Richard Baverstock

Transobturator tape compared with tension-free vaginal tape for stress incontinence: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of transobturator tape with tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in terms of objective cure of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) at 12 months postoperatively. METHOD: Women with SUI were randomly allocated to either transobturator tape or TVT procedures and reviewed at 12 months after surgery. The primary outcome was objective evidence of “cure,” evaluated by standardized pad test (cure defined as less than 1 g urine leaked). Other outcomes included complications, subjective cure, incontinence-related quality of life, return to usual sexual activity, and satisfaction with surgery. Primary analysis compared the proportion of patients in each group who were cured at 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 199 women participated (94 in the transobturator tape group, 105 in the TVT group). Sixty-eight women (81%) in the transobturator tape group were cured, compared with 67 (77%) in the TVT group (relative risk 1.05, 95% confidence interval 0.90–1.23, P=.577). On vaginal examination, the tape was palpable for 68 women (80%) in the transobturator tape group and for 24 (27%) in the TVT group (relative risk 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.37, P<.001). More women in the transobturator tape group experienced groin pain during vaginal palpation (13 [15%] in the transobturator tape group and five [6%] in the TVT group, P=.044). Quality of life improved significantly from baseline in both groups (30-point improvement in IIQ-7 score for both groups). CONCLUSION: At 12 months, the majority of women had minimal leakage and their quality of life had improved significantly, but differences were not observed between groups. The presence of palpable tape, particularly among the transobturator tape group, is concerning; longer follow-up is needed to determine whether this outcome leads to extrusion or resolves over time. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00234754. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I

A Meta-Analysis of Botulinum Toxin Sphincteric Injections in the Treatment of Incomplete Voiding After Spinal Cord Injury

OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of injecting botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) into the detrusor sphincter on improving bladder emptying in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases were searched for all relevant articles published from 1980 to September 2011. DATA SELECTION All trials examining the use of BTX-A injections into the detrusor sphincter for the treatment for incomplete bladder emptying after SCI were included if at least 50% of the study sample comprised subjects with SCI, and if the SCI sample size was 3 or greater. DATA EXTRACTION A standardized mean difference (SMD) ± SE and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each outcome of interest, and the results were pooled using a fixed or random effects model, as appropriate. Outcomes assessed included postvoid residual urine volume (PRV), detrusor pressure (PDet), and urethral pressure (UP). Effect sizes were interpreted as small, 0.2; moderate, 0.5; and large, 0.8. DATA SYNTHESIS A relatively limited number of studies (2 randomized controlled trials, 6 uncontrolled trials) were identified. The 8 studies included results from 129 subjects. There was a statistically significant decrease in PRV at 1 month (SMD=1.119±.140; 95% CI, .844-1.394; P<.001), with a pooled mean PRV decrease from 251.8 to 153.0 mL. There was a moderate statistical effect on PDet (SMD=.570±.217; 95% CI, .145-.995; P=.009); pooled PDet decreased from 88.7 to 20.5 cmH(2)O. A large statistical effect size on UP (SMD=.896±.291; 95% CI, .327-1.466; P=.002) and an improvement from 119.7 to 102.3 cmH(2)O were seen. The systematic review also indicated a 50% reduction in urinary tract infections based on 3 studies. Discontinuation or reduction in catheter usage was reported in 4 studies after BTX-A. CONCLUSIONS Results of the meta-analysis indicate that BTX-A is effective in reducing PRV and demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in PDet and UP 1 month postinjection. However, the clinical utility of BTX-A is yet to be determined.

The Validity and Reliability of the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score

PURPOSE The neurogenic bladder symptom score is a tool to measure urinary symptoms and consequences in patients with acquired or congenital neurogenic bladder. We describe score validity and reliability. MATERIALS AND METHODS Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess item variability and subscale structure. Reliability was assessed by the Cronbach α and correlation with retest data. Validity was assessed with a priori hypotheses specifying relationships with the AUASS (American Urological Association symptom score), ICIQ-UI (International Consultation on Incontinence-Urinary Incontinence) and urinary specific quality of life SF-Qualiveen questionnaires, and a self-assessed global bladder problem score. Known groups analysis was used to further assess construct validity. RESULTS A cohort of 230 patients with spinal cord injury (35%), multiple sclerosis (59%) and congenital neurogenic bladder (6%) were included in study. Factor analysis suggested 3 neurogenic bladder symptom score domains, including incontinence, storage and voiding symptoms, and consequences. Overall internal consistency was high (Cronbach α=0.89). Test-rest reliability was also excellent with an ICC2,1 of 0.91. Validity was demonstrated by the confirmation of hypothesized correlations with the AUASS, ICIQ-UI and SF-Qualiveen, and significant differences in neurogenic bladder symptom score scores among known groups. Patients with a history of seeing a urologist had a significantly higher mean score, as did those with a higher global bladder problem score (22.1 vs 17.1 and 22.1 vs 12.6, respectively, each p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The neurogenic bladder symptom score, developed specifically to assess symptoms and consequences associated with neurogenic bladder dysfunction, has appropriate psychometric properties. Depending on the measurement need individual domains may be selected or it can be used as a comprehensive score.

Best practices for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infection in the spinal cord injured population

The purpose of this review of clinical guidelines and best practices literature is to suggest prevention options and a treatment approach for intermittent catheter users that will minimize urinary tract infections (UTI). Recommendations are based both on evidence in the literature and an understanding of what is currently attainable within the Alberta context. This is done through collaboration between both major tertiary care centres (Edmonton and Calgary) and between various professionals who regularly encounter these patients, including nurses, physiatrists and urologists.

Management of post-radiation therapy complications among prostate cancer patients: A case series.

INTRODUCTION Treating prostate cancer with radiation therapy (RT) is a viable option, albeit with its own profile of complications. We describe a unique Canadian report of a single surgeon (RJB) experience in the management of complex post-prostate cancer RT complications. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients who had previously received external beam radiation (XRT) or brachytherapy (BT) for prostate cancer referred to a single surgeon for persistent urologic related difficulties between 2005 and 2010. We used the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) morbidity grading system to assign each patient a 1 to 5 grade for their greatest complication. RESULTS In total, 15 patients were identified with a total of 43 RT-related complications. Of these 43 complications, 19 presented with obstruction, 8 with radiation failure or new bladder cancer, 6 with hematuria, 5 with intractable incontinence, and 5 with urinary tract infections. These patients required several investigations prior to treatment. Treatment of these complications used surgical, local and medical approaches. In the end, 1 patient had total incontinence, 3 improved their incontinence, 3 had self-catheterization and dilation, 1 voided well, 3 underwent cystectomy with ileo-conduits, 2 had chronic hematuria, and 2 passed away. CONCLUSION These patients are heavily investigated and require significant resources, including patient visits, diagnostics and treatment modalities to optimize their condition. Cure is not always possible, but the aim to improve quality of life should guide management.

Canadian Urological Association position statement on the use of transvaginal mesh

Stress incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are common conditions. There is high-level evidence that midurethral mesh slings for stress incontinence are effective and safe; however, the rare but serious potential risks of this surgery must be discussed with the patient. The use of transvaginal mesh for prolapse repair does not appear to be supported by the current evidence, and its use should be restricted to specialized pelvic floor surgeons and specific clinical situations.

The argument for surgical therapy for stress urinary incontinence in females.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects 4% to 35% of women.1 Many patients find it difficult to bring up the topic of incontinence, so it is imperative that when the complaint is brought forward, we deal with it swiftly and in the most effective manner possible. In 2007, Harris and colleagues published that only 45% of women and 22% of men with incontinence disclosed it to a health care provider; of those, only 60% received treatment. Furthermore, half of those 60% felt that they continued to have daily leakage and remained frustrated.2 Surgery for SUI is fast and effective. Once the SUI diagnosis has been made and other significant dysfunction has been ruled out, the patient and provider must agree on an initial therapeutic approach. Surgery should not be offered immediately to: (1) women of childbearing age who have not completed their family planning; (2) women with significant comorbidities and high surgical risk; and (3) women with overactive bladder (OAB) and mixed urinary incontinence, where the OAB has not been first addressed. Notwithstanding these contraindications, surgery for SUI is often straightforward and the best option. All incontinence surgeons love the words, “Can’t I just have surgery?” Before we pour on the accolades for mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgery and declare it a winner (can you beat success rates of 77% cure rate at 11 years from Finland3 or the 85% cure rate at 7 years from Greece4), we are obliged to look at the alternatives. We all attempt to modify our patient’s behaviours, such as reduce their coffee intake, increase weight loss and suggest pelvic floor physiotherapy. Yet each surgeon wonders: “When will this fail and when can I book her surgery?” Behaviour modification is not successful because patients need to understand, learn about their condition, perform regular and intentional physical exercises and consciously make challenging lifestyle adjustments. Most people are incapable of taking on this responsibility or are unwilling to pay for uninsured services.

Do Urodynamic Findings Other Than Outlet Obstruction Influence the Decision to Perform a Transurethral Resection of Prostate

OBJECTIVE To determine if urodynamic findings other than high-pressure voiding influence the decision to perform a transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). METHODS Four clinical scenarios were created featuring a healthy 65-year-old man. An electronic survey was distributed to members of the International Continence Society and the Society for Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction. RESULTS Eighty-six urologists responded (median age was 45-54 years, 62% described their practice as academic). Scenario 1: an incidental residual urine >1 L with detrusor underactivity. The majority (76%) would offer a TURP; however, the estimated chance that the residual volume would improve was only 57%. Scenario 2: retention with detrusor overactivity but no voluntary voiding contraction. The majority (72%) would offer a TURP; however, the average chance quoted that he would void was only 48%. Scenario 3: catheter-dependent retention and an underactive detrusor. The majority (89%) would offer a TURP; however, the average chance quoted that he would void was only 53%. Scenario 4: a man with only frequency and urgency, but urodynamic bladder outlet obstruction. The majority (90%) would offer him a TURP; however, the average chance that his frequency and urgency would improve was only 64%, and the average estimated postoperative risk of urgency incontinence was 33%. Willingness to offer TURP did not correlate with physician characteristics. CONCLUSION Urodynamic findings other than bladder outlet obstruction were associated with modest perceived outcomes after TURP; however, despite this, urologists are still willing to offer this intervention.

Diabetic bladder dysfunction: A review

Diabetic bladder dysfunction affects almost half of all diabetic patients, making it one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. The clinical presentation of diabetic bladder dysfunction can be varied and may be extremely bothersome to patients, negatively impacting their quality of life. Despite this, it remains understudied and under-represented in the medical literature. This review summarizes the current literature on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, urodynamic findings, evaluation, and management. Through this, we hope to provide guidance to clinicians involved with the management of this condition.

Evaluating the 8-item overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-v8) using item response theory

The OAB‐v8 is a patient‐reported outcome questionnaire used to screen for overactive bladder and measure symptom bother. This study uses modern validation methods to assess the item and test characteristics of the OAB‐v8, and determine whether it should be scored differently for men and women.