An-Sofie Goessaert

High-Dose Salvage Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy With or Without Androgen Deprivation After Radical Prostatectomy for Rising or Persisting Prostate-Specific Antigen: 5-Year Results

BACKGROUND Long-term results with salvage radiotherapy (SRT) for a biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) are poor. It has been suggested that radiotherapy doses >70 Gy might result in improved outcome. OBJECTIVE To report on the late toxicity profile and outcome of patients treated with high-dose salvage intensity-modulated radiotherapy (HD-SIMRT) with or without androgen deprivation (AD). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Between 1999 and 2008, 136 patients were referred for HD-SIMRT with or without AD. The median follow-up was 5 yr. Indications for HD-SIMRT were persisting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or a rising PSA following RP. All patients were irradiated at a single, tertiary, academic centre. AD was initiated on the basis of seminal vesicle invasion, preprostatectomy PSA >20 ng/ml, Gleason score ≥ 4+3 (n=43), or personal preference of the referring urologist (n=54). INTERVENTION A median 76-Gy dose was prescribed to the RP bed using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in all patients. AD consisted of a luteinising hormone-releasing hormone analogue for 6 mo. MEASUREMENTS Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the influence of patient- and treatment-related factors on late toxicity, biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS), and clinical relapse-free survival (cRFS). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS The 5-yr actuarial bRFS and cRFS were 56% and 86%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the presence of perineural invasion at RP (hazard ratio [HR]: 6.19, p=0.001) and an increasing pre-SRT PSA (PSA 0.5 ng/ml: HR: 1; PSA 1-1.5 ng/ml: HR: 1.60, p=0.30; and PSA >1 ng/ml: HR: 2.70, p=0.02) were independent factors for a decreased bRFS. The addition of AD improved bRFS (HR: 0.33, p=0.005). On multivariate analysis, none of the variables was a predictor of cRFS. The 5-yr risk of grade 2-3 toxicity was 22% and 8% for genitourinary and gastrointestinal symptoms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS IMRT allows for safe dose escalation to 76Gy with good bRFS.

Diagnosing the Pathophysiologic Mechanisms of Nocturnal Polyuria

BACKGROUND Diagnosis of nocturnal polyuria (NP) is based on a bladder diary. Addition of a renal function profile (RFP) for analysis of concentrating and solute-conserving capacity allows differentiation of NP pathophysiology and could facilitate individualized treatment. OBJECTIVE To map circadian rhythms of water and solute diuresis by comparing participants with and without NP. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective observational study was carried out in Ghent University Hospital between 2011 and 2013. Participants with and without NP completed a 72-h bladder dairy. RFP, free water clearance (FWC), and creatinine, solute, sodium, and urea clearance were measured for all participants. RESULTS The study participants were divided into those with (n=77) and those without (n=35) NP. The mean age was 57 yr (SD 16 yr) and 41% of the participants were female. Compared to participants without NP, the NP group exhibited a higher diuresis rate throughout the night (p=0.015); higher FWC (p=0.013) and lower osmolality (p=0.030) at the start of the night; and persistently higher sodium clearance during the night (p<0.001). The pathophysiologic mechanism of NP was identified as water diuresis alone in 22%, sodium diuresis alone in 19%, and a combination of water and sodium diuresis in 47% of the NP group. CONCLUSION RFP measurement in first-line NP screening to discriminate between water and solute diuresis as pathophysiologic mechanisms complements the bladder diary and could facilitate optimal individualized treatment of patients with NP. PATIENT SUMMARY We evaluated eight urine samples collected over 24h to detect the underlying problem in NP. We found that NP can be attributed to water or sodium diuresis or a combination of both. This urinalysis can be used to adapt treatment according to the underlying mechanism in patients with bothersome consequences of NP, such as nocturia and urinary incontinence.

Urethroplasty for Strictures After Phallic Reconstruction: A Single-Institution Experience

BACKGROUND Treatment recommendations for strictures after phalloplasty are lacking. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to evaluate the outcome of urethroplasty for strictures after phalloplasty and to provide treatment recommendations based on this experience. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS One hundred and eighteen urethroplasties were performed in 79 patients. Mean patient age was 37.6 yr. Mean follow-up was 39 mo. INTERVENTION Different types of urethroplasty were used: meatotomy, Heineke-Mikulicz principle (HMP), excision and primary anastomosis (EPA), free graft urethroplasty (FGU), pedicled flap urethroplasty (PFU), two-stage urethroplasty (TSU), and perineostomy followed by urethral reconstruction (PUR). MEASUREMENTS Stricture recurrence was defined as the need for additional instrumentation or surgery. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Mean stricture length was 3.6 cm. Stricture location was at the meatus, phallic urethra, anastomosis, fixed part, and different locations in 18, 28, 48, 15, and 9 urethroplasties, respectively. Stricture recurrence was observed in 44 urethroplasties (41.12%). Stricture recurrence rate for meatotomy, HMP, EPA, FGU, PFU, TSU, and PUR was 25%, 42.11%, 42.86%, 50%, 40%, 30.3%, and 61.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The main stricture location after phalloplasty is the anastomosis between the phallic and the fixed part. Urethroplasty for strictures after phalloplasty is associated with a relatively high recurrence rate. TRIAL REGISTRATION EC UZG 2007/434.

Long-Term Followup of Children with Nocturnal Enuresis: Increased Frequency of Nocturia in Adulthood

PURPOSE We investigated the long-term prognosis of a cohort of children with nocturnal enuresis, and identified the prevalence of nocturia and persistent comorbid symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS A questionnaire was sent to 1,265 patients treated for nocturnal enuresis during childhood at our university hospital. We used a validated tool, the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire on overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, to evaluate the presence of current urological symptoms. Participants were also asked about treatment received for nocturnal enuresis, and their medical files were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 516 patients (41%) returned the questionnaire. Mean age was 17 years, and 64% of patients were male. Current urgency, daytime frequency and urinary incontinence were reported by 17%, 8% and 25% of patients, respectively. During the period of nocturnal enuresis up to 60% of patients had concomitant daytime symptoms. Nocturia was reported by 182 participants (35%). Males comprised 56% of patients (101) with nocturia and 69% of patients (230) without nocturia. Prevalence of current daytime symptoms and incontinence was higher in patients with nocturia (p<0.001). Those with nocturia were older at resolution of nocturnal enuresis (p<0.001) and suffered more nonmonosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (p<0.014). CONCLUSIONS About a third of patients experience nocturia, a fourth still report some kind of urinary incontinence, a fifth have regular urgency and a tenth have daytime frequency. Thus, resolution of nocturnal enuresis does not necessarily mean resolution of the underlying pathological condition. Some patients with nocturia who continue to suffer with bothersome symptoms might benefit from continuous treatment for the underlying condition.

Exploring nocturia: gender, age, and causes.

This study aims to clarify differences in parameters based on frequency volume chart (FVC) and on daytime and nighttime urine according to the nocturia frequency, age, and gender.

Circadian Rhythms in Water and Solute Handling in Adults with a Spinal Cord Injury

Purpose: We evaluated nocturnal urine production and circadian rhythms of renal function (glomerular filtration, and water and solute diuresis) in adults with spinal cord injury compared to controls. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was done at Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. Participants were asked to perform a 24‐hour urine collection. A blood sample was taken to calculate the diuresis rate and the renal clearance of creatinine, free water, solutes, sodium and urea. Results: A total of 119 patients were divided into 32 with spinal cord injury, and 68 controls with and 19 without nocturnal polyuria. Spinal cord injured patients showed no circadian rhythms in the diuresis rate or in the renal clearance of creatinine, free water, solutes, sodium or urea. Controls without nocturnal polyuria reported a lower nighttime diuresis rate and lower nighttime clearance of creatinine, solutes, sodium and urea compared to daytime levels. Controls with nocturnal polyuria had no circadian rhythms in the diuresis rate or creatinine clearance and a significant increase in nocturnal free water clearance compared to daytime levels. Conclusions: Comparing the mechanisms underlying nocturnal urine production between patients with spinal cord injury and controls revealed important differences. Spinal cord injured patients showed absent circadian rhythms in the renal clearance of creatinine (glomerular filtration), free water (water diuresis) and solutes such as sodium and urea (solute diuresis). Future research must be done to evaluate the role of patient stratification to find the most effective and safe treatment or combination of treatments for spinal cord injured patients with complaints or complications related to nocturnal polyuria.

A Joint Mechanism of Action for Sacral Neuromodulation for Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a clinically effective intervention for treatment of urinary and bowel disorders. The aim is to establish the hypothesis that there is a common mechanism of action for SNM in both systems. Current knowledge includes the following: (1) Therapeutic parameters may be different for the 2 efficacy measures. (2) SNM invokes neural circuits that can be observed as neurochemical changes in specific neuroanatomic structures downstream from the therapy delivery site. (3) There are important central nervous system effects for both therapies. (4) Clinical observations regarding normal continence sensations as well as physiological measures of continence are different for the 2 therapy areas.

Nocturnal enuresis and nocturia, differences and similarities - lessons to learn?

Abstract This review highlights the current views on and differences and similarities between nocturnal enuresis (NE) in children and nocturia in adults, which might be a guidance to elucidate the missing links in our knowledge. In both conditions, a genetic factor is suspected. Reduced bladder capacity and nocturnal polyuria are the main underlying lower urinary tract-related conditions. There is a link with sleep disorders, although it is not clear whether this is a cause or consequence. Physical and mental health are comprised in both conditions, however, in different ways. In NE, constipation and attention deficit disorder are the most important comorbidities and the effect on mental health and quality of life is mainly through the negative impact on self-esteem. In nocturia, cardiovascular disease and fall injuries are important comorbidities, mainly affecting the older nocturia population; personal distress and depression are consequences of the related poor sleep quality. For both conditions, treatment is often inadequate and a more individualized approach seems to be necessary. The main difference between NE and nocturia seems to be the difference in arousal to bladder stimuli, suggesting that sleep characteristics might be a key factor in these conditions.

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Altaf Mangera,* Rufus Cartwright, Kari A.O. Tikkinen, An-sofie Goessaert, and Christopher R. Chapple Department of Urology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Imperial College London, UK and Department of Urogynaecology, Imperial College London, UK Department of Urology, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland and Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Department of Urology, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan, Ghent, Belgium

Persistent urinary incontinence after a robot-assisted artificial urinary sphincter procedure: lessons learnt from two cases

This case report describes 2 cases of persistent urinary incontinence in the beginning of the learning curve of robot-assisted bladder neck implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter (RA-AUS) in men at risk for erosion due to neurological lesions. Among a series of 4 RA-AUS, 2 patients still experienced urinary incontinence after surgery. A complete urological workup was strictly normal and did not show any device malfunction. However, during an AUS revision in these two patients, exploration revealed that the cuff was not tight enough. This issue was resolved by placing smaller cuffs. After re-do surgery, one of the two patients no longer had urinary incontinence, while the second patient was lost to follow-up. Insufficient tightness of the cuff could be explained by an inability of the surgeon to feel the force while pulling the cuff around the urethra due to the absence of haptic sensation in robotic surgery.