José de Bessa

Long-Term Effect of Early Postoperative Pelvic Floor Biofeedback on Continence in Men Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial

PURPOSEnThe impact of pelvic floor muscle training on the recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy is still controversial. We tested the effectiveness of biofeedback-pelvic floor muscle training in improving urinary incontinence in the 12 months following radical prostatectomy.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnA total of 73 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy were randomized to a treatment group (36) receiving biofeedback-pelvic floor muscle training once a week for 3 months as well as home exercises or a control group (37). Patients were evaluated 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Continence was defined as the use of 1 pad or less daily and incontinence severity was measured by the 24-hour pad test. Incontinence symptoms and quality of life were assessed with the International Continence Society male Short Form questionnaire and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire. Pelvic floor muscle strength was evaluated with the Oxford score.nnnRESULTSnA total of 54 patients (26 pelvic floor muscle training and 28 controls) completed the trial. Duration of incontinence was shorter in the treatment group. At postoperative month 12, 25 (96.15%) patients in the treatment group and 21 (75.0%) in the control group were continent (p = 0.028). The absolute risk reduction was 21.2% (95% CI 3.45-38.81) and the relative risk of recovering continence was 1.28 (95% CI 1.02-1.69). The number needed to treat was 5 (95% CI 2.6-28.6). Overall there were significant changes in both groups in terms of incontinence symptoms, lower urinary tract symptoms, quality of life and pelvic floor muscle strength (p <0.0001).nnnCONCLUSIONSnEarly biofeedback-pelvic floor muscle training not only hastens the recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy but allows for significant improvements in the severity of incontinence, voiding symptoms and pelvic floor muscle strength 12 months postoperatively.

Use of a Latex Biomembrane for Bladder Augmentation in a Rabbit model: Biocompatibility, Clinical and Histological Outcomes

PURPOSEnTo investigate histological features and biocompatibility of a latex biomembrane for bladder augmentation using a rabbit model.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnAfter a partial cystectomy, a patch of a non-vulcanized latex biomembrane (2x4 cm) was sewn to the bladder with 5/0 monofilament polydioxanone sulfate in a watertight manner. Groups of 5 animals were sacrificed at 15, 45 and 90 days after surgery and the bladder was removed. The 5-mum preparations obtained from grafted area and normal bladder were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with a primary antibody against alpha-actin to assess muscle regeneration.nnnRESULTSnNo death, urinary leakage or graft extrusion occurred in any group. All bladders showed a spherical shape. Macroscopically, after 90 days, the latex biomembrane was not identifiable and the patch was indistinguishable from normal bladder. A bladder stone was found in one animal (6.6%). On the 90th day, histology revealed continuity of transitional epithelium of host bladder tissue on the patch area. At this time, the muscle layers were well organized in a similar fashion to native bladder muscle layers. The inflammatory process was higher on grafted areas when compared to controls: 15 days--p < 0.0001, 45 days--p < 0.001, and 90 days--p < 0.01. The anti alpha-actin immunoexpression peaked at 45 days, when the graft was observed covered by muscle cells.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe latex biomembrane is biocompatible and can be used in models for bladder augmentation in rabbits. It promotes epithelium and muscle regeneration without urinary leakage.

Congenital genitourinary abnormalities in children with Williams–Beuren syndrome

OBJECTIVEnWilliams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a gene deletion on chromosome 7q11.23. Patients with WBS usually show a group of features such as developmental delay, cardiovascular anomalies, mental retardation, and characteristic facial appearance. Abdominal wall defects, external genitalia anomalies, and structural abnormalities of the urinary tract have been scarcely evaluated and were the focus of our study.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnWe prospectively evaluated 41 boys and 38 girls with WBS, with a mean age of 8.8 ± 4.1 (range 3-19 years). All patients were examined for the evaluation of inguinal and umbilical hernias and genital anomalies. All patients were offered a radiological evaluation, including urinary tract ultrasound, voiding cystourethrogram, and dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy (DMSA scan).nnnRESULTSnOf the 41 boys, 30 (73.1%) had abnormalities on physical examination, including bilateral undescended testis in 13 (31.7%), retractile testis in four (9.7%), hypospadias in four (9.7%), and unilateral cryptorchidism in three (7.3%) patients. Of the 38 female subjects, 17 (44.7%) had at least one abnormality, including umbilical hernia in 11 (28.9%), unilateral inguinal hernia in four (10.5%), and bilateral inguinal hernia in three (7.8%) patients. Uroradiological abnormalities were found in 41 patients (51.9%). On sonography, six (7.6%) patients had unilateral hydronephrosis, three (3.8%) had a duplicated collecting system, and two (2.5%) had kidney stones. On DMSA, performed in 36 patients, four (11.1%) had unilateral renal scarring and two (5.5%) had bilateral renal scarring. Cystourethrography was obtained from 56 patients, of whom 27 (48.2%) had bladder diverticulum, 18 (32.1%) had bladder wall trabeculation, and three (5.3%) had vesicoureteral reflux. We found no association of urological abnormalities with cardiovascular defects.nnnCONCLUSIONSnPatients with WBS have a high prevalence of abdominal wall, external genitalia, and urological abnormalities, emphasizing the importance of proper physical examination and radiological investigation in this population.

Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction in Men With Spinal Cord Injury Using the Male Sexual Quotient.

OBJECTIVEnTo assess different aspects of sexual function in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) using the Male Sexual Quotient (MSQ), a newly developed tool to assess sexual function and satisfaction.nnnDESIGNnCross-sectional study.nnnSETTINGnTertiary rehabilitation center.nnnPARTICIPANTSnPatients (N=295) older than 18 years (mean age ± SD, 40.7±14.5y) with SCI for more than 1 year (median time since SCI, 3.6y; range, 1.6-7.0y) were assessed from February to August 2012. Patients completed the MSQ questionnaire and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM).nnnINTERVENTIONSnNot applicable.nnnMAIN OUTCOME MEASURESnPerformance in various domains of sexual function was evaluated using the MSQ and SHIM questionnaires.nnnRESULTSnErectile function, ejaculation, and orgasm were the most severely affected domains. The median MSQ score was 40 (range, 8-66), and the median SHIM score was 5 (range, 0-16). The diagnostic properties of the 2 instruments were similar in the discrimination of sexually active subjects. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was .950 (95% confidence interval [CI], .923-.979) for the MSQ and .942 (95% CI, .915-.968) for the SHIM. There was a strong correlation between the 2 instruments (r=.826; 95% CI, .802-.878).nnnCONCLUSIONSnDifferent domains of sexual function are severely impaired in men with SCI, although their sexual interest remains high. The MSQ and SHIM scores strongly correlate, but the MSQ provides a more comprehensive assessment of sexual dysfunction in male patients with SCI.

Erectile Function Predicts Sexual Satisfaction in Men With Spinal Cord Injury

Introduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) is usually a sudden traumatic event and has a negative effect on sexual function. Aim To evaluate the characteristics of sexual activity in men with SCI and identify predictors of being sexually active and having a satisfactory sex life. Methods We assessed sexual activity profiles of men with SCI from a Brazilian tertiary rehabilitation center from February to August 2012. All patients older than 18 years with SCI for longer than 1 year were invited to participate. We analyzed age, time since SCI, patient age at SCI, employment status, partner status, completeness of lesion, functional independence, urinary continence, and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score. Main Outcome Measures The SHIM was used to assess erectile function (EF). Satisfaction with sex life was analyzed as a dichotomous variable. Predictors of an active and satisfactory sex life were identified using univariable and multivariable analyses. Results We evaluated 295 men with mean age of 40.7 ± 14.5 years. Most patients had a complete SCI (65.1%) and 159 (53.9%) were incontinent. The median SHIM score was 5 (interquartile range = 0–16) and only 71 men (24.1%) had a SHIM score of at least 17. Of these men, 159 (53.9%) were sexually active. Only 63 men (39.6%) were satisfied with their sex life after SCI. In univariable analysis, all variables were associated with an active sex life. Those with a SHIM score of at least 17 had a greater likelihood of being sexually active (odds ratio = 116, 95% confidence interval = 14–432). EF was the only parameter associated with a satisfactory sex life (odds ratio = 1.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.2–1.4). Conclusions Most men with SCI were sexually inactive and/or dissatisfied with their sex life. Age, duration of SCI, completeness of SCI, continence, having a partner, and good EF were identified as predictors of an active sex life. However, only EF was a predictor of a satisfactory sex life. Gomes CM, Miranda EP, de Bessa J, et al. Erectile Function Predicts Sexual Satisfaction in Men With Spinal Cord Injury. Sex Med 2017;5:e148–e155.

The Effects of Oxybutynin on Urinary Symptoms in Children with Williams-Beuren Syndrome

PURPOSEnWilliams-Beuren syndrome is a genomic disorder caused by a hemizygous contiguous gene deletion on chromosome 7q11.23. Lower urinary tract symptoms are common in children with Williams-Beuren syndrome. However, there are few data on the management of voiding symptoms in this population. We report our experience using oxybutynin to treat urinary symptoms in children with Williams-Beuren syndrome.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnWe prospectively analyzed 42 patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome and significant lower urinary tract symptoms due to detrusor overactivity diagnosed on urodynamics in a 12-week, open-label study. Urological assessment included symptomatic evaluation, the impact of lower urinary tract symptoms on quality of life, frequency-volume chart, urodynamics and urinary tract sonography. After 12 weeks of treatment with 0.6 mg/kg oxybutynin per day given in 3 daily doses, patients were assessed for treatment efficacy and side effects.nnnRESULTSnA total of 17 girls and 19 boys completed medical therapy and were assessed at 12 weeks. Mean ± SD patient age was 9.2 ± 4.3 years (range 3 to 18). The most common urinary complaint was urgency, which occurred in 31 patients (86.1%), followed by urge incontinence, which was seen in 29 (80.5%). Compared to baseline, urinary symptoms were substantially improved. The negative impact of storage symptoms on quality of life was significantly decreased from a mean ± SD of 3.3 ± 1.7 to 0.5 ± 0.9 (p <0.001). Mean ± SD maximum urinary flow improved from 14.2 ± 15.0 to 20.5 ± 6.4 ml per second (p <0.001).nnnCONCLUSIONSnA total of 12 weeks of therapy with 0.6 mg/kg oxybutynin daily resulted in improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms, quality of life and maximum flow rate in most patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome.

Expression of VEGF and collagen using a latex biomembrane as bladder replacement in rabbits

OBJECTIVEnTo investigate the VEGF expression and collagen deposition using a latex biomembrane as bladder replacement in rabbits.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnAfter partial cystectomy, a patch of a non-vulcanized latex biomembrane (2 x 2 cm) was sewn to the bladder of rabbits with 5/0 monofilament polydioxanone sulfate sutures in a watertight manner. Groups of 5 animals were killed at 15, 45 and 90 days after surgery and the bladder was removed. Sections of 5µm were cut and stained with picrosirius-red in order to estimate the amount of extracellular matrix in the graft. To confirm the presence of VEGF in tissues, protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry.nnnRESULTSnNo death, urinary leakage or graft extrusion occurred in any group. All bladders showed a spherical shape. A progressive reduction in the amount of collagen occurred in the graft area and was negatively and linearly correlated with time (p < 0.001). VEGF expression was higher in grafted areas when compared to controls at 15 and 45 days after surgery and decreased with time (p < 0.001).nnnCONCLUSIONnThe latex biomembrane as a matrix for partial bladder replacement in rabbits promotes temporary collagen deposition and stimulates the angiogenic process.

Increased detrusor collagen is associated with detrusor overactivity and decreased bladder compliance in men with benign prostatic obstruction

Background This study aimed to investigate the relationship between detrusor collagen content and urodynamic parameters in men with benign prostatic obstruction. Material and methods Nineteen consecutive patients undergoing open prostatectomy for bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were evaluated. Urodynamic tests were performed in all patients. BOO and detrusor contractility were assessed with the BOO index (BOOI) and the bladder contractility index (BCI), respectively. A bladder fragment was obtained during prostatectomy. Eight cadaveric organ donors composed the control group. Bladder sections were stained with picrosirius red and hematoxylin-eosin. The collagen to smooth muscle ratio (C/M) in the detrusor was measured and its relationship with urodynamic parameters was investigated. Results Seven (36.8%) patients were operated on due to lower urinary tract symptoms and 12 (63.2%) had urinary retention. The mean prostate volume was 128.6 cm3 ± 32.3 cm3, the mean BOOI was 76.4 ± 33.0, and the mean BCI was 116.1 ± 33.7. The mean C/M in BPH patients and controls were 0.43 ± 0.13 and 0.33 ± 0.09, respectively (P = 0.042). A negative correlation was shown between C/M and bladder compliance (r = –0.488, P = 0.043). The C/M was increased in BPH patients with detrusor overactivity (DO) compared to those without DO (0.490 ± 0.110 and 0.360 ± 0.130, respectively; P = 0.030) and also in patients with urinary retention (P = 0.002). No correlation was shown between C/M and maximum cystometric capacity, BOOI, or BCI. Conclusion Men with BOO/BPH have increased detrusor collagen content which is associated with decreased bladder compliance, detrusor overactivity, and urinary retention.

The role of urinary KIM-1, NGAL, CA19-9 and β2-microglobulin in the assessment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic properties of urinary biomarkers in adults with ureteropelvic junction obstruction: KIM-1, NGAL, CA19-9, and β2-microglobulin. We also assessed urinary biomarker concentrations following pyeloplasty. Material and methods: We prospectively studied adults from December 2013 to February 2015. We included 47 patients with a mean age of 38.6u2009±u200912.7 years. Each patient provided four samples of voided urine for biomarker measurement, one at pre-operative consultation and the others at 1, 3, and 6 months of post-operative follow-up. The control group consisted of 40 healthy individuals with no hydronephrosis on ultrasound evaluation. Results: KIM-1 had an area under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.70–0.89), NGAL 0.71 (95% CI 0.61–0.83), CA19-9 0.70 (95% CI 0.60–0.81), and β2-microgloblin 0.61 (95% CI 0.50–0.73). KIM-1 was the most sensitive marker with a cut-off of 170.4u2009pg/mg creatinine (sensitivity 91.4%, specificity 59.1%), whereas CA19-9 was the most specific with a cut-off of 51.3u2009U/mg creatinine (sensitivity 48.9%, specificity 88.0%). Urinary concentrations of biomarkers decreased after pyeloplasty. Conclusions: The evaluation of urinary biomarkers is useful in adults undergoing pyeloplasty. KIM-1, NGAL, and CA19-9 were elevated and significantly decreased after surgery.