolerated in men with large prostates (>or=30 mL) with persistent OAB symptoms and LUTS secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Under Treatment of Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: An Ancillary Analysis of the NARCOMS Patient Registry

We describe the prevalence of overactive bladder symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis as well as the rates of evaluation and treatment of urinary complaints. Data from the fall 2005 North American Research Committee On Multiple Sclerosis survey were examined, including the Urogenital Distress Inventory plus a nocturia question, the SF-12, and inquiries regarding urological care and treatments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and Student's t tests, ANOVA and multivariable logistic regression. Of 16,858 surveys distributed 9,702 (58%) were completed. Participants with a surgically altered bladder were excluded from analysis (21). At least 1 moderate to severe urinary symptom (score of 2 or greater) was reported by 6,263 (65%) respondents. Increasing overactive bladder symptoms were correlated with longer disease duration (r = 0.135) and increasing physical disability (r = 0.291) (both p <0.001). Decreased quality of life was associated with increasing disability (p <0.001) and overactive bladder symptom score (p <0.001). Of patients with moderate to severe overactive bladder symptoms only 2,710 (43.3%) were evaluated by urology and 2,361 (51%) were treated with an anticholinergic medication. Treated patients more frequently reported leakage (p <0.001) and newer treatments were significantly underused (less than 10% total use). Catheter use was reported by 2,309 (36.8%) respondents, and was associated with greater disability, higher overactive bladder symptom score and reduced quality of life (all p <0.001). This large scale study identified high rates of overactive bladder symptoms in patients with MS, and correlations with increasing disease duration and physical disability. Despite an increasing awareness of overactive bladder symptoms and the need for evaluation and treatment, many patients remain underserved.

Female urology: What method will you select?

When I was a resident, my leader taught me that the gold standard forpatients with stress incontinence is the Marshall–Marchetti–Krantz(MMK) procedure. But a few years later, urologists who could performadvanced techniques showed me needle suspension as the best methodat a urological meeting. Fortunately my boss gave me a chance for ahand-to-hand lesson of the stamay procedure by the specialist. Sincethen, I have been selecting this procedure for a few years. Withoutdoubt, this needle suspension was the gold standard at that time.But now most urologists do not select this technique because of badresults. After I had mastered the technique of tension-free vaginal tape(TVT), I could see the smiling faces of patients after the operation. Atthat time I believed that TVT would be the gold standard for thiscondition. But the present status is what you know.Recently most specialists, including myself, believe that using‘mesh’ is the best operation for patients with pelvic organ prolapse. Isthis tendency good for the patients in the long run? No one can predictthe results of this procedure more than ten years from now.God knows what procedure will be the gold standard in the future.Assistant Professor Yasuyuki Suzuki

Obesity is associated with a more severe overactive bladder disease state that is effectively treated with once‐daily administration of trospium chloride extended release

Obesity is an established risk factor for urinary incontinence, yet no information exists as to the efficacy of antimuscarinic agents in this population. The goal of this study is to examine the efficacy of once daily trospium chloride (Sanctura) XR in overweight and obese patients with the overactive bladder syndrome. The primary and secondary end-points of the 1,165 study subjects from the integrated trospium chloride XR pivotal trials were stratified by World Health Organization (WHO) obesity levels I and II. Obesity (WHO level I, II criteria) was associated with a more severe baseline OAB disease state (P < 0.01). Trospium chloride XR was more effective than placebo at reducing the primary endpoints (toilet voids, UUI, P < 0.0001) and at improving the secondary end-points (percent patients continent and urgency severity, P < 0.0001) for WHO obesity levels I and II. Obesity is associated with a more severe OAB disease state. Once daily trospium chloride XR is efficacious in the obese patient with the OAB syndrome.

Baseline incontinence severity is predictive of the percentage of patients continent after receiving once-daily trospium chloride extended release

It has been assumed that a patient's underlying baseline overactive bladder (OAB) incontinence severity is predictive of the resulting efficacy of pharmacological treatment. The objective of this study was to stratify and analyse the effects of baseline incontinence disease severity on the treatment outcome of the percentage of patients continent (PPC) during treatment with once-daily trospium chloride 60 mg extended release (XR). A post hoc analysis was conducted on pooled data from two 12-week, randomised, double-blind phase III studies in the USA in which 1165 patients with baseline urgency, and an average of >or= 1 urge urinary incontinence (UUI) episode/day and >or= 10 toilet voids/day on a 3-day bladder diary, received once-daily trospium chloride 60 mg XR (n = 578) or placebo (n = 587). Patients were stratified by the mean number of UUIs/day (1.0, > 1.0-2.0, > 2.0-5.0 or > 5.0) at baseline. The efficacy parameter that was analysed was complete continence (defined as no UUIs on a 3-day bladder diary collected at week 12 of treatment). Baseline UUI levels were inversely correlated with the week 12 PPC (p < 0.0001). Post-treatment PPCs were higher with trospium chloride XR vs. placebo at all degrees of severity. Complete continence was achieved in 75% of trospium chloride XR recipients with 1.0 UUI/day at baseline and 48% of those with > 1.0-2.0 UUIs/day at baseline. These findings support the assumption that baseline incontinence severity affects the likelihood of achieving continence from OAB therapy, and that patients with less severe OAB (e.g. 1 UUI/day) can expect higher 'dry rates' following treatment (e.g. up to 75%) than those with more severe OAB. This information can provide a useful tool for the physician and patient in establishing expectations during therapy.

Diary and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients with Severe Overactive Bladder Switching from Tolterodine Extended Release 4 mg/day to Solifenacin Treatment

We report outcomes from the VERSUS (VESIcare Efficacy and Research Study US) study in a cohort with severe overactive bladder (OAB), defined as patients with a score >or=5 on the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) scale at baseline (on tolterodine extended release [ER] 4 mg/day) who remained severe at post-washout (on no drug). VERSUS was a 12-week, open-label, flexible-dosing study assessing the efficacy, tolerability and effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of solifenacin in patients with OAB. The current study is a post hoc analysis of a severely affected subgroup, as self-defined using the PPBC scale. Patients had received tolterodine ER 4 mg/day for >or=4 weeks but wished to switch therapy because of a lack of sufficient subjective improvement in urgency. They had to have continued to have three or more urgency episodes/24 hours at baseline (pre-washout, i.e. while taking tolterodine ER 4 mg/day). After >or=14 days' washout, patients received oral solifenacin 5 mg/day, with the option of continuing/adjusting the dose to 5 or 10 mg/day at weeks 4 and 8. Diary-documented improvements in urgency, urge incontinence, frequency, nocturia and nocturnal voids were compared with pre-washout (on tolterodine) and post-washout (on no drug) diary entries. The PPBC scale and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q) assessed patient-reported outcomes. Tolerability was evaluated based on the nature, frequency and severity of observed or reported adverse events (AEs). In this severe OAB cohort, the mean number of urgency episodes/24 hours decreased by 3.95 (95% CI -4.81, -3.08; p < 0.0001) from pre-washout (7.38) to study end (3.26). All other diary variables were also significantly reduced (p < 0.0001). Patients had a mean PPBC score of 5.3 at pre-washout and 3.6 at study end, representing an improvement of 1.7 (95% CI -2.0, -1.5; p < 0.0001). Patients also reported significant improvements for all OAB-q scales and domains (p < 0.0001). Treatment-emergent AEs were mostly mild/moderate, and resulted in few discontinuations (5/116, 4.3%). In patients with severe OAB symptoms, solifenacin was effective and well tolerated. Solifenacin improved urgency, incontinence, micturition frequency, nocturia and nocturnal voids in patients continuing to experience urgency episodes on tolterodine ER 4 mg/day. Patients experienced improvements in HRQOL and perceived bother from OAB.

Tolterodine Extended Release Is Efficacious in Continent and Incontinent Subjects with Overactive Bladder

To assess efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended release (ER) in continent and incontinent subjects with overactive bladder (OAB). This was a post hoc analysis of data from a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of tolterodine ER (4 mg once daily). Subjects completed 7-day bladder diaries at baseline and week 12; those with one or more incontinence episode(s) in their diaries at baseline were considered incontinent. Subjects rated urgency associated with each micturition on a scale from 1 to 5, and micturitions were categorized post hoc by urgency rating as non-OAB (1-2), OAB (3-5), or severe OAB (4-5). At baseline, 40% of subjects were incontinent. Tolterodine ER (n = 429) reduced total, OAB, and severe OAB micturitions compared with placebo (n = 421) in continent and incontinent subjects. There was no difference between continent and incontinent subjects in terms of the magnitude of improvement with tolterodine ER relative to placebo for total, OAB, and severe OAB micturitions. Reductions in mean urgency and frequency-urgency sum ratings were significantly greater in the tolterodine ER group. Among incontinent subjects, tolterodine ER significantly reduced urgency urinary incontinence episodes and significantly increased the percentage of subjects achieving continence relative to placebo. Adverse event rates were low in both continent and incontinent subjects. Tolterodine ER reduced micturitions associated with urgency (OAB or severe OAB) in both continent and incontinent subjects. Tolterodine ER also reduced urgency urinary incontinence episodes in incontinent subjects. These data show that tolterodine ER is effective and well tolerated in both continent and incontinent subjects with OAB.

Oxybutynin transdermal system improves the quality of life in adults with overactive bladder: a multicentre, community‐based, randomized study

To assess health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) and safety with the oxybutynin transdermal system (OXY-TDS) (Oxytrol), Watson Pharma, Corona, CA, USA) in the Multicentre Assessment of Transdermal Therapy in Overactive Bladder With Oxybutynin (MATRIX) study, as HRQoL measurements are increasingly important in evaluating pharmacotherapy for overactive bladder (OAB). This randomized, open-label, community-based study enrolled 2878 participants aged >/=18 years who had been given a diagnosis of OAB. The 327 study sites were representative of various practice types. All participants were treated with OXY-TDS 3.9 mg/day for </=6 months. HRQoL was assessed using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ); the primary endpoint was the change in KHQ scores from baseline to study end. Most enrolees (2052/2625; 78.2%) had moderate to severe OAB at baseline (Patient Perception of Bladder Condition score >/= 4 on a scale of 1-6), and most (1632/2859; 57.1%) had been given previous drug treatment for OAB. Of 2592 with evaluable baseline KHQ scores, 92.2% reported urgency and 88.2% reported urge urinary incontinence. The most impaired domains at baseline were Incontinence Impact (69.3), Symptom Severity (55.9), and Sleep/Energy (54.2). There were clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in nine of 10 domains at the study end; the greatest improvements were in Incontinence Impact (-13.5), Symptom Severity (-12.4), and Role Limitations (-13.3). The treatment was well tolerated, with low incidences of drug-related anticholinergic adverse effects such as dry mouth (75; 2.6%), constipation (44; 1.5%), and dizziness (21; 0.7%). There were drug-related application-site reactions, including pruritus, erythema, dermatitis and irritation, in 14.0% of participants. OXY-TDS treatment was well tolerated in this diverse, community-based population, and resulted in clinically significant improvements in HRQoL, regardless of baseline characteristics.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Tolterodine Extended Release in Male and Female Patients with Overactive Bladder

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended release (ER) in men and women with overactive bladder (OAB). MethodsWe analyzed data from two 12-wk, placebo-controlled trials of tolterodine ER (4mg QD). Patients completed 7-d bladder diaries and rated the urgency sensation associated with each micturition on a 5-point urgency rating scale. Micturitions were categorized by urgency rating: total (1–5), non-OAB (1–2), OAB (3–5), or severe OAB (4–5). Changes in micturitions during 24-h, daytime, and nocturnal intervals were assessed. ResultsAt baseline, 73% (547 of 745) of men and 57% (539 of 953) of women were continent. By week 12, tolterodine ER (n=848) reduced OAB and severe OAB micturitions during 24-h, daytime, and nocturnal intervals in both sexes compared with placebo (n=850). Adverse event rates were low and similar across treatment and gender. ConclusionsIn men and women with OAB, tolterodine ER reduced OAB and severe OAB micturitions, and was well tolerated.

Tolterodine extended release improves overactive bladder symptoms in men with overactive bladder and nocturia

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nighttime dosing with tolterodine extended release (TER) in men with overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia. Methods This was a post hoc analysis of data from two 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of nighttime (<4 hours before bedtime) TER (4 mg daily) dosing. Men with a mean micturition frequency of eight or more times in 24 hours, including a mean of 2.5 or more nocturia episodes/night, were included. For each micturition, patients used 7-day diaries to record urinary urgency on a 5-point urgency rating scale (1, none; 2, mild; 3, moderate; 4, severe; 5, urgency urinary incontinence). Micturitions were analyzed post hoc by urgency rating categories: total (1 to 5), non-OAB (1 to 2), OAB (3 to 5), and severe OAB (4 to 5). Adverse events were recorded throughout the study. Results A total of 745 men (mean age 64 years) were randomized to placebo (n = 374) or TER (n = 371). Of the 745 men, 73% reported no incontinence episodes in a 7-day diary at baseline. At week 12, the weekly values for nighttime severe OAB micturitions and 24-hour and daytime total, OAB, and severe OAB micturitions were significantly reduced in the TER group versus the placebo group. The TER-treated men also reported a significant reduction in the mean urgency rating versus placebo. Adverse events associated with TER were low and comparable to those in the placebo group, with the exception of dry mouth (11% versus 4%). Withdrawals because of adverse events were infrequent (3% TER, 4% placebo). Five men were withdrawn for symptoms suggestive of urinary retention (3 TER, 2 placebo). Conclusions Nighttime TER dosing reduced urgency-related micturitions and was well tolerated in men with OAB and nocturia.

Experience With 100 Cases Treated With Botulinum-A Toxin Injections in the Detrusor Muscle for Idiopathic Overactive Bladder Syndrome Refractory to Anticholinergics

In this prospective, nonrandomized, ongoing study we evaluated the efficacy and safety of botulinum-A toxin injections in the detrusor muscle to treat patients with idiopathic overactive bladder resistant to conventional treatment, such as anticholinergic drugs. A total of 23 men and 77 women with a mean age of 63 years (range 24 to 89) with nonneurogenic overactive bladder, including urgency-frequency syndrome, and incontinence despite the administration of maximal doses of anticholinergics were consecutively treated with injections of 100 U botulinum-A toxin in the detrusor muscle at 30 sites under cystoscopic guidance. Micturition diary, full urodynamics, neurological status and urine probes were performed in all participants before treatment. Bladder biopsies were done only in cases of suspected bladder fibrosis or unclear findings. Special attention was given to reflex volume, maximal bladder capacity, detrusor compliance, post-void residual urine, urgency and frequency/nocturia. Clinical, urodynamic and quality of life assessments were performed at baseline, and 4, 12 and 36 weeks after botulinum-A toxin treatment. Overall after 4 and 12 weeks 88% of our patients showed significant improvement in bladder function in regard to subjective symptoms, quality of life and urodynamic parameters (p <0.001). Urgency disappeared in 82% of the patients and incontinence resolved in 86% within 1 to 2 weeks after botulinum-A toxin injections. Mean frequency decreased from 14 to 7 micturitions daily (-50%) and nocturia decreased from 4 to 1.5 micturitions. Mean maximal bladder capacity increased 56% from 246 to 381 ml, mean detrusor compliance increased from 24 to 41 ml/cm H(2)O and pretreatment detrusor instability (mean reflex volume 169 ml) resolved in 74% of patients. Mean volume at first desire to void increased from 126 to 212 ml and mean urge volume increased from 214 to 309 ml. There were no severe side effects except temporary urine retention in 4 cases. Only in 8 patients was the clinical benefit poor and analysis revealed preoperative low detrusor compliance. Mean efficacy duration +/- SD was at least approximately 6 +/- 2 months and then symptoms began to increase. Our results show that intradetrusor botulinum-A toxin injections may be an efficient and safe treatment option in patients with severe overactive bladder resistant to all conventional treatments.

Efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended‐release in continent patients with overactive bladder and nocturia

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release (ER) in continent patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia. A post hoc analysis was conducted of data from a 12-week, double-blind study of 850 patients randomized to tolterodine ER (4 mg once daily) or placebo, taken within 4 h of going to bed. Patients with a mean of > or = 8 voids/24 h were enrolled, including a mean of > or = 2.5 voids/night. Patients completed 7-day voiding diaries, and for each void an urgency rating was assessed using a 5-point scale (1, none; 5, urgency incontinence); 24-h voids were categorized by urgency rating: total (1-5), non-OAB (1-2), OAB (3-4), and severe OAB (4-5) voids. All adverse events were recorded. The post hoc analysis included 513 patients (243 placebo; 270 tolterodine ER; 58% men) who were continent at baseline; 47% of 24-h voids were classed as non-OAB, and 12% as severe OAB. After 12 weeks of treatment, tolterodine ER significantly reduced mean urgency rating and 24-h OAB, severe OAB, and total voids vs placebo. Tolterodine ER did not affect normal, non-OAB voids, and there were no significant adverse events related to voiding. Other than dry mouth (tolterodine ER, 9% vs placebo, 2%), all the adverse events were reported in <3% of patients; <2% of patients receiving tolterodine ER withdrew because of adverse events. In continent patients with OAB, tolterodine ER significantly improved urgency rating and reduced 24-h OAB, severe OAB, and total voids, suggesting that it is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for this subpopulation. More studies are needed to better understand the clinical efficacy of tolterodine ER in this under evaluated group of OAB patients without incontinence.

Nighttime dosing with tolterodine reduces overactive bladder-related nocturnal micturitions in patients with overactive bladder and nocturia

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of nighttime tolterodine dosing on urgency-related micturitions in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia. Methods This was a 12-week randomized controlled study of 850 patients given 4 mg tolterodine extended release (TER) or placebo once daily 4 hours or less before bed. Patients with eight or more micturitions/24 hours and a mean of 2.5 episodes/night or more were included. Changes in the number of nighttime and 24-hour micturitions were analyzed by urgency rating per micturition. The urgency per micturition was recorded in 7-day diaries using a 5-point rating scale (score 1 to 5). Each micturition was classified according to the following urgency rating categories: total (1 to 5), non-OAB (1 to 2), or OAB (3 to 5). OAB-related micturitions were further classified as nonsevere (score 3) and severe (score 4 to 5). Results TER reduced the total number of nocturnal micturitions, but, compared with placebo, this difference was not statistically significant. However, TER did significantly reduce OAB-related and severe OAB-related nocturnal micturitions compared with placebo. TER had no effect on non-OAB micturitions. TER significantly reduced the total, OAB, and severe OAB micturitions during 24-hour and daytime intervals compared with placebo. Significantly more TER-treated than placebo-treated patients reported a treatment benefit and willingness to continue treatment. Adverse events associated with nighttime dosing of TER versus placebo were few. Conclusions TER significantly reduced OAB-related micturitions during 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime intervals. TER did not affect normal (non-OAB) micturitions. Nighttime dosing with TER was associated with few adverse events and adverse event-related withdrawals. The 24-hour efficacy of TER was maintained with nighttime dosing.

Efficacy of solifenacin in patients with severe symptoms of overactive bladder: a pooled analysis

ABSTRACTBackground: The efficacy of antimuscarinic drug therapy in patients who have more severe symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) at baseline has not been evaluated thoroughly.Objective: This analysis determined the effects of solifenacin in patients with severe OAB symptoms at baseline.Methods: All randomized, placebo-controlled phase III studies of solifenacin were pooled to determine the effects in patients with severe OAB symptoms at baseline. In these studies, patients were randomized to treatment with placebo or solifenacin 5 or 10 mg once daily. Baseline severity was defined according to the number of incontinence episodes/24 h, number of urgency episodes/24 h, and micturition frequency/24 h. The proportion of patients with restoration of continence, resolution of urgency, and normalization of micturition frequency at endpoint was determined. Mean change from baseline to endpoint in the number of episodes/24 h for incontinence, urgency, and micturition, and in the volume voided/micturition were assessed. Comparisons of change from baseline to endpoint were done with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and comparisons of percentage change from baseline to endpoint were based on van Elteren's test.Results: Results from four multinational phase III studies of solifenacin with 2848 patients were pooled. The proportion of patients with restoration of continence, resolution of urgency, and normalization of micturition frequency at endpoint was significantly greater with solifenacin than with placebo among patients with severe OAB at baseline. Solifenacin 5 and 10 mg were significantly ( p < 0.05) more effective than placebo for reductions in the number of episodes of incontinence, urgency, and micturition, and for the increase in volume voided/micturition among most subgroups of patients who were highly symptomatic at baseline (incontinence, urgency, or micturitions).Conclusion: Solifenacin was significantly more effective than placebo for patients with severe symptoms of OAB. The significant and consistent response was observed for all endpoints with solifenacin 10 mg and for most endpoints with solifenacin 5 mg using different definitions of baseline disease severity, and supports the overall effectiveness of solifenacin in highly symptomatic patients.

THE OVERACTIVE BLADDER-SYMPTOM COMPOSITE SCORE: A COMPOSITE SYMPTOM SCORE OF TOILET VOIDS, URGENCY SEVERITY AND URGE URINARY INCONTINENCE IN PATIENTS WITH OVERACTIVE BLADDER

To our knowledge there is no index in urology that yields a single, quantifiable and clinically interpretable measure of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, including urgency, 24-hour voiding frequency and urge urinary incontinence (UUI). Urgency is the most difficult of these symptoms to measure. The Indevus Urgency Severity Scale (Indevus Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, Massachusetts) was recently developed and validated to capture urgency severity per toilet void. The scale has been combined with 24-hour frequency and UUI episodes to create the OAB Symptom Composite Score (OAB-SCS). We present this composite score. Two multicenter trials were performed to determine the effects of trospium chloride given as 20 mg tablets vs placebo. A total of 1,157 patients, including 581 who received placebo and 576 who received trospium, were randomly assigned to treatment. Daily OAB-SCS totals were obtained for each patient for each day during the 7-day diary collection period for every visit. The average baseline OAB-SCS value was 36. The mean change from baseline in the trospium and placebo groups was 5 and 1 OAB-SCS points in patients with mild OAB, 10 and 5 in patients with moderate OAB, and 13 and 9 in patients with severe OAB, respectively. The OAB-SCS discriminated between placebo and pharmacologically treated (trospium chloride) patients with OAB in this study. The OAB-SCS is an improvement over individual symptoms alone. It is easy to implement and interpret and it will prove to be a clinically relevant tool in clinical trials in which patient diary data are captured.

Combined radical prostatectomy and bladder augmentation for concomitant prostate cancer and detrusor instability

Objectives To determine the outcomes of a select cohort of patients with severe voiding dysfunction, refractory to medical management, and a concomitant diagnosis of prostate cancer, who were treated with radical prostatectomy and augmentation enterocystoplasty. Methods Four men with biopsy-proven prostatic adenocarcinoma, as well as a diagnosis of severe overactive bladder, underwent combined radical retropubic prostatectomy and augmentation enterocystoplasty. All patients underwent fluorourodynamic testing confirming nonobstructive detrusor instability or hyperreflexia. Three patients underwent nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy with a clamshell ileocystoplasty, and one with neurogenic hyperreflexia underwent sigmoid cystoplasty with a continent catheterizable stoma at radical retropubic prostatectomy. Results The mean follow-up was 21.5 months (range 8 to 48). All patients had an undetectable prostate-specific antigen level postoperatively. The average hospitalization was 8 days. Perioperative complications occurred in 2 patients, including a prolonged urine leak managed with catheter drainage and postoperative hematuria requiring cystoscopic clot evacuation. Erectile function was preserved in 2 patients with good preoperative erections. At last follow-up, the 3 patients who voided per urethra had minimal postvoid residual urine volumes and maintained good continence, with only 1 patient describing occasional mild stress incontinence. At last follow-up, the patient with the sigmoid cystoplasty catheterized every 4 hours with volumes of about 300 mL and complete stomal continence. No patient required anticholinergic medications postoperatively. Conclusions The concomitant diagnosis of prostate cancer and severe detrusor instability may be difficult to treat. The results of our study have shown that for those desiring surgical management for their prostate cancer, a combined bladder augmentation and radical prostatectomy may be performed with minimal added morbidity and significantly improved voiding function in the properly selected individual.

Can prostate stents be used to predict the outcome of transurethral resection of the prostate in the difficult cases?

Endoprosthesis has been used to maintain luminal patency in several different diseases and is well established in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal pathologies. The usefulness and application in prostatic pathology and benign prostatic hyperplasia are not as clear. This report reviews the development of overactive bladder in patients with bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. It also describes a new application of prostatic stents in patients with combined overactive bladder and bladder outlet obstruction. Over the last few decades, interest has been focused on the pathology of overactive bladder due to bladder outlet obstruction. Persistent outlet obstruction can certainly induce overactivity in some cases. However, the significance of preoperative identification of the latter problem is still an open issue, and it is obviously of vital importance to find instruments to identify parameters of prognostic significance. Different prostatic stents have been used for a variety of purposes. Recent studies have demonstrated that prostatic stents are effective in relieving obstruction and urinary retention. However, the role of prostatic stents in bladder outlet obstruction is still not clear when compared with other minimally invasive options. By using a prostatic stent to simulate transurethral resection of the prostate, the risk of post-resection incontinence in patients with combined severe bladder outlet obstruction and severe overactive bladder has been possible to assess before the operation. However, larger controlled clinical studies are needed to corroborate the value of the test. Prostatic obstruction can induce severe overactive bladder in some cases. A prostatic stent to relieve outflow obstruction and to simulate transurethral resection of the prostate decreases the risk of post-resection incontinence in patients with combined severe bladder outlet obstruction and severe overactive bladder because very high risk patients can be excluded from surgery. The stent test indicates that patients who do not leak and experience reduced symptoms when they are relieved of their outlet obstruction can be advised to have a transurethral resection of the prostate.

The use of prostatic stents in cases with combined Bladder Outlet Obstruction and severe Overactive Bladder—Reply to C. De Nunzio and C. Leonardo

The use of prostatic stents in cases with combined Bladder Outlet Obstruction and severe Overactive Bladder—Reply to C. De Nunzio and C. Leonardo

The use of biodegradable PGA stents to judge the risk of post-TURP incontinence in patients with combined bladder outlet obstruction and overactive bladder.

For patients with the combination of severe bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and severe overactive bladder (OB), no straightforward and safe treatment exists due to the risk of urge incontinence after TURP. In this study we have used a biodegradable polyglycolic stent to simulate the status after TURP and register the risk for urge incontinence. A total of 37 patients with severe OB, combined with moderate to severe BOO, were asked if they wanted to participate. Under cystoscopic vision a polyglycolic biodegradable stent was inserted in the prostatic urethra. Twenty-five of the patients noticed no or only minor leakage and 19 of these have been subjected to TURP with good results. Three patients are on the waiting-list for TURP. Twelve of 37 patients were found to have major leakage after stent insertion. During the stent period, we noted five cases of complications, due to UTI, stent crash and irritation. All of these patients recovered within three weeks. A biodegradable PGA stent seems to be a new and unique tool to test the risk for post-TURP incontinence in patients with combined BOO and severe OB.