Michael Ehlert

Marital status: a gender-independent risk factor for poorer survival after radical cystectomy

Study Type – Prognosis (cohort)

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation and Sacral Neuromodulation: an Update

Neuromodulation is an important treatment modality for a variety of pelvic floor disorders. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and sacral neuromodulation (SNM) are currently the two approved methods for delivering this therapy. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive office-based procedure that has shown efficacy in the treatment of overactive bladder, fecal incontinence, and pelvic pain. It has the advantage of minimal side effects but is limited by the need for patients to make weekly office visits to receive the series of treatments. Sacral neuromodulation uses an implanted device that stimulates the S3 nerve root and can improve symptoms of overactive bladder, non-obstructive urinary retention, fecal incontinence, and pelvic pain. This paper will review the most recent literature regarding this topic and discuss their advantages and limitations and recent innovations in their use.

Sacral Neuromodulation in Urological Practice

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive, restorative treatment to improve voiding and elimination functions. We give a historical perspective of SNM and explore the evidence for the use of this therapy for Food and Drug Administration-approved pathologies as well as disease processes that are being treated internationally. Ensuring optimal lead placement increases the potential of a comfortable, durable, and efficacious response. The future of SNM aims to maximize its potential benefit, refine its use, and minimize its risks and cost. Evolution of the therapy includes better device options, better software for patient and clinician use, more programming capabilities, and new nerve targets.

Utilization and perioperative outcomes of robotic vaginal vault suspension compared to abdominal or vaginal approaches for pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVES Robot-assisted vaginal vault suspension (RAVVS) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) represents a minimally-invasive alternative to abdominal sacrocolpopexy. We measured perioperative outcomes and utilization rates of RAVVS. METHODS RAVVS (n = 2381) and open VVS (OVVS, n = 11080) data were extracted from the 2009-2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Propensity score-matched analysis compared patients undergoing RAVVS or OVVS for complications, mortality, prolonged length-of-stay, and elevated hospital charges. RESULTS Use of RAVVS for POP increased from 2009 to 2010 (16.3% to 19.2%). Patients undergoing RAVVS were more likely to be white (77.2% vs. 69.6%), to carry private insurance (52.8% vs. 46.0%) and to have fewer comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] ≥1 = 17.5% vs. 26.6%). They were more likely to undergo surgery at urban (98.2% vs. 93.7%) and academic centres (75.7% vs. 56.7%). Patients undergoing RAVVS were less likely to receive a blood-transfusion (0.7% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.001) or experience prolonged length-of-stay (9.3% vs. 25.1%, p < 0.001). They had more intraoperative complications (6.0% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001), and higher median hospital charges (

Advances in diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome.

32 402 vs.

Detailed Cost Analysis of Robotic Sacrocolpopexy Compared to Transvaginal Mesh Repair

24 136, p < 0.001). Overall postoperative complications were equivalent (17.9%, p = 1.0), though there were differences in wound (0.4% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001), genitourinary (4.9% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.009), and surgical (6.6% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.007) complications. CONCLUSIONS The increasing use of RAVVS from 2009 to 2010 suggests a growth in the adoption of robotics to manage POP. We show that RAVVS is associated with decreased length of stay, fewer blood transfusions, as well as lower postoperative wound, genitourinary and vascular complications. The benefits of RAVVS are mitigated by higher hospital charges and higher rates of intra-operative complications.

Social Media and Online Communication: Clinical Urology Practice in the 21st Century

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a prevalent chronic condition that can be challenging not only to diagnose but also to treat. We review recent diagnostic markers and therapies for IC/BPS from non-medication-based therapies, oral therapies, intravesical therapies, and surgical treatments.

The Impact of Baseline Functional Bladder Capacity on Short-term Neuromodulation Outcomes

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the hospital-realized cost difference between transvaginal mesh prolapse repair and robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy. METHODS Consecutive transvaginal mesh prolapse surgery and robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy cases from January 2012 to December 2013 were evaluated. Patient clinical and operative data were recorded. The total institutional costs (direct and indirect) for each procedure were obtained and subcategorized by area. Independent sample t tests and chi-squared analysis were performed. RESULTS One hundred twenty women underwent transvaginal mesh repair whereas 106 underwent robotic sacrocolpopexy. Body mass index was similar between groups (28.1 vs 27.5) as was midurethral sling placement (50% vs 59%). Robotic patients were younger (61 years vs 67 years., P < .001) and more likely to undergo concomitant hysterectomy (58.5% vs 26.7%). There were similar rates for additional compartment repairs. Amortized costs for robotic purchase and maintenance were included with all depreciated equipment and realized by all patients undergoing surgery. Overall mean robotic operative time was longer with and without hysterectomy (279 minutes vs 174 minutes, P < .001 and 201 minutes vs 91 minutes, P < .001). Mean total costs were higher with robotic technique (

Clinical Comparison of 2 Trial-of-Void Methods After Outpatient Midurethral Sling Placement.

9675 vs

Sacral Neuromodulation in Interstitial Cystitis

6718, P < .001), primarily driven by anesthesia (