Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Video‐Urodynamic Characteristics of Women with Clinically Unsuspected Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Objective: To analyze the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and video‐urodynamic characteristics of women with clinically unsuspected bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Methods: From 1997 to 2010, a total of 1605 women with bothersome LUTS received video‐urodynamic study in our unit. We reviewed the charts of 212 women diagnosed with BOO based on video‐urodynamic criteria and 264 women without abnormal findings. LUTS and urodynamic parameters were compared between obstructed and unobstructed cases and among the BOO subgroups. Results: The mean ages of the BOO (58.2 years) and control groups (58.8 years) were similar. The mean values of detrusor pressure at maximum urinary flow rate (P_detQ_max)/maximum flow rate (Q_max) of the BOO and control groups were 51.83 cm H₂O/10.22 mL/s versus 18.81 cm H₂O/20.52 mL/s. In the BOO group, cinefluoroscopy revealed dysfunctional voiding in 168 patients (79.2%), urethral stricture in 17 (8.0%), and bladder neck dysfunction in 27 (12.7%). Patients with dysfunctional voiding had significantly lower urethral resistance compared with the other two BOO subgroups. Combined lower urinary tract symptoms were present most often in all BOO patients (69.3%), followed by isolated storage symptoms (30.2%) and isolated voiding symptoms (0.5%). Seventy‐seven patients (37.3%) had dysuria and 79 patients (36.3%) had frequency as their main symptom. Conclusion: Women with BOO usually have nonspecific LUTS. Dysfunctional voiding was the most common form among women with clinically unsuspected BOO, but the degree of obstruction was less severe than with primary bladder neck obstruction and urethral stricture.     

Promise of Urinary Nerve Growth Factor for Assessment of Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is highly prevalent bladder disorder in men and women. About 10–15% of the population suffers from urgency frequency with or without urgency urinary incontinence. It is estimated that 50–75% of patients with OAB may have urodynamic detrusor overactivity (DO). Urodynamic study invasive and most of the OAB patients might not accept it as a routine assessment. Therefore, a more objective and non‐invasive test for diagnosis and assessing DO from OAB patients is needed. Recently, urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) has gained great interest in detecting DO in patients with OAB. Urinary NGF level was found to increase in OAB and urodynamic DO. Urinary NGF levels correlated with severity of OAB symptoms. Patients with either idiopathic or neurogenic DO may have increased urinary NGF levels. Urinary NGF levels have been shown to decrease in patients with patients with OAB and DO who have been well treated with antimuscarinics or botulinum toxin injection, but not in those with persistent OAB after treatment. Not all patients with OAB can have an elevated urinary NGF level; it may also be increased in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and other lower urinary tract diseases, suggesting urinary NGF expression could be a product of bladder inflammation and a limited specificity of urinary NGF for diagnosing DO. The source of urinary NGF has not yet been fully explored yet. Nevertheless, urinary NGF level is likely to be a promising biomarker for diagnosis of DO from OAB patients, to monitor therapeutic outcome and predict disease progression.     

Role of Bladder Dysfunction in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Refractory to Alpha‐blocker Therapy: A Video‐urodynamic Analysis

Objectives

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men result from a complex interplay of pathophysiology, including bladder and bladder outlet dysfunction. This study retrospectively analyzed bladder dysfunction in men with LUTS based on the results of video‐urodynamic studies (VUDS).

Methods

Male patients (aged ≥40 years), with LUTS and an International Prostate Symptom Score of 8 or more, who were refractory to alpha‐blocker treatment were retrospectively recruited and evaluated with VUDS and total prostate volume (TPV). Patients were further divided into subgroups of bladder dysfunction and bladder outlet dysfunction according to characteristic VUDS findings. Age, TPV and VUDS findings were compared among different subgroups.

Results

After VUDS, bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was only noted in 48.6% of men. Of patients, 919 of 2991 (30.7%) had bladder dysfunction including detrusor underactivity (DU, 5.1%), detrusor overactivity and inadequate contractility (DHIC, 5.3%), detrusor overactivity (DO, 17%) and hypersensitive bladder (HSB, 3.3%). In addition, 1941 (64.9%) had bladder outlet dysfunction including BOO + DO (33.8%), BOO alone (14.8%), and poor urethral sphincter relaxation (PRES, 16.3%). Among the 1519 patients with DO, 66.6% (1012) had BOO while, among 1454 patients with BOO, 69.5% (1010) had DO. Patients with DHIC, DU and DO were 5 years older than patients with HSB and normal men. TPV was significantly smaller in patients with DHIC, DU and DO as compared with BOO + DO.

Conclusion

Approximately one‐third of male LUTS was due to bladder dysfunction. A man older than 70 years with LUTS and TPV less than 30 mL usually indicates the presence of bladder dysfunction rather than BOO.     

Efficacy of Synthetic Suburethral Slings in Female Urinary Stress Incontinence with Overactive Bladder

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of synthetic suburethral slings in female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) patients with overactive bladder (OAB). Methods: From May 2002 to April 2005, a total of 295 women with SUI underwent suburethral sling procedure. Of the 295 women, only those who were followed up for at least 12 months were included in the study, yielding 236 patients. The patients were divided into three groups: pure SUI; SUI with OAB dry; and SUI with OAB wet. Telephone questionnaires by were used to evaluate the postoperative improvement of SUI and storage symptoms. Results: There were significant differences in preoperative symptom score, quality of life (QoL) score, and preoperative voided volume among the three groups. There were no significant differences among the three groups in terms of the cure rate for the stress component (group 1, 88.6%; group 2, 86.2%; group 3, 86.7%; P = 0.943). Eighty percent of group 1 patients improved in frequency, but two patients (2.3%) complained of de novo urgency. In group 2, 81.5 and 82.7% improved in frequency and urgency, respectively, but one patient (1.7%) complained of de novo urge incontinence. In group 3, 76.9 and 84.4% improved in frequency and urge incontinence, respectively. Conclusion: Suburethral slings are simple, safe and highly effective in treating SUI with OAB.     

Current Use of Botulinum A Toxin in Overactive Bladder Management

Overactive bladder (OAB), which is refractory to oral medications, is a challenging condition. Patients with refractory idiopathic OAB often have severe symptoms and impaired quality of life. Those with neurogenic bladder carry the potential for high voiding pressures and damage to their upper and lower urinary tract. Botulinum A toxin, injected under cystoscopic guidance, offers a promising, reversible, acceptably invasive treatment option. A growing body of research has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing OAB symptoms, improving both urodynamic parameters and quality-of-life measures. However, the potential for inadvertent urinary retention (impacting primarily the idiopathic group) and need for repeat cystoscopic administration limit its acceptability. Although important questions surrounding use remain, botulinum A toxin injections can provide a well-tolerated, minimally invasive alternative treatment for the management of refractory OAB. This review focuses on the published literature from the past year.     

Twelve Months Follow‐up of Injection of OnabotulinumtoxinA into Vesical Submucosa for Refractory Non‐neurogenic Overactive Bladder

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of onabotulinumtoxinA injection for refractory non‐neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) for 12 months. Methods: For patients with persistent urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) more than once a week despite taking anti‐cholinergic agents or incapability to continue the agents because of adverse effects, 100 units of onabotulinumtoxinA was injected at 30 sites in the sub‐epithelial bladder wall. Efficacy was assessed every month up to 12 months after injection, using a three‐day frequency‐volume chart (FVC) and postvoid residual urine (PVR), three questionnaires, and a simple score of Global Response Assessment (GRA). Failure was defined as when GRA was negative and additional treatment was administered. Results: Nine men and eight women aged 67 ± 12 years were included. On FVC, frequencies of urgency, UUI and daytime urination significantly decreased up to the 11th month. PVR significantly increased at the first and second months but no patient required catheterization. The total scores of Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form were significantly decreased for 10 and eight months, respectively. The score of GRA was significantly improved for eight months. The median time to failure was 11.0 months. Conclusion: This study suggests that onabotulinumtoxinA submucosal injection is promising for refractory non‐neurogenic OAB. It is anticipated that the treatment is effective for eight to nine months and approximately 40% of the patients do not require anticholinergics at the 12th month postoperatively.     

Prevalence of xerostomia with or without overactive bladder symptoms

Overactive bladder (OAB) occurs idiopathic or secondary to a neurological cause. In addition, OAB may also occur due to xerostomia, because it causes excessive drinking of water. If xerostomia is one of the causes of OAB, treating xerostomia may be effective. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of xerostomia with or without overactive bladder symptoms. A web-based questionnaire was administered to investigate the prevalence of xerostomia with or without overactive bladder symptoms. The survey included questions concerning age, gender, medical history, medications, OAB symptoms by the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and xerostomia by the Dry Mouth Scale (DMS). From the analysis, a total of 21 (13.0%) participants were identified as having OAB. The prevalence of xerostomia was six (28.6%) in the OAB group and 14 (10.0%) in the non-OAB group. OABSS and DMS were significantly higher in the OAB group than in the non-OAB group. Urgency score and urgency incontinence score of OABSS were substantially higher in xerostomia participants than non-xerostomia participants. The adjusted odds ratio of OAB showed DMS total score, xerostomia symptoms, accompanying symptoms, and other symptoms that were all significantly associated with OAB. These results suggested that OAB subjects, even untreated subjects, had xerostomia. It may be beneficial for clinicians to perform dry mouth management in parallel with careful choice pharmacotherapy for the wellness of OAB patients.     

Bladder Outlet Obstruction After Incontinence Surgery

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is said to effect up to 80 % of all women who complain of some type of urinary leakage. As education about the diagnosis and treatment of SUI becomes more widespread, there is a need for understanding the efficacy and potential complications of the therapies used to treat this condition. It is widely accepted that the gold standard for treatment of SUI is mid-urethral sling (MUS). One significant complication of the MUS procedure is subsequent bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). We review the incidence and etiology of BOO following MUS and hope this document can be used as a guide for identifying patients who may be affected by postsurgical BOO. Additionally, we discuss modalities for achieving a timely and accurate diagnosis and highlight recent evidence regarding the various applications of urodynamic studies, when concerned for BOO. Lastly, various managements of this complication are discussed. This chapter serves as a comprehensive overview of BOO after incontinence procedures, highlighting the recent research contributions, which have enhanced our understanding of this potential complication when treating SUI.     

Depression,Anxiety and the Bladder

Depression and anxiety are common mental illnesses. It is recognized that depression/anxiety causes physical changes, including insomnia, anorexia, and bladder dysfunction. We aimed to delineate bladder dysfunction in patients with depression/anxiety by reviewing the literature. We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify the frequency, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), urodynamic findings, putative underlying pathology, and management of bladder dysfunction in patients with depression/anxiety. From a recent survey of a depression cohort (at a psychiatry clinic), the frequency of bladder dysfunction in depression is lower (up to 25.9%) than that in Parkinson's disease (up to 75%) and stroke (up to 55%), whereas it is significantly higher than that in age‐matched controls (around 10%). In both the depression cohort and the psychogenic bladder dysfunction cohort (at a urology clinic), the most common LUTS was overactive bladder (OAB), followed by difficult urination and infrequent voiding. Compared with severe LUTS, urodynamic findings were dissociated; i.e. urodynamic findings were normal except for increased bladder sensation without detrusor overactivity for OAB (50% of all patients), followed by underactive detrusor without post‐void residual for difficult urination. The effectiveness of serotonergic or anti‐cholinergic medication for ameliorating OAB in the patients awaits further study. In conclusion, although the frequency of LUTS among the depression cohort is not elevated, depression/anxiety is obviously a risk factor for OAB. This finding presumably reflects that the bladder is under emotional control. Amelioration of bladder dysfunction is an important target in treating patients with depression/anxiety.     

Who Would Benefit from Solifenacin Add‐On Therapy to Tamsulosin for Overactive Bladder Symptoms Associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Objectives: We evaluated the types of patient factors that influence the efficacy and safety of solifenacin add‐on therapy to tamsulosin in men with overactive bladder (OAB) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: A total of 130 BPH patients with persistent OAB symptoms despite undergoing alpha1‐adrenagic antagonist monotherapy were enrolled in this study. Their OAB symptoms persisted after monotherapy consisting of tamsulosin 0.2 mg once daily for more than 8 weeks, followed by subsequent solifenacin 5 mg once daily. The patient backgrounds were assessed, as were the changes in their International Prostate Symptom score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QOL) index, and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) before and 8 weeks after the administration of solifenacin. Results: Total IPSS, QOL index, and OABSS improved significantly following solifenacin administration. Multivariate analyses revealed prostate volume was the only predictor that contributed to the improvement of total IPSS. In patients with prostate volume <30 mL, the improvement in total IPSS (?3.5) was superior to that for prostate volume >30 mL (?0.5; P = 0.002). The data also demonstrated that diabetes mellitus was an independent factor preventing OABSS improvement. In patients with diabetes mellitus, OABSS was not sufficiently improved (?0.6) compared to patients without diabetes (?2.1; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Solifenacin add‐on therapy to tamsulosin showed efficacy and good tolerability in BPH patients with OAB symptoms. The findings also indicated that patients with a relatively small prostate and without diabetes mellitus would receive more benefit from this therapy.     

Clinical diagnostic criteria for detrusor underactivity: A report from the Japanese Continence Society working group on underactive bladder

Detrusor underactivity (DU) is a common bladder dysfunction that causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in both men and women. Currently DU can only be diagnosed by an invasive urodynamic test. Underactive bladder (UAB) is the symptom-based correlate of DU, as is the case with overactive bladder (OAB) and detrusor overactivity (DO). The International Continence Society (ICS) consensus group has recently proposed a working definition of UAB as a symptom syndrome suggestive of DU. However, a symptom complex of UAB is shared by LUTS attributable to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Thus, UAB is not specific for DU, leading to difficulties in determining a therapeutic target (DU or BOO) in the initial management of UAB. Under these circumstances, a consensus group was formed under the auspices of the Japanese Continence Society (JCS) and diagnostic criteria were produced to potentially identify patients likely to have DU, without a pressure/flow study-based diagnosis. Certain symptoms and several noninvasive test parameters have been reported as clinical predictors of DU, and were suggested to discriminate DU from BOO. Of these predictive factors, the more commonly used parameters were used to develop clinical diagnostic criteria for DU. This article presents the clinical diagnostic criteria for DU proposed by the JCS consensus group and aims to summarize the background discussion by the group.     

Efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in men with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction

We aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of men who had urodynamic evidence of detrusor underactivity (DU) or detrusor overactivity (DO) of a non-neurogenic etiology as well as bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and who underwent Holmium Laser Enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). A database of 322 patients who underwent HoLEP between 2010 and 2014 was analyzed. Patients were classified into three groups according to the results of a preoperative urodynamic study. Preoperative parameters such as International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QoL) index, IPSS grade, uroflowmetry were compared with postoperative parameters measured at 6 months. There were 138 patients with BOO-only and 89 patients with BOO and detrusor dysfunction including 56 with DO and 33 with DU. The degree of improvement in IPSS-total (BOO: 10.7, DO: 8.3, DU: 7.0; p = 0.023) was greater in the BOO-only group than in the DU group. There were more patients whose IPSS grade improved in the BOO-only group (71%) than in the detrusor dysfunction group (DO: 53.6% and DU: 45.5%). Postoperative IPSS-voiding (4.5 vs 7.0), and Qmax (18 vs 13.7) in the BOO-only group were significantly better than those in the DU group. Additionally, postoperative IPSS-storage (4.7 vs 6.7), and IPSS-total (9.1 vs 12.3) in the BOO-only group were significantly better than in the DO group (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, early surgical management for men with severe LUTS and associated BPH before secondary degeneration occurs may be beneficial for preserving detrusor function and yield better treatment outcomes.     

Effects of Pelvic Organ Prolapse on the Bladder

Purpose of Review

To assess how pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and treatment affect bladder function.

Recent Findings

There is significant overlap between POP and bladder symptoms, including urinary incontinence and overactive bladder. POP may result in bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to urethral kinking, which may result in overactive bladder (OAB), dysfunctional voiding, and occult or de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Improvements in obstructive symptoms and dysfunctional voiding after POP surgery suggest that pelvic floor reconstruction restores pelvic floor anatomic structure and function. Furthermore, correction of anatomic structure also seems to improve OAB symptoms, although a direct causative link has yet to be established.

Summary

Pelvic floor syndromes should be interpreted as a whole. POP, OAB, urinary incontinence, BOO, and dysfunctional voiding are all part of pelvic floor syndromes, coexisting and interacting to manifest different symptoms before and after POP treatment.

     

尿动力学检查对前列腺增生症所致膀胱出口梗阻的诊断价值

目的探讨尿动力检查对前列腺增生症（BPH）所致膀胱出口梗阻（BOO）的诊断价值。方法对274例BPH患者行尿动力学检查,联合应用A-G图和LinPURR图诊断BOO并分等级。结果诊断为BOO225例（82．1％）,可疑BOO31例（11．3%）,无BOO18例（6．6%）;逼尿肌不稳定（DI）93例,逼尿肌低顺应性82例,逼尿肌活动低下（DUA）68例,逼尿肌—括约肌协同失调（DSD）19例。随着BOO程度加重,IPSS评分、残余尿、DI和DUA发生率呈升高趋势,而逼尿肌顺应性、最大尿流率（Qmax）呈下降趋势。结论尿动力学检查是诊断BOO的金标准,BPH患者可根据术前的尿动力学检查结果选择治疗方案。     

The association between urodynamic findings and micro-vascular complications in type 2 diabetic patients with or without voiding symptoms

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between diabetic micro-vascular complications with the varied urodynamic manifestations of diabetic cystopathy in both asymptomatic and symptomatic subgroup of patients as shown in previous studies. A total of 63 type 2 diabetic patients are stratified into those with and without voiding dysfunction according to International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) score. Urine for albumin/creatinine ratio, direct ophthalmoscopy, and nerve conduction study (NCS) along with multichannel urodynamic study (UDS) were performed to detect diabetic micro-vascular complications. Correlation between urodynamic and micro-vascular complications was evaluated in patients with and without voiding symptoms and compared. Among the 63 patients (34 patients asymptomatic and 29 patients symptomatic), diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, motor conduction study (MCS) abnormality, sensory conduction study (SCS) abnormality, and combined NCS abnormality were seen in 74.6, 49.2, 66.7, 65.1, and 65.1 % patients, respectively. On urodynamic study, diabetic cystopathy motor (DCM), diabetic cystopathy sensory (DCS), detrusor overactivity (DO), and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) were found in 58.7, 54, 34.9, and 36.5 % cases, respectively. Among the micro-vascular complications, sensory nerve conduction studies (SCS), motor nerve conduction studies (MCS), and combined NCS abnormality had significant association with UDS abnormalities in diabetic patients. The association was stronger in symptomatic patients. A large proportion of type 2 diabetic patients have shown clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of neurologic dysfunction which can predict the presence or absence of DCS and DCM even in the asymptomatic stage. The correlation is stronger in the symptomatic group.     

Clinical Impact of Solifenacin on Generic and Symptom‐Specific Quality of Life for Females with Overactive Bladder: Using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and Rand Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Health Survey

Objectives: We evaluated the effectiveness of antimuscarinic treatment on disease‐specific and generic quality of life (QoL) in females with clinically diagnosed overactive bladder (OAB) by prospectively analyzing improvements in the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) and the Rand Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36). Methods: We prospectively recruited newly diagnosed female patients with OAB. Pretreatment disease‐specific symptoms were documented, and generic QoL questionnaires were administered. All subjects received solifenacin 5 mg/day for >8 weeks. Symptoms and general health‐related QoL (HRQoL) were assessed using the OABSS and SF‐36, respectively. Other objective variables, such as maximum urinary flow rate and postvoid residual urine volume, were also evaluated. Results: Seventy‐eight subjects met all inclusion criteria and no exclusion criteria. After 8 weeks, the mean OABSS decreased by approximately 50% compared with baseline (from 9.1 ± 2.8 to 4.5 ± 3.6). All individual scores in OABSS improved after administration of solifenacin. Before treatment, the scores of the study subjects in all SF‐36 domains were significantly worse than the age‐ and gender‐adjusted Japanese national norms (P < 0.01), except the vitality (VT) scale. Intra‐group comparisons between age groups showed worse mental health (MH) scores in all age groups. In the OAB group, three mean SF‐36 scales (physical function [PF], VT, and MH) significantly improved after treatment. Conclusion: Treatment of OAB with solifenacin is associated with significant improvement in generic HRQoL and disease‐specific symptoms at 8 weeks after drug administration. Particularly for generic HRQoL as measured by the SF‐36, solifenacin treatment effectively improves three SF‐36 scores: PF, VT, and MH.     

Changes in Urodynamics and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms after Radical Prostatectomy: Implications of Preoperative Detrusor Contractility

Objectives: Our goal was to identify changes in urodynamic parameters and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men followed for1 year after radical prostatectomy (RP) compared to the preoperative measures with a specific focus on detrusor contractility. Methods: This study enrolled 43 patients who received RP (laparoscopic 27, retropubic: 16) and pressure flow studies (PFS) pre‐RP as well as 12 months (M) after RP. No patients complained of urinary incontinence preoperatively. Urodynamic studies and questionnaires regarding LUTS and urinary continence were conducted before and 12 M after RP. Detrusor underactivity (DU) was defined as <10 (W/m²) in preoperative maximum watts factor value. Results: Urodynamics demonstrated that RP improved urodynamic parameters by releasing bladder outlet obstruction without affecting overall detrusor contractility. Meanwhile, RP did not affect bladder capacity, bladder compliance, or detrusor contractility. LUTS in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), including the IPSS subscore, was not improved. The quality of life score was significantly better at 12 M after RP and continence rates were gradually improved to be at a satisfactory level in more than 80% of patients by 12 M after RP. DU was preoperatively identified in 21(49%) patients, influencing urodynamic parameters and LUTS preoperatively. However, DU did not affect urodynamic parameters and LUTS after RP. Conclusion: Although RP improves urodynamic parameters, it does not significantly affect LUTS. Urinary continence gradually improves and is satisfactory within 1 year after RP. The status of preoperative detrusor contractility did not affect urodynamic parameters or LUTS after RP.     

Pathophysiological mechanisms in detrusor underactivity: Novel experimental findings

Underactive bladder (UAB) is a multifactorial symptom complex often related to detrusor underactivity (DU). Although recognized as a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms and with significant effects on quality of life, UAB/DU is largely underresearched. Herein, we review up‐to‐date knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms of UAB/DU, with an emphasis on the relationship between UAB and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Original articles and reviews concerning UAB/DU were identified through a search of the PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases. DU can result from several pathological mechanisms, which can be categorized as idiopathic, neurogenic, myogenic, or functional. The main etiological factors of UAB/DU are aging, diabetes mellitus, neurogenic disorders, and BOO. Although conventional models focus primarily on efferent nerve and myogenic mechanisms, contemporary views highlight the importance of the afferent pathway. Specifically, recent findings in BOO showed that afferent dysfunction, such as altered expression of muscarinic and purinergic P2X₃ receptors or diminished urothelial ATP may play a role in the initial and reversible stages of DU, with potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications.     

Patient Reported Goal Achievement Following the Midurethral Sling Procedure for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

Objectives: Patient perspective is very important for evaluating surgical outcomes. We investigated patient reported goal achievement, overall satisfaction and objective outcome following the midurethral sling (MUS) procedure for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: The study prospectively enrolled 88 SUI patients who underwent the MUS procedure between August 2006 and December 2006. Patient examination included medical history, physical examination and an urodynamic study prior to surgery. Before surgery, patients were shown a list and asked to nominate one goal which they most wanted to achieve with surgery (i.e., the target goal). The goals were classified as: symptom‐related, daily life‐related, personal relationship‐ and emotion‐related, and others. Before and after the surgery, patients completed a Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom‐Short Form questionnaire. At 1 year postoperatively, patients were assessed in terms of achievement of the target goal, overall satisfaction and cure rate. Results: At the 1‐year follow‐up, overall target goals were achieved in 90.1% of patients, 82 (93.2%) patients were satisfied with the treatment, and 82 (93.2%) patients were cured. For most patients, the target goals were symptom‐related (47 patients, 53.4%). The patients whose goal achievement was less than overall goal achievement were significantly less satisfied than those who fully achieved their goal, and goal achievement was also related to objective cure. Conclusion: Achievement of patient goals was high and could be a good measure of surgical success following MUS for female SUI.     

Prospective Study Comparing the Suprapubic Arc (Sparc) Procedure and the Transobturator (Monarc) Procedure for Treating Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

Objectives: In a comparative trial we evaluated the efficacy and safety of the suprapubic arch (Sparc) and transobturator (Monarc) procedures for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: Between November 2003 and May 2004, 46 women with SUI who underwent the Sparc procedure and 42 women who underwent the Monarc procedure were analyzed. The preoperative evaluation included history taking, physical examination, voiding diary, stress and 1‐h pad tests and a comprehensive urodynamic examination. Postoperative evaluation included a stress test, 1‐h pad test, and uroflowmetry with postvoid residuals. Results: After 1 year of follow up, the rates of cure and satisfaction were 93.5 and 93.0%, respectively, in the Sparc group. The rates of cure and satisfaction were 95.2 and 85.7%, respectively, in the Monarc group. After 2 years of follow up, the rates of cure (93.5 vs 92.9%) and satisfaction (84.8 vs 83.3%) were similar between the two groups. No bladder injury occurred in the Monarc group. Bladder injury occurred in 6.5% (n = 3) of the patients in the Sparc group. Vaginal wall perforation occurred in 4.8% (n = 2) of the patients in the Monarc group (P > 0.05). Late complications included de novo urge symptoms (8.7 vs 11.9%) and voiding dysfunction (10.9 vs 9.5%). Conclusions: The transobturator Monarc procedure appears to be as efficient and safe as the retropubic Sparc procedure for the treatment of SUI.