Transurethral Collagen Research Articles

Periurethral Mass Formations Following Bulking Agent Injection for the Treatment of Urinary Incontinence

Durasphere is gaining popularity as a bulking agent for treating women with stress urinary incontinence. We present a series of patients with periurethral mass formation following Durasphere injection. The charts of 135 women with a mean age of 69.4 years (range 46 to 83) who underwent Durasphere periurethral injections were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had a periurethral mass were identified and their clinical data were collected and analyzed. Four patients (2.9%) were diagnosed with periurethral mass formation 12 to 18 months (average 14.7) following a Durasphere injection. Clinical presentation varied, including irritative voiding symptoms, pelvic pain and urinary incontinence. All patients were found to have a tender and tense periurethral mass. A radiopaque mass was revealed during videourodynamic study in 1 patient. Incision, and transvaginal and endoscopic drainage or transvaginal excision were used to treat these masses. Intraoperative and pathological findings as well as operative outcomes are presented. Irritative or obstructing voiding symptoms, pelvic pain or a periurethral mass in patients with a history of Durasphere or other periurethral bulking agent injection should alert the physician to the possibility of periurethral mass formation. The true incidence of this late complication remains to be determined.

TRANSURETHRAL COLLAGEN INJECTIONS FOR MALE INTRINSIC SPHINCTER DEFICIENCY: THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-HOUSTON EXPERIENCE

Injectable agents are used to increase urethral coaptation for the treatment of intrinsic sphincter deficiency. We evaluated the long-term results and complications of transurethral collagen injections in males. We reviewed the charts of 322 men (mean age 67.2 years, range 40 to 91) with intrinsic sphincter deficiency after therapy for prostate carcinoma (307) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (15) who received transurethral collagen injections. The analysis included types and combinations of treatment for prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia, pre-procedure voiding symptoms, total collagen received, maximal percentage improvement and durability of effect. The mean length of followup was 40.1 (+/-13.2) months. Overall, the mean number of injections was 4.37 (+/-2.09). Mean percent improvement after a series of injections was 44.59 (+/-38.26). Mean pad use before and after injection was statistically different (5.15 vs 2.98, p=0.0001). Mean duration of response was 6.3 (+/-8.14) months. In those who achieved complete continence (17%), the mean duration of response was 11.1 (+/-8.87) months. Within this group the mean number of injections and ml of collagen injected were 3.83 and 29.27, respectively. Five patients (1.5%) complained of a quantitative increase in leakage after their series of collagen injections. Transurethral collagen injections are a good option for short-term therapy in men with post-prostatectomy incontinence. The mean number of injections to achieve a plateau is 3 to 4, regardless of initial severity of incontinence. Those in the radical prostatectomy only treatment group are statistically more likely to achieve continence than all other treatment groups.

Transurethral Collagen Injection in Neuropathic Sphincter Deficiency

A small but significant subset of patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction secondary to neurogenic etiology develop intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). This is manifested clinically as stress urinary incontinence. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of transurethral collagen injections in the management of ISD of neuropathic origin in the male patient. A retrospective chart review over a 3-year period revealed 11 patients who underwent between one and three collagen injections for ISD. Follow-up data were available for 9 patients. Preoperative symptoms and urodynamic studies as well as postoperative symptoms were recorded. The majority of our patients (67%) had symptomatic improvement of their urinary incontinence. Although more long-term data are needed, this method appears to be a viable alternative for the male patient with neurogenic ISD.

COLLAGEN INJECTION FOR TREATMENT OF URINARY INCONTINENCE IN CHILDREN

We assess the success rate of periurethral collagen injection in children with neurogenic bladder dysfunction secondary to myelomeningocele. From 1992 to 1998, 15 male and 5 female patients with spina bifida (age 13.3 +/- 3.8 years) underwent endoscopic collagen injection for the treatment of urinary incontinence secondary to sphincter deficiency. Mean followup was 4.2 years. Pretreatment urodynamic study showed a stable compliant bladder with an average leak point pressure of 52 cm. H2O (range 23 to 100). Concurrent medical management included anticholinergics in 15 cases, agonists in 3, and clean intermittent catheterization in 16. Five patients had undergone previous ileocystoplasty. Collagen injections were given with the patient under general anesthesia. The number of injections was 1 in 5 cases, 2 in 11, 3 in 3, and 4 in 1. Average collagen volume injected per treatment was 6.6 cc (range 2 to 13). All patients were evaluated on a subjective continence scale of no change (wet), improved or completely dry at the time of assessment. Of the 20 patients, 16 had no change, 3 showed improvement and 1 was dry. Initial improvement in the first 2 months after injection deteriorated thereafter in 16 cases. The previously reported high success rate of collagen injection is not supported by this study. With long-term followup collagen injection is rarely effective for treating urinary incontinence in children with neurogenic sphincter deficiency.

OUTCOME RESULTS OF TRANSURETHRAL COLLAGEN INJECTION FOR FEMALE STRESS INCONTINENCE: : ASSESSMENT BY URINARY INCONTINENCE SCORE

We assessed the results of collagen injection for female sphincteric incontinence using strict subjective and objective criteria. We evaluated 63 consecutive women with sphincteric incontinence who underwent a total of 131 transurethral collagen injections. Sphincteric incontinence was confirmed by urodynamics. All patients were treated with 1 to 5 transurethral collagen injections and treatment outcome was classified according to a new outcome score. Cure was defined as no urinary loss due to urge or stress incontinence documented by a 24-hour diary and pad test, and patient assessment that cure was achieved. Failure was defined as poor objective results and patient assessment that treatment failed. Cases that did not fulfill these cure and failure criteria were considered improved and further classified as a good, fair or poor response. Mean patient age plus or minus standard deviation was 67.7 +/- 12.8 years. All women had a long history of severe stress urinary incontinence, 18 (29%) underwent previous anti-incontinence surgery, and 41% had combined stress and urge incontinence. Preoperatively diary and pad tests revealed a mean of 7.5 +/- 4.6 incontinence episodes and 152 +/- 172 gm. of urine lost per 24 hours. Overall 1 to 5 injections were given in 26, 17, 13, 3 and 4 patients, respectively. Mean interval between injections was 4.4 +/- 5.7 months, mean followup was 12 +/- 9.6 months, and mean interval between the final injection and outcome assessment was 6.4 +/- 4.9 months. There was a statistically significant decrease in the total number of incontinence episodes per 24-hour voiding diary after each injection session. Although there was a clear trend toward decreased urinary loss per 24-hour pad test, statistical significance was not established. Using the strict criteria of our outcome score overall 13% of procedures were classified as cure, 10%, 17% and 42% as good, fair and poor, respectively, and 18% as failure. As defined by strict subjective and objective criteria, we noted a low short-term cure rate after collagen injection in women with severe sphincteric incontinence. It remains to be determined how patients with less severe incontinence would fare using our outcome assessment instruments.

NEW ONSET VESICOVAGINAL FISTULA AFTER TRANSURETHRAL COLLAGEN INJECTION IN WOMEN WHO UNDERWENT CYSTECTOMY AND ORTHOTOPIC NEOBLADDER CREATION: PRESENTATION AND DEFINITIVE TREATMENT

We present our experience with collagen injection for treating urinary incontinence after cystectomy and orthotopic bladder substitution in women. We discuss the efficacy of collagen injection, specific complications and subsequent definitive therapy. We performed cystectomy and orthotopic bladder substitution in 2 women for muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. In each case new onset stress urinary incontinence developed after surgery that was refractory to conservative therapy. Intrinsic sphincter deficiency was diagnosed in each patient by video urodynamic studies. Initial treatment involved transurethral collagen injections but subsequent intervention was required due to resultant complications and primary therapy inefficacy. Collagen (3.5 cc per session) was injected in 1 case at 2 treatment sessions and in the other at 3. Incontinence symptoms did not significantly improve in either patient and a new onset vesicovaginal fistula developed 2 days and 1 month after collagen injection, respectively. Subsequently in each case 1-stage transvaginal primary fistula repair was done in multiple layers with a pubovaginal sling procedure. Six months after repair there has been no recurrent fistula and the women remain hypercontinent, requiring intermittent self-catheterization. They are satisfied with their eventual lower tract function and overall outcome. Collagen injection for type 3 stress urinary incontinence after cystectomy and orthotopic bladder replacement in women may not be as effective and innocuous as in patients with a native bladder. Initial treatment with a pubovaginal sling procedure should be considered.

Peripheral nerve injury after brief lithotomy for transurethral collagen injection

Two patients with prior prostate surgery sustained peripheral nerve injuries after transurethral collagen injection for the treatment of urinary incontinence. In the first patient, brief lithotomy positioning caused a gluteal compartment syndrome and sciatic neuropathy. In the second patient, obturator neuropathy was due to leakage of collagen along the course of the obturator nerve. This is the first report of peripheral nerve injury in patients undergoing transurethral collagen injection.

PUBOVAGINAL SLING: 4-YEAR OUTCOME ANALYSIS AND QUALITY OF LIFE ASSESSMENT

Stress urinary incontinence is a common disease with a devastating impact on patient quality of life. Needle suspension procedures, which produce disappointing long-term results for type II stress incontinence, are being replaced by pubovaginal slings which previously were reserved solely for the treatment of type III stress incontinence. We report the long-term outcomes of pubovaginal slings for the treatment of types II and III stress urinary incontinence, and assess its quality of life impact. From January 1993 until December 1996, 247 females 10 to 84 years old (mean age 54.5) with type II (54%) or III (46%) stress urinary incontinence diagnosed by fluoroscopic urodynamics received a pubovaginal sling. Concomitant urge incontinence was present in 109 patients (44%). Quality of life was assessed with the Urogenital Distress Inventory short form. At a mean followup of 51 months (range 22 to 68) the continence rates were 88% overall, 91% for type II and 84% for type III. Preoperative urge incontinence resolved in 81 of 109 patients (74%), while de novo urge incontinence developed in 10 (7%). Intermittent urethral catheterization duration averaged 8.4 days, with 5 women undergoing urethrolysis for a hypersuspended urethra. Secondary procedures were required in 9 patients with type II and 5 with type III incontinence, and included transurethral collagen injections in 6 and repeat pubovaginal slings in 8. There was a 4% complication rate due to pelvic hematoma in 2 cases, incisional hernia in 2, deep venous thrombosis in 1 and pulmonary embolus in 1. Of the 247 patients 235 (95%) completed the quality of life questionnaire with 92% reporting a high degree of satisfaction with low (less than 20 of 100 points) symptom distress scores. Pubovaginal slings are effective and durable, and significantly improve quality of life in patients with types II and III stress urinary incontinence.

COLLAGEN INJECTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF INCONTINENCE AFTER CYSTECTOMY AND ORTHOTOPIC NEOBLADDER RECONSTRUCTION IN WOMEN

We determine the clinical efficacy of endoscopically injected collagen for the treatment of new onset urinary incontinence in women following cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder. Three women 58 to 74 years old underwent transurethral collagen injection for stress urinary incontinence following cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder. Before cystectomy 2 women denied having any stress urinary incontinence while 1 complained of mild incontinence. Onset of incontinence following cystectomy and neobladder formation ranged from 8 months to 3 years, and average pad use ranged from 3 to 5 per 24-hour period. All patients underwent video urodynamic evaluation before collagen injection. Neobladder capacity was 180 to 400 cc and Valsalva leak point pressures ranged from 30 to 60 cm. water. A total of 6 injections were given, including 3 injections in 1 patient, 2 in 1 and 1 in 1. All 3 women had significant improvement or became dry with initial injection but required repeat injections to maintain improved continence status. At 7 to 8 months after the last injection 1 woman was dry, 1 used 1 or no pad daily and 1 reported no durable change in stress urinary incontinence. Collagen injection appears to be a successful, minimally invasive treatment for new onset stress urinary incontinence following cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder in women.

Collagen injection in the management of post-radical prostatectomy intrinsic sphincteric deficiency.

Transurethral injection of collagen is a minimally invasive option for the treatment of urinary incontinence secondary to intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD). We report on the results of transurethral injection in 21 men with urinary incontinence secondary to ISD. Twenty-one consecutive men with a mean age of 69.5 years (range, 51-84), with ISD documented by demonstrating urinary leakage with Valsalva maneuver on physical examination and by video-urodynamic studies were treated with transurethral collagen injection. The etiologies of the incontinence were radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in seven (33.3%), RRP followed by external radiation therapy in seven (33.3%), and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with subsequent RRP in seven (33. 3%). The mean total volume of collagen injected per patient was 18.4 mL (range, 1-44.5). The average number of injections was 2.9 (range, 1-5). The mean follow-up was 12.5 months (range, 1-39). One (5%) patient became dry, 12 (57%) had significant improvement, and eight (38%) had no change. Overall pad use decreased from 2.5 pads/day to 1.68 pads/day, before and after collagen injection (P = 0.014). No difference in outcomes was demonstrated in African American men versus Caucasian American men (P = 0.38), age (<65 and >65 years, P = 0.88), presence of erectile dysfunction, or duration of incontinence (<20 or >20 months, P = 0.71). There were no reported complications. Collagen injection has minimal morbidity and is a viable option for improving incontinence status in men. Neither age, race, erectile function, nor duration of incontinence appears to affect treatment outcome. Neurourol. Urodynam. 18:653-658, 1999.

Transurethral Collagen Injection for Female Stress Incontinence

Periurethral collagen injections have been used to treat female urinary incontinence secondary to intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD). As an alternative, a transurethral submucosal collagen injection was used in 33 consecutive women suffering from stress incontinence secondary to ISD at Tulane University Medical Center. Prior to the procedure, careful clinical examination with a videofluorourodynamic study was performed for each case. The procedure was carried out under local anesthesia assisted with monitored anesthesia care (MAC). The collagen was injected transurethrally by the long collagen needle (C. R. Bard). In the first 11 cases the average cumulative collagen injected per patient was 6.1 ml, whereas in the last 22 cases the average was 3.5 ml. As a result of the injection 16 patients were dry (48.5%) and 11 were improved (33.3%), with an overall success rate of 81.8%. The injection failed in 6 patients (18.1%). The mean follow-up was 18.8 months, with a range of 2–33 months. In the successful group there was a significant decrease in pretreatment frequency, from an average of 8 to 4.9 (P=0.005) and in nocturia from an average of 2.14 to 0.76 (P=0.001). Also, there was a significant decrease in the number of pads, from an average of 3.7 to 1.1 (P=0.001). The stress leak-point pressure showed a significant increase, from an average of 68.1 to 93.5 cmH2O (P=0.03). There was no relation between grade of incontinence and the success of the injection. Two cases suffered from temporary urinary retention. This study revealed that the transurethral submucosal collagen injection is an effective method for treating cases of intrinsic sphincteric deficiency. The volume of collagen required to produce the seal effect is small and it may decrease the reinjection rate. As experience is gained, the procedure time is typically 15 minutes. This makes it a reliable, cost-effective and well-controlled method. However, it has a learning curve and the cystoscope instruments require minor adaptation for its use.

COLLAGEN INJECTION THERAPY FOR POST-PROSTATECTOMY INCONTINENCE

Purpose Post-prostatectomy incontinence has an incidence of 5 to 12% and greatly affects quality of life. Since the approval of glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen there is a renewed interest in injectable urethral bulking agents. We investigated the long-term efficacy and prognostic criteria for transurethral collagen injection therapy for men with post-prostatectomy incontinence. Materials and Methods From November 1993 to May 1995, 62 men with post-prostatectomy incontinence (54 after radical prostatectomy and 8 after transurethral resection of the prostate) were treated with collagen via a transurethral approach. Median followup was 29.0 months from the date of the last injection procedure. Results Social continence was defined as dry or minimal leakage requiring at most 1 pad daily with activity. Of 62 patients 38.7% achieved social continence and 8.1% became totally dry. The success rate was 35.2 for radical prostatectomy versus 62.5% for transurethral prostatic resection patients. Of the patients who achieved social continence with at least 1-year followup 23 (60.9%) remained so with no further treatment. At 2-year followup 21 patients (42.8%) maintained social continence. The success rate was 27.3% for those who wore a penile clamp or condom catheter before treatment (3 of 11 patients), and only 21.4% for those who underwent transurethral incision of a bladder neck contracture (3 of 14). A median of 4 injection procedures and 20.0 ml. collagen were required to achieve social continence. Conclusions Transurethral collagen injection therapy is a reasonable treatment option for post-prostatectomy incontinence in select patients in whom more conservative therapy has failed. However, patients who have required a penile clamp, experienced continuous leakage or undergone transurethral incision of a bladder neck contracture are unlikely to respond well to this treatment.

A follow up on transurethral collagen injection therapy for urinary incontinence

A follow up on transurethral collagen injection therapy for urinary incontinence

COLLAGEN INJECTION FOR INTRINSIC SPHINCTERIC DEFICIENCY IN MEN: A REASONABLE OPTION IN SELECTED PATIENTS

Purpose We evaluate transurethral collagen injection as a minimally invasive option in treating stress urinary incontinence in men and identify the prognostic factors for success or failure. Materials and Methods Transurethral collagen was injected in 35 men with grades III (22) and II (13) incontinence. Results Of the patients 7 became dry (20%), 11 improved (31.4%) and 17 were considered failures (48.6%). Abdominal leak point pressure increased and the number of pads needed decreased. In the failed group 4 patients had a history of pelvic irradiation, 5 urethral stricture disease and 3 bladder instability before injection. There was 1 case of temporary urinary retention as a complication. Conclusions Transurethral collagen injection for male stress urinary incontinence is a reasonable option in select patients.

Postprostatectomy Urinary Incontinence: A Comparison of the Cost of Conservative Versus Surgical Management

Objectives. Post-radical prostatectomy stress incontinence occurs in up to 20% of patients. Postprostatectomy incontinence is initially treated with undergarments, pads, or drip collectors. Patients with persistent leakage are often treated with a transurethral bulking agent (Contigen) or placement of an artificial genitourinary sphincter (AGUS). We have compared the direct costs of each treatment at our institution over 10 years. Methods. The Mayo Clinic estimating office provided the Medicare and non-Medicare charges for patients receiving both collagen injection (outpatient) and AGUS placement (2-day hospitalization) during August 1995. The Mayo Store provided the current price of all undergarments, pads, and drip collectors carried. Two local grocery stores provided the cost of Depends undergarments. Results. The following items were the least expensive carried at the Mayo Clinic Store: Entrust undergarments, Active Style pads, and Conveen drip collectors at $0.99, $0.52, $1.05 each, respectively. The average cost of Depends undergarments was $0.52 each. The cost of wearing 5 of the least expensive undergarments or pads per day for 10 years is $9497. The average estimated Medicare and non-Medicare cost for outpatient (general anesthesia) collagen injection is $4300 and $5625, respectively. The average Medicare and non-Medicare cost for AGUS placement is $15,400 and $20,300, respectively. Factoring in our current 22.4% reoperation rate, the average per patient Medicare and non-Medicare cost for AGUS placement is $18,850 and $24,847, respectively. Conclusions. The cost of the AGUS placement compares favorably with the cost of transurethral collagen injection (under general anesthesia) in patients requiring several (more than three) collagen injection treatments or requiring the continued use of undergarments after collagen injection. Whereas the cost of transurethral collagen injection, when effective, compares favorably with conservative treatment, AGUS placement is significantly more expensive than conservative management for almost all patients except the exceedingly rare patient wearing more than 9 undergarments or pads per day. When the psychosocial benefit of urinary continence is considered, however, transurethral injection of collagen or AGUS placement often becomes the preferred treatment.

DELAYED HYPERSENSITIVITY AND SYSTEMIC ARTHRALGIA FOLLOWING TRANSURETHRAL COLLAGEN INJECTION FOR STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE

Purpose During a prospective cohort study to determine the effectiveness of and adverse effects associated with transurethral collagen injection for treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women, we observed 3 cases of delayed allergic reaction at the skin test site associated with arthralgia. Materials and Methods A total of 337 women with at least a 1-year history, physical findings and urodynamic abnormalities consistent with stress urinary incontinence, who required pads or protective clothing and who had no or only grade 1 cystocele were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Adverse effects were documented by a third party at each followup. Results Delayed reaction at the skin test site occurred in 3 patients (0.9%), and was associated with arthralgias in 2. Conclusions The incidence and systemic nature of this type of reaction suggest that gluteraldehyde cross-linked collagen injection is not as innocuous as previously believed. Patients should be counseled regarding the unknown long-term outcome of this complication. Before treatment clinicians should consider double skin testing.

Transurethral Collagen Injection for Treatment of Postprostatectomy Urinary Incontinence in Men

No AccessJournal of UrologyUrological Survey: Abstracts: Voiding Function and Dysfunction, and Female Urology1 Mar 1998Transurethral Collagen Injection for Treatment of Postprostatectomy Urinary Incontinence in Men T.L. Griebling, K.J. Kreder, and R.D. Williams T.L. GrieblingT.L. Griebling More articles by this author , K.J. KrederK.J. Kreder More articles by this author , and R.D. WilliamsR.D. Williams More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(01)63863-1AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "Transurethral Collagen Injection for Treatment of Postprostatectomy Urinary Incontinence in Men." The Journal of Urology, 159(3), p. 1110 Department of Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.© 1998 by American Urological Association, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 159Issue 3March 1998Page: 1110 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 1998 by American Urological Association, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information T.L. Griebling More articles by this author K.J. Kreder More articles by this author R.D. Williams More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

COMPLICATIONS OF PERIURETHRAL COLLAGEN INJECTION FOR STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE

Purpose Periurethral collagen injection has been advocated as a safe and effective method of treatment for stress urinary incontinence. This study was conducted to determine the complications associated with transurethral collagen injection for treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. We report the incidence and management of adverse effects. Materials and Methods A total of 337 women with at least a 1-year history, physical findings and urodynamic abnormalities consistent with stress urinary incontinence, who required pads or protective clothing, and who had no or only grade 1 cystocele were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. A third party documented adverse effects at each followup. Results De novo urinary urgency with incontinence was the most frequent and serious complication, occurring in 12.6% of patients, and in many the symptoms were irreversible. Hematuria (5% of patients) and urinary retention (1.9%) were short-lived and resolved spontaneously. Delayed reaction at the skin test site occurred in 0.9% of the patients (3) and was associated with arthralgias in 2. Conclusions Contrary to previous reports that periurethral collagen injection is complication-free, we found an overall incidence of 20% risk of complications in any given individual.

Transurethral Collagen Injection for Treatment of Postprostatectomy Urinary Incontinence in Men

Transurethral Collagen Injection for Treatment of Postprostatectomy Urinary Incontinence in Men

A FOLLOWUP ON TRANSURETHRAL COLLAGEN INJECTION THERAPY FOR URINARY INCONTINENCE

Purpose Transurethral collagen injection therapy has been used successfully in treating stress urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency since United States Food and Drug Administration approval in October 1993. Materials and Methods Telephone interview and chart review were performed on 139 women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency documented using video urodynamics, of whom 73% had grade 3 incontinence (leakage without effort). Median followup was 18 months (range 6 to 36). Median patient age was 72 years. Results A total of 103 patients (74%) was substantially improved after collagen therapy, 29 (20%) were improved and 7 had no improvement. Of the substantially improved group 72% obtained continence after 2 or fewer injections. Of the patients 11% required a “booster” injection more than 6 months after initial treatment. Complications, such as hematuria, urinary tract infections or transient urinary retention, were rare. Conclusions Our results confirm the safety and efficacy of transurethral collagen. Once continence is achieved further collagen therapy is rarely necessary.