Voiding Dysfunction Research Articles

An assessment of the relationship between urethral hypermobility as measured by ultrasound and the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in primiparous women 9-18 months postpartum.

The aim of the study was to estimate the relationship between bladder neck hypermobility as assessed by ultrasound and the occurrence of stress urinary incontinence as measured with the UDI-6 questionnaire in primiparous women 9-18 months postpartum. The study included 100 women 9-18 months after their first delivery, 19% of whom (study group) presented with urethral hypermobility. Ultrasound was used to determine the position and mobility of the bladder neck in order to assess the urethral hypermobility. A vector of ≥15 mm was defined as urethral hypermobility. Symptoms of stress urinary incontinence were assessed using question 3 of the UDI-6 questionnaire, in which the presence of symptoms was defined as a response rated from 1 to 4. We demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between urethral hypermobility and the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence with a statistical significance level of p <0.002. Stress urinary incontinence is a common disorder in women, the pathophysiology of which is not fully understood. It has adverse effects on the quality of life, perception of one's own body and sexual function. Impairment of urethral fixation may play an important role in the pathophysiology of this common form of urinary incontinence. The study showed that urethral hypermobility, as assessed by ultrasound, contributes to stress urinary incontinence, as measured with the UDI-6 score. Although stress urinary incontinence is a multifactorial disorder influenced by anatomical changes and congenital anatomical features, it is easily diagnosed. Suburethral slings are an effective surgical technique; however, the incidence of postoperative voiding dysfunction or recurrent stress urinary incontinence is 10-20%. Therefore, an assessment of anatomical changes in stress urinary incontinence may help individualize the surgical strategy.

Real-Life Treatment Outcome of Botulinum Toxin A Injection on Overactive Bladder and Voiding Dysfunction in Patients with Central Nervous System Lesions.

Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) is common in patients with neurological lesions in the central nervous system (CNS). Medical treatment usually cannot adequately relieve NLUTD. This study reported the real-life treatment outcome of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) for overactive bladders (OAB) and voiding dysfunction in patients with CNS lesions. We retrospectively analyzed the first-time treatment outcome of 74 patients who received detrusor 100 U BoNT-A for OAB and 45 patients who received a urethral sphincter 100 U BoNT-A injection for voiding dysfunction. The treatment outcome, therapeutic duration, and adverse events (AE) after BoNT-A were compared among different CNS lesions and among patients with different urodynamic characteristics. The study included 74 patients receiving detrusor injections for OAB (36 with cerebrovascular accidents, 13 with Parkinson's disease, and 25 with dementia) and 45 patients receiving a urethral sphincter injection for voiding dysfunction (26 with cerebrovascular accidents, 7 with Parkinson's disease, and 12 with dementia). After detrusor BoNT-A treatment, urinary continence was achieved in 28.4% of patients with neurogenic OAB, postoperative difficult urination in 59.5%, acute urinary retention (AUR) in 9.5%, and urinary tract infection (UTI) in 14.9%, with a therapeutic duration of 6.43 months. There were no differences among subgroups or between patients with detrusor overactivity (DO) and DO with detrusor underactivity (DU) in terms of treatment outcomes and AEs. The improvement rate of urethral sphincter BoNT-A injections was 75.6% without any difference among subgroups. After treatment, 24.4% of the patients had exacerbated urinary incontinence, 33.3% had persistent difficult urination, and 15.6% had UTI. Patients with dementia had higher rates of difficult urination and UTI, higher postvoid residual volume, and a shorter therapeutic duration. Patients with DU and those without urethral sphincter dyssynergia had less favorable outcomes after their urethral sphincter BoNT-A injection. The therapeutic efficacy of detrusor BoNT-A injection for OAB due to CNS lesions is limited, with high rates of difficult urination, AUR, and UTI. Although urethral sphincter BoNT-A injection is effective in treating voiding dysfunction; however, exacerbated urinary incontinence and persistent difficult urination remain a problem, particularly in patients with dementia.

Outcomes of discoid excision and segmental resection for colorectal endometriosis: robotic versus conventional laparoscopy.

Surgery for deep endometriosis with colorectal involvement is an option after medical treatment failure. Over the past decade, robotic laparoscopy has emerged as an alternative to conventional laparoscopy. We aimed to evaluate surgical outcomes of robotic versus conventional laparoscopy for discoid excision and segmental resection. From 2019 to 2023, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 152 consecutive patients with colorectal endometriosis who underwent robotic or conventional laparoscopy for discoid excision and colorectal resection. Ninety of the patients 152 underwent robotic surgery and 62 conventional laparoscopy. The mean total surgical room occupancy and operating times were longer in the robotic group: 270 ± 81min vs 240 ± 79min, p = 0.010, and 216 ± 78min vs 190 ± 76, p = 0.027, respectively. The mean intraoperative blood loss, and the incidence of intra- and postoperative complications (according to Clavien-Dindo classification) were similar in the two groups. The mean hospital stay was greater after conventional laparoscopy (8 ± 5 vs 7 ± 4days; p = 0.03), and the rate of persistent voiding dysfunction was higher in the conventional group (9/11, 25% vs 2/11, 5%; p = 0.01). A higher incidence of persistent voiding dysfunction was also observed after segmental resection by conventional laparoscopy (25% vs 4.8%, p = 0.01). Our results support the use of robotic surgery as an alternative to conventional laparoscopy for discoid excision and segmental resection for colorectal endometriosis.

No difference between split-thickness and full-thickness skin grafts for surgical repair in adult acquired buried penis regarding surgical and functional outcomes: a comparative retrospective analysis.

Adult Acquired Buried Penis (AABP) is a pathological condition necessitating surgical correction, ranging from simple to complex procedures involving the utilization of full-thickness (FTSG) or split-thickness (STSG) skin grafts especially in cases of substantial viable penile skin loss. In this retrospective study, we aimed to compare the surgical, functional, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of graft types that were utilized to treat AABP among 39 patients at a single center between November 2017 and May 2023. Among these patients, 22 needed skin grafts, with 9 undergoing FTSG and the remainder receiving STSG. Lichen Sclerosus (LS) was the primary cause (54.6%) of AABP requiring skin grafts. Patients primarily presented with voiding (63.6%) and sexual (27.3%) dysfunction. The STSG group had a lower mean age (64.7 ± 11.6) than the FTSG group (66.7 ± 11.6; P = 0.015), with no significant differences in BMI (p = 0.643). Complex repairs (Santucci grade ≥3) were performed in 81.0% of cases, with 88.9% in the FTSG group and 75.0% in the STSG group. Operative times were similar (160.2 ± 31.7 vs 161.5 ± 50.3, p = 0.945). No significant differences in preoperative penis length were found between the FTSG and STSG groups (P = 0.918). Postoperative complications occurred in 36.4% of patients, with severe complications (Clavien grade ≥3) in 9.1%. General postoperative complications and recurrence rates did not significantly differ between groups (P = 0.397 and 0.375; respectively). Functional outcomes, evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function and the International Prostate Symptom Score, improved significantly in both groups after surgical procedures (P < 0.001 for all). Patient-reported satisfaction for the operation was 81.3% calculated by ad-hoc questionnaire. In conclusion, no discernible differences in outcomes were observed between STSG and FTSG. Larger comparative studies with extended follow-up periods and validated questionnaires are warranted for confirmation. Physicians should consider specialized centers for AABP surgical repair due to its intricacies.

Intermittent Self-catheterization for Bladder Dysfunction After Deep Endometriosis Surgery: Duration and Factors that Might Affect the Recovery Process

ObjectiveTo assess the duration needed for regaining normal bladder voiding function in patients with postoperative bladder dysfunction requiring intermittent self-catheterization after deep endometriosis surgery, and identify risk factors that might affect the recovery process. DesignRetrospective study based on data recorded in a large prospective database. SettingEndometriosis referral center. PatientsFrom September 2018 to June 2022, 1,900 patients underwent excision of deep endometriosis in our center. 61 patients were discharged with recommendation for intermittent self-catheterization and were thus included in the study. InterventionsIntermittent self-catheterization after endometriosis surgery. Measurements and Main Results43 patients (70.5%) stopped self-catheterization during the follow up period. Median follow up was 25 weeks (range, 7 to 223 weeks). Surgery was performed laparoscopically in 48 patients (78.7%) and robotically in 13 (21.3%). 47 patients (77%) had nodules involving the digestive tract, 11 (18%) had urinary tract involvement, 29 had parametrial nodules (47.5%) and 13 (21.3%) had sacral plexus involvement. The probability of bladder voiding function recovery and arrest of self-catheterization was 24.5%, 54%, 59%, 72%, and 77% at 4, 8, 12, 52, and 78 weeks respectively. Cox's multivariate model identified preoperative bladder dysfunction as the only statistically significant independent predictor for arrest of self-catheterization (HR 0.36, 95%CI 0.15-0.83). ConclusionsPatients requiring intermittent self-catheterization for bladder dysfunction after deep endometriosis excision may spontaneously recover bladder function in 77% of cases. Symptoms suggesting preoperative bladder voiding dysfunction should be reviewed before planning surgery, and patients should be informed of the higher postoperative risk of long-term bladder voiding dysfunction.

Measurement properties of the childhood bladder and bowel dysfunction questionnaire.

The childhood bladder and bowel dysfunction questionnaire (CBBDQ) was previously found feasible, structurally valid, with good internal consistency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the remaining measurement properties according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). A prospective cohort study among parents of children aged 5-12 years was conducted. Calculated were the area under the curve (AUC) (criterion validity, responsiveness, interpretability) and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCagreement ) (construct validity and test-retest reliability). One hundred and seventy-two parents were included from March 2019 to April 2021. Correlating the bladder subscales of the CBBDQ with the Vancouver symptom score for dysfunctional elimination (VSSDES) and proxy-reported pediatric incontinence quality of life (p-PinQ) showed convergent validity (ICCsagreement : 0.76 and 0.74). Divergent validity was found when correlating the bowel subscales of the CBBDQ with the VSSDES (ICCagreement : 0.52). Excellent criterion validity (AUC: 0.98); excellent test-retest reliability (ICCagreement : 0.94) and, at 6 months, fair responsiveness (AUC: 0.74) were found. The minimal important change was 4.5, with cut-off value of 11. The CBBDQ has been developed according to COSMIN standards. The items were defined using the consensus-based ICCS standards and Rome-III criteria. The measurement properties were identified using enough participants. Although interpretability is not considered a measurement property, interpretability aspects are reported here as they refer to what instrument scores mean. The 18-item-CBBDQ met the measurement properties of validity, reliability, and responsiveness, as defined by COSMIN. The CBBDQ is suitable for self-administration by parents, and completion takes little time.

Support for At-Home Removal of Transurethral Catheters Placed for Acute Postoperative Voiding Dysfunction.

Support for At-Home Removal of Transurethral Catheters Placed for Acute Postoperative Voiding Dysfunction.

Surgical management of bladder outlet obstruction due to functional and anatomical etiologies in women.

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women includes functional and anatomic etiologies. Primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO), Fowler's syndrome (FS), and dysfunctional voiding (DV) are some examples of functional obstructions, whereas pelvic organ prolapse (POP), periurethral masses, and intragenic causes are some of the anatomic causes. This literature review describes the etiologies of female BOO, unique aspects of the workup and diagnosis, and the data for the standard surgical treatments and newer surgical techniques to treat women. Urethral stenosis and sling-related obstruction are treated in the other articles of this series. Where possible the focus is the efficacy and outcomes. Treatment of PBNO using a transurethral incision of the bladder neck and injection of botulinum toxin in the bladder neck decreases the BOO. After the failure of conservative approaches, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is effective for FS, while DV may benefit from SNM or botulinum toxin injections. Concerning POP, most surgeries have been reported to significantly improve a pre-existent BOO but the level of evidence is low. Benign urethral and periurethral masses may provoke BOO, and surgical excision usually resolves this condition. Although most surgical treatments of BOO for functional and benign anatomical etiologies in women seem to be effective, data are scarce even for more common conditions like POP. Further studies are required to give better advice on the choice of surgical technique for these patients.

Lifelong LUTS: Understanding the bladder's role and implications across transition phases, a comprehensive review.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) are a diverse array of urinary and pelvic dysfunctions that can emerge from childhood, extend through adulthood, and persist into older age. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the continuum of LUTS and shed light on the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications that span across the lower urinary tract. A panel of five experts from Belgium, the Netherlands, India, Denmark, and the United States participated in an intensive research to explore and pinpoint existing insights into the lifelong concept of LUTS, particularly at the pelvic level. The experts reviewed the existing literature and held a webinar to discuss their findings. Childhood LUTS can persist, resolve, or progress into bladder underactivity, dysfunctional voiding, or pain syndromes. The Lifelong character can be explained by pelvic organ cross-talk facilitated through complex neurological and nonneurological interactions. At the molecular level, the role of vasopressin receptors in the bladder's modulation and their potential relevance to therapeutic strategies for LUTS are explored. Frailty emerges as a parallel concept to lifelong LUTS, with a complex and synergistic relationship. Frailty, not solely an age-related condition, accentuates LUTS severity with insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety profile of the available therapeutic modalities. Understanding lifelong LUTSs offers insights into genetic, anatomical, neurological, and molecular mechanisms. Further research could identify predictive biomarkers, elucidate the role of clinically translatable elements in pelvic cross-talk, and uncover molecular signatures for personalized management.

Continence Is Not Affected after Sling Revision with Transvaginal Tape Elongation for Post-Sling Voiding Dysfunction.

Voiding dysfunction (VD) after sling operation is not uncommon. Sling revisions by incision/excision are usually effective; however, they may result in recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We aimed to evaluate continence status after an innovative sling revision procedure that preserves the integrity of the sling. Patients who underwent either a single-incision (AJUST) or a trans-obturator (TVT-O) mid-urethral sling were studied. Transvaginal tape elongation (i.e., sling midline incision and mesh interposition) was performed on patients with post-sling VD. Factors that may affect recurrent SUI were investigated by statistical analyses. Of 119 patients, 90 (75.6%) (45 AJUST and 45 TVT-O) were available for long-term (median 9; 8-10 years) follow-up. A significantly higher rate (17.2% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.014) of VD was noted after AJUST (N = 10) than after TVT-O (N = 2). After sling revision, four (33%) of the 12 cases reported recurrent SUI, which was not significantly different (p = 1.000) from the rate (37%, 29/78) of patients who did not undergo sling revision. Further statistical analyses revealed no significant predisposing factors affecting the recurrence of SUI. Surgical continence did not seem to be affected by having had sling revision with transvaginal tape elongation for post-sling VD.

How to Diagnose Dysfunctional Voiding

How to Diagnose Dysfunctional Voiding

Health-Related Quality of Life Correlates with Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: the Need for a New Patient-Centered Questionnaire

Background and Hypothesis: Children with voiding dysfunction (VD), such as incontinence or urinary frequency, may report lower quality of life (QOL) compared to their peers. QOL questionnaires which could be used in this population have several limitations. PinQ is a bladder-specific, health-related QOL questionnaire, but it was developed without stakeholder input and fails to separate symptoms from QOL. Kidscreen-10 is a generic QOL questionnaire. We aimed to understand how QOL captured using existing instruments correlates with VD severity in a cross-sectional study. We hypothesized that large differences in symptoms would correspond with large differences in bladder-specific QOL but small differences in generic QOL.&#x0D; Methods: We recruited children 8-18 years old with VD at a pediatric urology clinic (June-July 2023). VD included daytime incontinence, enuresis, frequency, urgency, and dysuria. We excluded children with severe developmental delay, anatomical urological abnormalities, or history ofurologic surgery. We captured demographics, symptoms (Vancouver Dysfunction Voiding Symptom Score, DVSS), and QOL (PinQ and Kidscreen-10). Questionnaire scores were compared to weighted means from previous studies. We calculated Spearman correlations and QOL differences corresponding with the reported 20-point range of DVSS scores.&#x0D; Results: Twenty children (11 girls) at a median age of 10 years old participated (Table 1). Mean DVSS score was 14, similar to previous studies (weighted mean: 15). PinQ scores had a moderate positive correlation with DVSS scores (r = 0.37) with a 20-point DVSS difference corresponding to a 24% difference in PinQ scores (Figure 1). Kidscreen-10 scores had a moderate negative correlation with DVSS scores (r = -0.33) with a 20-point DVSS difference corresponding to a 12% difference in Kidscreen-10 scores (Figure 2).&#x0D; Conclusions: Previously published QOL questionnaires have significant limitations, limiting their clinical use in the care of patients with VD. A new, patient-centered, highly specific, and sensitive healthrelated QOL questionnaire is needed.

Assessment of Voiding Dysfunction and Nocturnal Enuresis Rates in Primary School Children in Nablus, Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Voiding dysfunction (VD) is a frequent reason for primary care referrals to urologists and pediatric urologists. VD symptoms include urine incontinence (UI), urinary tract infection (UTI), hyperactive bladder, and constipation. Early detection of Nocturnal enuresis is critical due to its high frequency and the consequences for families and children regarding psychological and behavioral aspects. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of voiding disorder in Palestine and its relationship to demographic, family, and behavioral risk factors. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: This study administered a 2-part validated questionnaire to the mothers of primary school-age children who had no history of urological disease between December 2022 and March 2023. Results: Out of 169 children; daytime incontinence was found in 39 (23.2%) of the sample, whereas nocturnal enuresis was found in 49 (28.4%). Age was significantly correlated with voiding dysfunction, in which 25 (55.6%) were under the age of 7 years ( P = .025). Conclusion: According to our data, VD is a widespread health issue in primary school. Expanding our understanding of voiding dysfunction is important to eliminate the social stigma associated with voiding disorder and encourage parents and children to seek treatments and therapies. Furthermore, raising awareness will aid in early diagnosis, resulting in fewer long-term problems and earlier treatments. Raising awareness can be accomplished through educational programs focusing on primary care screening.

What clinical parameter strongly associates white matter tract alterations in a Multiple Sclerosis population with voiding dysfunction? A prospective exploratory study.

To correlate clinical and urodynamics parameters in Multiple Sclerosis patients (MS) presenting Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) with both Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and changes in white matter integrity as seen on Diffusion Tensor Images (DTI). LUTS worsen throughout MS, as does lesion burden. We investigated which symptoms correlated best with structural changes in white matter structure. Ten adult women >18 years were recruited with stable MS for ≥3 months and voiding dysfunction defined as %PVR/BV > 20%. Patients participated in a clinical Urodynamic Study (UDS) and completed several questionnaires (i.e., HAM, AUASS, NBS-QoL). DTI images were acquired using a 7-Tesla Siemens MAGNETOM Terra MRI scanner. DTI maps were constructed, and individual patients were co-registered with the ICBM-DTI-81 white matter atlas to extract fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). Pearson's correlation test was performed between each WMT and clinical parameters and between clinical parameters and the EDSS score as well. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Of the clinical parameters, %PVR/BV obtained from the average of multiple un-instrumented uroflow assessments had significant correlations to the greatest number of WMTs. Furthermore, we observed that in all recorded clinical parameters, %PVR/BV was the only significant parameter correlated to the EDSS score. This study demonstrates that %PVR/BV can be used as an objective parameter to gauge WMT changes and disease progression in MS patients. Future studies are needed to refine this model.

Homoeopathic management of female voiding dysfunction

Homoeopathic management of female voiding dysfunction

Correlation of cardiac autonomic functions with uroflowmetry parameters in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients – Analytical cross-sectional study

Background: Diabetic autonomic neuropathy can affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS) as a whole and result in a detrimental impact on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems. However, urinary bladder dysfunction is one of the most important complications of long-standing and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (DM) and often impairs the quality of life presenting as an under-recognized complication of diabetes. Cardiac autonomic functions are also severely affected in DM, leading to cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN). Hence, the present study aimed at correlating the urinary bladder functions with cardiac autonomic functions in Type 2 diabetic patients. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the cardiac autonomic functions using a cardiac ANS study (CANS study) and correlate it with the urinary bladder functions using uroflowmetry studies in Type 2 DM patients. Materials and Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study, with a sample size of 31 Type 2 DM patients recruited from the diabetology ward of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Madras Medical College, Chennai. The patients were clinically examined and the history was collected. The Uroflowmetry test was done in the Department of Urology and the CANS study was done in the Department of Diabetology and the parameters were recorded in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Results: A majority of subjects had significant severe and definite sympathetic involvement and early and definite cardiac autonomic neuropathy in the CANS study. Subjects with cardiac autonomic neuropathy had a negative correlation with voided volume, maximum flow rate, and average flow rate and a positive correlation with voiding time, and post-voided residual urine volume. Conclusion: According to this study, subjects with uncontrolled diabetes had predominant sympathetic nervous system dysfunction and also early, definite cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Subjects with early cardiac autonomic neuropathy had significant alterations in the uroflowmetry parameters indicating bladder voiding dysfunction in them. Hence, CANS study and uroflowmetry can be used to determine early ANS dysfunction in DM.

Bladder outlet obstruction in women: Scope of the problem and differential diagnosis

AbstractIntroductionThe prevalence, formal definition, and diagnostic criteria of bladder outlet obstruction in owmen have not been clearly defined.MethodsThis is a literature review of the definition of BOO in women, its prevalence, as well as its differential diagnosis.ResultsThe main causes of BOO in women are divided into functional and anatomic conditions. Functional etiologies include detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia, dysfunctional voiding, Fowler's syndrome, and primary bladder neck obstruction. Anatomic causes can be further divided into extrinsinc and intrinsic conditions. Intrinsic etiologies include urethral stricture and urethral diverticula, whereas extrinsic causes comprise pelvic organ prolapse, post anti‐incontinence surgery, and Skene's gland cyst or abscess.ConclusionsThere are multiple etiologies to BOO in women, and this condition is most probably underdiagnosed, owing to a lack of consensus for a standard definition.

Bladder capacity in an elimination communication infant: a case report

BackgroundBladder capacity is essential in assessing children with voiding dysfunction, yet it is currently unclear how best to determine a benchmark bladder capacity; various formulas have been proposed.Case presentationThis report details the unique case of an elimination communication Caucasian infant (< 2 years old) who achieved nighttime and daytime dryness by 6 months of age. His first morning voids were measured from 8 to 20 months of age and compared with three formulas: (1) the Koff formula, a widely used formula based on fill volumes in anesthetized infants; (2) the Kaefer formula, a formula based on fill volume in nonanesthetized infants; and (3) the Holmdahl formula, a formula based on frequency–volume charts in normal infants.ConclusionThis infant’s first morning void was found to be most consistent with Kaefer's formula. Further research is required to determine if formulas based on fill volume in nonanesthetized infants provide the more accurate benchmark bladder capacity in infants.

Urine biomarker could be a useful tool for differential diagnosis of a lower urinary tract dysfunction.

A precision diagnosis of lower urinary tract dysfunctions (LUTD) such as bladder outlet obstruction, detrusor overactivity (DO), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), dysfunctional voiding (DV), or detrusor underactivity (DU) needs invasive videourodynamic study. Exploring non-invasive tools to help screening LUTD is necessary for clinicians in their daily practice. This article reviews recently clinical studies of using urinary inflammatory proteins and oxidative stress biomarkers in the identification of specific LUTD among men and women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Some important findings have been reported: (1) Using urine chemokines CXCL-1 and interleukin-8 (IL-8), we may discriminate overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women between DO and urinary tract infection. (2) Urinary levels of oxidative stress biomarkers such as 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-isoprostane have a potential being used as a tool to identify women with mixed DO and stress urinary incontinence. (3) Urine levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are positively correlated with voiding detrusor pressure in patients with DU. (4) Urine levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and PGE2 were significantly higher in the DU patients with detrusor function recovery. (5) Women with DV had higher urinary levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and 8-OHdG, and urinary IL-2 level was significantly lower. (6) Urine level of 8-isoprostane was higher in the patients with idiopathic DO and neurogenic DO. (7) Higher urine cytokine levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), CXCL-10, IL-7, and eotaxin-1 in patients with IC/BPS than controls. (8) The urine levels of IL-8, CXCL-10, BDNF, IL-6, and RANTES were significantly higher in patients with Hunner's IC than non-Hunner's IC. (9) Male patients with IC/BPS had a significantly higher level of eotaxin, MCP-1, TNF-α, 8-OHdG, and TAC. Combining a higher eotaxin and a higher TNF-α can provide a satisfactory diagnostic value in discriminating IC/BPS from other LUTD in men. These studies provide evidence that measurement of cluster of urine biomarkers could be used as a diagnostic tool to differentiate different LUTD in patients with similar LUTS.

Ultra Long-term Follow-up of the Autologous Pubovaginal Sling for Stress Incontinence: Results at 23 Years

To examine the efficacy, safety, and long-term durability of the autologous pubovaginal sling for stress incontinence over a 29-year period. A total of 192 consecutive female patients with stress urinary incontinence who underwent autologous pubovaginal sling from 1993 through 1999 were analyzed over a 29-year period. Intermediate and ultra long-term follow-up were obtained at a mean of 4 and 23years, respectively. A total of 51 patients had sufficient data at both time intervals and were evaluated using a standardized questionnaire for resolution of stress incontinence, the primary endpoint, as well as resolution of urge incontinence, overall dryness, and voiding dysfunction. At intermediate-term follow-up (mean 45.3months), 96% of 51 patients reported no stress incontinence. In addition, 76% of patients experienced resolution of their preoperative urge incontinence. Overall dryness occurred in 84%. At ultra long-term follow-up (mean 22.9years), 84% reported no stress incontinence and an overall dryness rate of 53%. Postoperative voiding dysfunction included de novo urge incontinence (3 patients) and persistent urinary obstruction requiring urethrolysis (1 patient). The autologous pubovaginal sling is effective, safe, and durable at a mean of 23years, the longest known follow-up in the literature. Given the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warnings regarding transvaginal mesh and growing concerns with the synthetic midurethral sling, the autologous pubovaginal sling should be offered as an option to those women seeking treatment for stress urinary incontinence.