Laetitia M.O. de Kort

Long-Term Followup of Hypospadias: Functional and Cosmetic Results

PURPOSE We assessed long-term results after hypospadias surgery with respect to urinary and sexual function, cosmetic appearance and intimate relationships. MATERIALS AND METHODS We contacted 116 patients who are now adults and who underwent surgery between 1987 and 1992. Participation included mailed questionnaires containing the International Prostate Symptom Score, International Index of Erectile Function and the Dutch Survey of Intimate Relations (Nederlandse Relatie Vragenlijst) as well as uroflowmetry and cosmesis assessment using the Pediatric Penile Perception Score. A control group of 151 male students completed the International Prostate Symptom Score and International Index of Erectile Function, and underwent uroflowmetry. RESULTS A total of 91 patients (78%) were traceable, 57% returned the questionnaires and 27% visited the clinic. Hypospadias was distal, mid shaft and proximal in 47, 8 and 11 patients, respectively. International Prostate Symptom Score was greater than 7 in 9 of 64 patients (14%) compared to 10 of 151 controls (7%). Patients with distal hypospadias complained more about micturition. Patients with proximal hypospadias had lower maximum urine flow than other patients and controls. For sexuality the total International Index of Erectile Function did not differ between patients and controls. Patients with proximal hypospadias reported less satisfaction with penile length and objectively penile length was less than the average of all patients (10.8 vs 12.1 cm). Cosmetic outcome was considered satisfactory. Outcomes in the 33 patients who returned the Dutch Survey of Intimate Relations correctly were above average, especially for sexuality and independence. CONCLUSIONS Patients with distal hypospadias have a higher International Prostate Symptom Score and patients with proximal hypospadias have lower maximum urine flow than controls. Sexual function and cosmesis are rated good. The quality of intimate relationships is above average.

URETERAL REIMPLANTATION IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN: EFFECT ON BLADDER FUNCTION

PURPOSE We investigate whether early ureteral reimplantation in infants damages the urodynamic behavior of the bladder compared to ureteral reimplantation after age 1 year. We also evaluate changes in bladder behavior after ureteral reimplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We compared 2 groups of 25 children each who underwent ureteral reimplantation. Group 1 included children younger than 12 months at surgery, and group 2 children were between 1 and 10 years old. All patients had grade III or greater reflux in 1 or 2 ureters, or obstructed megaureters. All patients underwent a complete urodynamic study before and after surgery. We analyzed preoperative and postoperative differences in urodynamic studies in both groups concerning bladder instability, capacity and compliance. RESULTS Our analysis of urodynamic data showed that bladder instability was reduced more in group 1 than group 2, although not statistically significant. Parameters for bladder capacity and compliance were comparable for both groups. No statistically significant difference was noted between the urodynamic results in both groups preoperatively and postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS No difference in urodynamic parameters could be found between children younger than 12 months compared to those older who underwent ureteral reimplantation. The urodynamic data do not provide any contraindication to ureteral reimplantation performed in early infancy. Moreover, except for a minor reduction in bladder instability, ureteral reimplantation does not alter the urodynamic behavior of the bladder.

Upper and lower urinary tract outcomes in adult myelomeningocele patients: a systematic review.

Background The introduction of sophisticated treatment of bladder dysfunction and hydrocephalus allows the majority of SB patients to survive into adulthood. However, no systematic review on urological outcome in adult SB patients is available and no follow-up schemes exist. Objectives To systematically summarize the evidence on outcome of urinary tract functioning in adult SB patients. Methods A literature search in PubMed and Embase databases was done. Only papers published in the last 25 years describing patients with open SB with a mean age >18 years were included. We focused on finding differences in the treatment strategies, e.g., clean intermittent catheterization and antimuscarinic drugs versus early urinary diversion, with regard to long-term renal and bladder outcomes. Results A total of 13 articles and 5 meeting abstracts on urinary tract status of adult SB patients were found describing a total of 1564 patients with a mean age of 26.1 years (range 3–74 years, with a few patients <18 years). All were retrospective cohort studies with relatively small and heterogeneous samples with inconsistent reporting of outcome; this precluded the pooling of data and meta-analysis. Total continence was achieved in 449/1192 (37.7%; range 8–85%) patients. Neurological level of the lesion and hydrocephalus were associated with incontinence. Renal function was studied in 1128 adult patients. In 290/1128 (25.7%; range 3–81.8%) patients some degree of renal damage was found and end-stage renal disease was seen in 12/958 (1.3%) patients. Detrusor-sphincter dyssynergy and detrusor-overactivity acted as adverse prognostic factors for the development of renal damage. Conclusions These findings should outline follow-up schedules for SB patients, which do not yet exist. Since renal and bladder deterioration continues beyond adolescence, follow-up of these individuals is needed. We recommend standardization in reporting the outcome of urinary tract function in adult SB patients.

Tissue Engineering for Human Urethral Reconstruction : Systematic Review of Recent Literature

Background Techniques to treat urethral stricture and hypospadias are restricted, as substitution of the unhealthy urethra with tissue from other origins (skin, bladder or buccal mucosa) has some limitations. Therefore, alternative sources of tissue for use in urethral reconstructions are considered, such as ex vivo engineered constructs. Purpose To review recent literature on tissue engineering for human urethral reconstruction. Methods A search was made in the PubMed and Embase databases restricted to the last 25 years and the English language. Results A total of 45 articles were selected describing the use of tissue engineering in urethral reconstruction. The results are discussed in four groups: autologous cell cultures, matrices/scaffolds, cell-seeded scaffolds, and clinical results of urethral reconstructions using these materials. Different progenitor cells were used, isolated from either urine or adipose tissue, but slightly better results were obtained with in vitro expansion of urothelial cells from bladder washings, tissue biopsies from the bladder (urothelium) or the oral cavity (buccal mucosa). Compared with a synthetic scaffold, a biological scaffold has the advantage of bioactive extracellular matrix proteins on its surface. When applied clinically, a non-seeded matrix only seems suited for use as an onlay graft. When a tubularized substitution is the aim, a cell-seeded construct seems more beneficial. Conclusions Considerable experience is available with tissue engineering of urethral tissue in vitro, produced with cells of different origin. Clinical and in vivo experiments show promising results.

Urodynamic effects of transrectal intraprostatic Ona botulinum toxin A injections for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE To investigate urodynamic, symptomatic, and histologic effects of intraprostatic injection with Ona botulinum toxin A for benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS Patients >55 years with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia failing medical therapy were treated. Inclusion criteria were International Prostate Symptom Score >7, prostate volume 30-50 cm(3), and urodynamic bladder outlet obstruction >Schäfer grade 2. A transrectal intraprostatic injection of 200 IU Ona botulinum toxin A was given. Filling cystometry and pressure flow studies were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months post injection. International Prostate Symptom Score, International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life, prostate-specific antigen, and prostate volume were measured up until 12 months; prostate biopsies before and after Ona botulinum toxin A injection were done for histology and cell proliferation. RESULTS Fifteen men (mean age 64.9 years) were included. Ona botulinum toxin A injection was well tolerated with few complications. Postvoid residual improved (170 to 80 mL), but maximum flow rate and bladder outlet resistance parameters did not change during follow-up. International Prostate Symptom Score and International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life improved (22 to 13 and 5 to 2, respectively), whereas prostate-specific antigen and prostate volume remained unaltered. Cell proliferation did not decrease and in 37% and 64% of pre- and posttreatment biopsies, respectively, some degree of prostatitis was found. Ten of 15 patients eventually underwent transurethral prostate resection because of persisting symptoms. CONCLUSION Intraprostatic Ona botulinum toxin A for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia did not affect urodynamic outcomes, except for postvoid residual. Although symptom scores improved, we were not able to show change in prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen, or histologic outcomes. A placebo effect of intraprostatic Ona botulinum toxin A could not be ruled out.

A Systematic Review on Renal and Bladder Dysfunction after Endoscopic Treatment of Infravesical Obstruction in Boys

Background Posterior urethral valves (PUV) may cause subtle to severe obstruction of the urethra, resulting in a broad clinical spectrum. PUV are the most common cause of chronic renal disease in boys. Our purpose was to report the incidences of kidney and bladder dysfunction in boys treated with endoscopic valve resection for PUV. Methodology We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until 1st of July 2011, to identify original papers that described outcome of endoscopic valve resection (EVR) in boys. We extracted information on (1) patient characteristics and clinical presentation of PUV related to outcomes and (2) the post-treatment absolute risks for kidney and bladder dysfunction. Principal findings Thirty-four studies describing renal function, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), incontinence, and urodynamic bladder function after EVR in 1474 patients were retrieved. Patients treated for PUV show high percentages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end stage renal disease (ESRD), 22% (0–32%) and 11% (0–20%), respectively. Elevated nadir serum creatinine was the only independent factor associated with renal failure. Before treatment, VUR was present in 43% of boys and after EVR, VUR was present in 22%. Post treatment, 19% (0–70%) was reported to suffer from urinary incontinence. Urodynamic bladder dysfunction was seen in many patients (55%, 0–72%) after treatment of PUV. Conclusions The reported cumulative incidence of renal and bladder dysfunction in patients with PUV after endoscopic PUV treatment varies widely. This may reflect a broad clinical spectrum, which relates to the lack of a standardised quantification of obstruction and its severity. Moreover, the risk of bias is rather high, and therefore we put little confidence in the reported estimates of effect. We found elevated nadir serum creatinine as a predictor for renal dysfunction. In order to be able to predict outcomes for patients with PUV, an objective classification of severity of obstruction is mandatory.

Urinary, sexual, and cosmetic results after puberty in hypospadias repair: current results and trends.

Purpose of review To give an overview of the recently published long-term outcomes of hypospadias surgery performed at childhood, of patients who have had multiple previous repairs, and results of surgery done to treat late complications following hypospadias repair. Recent findings Urethral function after hypospadias repair is good, but cosmesis based on the patients’ opinion, on the long term, was disappointing. Also erectile function was reported to be good, although persisting curvature and ejaculation disorders were mentioned, more evidently in patients with proximal hypospadias. Long-term results using buccal mucosa repairs in hypospadias cripples are good, but the use of tissue expanders may be a good alternative. Late complications of hypospadias repair, such as urethral strictures, are difficult to treat, and have a high failure rate compared to urethroplasty for other reasons. Summary Functional results of hypospadias repair are generally satisfactory in the long term, although improvement must be pursued. Most adult men with a history of hypospadias present themselves with urinary tract symptoms. Cosmesis judged by patients remains rather poor in the long run and better techniques should be found. Preferably, assessment of long-term results should be done by validated test methods for better comparison.

Colposuspension in girls: clinical and urodynamic aspects

OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of colposuspension on bladder function and urinary incontinence in girls with structural stress incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS A Burch colposuspension was performed in 26 incontinent girls for congenital bladder neck insufficiency (10), incontinence after urethrotomy (seven), hypospadias (five) and ectopic ureterocele (four). The indication for surgery was failure of conservative therapy (consisting of cognitive and biofeedback bladder training, physical therapy and/or antimuscarinic drugs in 23 children) and a severe anatomical defect of the bladder outlet in three. Colposuspension was combined with reconstruction of the distal urethra in three patients and of the bladder neck in seven. All girls had urodynamic tests before and after colposuspension. RESULTS After surgery 14 of the 26 patients (54%) were completely dry, four (15%) had improved and eight (31%) still had incontinence requiring pads. In 17 patients (65%) additional conservative therapy was given and three (12%) had additional surgery. After a median follow-up of 62 months, 65% were completely dry, 19% had improved and 15% were incontinent. Of 25 patients who had recurrent urinary tract infections before colposuspension, 14 had none afterwards. Bladder overactivity in 10 patients before colposuspension resolved in five and de novo overactivity was detected in four. CONCLUSIONS In a selected group of girls with structural urinary incontinence, Burch colposuspension can be used when medical treatment, cognitive and biofeedback bladder training fail. It is reasonably effective for resolving incontinence and safe for bladder function.

Bladder-emptying methods, neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and impact on quality of life in people with long-term spinal cord injury.

Objectives: To describe bladder-emptying methods used by people with long-term spinal cord injury (SCI) and to determine usage differences in relation to time since injury, sex, lesion level and completeness of lesion. Furthermore, to evaluate the relationship between bladder-emptying methods and the impact of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) on quality of life (QoL). Design: Cross-sectional multicenter study. Setting: Dutch community. Participants: Persons dependent on wheelchairs (N = 282) with traumatic or non-traumatic SCI for ≥10 years and age at injury of 18–35 years. Interventions: Not applicable. Outcome measures: The International Lower Urinary Tract Function Basic SCI Data Set and the Short-Form Qualiveen (SF-Qualiveen). Results: Median time since injury was 22.0 years (IQR: 16.8–30.3). Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) was most commonly used (42.6%). Longer time since injury was associated with fewer continent urinary diversions and more transurethral catheter use. Transurethral catheter use and continent urinary diversions were more prevalent among women. Participants with tetraplegia were more likely to use reflex voiding or a suprapubic catheter, and participants with paraplegia were more likely to use CIC. Transurethral catheter users reported the highest impact of NLUTD on quality of life (SF-Qualiveen score: 1.9; SD = 0.8). Participants with a continent urinary diversion reported the lowest impact (SF-Qualiveen score: 0.9; SD = 0.6). Higher age and indwelling catheter use versus CIC were associated with a higher impact of NLUTD on QoL. Conclusions: CIC is the most common bladder-emptying method in Dutch people with long-term SCI. Clinicians should be aware of the impact of NLUTD on QoL, especially for those using an indwelling catheter.

Enterocystoplasty vs Detrusorectomy: Outcome in the Adult with Spina Bifida

PURPOSE Bladder augmentation by enterocystoplasty or detrusorectomy might prevent renal damage, help achieve dryness and decrease the need for antimuscarinics. We compared the long-term outcomes of enterocystoplasty and detrusorectomy in adults with spina bifida. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study using the hospital electronic database was performed. We identified 47 patients with spina bifida (median age at followup 26.8 years) who underwent either enterocystoplasty or detrusorectomy between 1988 and 2004. Median followup was 13.1 years in the detrusorectomy group and 15.3 years in the enterocystoplasty group. RESULTS In the detrusorectomy group 4 patients with treatment failure were identified. All 4 patients underwent secondary enterocystoplasty. No reoperation was necessary in the enterocystoplasty group. Preoperative bladder volume was approximately 100 ml higher in the detrusorectomy group (not significant). There was a significantly greater improvement of median bladder volume in the enterocystoplasty group (increase of 300 vs 77.5 ml, p = 0.006). No differences in continence rate, antimuscarinic use or condition of the upper tract were found. CONCLUSIONS In this series of 47 patients long-term outcomes were good after enterocystoplasty and detrusorectomy, although bladder volume exhibited a greater increase in the enterocystoplasty group. No differences were observed among the other outcomes. If preoperative bladder volume is sufficient, detrusorectomy can be considered before enterocystoplasty is done.