Michael L. Guralnick

THE AUGMENTED ANASTOMOTIC URETHROPLASTY: INDICATIONS AND OUTCOME IN 29 PATIENTS

PURPOSE A short bulbar stricture of 1 cm. or less is best managed by stricture excision and primary anastomosis. However, a dilemma exists when the total length of the stricture is too great for excision and anastomosis. Options include stricture incision and flap-graft onlay or stricture excision with roof or floor strip anastomosis augmented by an onlay. We report our results with the latter type of augmented anastomotic urethroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 29 patients who underwent augmented anastomotic urethroplasty between 1990 and 1999. Retrograde urethrography was performed 3 weeks and 3 months postoperatively, and later if the patient was symptomatic. When possible, followup clinic notes and x-rays from referring physicians were obtained and patients were contacted directly to assess the long-term outcome. RESULTS The stricture was in the bulbar urethra in all cases. Six patients had a completely obliterative stricture. Mean stricture length was 1.5 cm. on retrograde urethrography and the mean excised length was 1.2 cm. In 9 of the 29 patients a roof strip anastomosis was augmented by a ventral onlay and in 20 a floor strip anastomosis was formed with a dorsal onlay. Onlays included a pedicled skin flap in 7 cases and a graft in 22. Mean onlay length was 4.5 cm. At a mean followup of 28 months (range 3 to 126) 27 of the 29 patients (93%) were stricture-free and all those surveyed were satisfied with the procedure. Complications include new erectile dysfunction in 1 patient, post-void dribbling in 13, pseudodiverticulum formation in 2 and subjective penile shortening in 5. CONCLUSIONS Augmented anastomotic urethroplasty is a useful technique for strictures that are too long to be managed by excision and primary anastomosis. Greater than 90% of the patients are stricture-free and the results seem durable, although longer followup is needed. Complications are few and minor.

Transcorporal Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cuff Placement in Cases Requiring Revision for Erosion and Urethral Atrophy

PURPOSE A distal cuff location is often required in patients undergoing artificial urinary sphincter reimplantation after previous erosion or in those requiring revision because of urethral atrophy at the original cuff site. Dissecting the urethra at a more distal site increases the risk of urethral injury and erosion, and often the urethral circumference is so small that a 4 cm. cuff is too large. We present a novel technique for distal cuff placement using transcorporal dissection that leaves corporal tunica albuginea on the dorsal surface of the urethra, allowing for its safer mobilization and adding to its bulk. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed the charts of 31 men who underwent this technique and contacted 26 by telephone. The indications for distal transcorporal cuff placement varied. In 7 men with inadequate urethral coaptation with a 4 cm. proximal cuff at initial implantation a primary transcorporal tandem cuff was implanted distal. In 8 men persistent or recurrent incontinence despite a 4 cm. proximal cuff led to secondary distal reimplantation. Previous artificial urinary sphincter erosion and/or infection in 10 cases, previous urethral surgery at the optimal cuff site in 5 and radiation changes at the optimal cuff site in 1 led to selection of the more distal site and technique. Of the transcorporally placed cuffs 18 were 4 cm. and 13 were 4.5 cm. Preoperatively 5.2 pads were used daily. Of the 31 patients 27 were impotent preoperatively, 1 had normal erections, 1 had partial erections with the MUSE drug delivery system (Vivus, Inc., Menlo Park, California) and 2 had a previously placed penile prosthesis. RESULTS At a mean followup of 17 months 26 of the 31 patients (84%) had occasional or no stress incontinence requiring 0 to 1 pad daily, 2 with pure urge incontinence used 1 to 2 pads daily and 3 had mixed incontinence requiring 0 to 3 pads daily. Of the 26 men surveyed 25 were very satisfied with the postoperative level of incontinence. Postoperatively erectile function deteriorated in 1 patient and was unchanged in the remainder. There was no erosion or infection of the transcorporally placed cuffs, although 3 were replaced for malfunction. CONCLUSIONS This technique offers significant advantages in cases of revision. The technique protects the urethra from intraoperative dissection injury and decreases the risk of erosion because the urethra is buttressed at its vulnerable location. In addition, bulk is added to the urethra, allowing for better cuff sizing, which is usually a problem at this location where the urethra is small, thereby, improving continence in revised cases. Our success has recently led us to abandon tandem cuff placement altogether. There is a potential for deteriorating erectile function in potent men who undergo implantation in this fashion.

Long-term Follow-up of Single Versus Double Cuff Artificial Urinary Sphincter Insertion for the Treatment of Severe Postprostatectomy Stress Urinary Incontinence

OBJECTIVES To assess the long-term effectiveness and complications associated with single and double cuff artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation for the treatment of severe postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS We updated the outcomes of 56 men with postprostatectomy SUI who underwent single (28 patients) or double (28 patients) cuff AUS placement. Originally patients in each cohort were matched according to preoperative pad usage, risk factors for complications, and age. Continence, quality of life, and complications were assessed according to the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form (IIQ-7), postoperative pad usage, chart review, and patient/family interview. RESULTS Updated data were available for 47 men (25 single cuff and 22 double cuff patients). Mean pre-AUS implant age was 67 years for each group. Average follow-up was 74.1 months and 58.0 months for single and double cuff patients, respectively. No statistically significant difference in continence improvement was noted between the two groups according to daily pad usage and overall dry rate. IIQ-7 scores improved from 14.8 to 4.1 after single cuff implants and from 16.3 to 6.4 after double cuff placement (P = 0.34). Men receiving a single cuff AUS reported seven complications requiring further operative intervention. Double cuff patients underwent 12 additional surgeries secondary to complications. CONCLUSIONS Despite our earlier findings, no significant difference in dry rate, overall continence, or quality of life was seen with long-term follow-up of single versus double cuff AUS patients. Furthermore, men receiving double cuff implants may be at higher risk of complications requiring additional surgery.

Multidetector Computerized Tomography Urography as the Primary Imaging Modality for Detecting Urinary Tract Neoplasms in Patients With Asymptomatic Hematuria

PURPOSE We determined whether multidetector computerized tomography urography is sensitive and specific for detecting urinary tract neoplasms when used as the primary imaging modality for evaluating patients with hematuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review was performed of the radiological, urological and pathological records of 468 patients without a history of urinary neoplasms who presented with hematuria. All patients underwent multidetector computerized tomography urography and complete urological evaluation, including cystoscopy. Laboratory urinalysis and cytology were done in 350 and 318 of the 468 patients, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using the variables multidetector computerized tomography urography diagnosis, worst urine cytology, number of red blood cells per high power field, gross hematuria, age and gender to predict urinary tract neoplasm. RESULTS A total of 50 urinary neoplasms were diagnosed in 468 patients. Multidetector computerized tomography urography detected 32 of 50 neoplasms for a sensitivity of 64%, specificity of 98%, positive predictive value of 76% and negative predictive value of 96%. There were 10 false-positive and 18 false-negative multidetector computerized tomography urography studies. Multivariate logistic regression showed that abnormal multidetector computerized tomography urography findings, ie neoplasm (p <0.0001), and suspicious or positive urine cytology (p = 0.0009) were significant. Patients with an abnormal multidetector computerized tomography urography diagnosis and suspicious or positive urine cytology had 44 and 47 times greater odds, respectively, of having urinary neoplasms compared to the odds in those with normal examinations. CONCLUSIONS Multidetector computerized tomography urography is relatively sensitive and highly specific for detecting urinary neoplasms. It may serve as the primary imaging modality to evaluate patients with hematuria. Multidetector computerized tomography urography does not eliminate the role of cystoscopy in the evaluation of hematuria.

VARIATIONS IN STRATEGY FOR THE TREATMENT OF URETHRAL OBSTRUCTION AFTER A PUBOVAGINAL SLING PROCEDURE

PURPOSE We evaluated the success of several techniques for treating urethral obstruction and erosion after a pubovaginal sling procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between April 1998 and June 1999, 32 women 33 to 79 years old (average age 62) who underwent a pubovaginal sling procedure with various materials were referred for the assessment of urethral obstruction. Patients were evaluated with a urogynecologic history, physical examination, voiding diary, cystoscopy and video urodynamics. Surgical procedures to resolve urethral obstruction were performed transvaginally and the specific techniques used were based on the type of sling material, urethral erosion and concomitant stress incontinence or other urethral pathology. Outcome measures were assessed by disease specific quality of life questionnaires, voiding diary and urogynecologic questionnaire. RESULTS Preoperatively 30 of the 32 women (93.7%) noticed urge incontinence, 20 (62.5%) performed intermittent self-catheterization, 6 (18.7%) had an indwelling catheter and 3 (9%) complained of concomitant stress urinary incontinence. After the sling takedown 29 patients (93.5%) achieved efficient voiding within week 1 postoperatively. Urge incontinence symptoms resolved in 20 cases (67%) but stress incontinence developed in 3 (9%). Of the 32 women 27 (84%) indicated that continence was much better than before the initial sling procedure. CONCLUSIONS Managing urethral obstruction after a pubovaginal sling procedure is challenging. Using various techniques based on sling material, urethral erosion and bladder neck integrity a successful outcome is possible in the majority of cases.

International Continence Society Good Urodynamic Practices and Terms 2016: Urodynamics, uroflowmetry, cystometry, and pressure‐flow study

The working group initiated by the ICS Standardisation Steering Committee has updated the International Continence Society Standard “Good Urodynamic Practice” published in 2002.

Antimuscarinic drugs: review of the cognitive impact when used to treat overactive bladder in elderly patients.

The blockade of muscarinic receptors in the management of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms provides beneficial as well as adverse effects. The cognitive changes observed are caused by the drugs’ ability to cross the blood–brain barrier and bind to muscarinic receptors within the central nervous system (CNS). To date, while not specifically testing for CNS side effects, most of the controlled efficacy trials of multiple OAB medications have not shown significant adverse effects on cognitive function. However, elderly individuals, in whom OAB is more prevalent, often are excluded from these studies. The few trials that have performed cognitive testing in healthy elderly people taking antimuscarinics have clearly shown that oxybutynin can adversely affect cognition. Darifenacin, trospium, solifenacin, and tolterodine appear to have little to no risk of causing CNS side effects in this population. However, caution needs to be used in elderly patients with preexisting dementia.

Urethral erosion of transobturator male sling.

The transobturator male sling has been introduced as an alternative to other surgical methods for the treatment of mild to moderate postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence. We report the first published case of mesh erosion into the urethra observed 5 months after placement. The patient was treated with suprapubic tube urinary diversion, suburethral sling explantation, and buccal mucosal grafting of the urethral defect.

Botulinum toxin outcomes for idiopathic overactive bladder stratified by indication: lack of anticholinergic efficacy versus intolerability.

To determine if the outcomes of intradetrusor botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) injections for the management of refractory overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms are different if performed due to lack of anticholinergic efficacy versus medication intolerability.

Reconstruction of posterior urethral disruption

Posterior urethral disruption may be a devastating complication of pelvic trauma. The acute management of these injuries is reviewed as well as the controversy surrounding early versus delayed repair. The various approaches to delayed repair of pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects are presented and the technique of perineal repair is discussed in detail.