Subject-controlled, on demand, dorsal genital nerve stimulation to treat urgency urinary incontinence:a pilot

Contains fulltext : 171558.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of subject-controlled, on-demand, dorsal genital nerve (DGN) stimulation on non-neurogenic urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) in a domestic setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Non-neurogenic patients >18 years with overactive bladder symptoms and UUI were included. Exclusion criteria were mainly stress urinary incontinence. Patients underwent 1 week of subject-controlled, on-demand, DGN stimulation, delivered by a percutaneously placed electrode near the DGN connected to an external stimulator (pulse-rate 20 Hz, pulse-width 300 mus). Patients activated the stimulator when feeling the urge to void and stimulated for 30 s. The amplitude was set at the highest tolerable level. A bladder diary including a severity score of the UUI episodes/void (scores: 0 = none, 1 = drops, 2 = dashes, 3 = soaks) and a padtest was kept 3 days prior to, during, and 3 days after the test period. The subjective improvement was also scored. RESULTS: Seven patients (4 males/3 females) were enrolled, the mean age was 55 years (range 23-73). Six completed the test week. In the remaining patient the electrode migrated and was removed. 5/6 finalized the complete bladder diary, 1/6 recorded only the heavy incontinence episodes (score = 3). 4/6 completed the padtest. In all patients who finalized the bladder diary the number of UUI episodes decreased, in 3/5 with >/=60%. The heavy incontinence episodes (score = 3) were resolved in 2/6 patients, and improved >/=80% in the other 4. The severity score of the UUI episodes/void was improved with >/= 60% in 3/5 patients. The mean subjective improvement was 73%. CONCLUSION: This feasibility study indicates that subject-controlled, on-demand DGN stimulation using a percutaneously placed electrode is possible over a longer time period, in a home setting, with a positive effect on non-neurogenic overactive bladder symptoms with UUI. Although the placement is an easy procedure, it is difficult to fixate the electrode to keep it in the correct position. Improvements in hardware, like a better fixated electrode and an easy to control stimulator, are necessary to make SODGNS a treatment possibility in the future

Surgical Techniques to Optimize Early Urinary Continence Recovery Post Robot Assisted Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A variety of different surgical techniques are thought to impact on urinary continence (UC) recovery in patients undergoing robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for prostate cancer. Herein, we review current evidence and propose a composite evidence-based technique to optimize UC recovery after RARP. RECENT FINDINGS: A literature search on studies reporting on surgical techniques to improve early continence recovery post robotic prostatectomy was conducted on PubMed and EMBASE. The available data from studies ranging from randomized control trials to retrospective cohort studies suggest that minimizing damage to the internal and external urinary sphincters and their neural supply, maximal sparing of urethral length, creating a secure vesicourethral anastomosis, and providing anterior and posterior myo- fascio-ligamentous support to the anastomosis can improve early UC recovery post RARP. A composite evidence-based surgical technique incorporating the above principles could optimize early UC recovery post RARP. Evidence from randomized studies is required to prove benefit

Dorsal genital nerve stimulation in patients with detrusor overactivity:a systematic review

This study evaluates the outcome of trials to stimulate the dorsal genital nerve (DGN) in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction. The aim of most studies was to suppress detrusor overactivity in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome by DGN stimulation. A literature search was performed using Pub Med, Web of Science, and Scopus databases (1980 to April 2012) for clinical trials of DGN stimulation in patients with detrusor overactivity. Seventeen studies were found in the literature. In the studies, different patterns of DGN stimulation were applied. The patterns were either continuous, conditional, or semi-conditional; on an acute or on a chronic basis. DGN stimulation lead to improvement of bladder capacity and reduction in urgency and/or incontinence episodes in many patients. The outcomes of conditional stimulation were comparable to continuous stimulation with respect to improvement of bladder capacity. The publications give evidence that DGN stimulation increases bladder capacity and suppresses involuntary detrusor contractions. Implantable DGN stimulation electrodes can open the way for more prolonged studies in larger patient groups to assess the effectiveness of chronic DGN stimulation in patients with OAB syndrome. Chronic DGN stimulation seems to be of value in the management of OAB syndrome

The Maximal Urethral Pressure at Rest and during Normal Bladder Filling Is Only Determined by the Activity of the Urethral Smooth Musculature in the Female

The aim of this opinion paper is to determine the entities that define the maximal urethral pressure (MUP) during rest and during bladder filling that is needed to guarantee continence in females. For the development of this opinion, the literature was searched for via the Pubmed database and historic sources. Animal studies indicate that the maximal urethral pressure is determined by the smooth muscle activity in the mid-urethra. Additionally, during increased smooth muscle tone development, the largest sympathetic responses are found in the middle part of the urethra. This could be confirmed in human studies that are unable to find striated EMG activity in this area. Moreover, the external urethral striated sphincter is situated at the distal urethra, which is not the area with the highest pressure. The external urethral sphincter only provides additional urethral pressure in situations of exertion and physical activity. From a physics point of view, the phasic pressure of the external striated sphincter at the distal urethra cannot be added to the tonic pressure generated by the smooth muscle in the mid-urethra. The assertion that mid-urethral pressure is the result of different pressure forces around the urethra, including that of the external striated sphincter, is not supported by basic research evidence combined with physical calculation and should therefore be considered a misconception in the field of functional urology

Simplified scoring of the Actionable 8-item screening questionnaire for neurogenic bladder overactivity in multiple sclerosis:a comparative analysis of test performance at different cut-off points

Background: The Actionable questionnaire is an 8-item tool to screen patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) for neurogenic bladder problems, identifying those patients who might benefit from urological referral and bladder-specific treatment. The original scoring yields a total score of 0 to 24 with cut-off point 6. A simplified scoring, yielding a total score of 0 to 8 with cut-off point 3, has been developed in urogynaecological patients, but has not been investigated in MS. Methods: One-hundred-and-forty-one MS patients completed the Actionable on two occasions. We compared the test performance of the simplified scoring with cut-off point 3 with that of cut-off point 2, using the original scoring with cut-off point 6 as a gold standard. The following measures were calculated: True Positives (TP), True Negatives (TN), False Positives (FP), False Negatives (FN), Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), and Accuracy. The associations between positive test result and urological treatment, and bladder-specific drug treatment were calculated. Results: For cut-off point 3 the outcomes (Test 1, Test 2) were: TP 43.26 %, 40.88 %; TN 29.79 %, 32.85 %; FP 0.00 %, 0.00 %; FN 26.95 %, 26.28 %; Sensitivity 0.62, 0.61; Specificity 1.00, 1.00; PPV 1.00, 1.00; NPV 0.53, 0.55; Accuracy 0.73, 0.74; and for cut-off point 2: TP 59.57 %, 59.85 %; TN 26.95 %, 31.39 %; FP 2.84 %, 1.46 %; FN 10.63 %, 7.30 %; Sensitivity 0.85, 0.89; Specificity 0.90, 0.96; PPV 0.95, 0.98; NPV 0.72, 0.81; Accuracy 0.87, 0.91. Cut-off 3 completely prevented FP outcomes, but wrongly classified 26 % of the patients as negative (FN). Cut-off 2 reduced the FN to 7-10 %, with low FP values (2.84-1.46 %). With cut-off 2, the percentage of patients screened positive was higher in the Progressive group (75.00 %) than in the Relapsing Remitting group (56.25 %) (P = 0.0331), which was not the case with cut-off 3. Only a positive test according to the original scoring was associated with both urological treatment (P = 0.0119) and bladder-specific medication (P = 0.0328). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that in MS patients the simplified Actionable scoring is more accurate with cut-off point 2 than with cut-off point 3, especially by substantially reducing FN outcomes; and that in MS the original Actionable scoring seems preferable

Results of primary versus recurrent surgery to treat stress urinary incontinence in women

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We compared cure rates and complication rates in patients who had undergone primary or recurrent (secondary) surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study that included patients who underwent surgery to treat SUI in a tertiary referral center was carried out. All patients had, predominantly, SUI. Exclusion criteria were patients with a neurogenic bladder or a neobladder and patients without postoperative follow-up (FU). The primary objective was to assess the success rate, defined as cured SUI or improved SUI at six weeks and at the latest available moment of FU. The secondary objective was to assess complications. RESULTS: A total of 541 women with SUI underwent surgery for SUI between 2002 and 2010. After exclusion of 102 patients a total of 242 patients with primary SUI and 197 patients with recurrent SUI were identified. The success rate at first FU was 89 %. At last FU (median 205 days) the success rate was 83 % (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in success rate between primary and recurrent surgery at first FU. The overall success rate of primary surgery was 86 %; for recurrent surgery it was 79 %. During surgery, 27 bladder injuries occurred (6.2 %), with no significant difference between the two groups. At last FU, 11 patients (2.6 %) had persistent residual volume, necessitating prolonged clean intermittent self-catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: The results of recurrent surgery to treat recurrent or persistent SUI are still good in experienced hands and do not significantly differ from results of primary surgery. The complication rates are comparable to those of primary surgery

Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Children with Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction:A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Experiences, Quality of Life and Treatment Effect

Background: Posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is one of the treatment modalities for children with therapy-refractory lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). This study used a mixed-methods analysis to gain insight into the experiences of children treated with PTNS and their parents, the effect of treatment on quality of life (QOL) and the effect of PTNS on urinary symptoms. Methods: Quantitative outcomes were assessed through a single-centre retrospective chart analysis of all children treated with PTNS in a group setting between 2016–2021. Voiding parameters and QOL scores before and after treatment were compared. Qualitative outcomes were assessed by an explorative study involving semi-structured interviews transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed using the constant-comparative method. Results: The data of 101 children treated with PTNS were analysed. Overall improvement of LUTD was seen in 42% and complete resolution in 10%. Average and maximum voided volumes significantly increased. QOL improved in both parents and children independent of the actual effect on urinary symptoms. Interviews revealed PTNS to be well-tolerated. Facilitating PTNS in a group setting led to feelings of recognition in both children and parents. Conclusions: PTNS is a good treatment in children with therapy-refractory LUTD and provides valuable opportunities for peer support if given in a group setting

Physicians' perspectives on using a patient decision aid in female stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: A treatment choice for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is preference sensitive for both patients and physicians. Multiple treatment options are available, with none being superior to any other. The decision-making process can be supported by a patient decision aid (PDA). We aimed to assess physicians' perceptions concerning the use of a PDA. METHODS: In a mixed methods study, urologists, gynecologists and general practitioners in the Netherlands were asked to fill out a web-based questionnaire. Questions were based on the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist using the following domains: guideline factors, individual health professional factors, professional interactions, incentives and resources, and capacity for organizational change. Participants were asked to grade statements using a five-point Likert scale and to answer open questions on facilitators of and barriers to implementation of a PDA. Outcomes of statement rating were quantitatively analyzed and thematic analysis was performed on the outcomes regarding facilitators and barriers. RESULTS: The response rate was 11%, with a total of 120 participants completing the questionnaire. Ninety-two of the physicians (77%) would use a PDA in female SUI. Evidence-based and unbiased content, the ability to support shared decision making, and patient empowerment are identified as main facilitators. Barriers are the expected prolonged time investment and the possible difficulty using the PDA in less health-literate patient populations. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of physicians would use a PDA for female SUI. We identified facilitators and barriers that can be used when developing and implementing such a PDA