Harriette M. Scarpero

American Urological Association Symptom Index for lower urinary tract symptoms in women: correlation with degree of bother and impact on quality of life

OBJECTIVES To determine first whether the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI) correlates with the degree of bother caused by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women and whether the association varies with a womans age and continent status; and second, whether the AUASI and degree of bother caused by symptoms correlate with a womans quality of life (QOL) and whether the association varies with a womans age and continent status. LUTS occur in women and may produce significant bother and affect their QOL. The AUASI has been used to evaluate LUTS in female patients; however, its correlation with the degree of bother and QOL has not been clearly established in women. METHODS The charts of 1232 women who completed the AUASI, as well as the Symptom Problem Index and global QOL question, were reviewed. Spearmans rank order correlation was computed to assess the correlation between the AUASI and Symptom Problem Index. It was also computed after stratifying the womens age and continence status (continent versus incontinent). A linear regression model was applied, with the AUASI and Symptom Problem Index as the response variables and QOL as the continuous explanatory variable. RESULTS The mean age was 54.6 years. Six hundred women (49%) were incontinent. Spearmans rank order showed a strong correlation between symptoms and problems caused by symptoms (0.858, P <0.0001). The correlation existed throughout various age groups and was independent of coexisting incontinence. The symptoms correlated with QOL in a similar pattern. CONCLUSIONS The AUASI accurately described LUTS in women and, as with men, is a good indicator of the degree of bother and affect on QOL.

The Evolution of Obstruction Induced Overactive Bladder Symptoms Following Urethrolysis for Female Bladder Outlet Obstruction

PURPOSE Bladder outlet obstruction following stress incontinence surgery may present as a spectrum of lower urinary tract symptoms. We evaluated the prevalence and impact of persistent overactive bladder symptoms following urethrolysis for iatrogenic bladder outlet obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a retrospective review we identified 40 patients who underwent urethrolysis. All patients underwent a standardized urological evaluation. Patients identified with genitourinary erosion, neurogenic bladder dysfunction and preexisting overactive bladder were excluded. Urethrolysis outcomes were determined by subjective bladder symptoms and objective parameters. Validated questionnaires were completed to assess symptom bother, patient satisfaction and quality of life. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata, version 9.0. RESULTS A total of 40 patients were included in the study with a mean +/- SD followup of 13 +/- 11 months (range 3 to 38). Of the patients 34 patients presented with obstructive symptoms, while 36 had overactive bladder symptoms. Obstructive symptoms resolved in 28 of the 34 patients (82%), while overactive bladder symptoms resolved completely in only 12 (35%) and they were significantly improved in 4 (12%). Overall 20 patients (56%) were on antimuscarinics for refractory overactive bladder and 8 ultimately required sacral neuromodulation. Pre-urethrolysis detrusor overactivity was more likely in patients with persistent overactive bladder symptoms than in those in whom overactive bladder symptoms resolved (70% vs 38%). Patients with persistent overactive bladder had significantly greater symptom severity/bother, and decreased perception of improvement and quality of life following urethrolysis. CONCLUSIONS Following urethrolysis overactive bladder symptoms may remain refractory in 50% or greater of patients, which has a negative impact on quality of life and the impression of improvement after surgery. Detrusor overactivity demonstrated preoperatively may be useful for predicting who may have persistent overactive bladder symptoms despite an effective urethrolysis procedure.

Histologic comparison of pubovaginal sling graft materials: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVES Little is known about the host response to the various biologic and synthetic graft materials used as substitutes for autologous fascia. We investigated the host response to sling graft materials in humans. METHODS A total of 24 women undergoing sling revision had a portion of the graft material removed for comparative analysis. At exploration, the degree of graft preservation (integrity), encapsulation, infection, and fibrosis was quantified. A histopathologic analysis was performed by systematically examining each specimen for the inflammatory response, neovascularity, and host fibroblast infiltration. RESULTS A total of 24 grafts were explanted at 2-34 months after implantation. The indications for removal were a lack of sling efficacy in 2, urinary retention in 9, and sling obstruction in 13. The types of graft material were polypropylene mesh (PPM) in 10, autologous fascia in 5, porcine dermis in 4, cadaveric dermis in 3, and cadaveric fascia in 2. No graft degradation had occurred in PPM material. Autologous and cadaveric fascia had the most demonstrable graft degradation. No encapsulation had occurred with autologous fascia or PPM. The porcine dermis was the most encapsulated. No host infiltration had occurred with the encapsulated porcine grafts, and only peripheral infiltration of fibroblasts had occurred in the cadaveric grafts. The PPM grafts had the greatest number of fibroblasts throughout the entire graft. Neovascularity was the most prevalent in mesh and was also present in the autologous fascia. Giant cells were seen in two mesh and two porcine grafts. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study have shown that porcine dermis has the potential to encapsulate. The degree of host tissue infiltration was greatest with PPM, and no degradation of the mesh material had occurred with time.

Histopathological evaluation of the uterosacral ligament: is this a dependable structure for pelvic reconstruction?

To explore, by histological examination, whether the uterosacral ligament complex is an adequate support structure for vaginal vault suspension and other reconstructive procedures of the female pelvis.

Removal of Transobturator Midurethral Sling for Refractory Thigh Pain

Polypropylene midurethral slings have become the most common surgical procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. The efficacy has been well established through prospective and systematic evaluation. Transobturator midurethral slings have demonstrated comparable efficacy relative to the retropubic approach with the potential to minimize the morbidity associated with retropubic needle passage. We present a case of recalcitrant medial thigh pain after transobturator midurethral sling placement that ultimately required medial thigh/transobturator exploration and sling excision.

Approach to Management of Iatrogenic Foreign Bodies of the Lower Urinary Tract Following Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

PURPOSE Evolving techniques and materials for pelvic reconstruction have resulted in corresponding increases in the risk of iatrogenic foreign bodies in the lower urinary tract and vagina. We review the presentation, management and outcomes of iatrogenic foreign bodies in the female lower urinary tract and vagina. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of the records of all women undergoing removal of lower urinary tract foreign bodies during a 9-year period. All patients underwent a structured evaluation including history, physical examination, ancillary testing as indicated and subjective symptom appraisal. RESULTS A total of 85 women were identified, of whom 48 had vaginal, 40 had lower urinary tract, and 3 had concomitant vaginal and lower urinary tract excision of foreign material. Of the lower urinary tract cases the foreign body was located in the urethra in 12, bladder neck in 10, bladder wall in 18 and trigone in 3, while the remainder of the cases was vaginal in location. Aggressive surgical management aimed at removal or debulking of the exposed foreign body necessitated cystorrhaphy/partial cystectomy (20), urethroplasty (18) and fistula repair (3). Of the patients with vaginal excision 36 (75%) reported cure (of presenting symptoms), 10 (20.8%) reported improvement and 2 were unavailable for followup. Of the patients with lower urinary tract excision 21 (52.5%) reported cure, 14 (35%) indicated improvement and 5 were unavailable for followup. CONCLUSIONS In a complex group of women with vaginal or lower urinary tract foreign body extrusion, aggressive operative management resulted in high rates of subjective patient cure. Adequate assessment of newer reconstructive technologies is critical to assess the full impact of these complications.

Use of bone anchors in female urology

Stress urinary incontinence remains one of the most prevalent conditions encountered by urologists. In many cases, surgical correction of this condition is carried out using a pubovaginal sling procedure. Bone anchors were initially used in transvaginal needle suspension procedures to improve stabilization of the bladder neck. This technology has been extended to sling procedures, allowing completion of these procedures by an entirely transvaginal approach. Early results of these procedures are encouraging, and overall morbidity appears much less when compared with conventional pubovaginal sling procedures. In this article, the application of bone anchors in female urology is reviewed. Techniques of pubovaginal sling and abdominal sacrocolpopexy using bone anchors and potential complications of bone anchor implantation are discussed. Surgeons performing procedures for the treatment of stress incontinence should be aware of the benefits and potential risks of bone anchor implantation.

How to Use an Article About Therapy

PURPOSE Most surgical interventions have inherent benefits and associated risks. Before implementing a new therapy we should ascertain the benefits and risks of the therapy and assure ourselves that the resources consumed in the intervention will not be exorbitant. MATERIALS AND METHODS We suggest a 3-step approach to using an article from the urological literature to guide patient care. We recommend asking whether the study can provide valid results, reviewing the results and considering how the results can be applied to patient care. RESULTS Key methodological characteristics that have an impact on the validity of a surgical trial include randomization, allocation concealment, stratification, blinding, completeness of followup and intent to treat analysis. To the extent that the quality is poor inferences from this study are weakened. However, if its quality is acceptable, one must determine the range within which the true treatment effect lies (95% CI). One must then consider whether this result can be generalized to a patient and whether the investigators have provided information about all clinically important outcomes. It is then necessary to compare the relative benefits of the intervention with its risks. If one perceives that the benefits outweigh the risks, the intervention may be of use to the patient. CONCLUSIONS Given the time constraints of busy urological practices and training programs, applying this analysis to every relevant article would be challenging. However, the basics of this process are essentially what we all do hundreds of times each week when treating patients. Making this process explicit with guidelines to assess the strength of the available evidence will serve to improve patient care. It will also allow us to defend therapeutic interventions based on available evidence and not on anecdote.

Female Urethral Diverticula

Surgical excision is the definitive treatment of urethral diverticulum (UD) and the only reasonable surgical option for treating midurethral and proximal UD. Success depends on proper staging by determining the extent and number of diverticula and attention to surgical technique. This article offers practical guidance in adjusting technique to accommodate commonly encountered difficult clinical scenarios.

Long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of fesoterodine treatment in men and women with overactive bladder symptoms.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of fesoterodine for men and women with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. Research design and methods: This was a post hoc analysis of data pooled from two open-label extensions (NCT00220402, NCT00220376) of double-blind studies. All subjects began open-label treatment with fesoterodine 8 mg once daily, with voluntary dose reduction to 4 mg and re-escalation to 8 mg each permitted once annually. Maximum allowable duration of open-label treatment ranged from 24 to 36 months. Main outcome measures: Safety and discontinuations were assessed throughout treatment; subject-reported treatment tolerability and 3-day bladder diaries were evaluated at open-label baseline and months 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24. Results: A total of 185 men and 705 women enrolled; 83 men (45%) and 356 women (50%) continued open-label treatment for ≥24 months. Most men (84%) and women (75%) remained on fesoterodine 8 mg throughout open-label treatment. No new or unexpected safety signals were observed. Dry mouth was the most common treatment-emergent adverse event (men, 24%; women, 32%), rates of discontinuation due to dry mouth were low (men, 1%; women, 2%). Most men and women (≥91%) reported at least ‘good’ tolerance. For men and women, statistically significant improvements in urgency urinary incontinence episodes, micturitions, urgency episodes, and mean voided volume per micturition achieved between double-blind baseline and open-label baseline were sustained or further improved through month 24; significant improvements in most OAB symptoms were observed between double-blind baseline and month 24 when subjects were stratified by double-blind treatment (placebo, tolterodine extended release 4 mg, fesoterodine 4 mg, fesoterodine 8 mg). Limitations include the lack of a placebo control and that subjects completing double-blind treatment may have been more likely to tolerate or respond to long-term fesoterodine treatment. Conclusions: Long-term fesoterodine treatment was well tolerated and associated with sustained improvements in OAB symptoms in men and women. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00220402. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00220376.