Culdolaparoscopic oophorectomy with vaginal hysterectomy: an optional minimal-access surgical technique

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Oophorectomy during vaginal hysterectomy may be difficult or impossible when the ovaries lie high in the pelvis or when adhesions are present. A new technique of culdolaparoscopic oophorectomy during vaginal hysterectomy is described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After the uterus is removed, a 12-mm cannula is introduced into the culde-sac, and a pneumoperitoneum is created. A 10-mm telescope is inserted through the vaginal port, and, under culdoscopic surveillance, two or three 3-mm abdominal ports are placed. The 10-mm telescope is removed, and a minilaparoscope is introduced through one of the abdominal cannulas. Oophorectomy is performed with a coagulator and scissors introduced via the vaginal port, and the ovaries are extracted through the vaginal cannula. Eight patients with pelvic adhesions found at the time of vaginal hysterectomy underwent culdolaparoscopic oophorectomy. RESULTS: The procedure lasted between 28 minutes and 45 minutes, including adhesiolysis, removal of an enlarged ovary, and a liver biopsy. No complications occurred in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Culdolaparoscopic oophorectomy is a simple minimal-access surgical technique for removing the ovaries when these are not easily accessible at vaginal hysterectomy.     

Efectos del parto y ooforectomía sobre el colágeno uretral: estudio experimental

ObjectiveStereological evaluation of the concentration of type I and III collagen fibers in the urethral tissue of rats subjected to simulated labor and oophorectomy. To compare the concentrations of collagen between oophorectomized and non-oophorectomized rats.Material and methodSixty adult Wistar rats were divided into six groups. A group made up of virgin rats was used as control group and another group was made up of oophorectomized rats. Two groups underwent vaginal distention for 30 and 120 minutes, respectively. The two other groups were subjected to the same distension periods, followed by oophorectomy. Sixty days later, euthanasia and removal of urethral tissue was carried out for stereological analysis of type I and III collagen after staining with hematoxylin and eosin and picrosirius red.ResultsA decrease in estrogen levels was observed in the oophorectomized rats. There was a reduction of type III collagen in the oophorectomized control group compared to the control group when analyzed independently. No significant differences were observed among the other groups. Type I collagen decreased in all groups compared to the control group. However, in the prolonged vaginal distension and oophorectomy group, these fibers increased.ConclusionIn normal rats, simulation of labor does not alter the collagen III levels. In hypoestrogenic rats, the concentration of collagen type I and III decreased, except in those undergoing prolonged labor simulation in which collagen I increased.     

Impact of pregnancy and childbirth on female rats’ urethral nerve fibers

This study aims to evaluate the urethral nerve fibers of adult female rats during pregnancy and after vaginal birth, cesarean section or simulated birth trauma. For immunohistochemical analysis of nerve fibers, 70 female rats were distributed in seven groups of ten female rats: group 1, control; group 2, pregnant; group 3, cesarean section; group 4, vaginal birth; group 5, virgin female rats with simulated birth trauma; group 6, cesarean section followed by simulation of birth trauma; and group 7, vaginal birth followed by simulation of birth trauma. The number of nerve fibers in groups 1, 2, and 3 were significantly higher than the other groups. Pregnancy and cesarean section did not cause alterations in the nerve fibers number. Vaginal birth and simulated birth trauma significantly decreased the number of nerve fibers in the female rats’ middle urethra.     

压力性尿失禁动物模型的建立

目的 探讨压力性尿失禁(SUI)老鼠模型建立的有效方法,为深入研究SUI的发病机制提供有价值的研究对象.方法 50只Sprague-Dawley大鼠雌雄合笼(合笼比例4∶1),分娩后随机分成两组,即第一组(12只)和第二组(28只).第一组对其常规饲养,不做任何特殊处理.第二组对已育大鼠采用阴道球囊扩张4 h模拟难产,两周后重复一次,常规饲养1个月后切除双侧卵巢.8周后,两部分大鼠均行尿流动力学检查测膀胱最大容量(MBC)和腹部漏尿点压力(ALPP)及喷嚏实验,尿动力学检测完毕后从第二组随机筛选出压力性尿失禁成年已育雌性大鼠模型(12只).结果 对照组和实验组大鼠漏尿点压力值分别为(48.00±1.74)cmH2O和(32.94±1.63)cmH2O,差异有统计学意义(p＜0.05);最大膀胱容量为(2.02±0.19)ml和(1.29±0.16)ml,差异有统计学意义(p＜0.05);喷嚏实验见实验组有13只大鼠表现阳性(阳性率52%),对照组全部阴性.结论 阴道球囊扩张联合双侧卵巢切除可以成功建立压力性尿失禁大鼠模型.     

吊带完整性对恢复大鼠SUI模型漏尿点压作用的实验研究

目的：验证剪断尿道下的吊带未消除吊带抗尿失禁作用的假说,探讨尿道吊带的无张力原则.方法：用持续阴道扩张（VD）的方法预先在40只雌性wistar大鼠建立压力性尿失禁（SUI）模型.10只接受完整的尿道吊带手术;10只植入完整的尿道吊带后,把吊带的尿道下部分剪断一半;10只植入完整的尿道吊带后,把吊带的尿道下部分完全剪断;10只接受了伪吊带手术.术后6周,所有大鼠通过预先放置的耻骨上导管测定crede手法诱导的腹腔漏尿点压（ALPP）,并测定膀胱内压.Kruskal-Wallis H检验比较数据,P〈0.05为差异有统计学意义.结果：吊带完全切断组、吊带切断一半组和吊带完整组都可同样升高ALPP,且都显著高于伪手术组的值（分别为24.9、26.7、27.9vs20.7cmH2O,P〈0.0001）.4组排尿高峰压无显著的差别,表示吊带术的各组不存在膀胱出口梗阻（BOO）.吊带完全切断组、吊带切断一半组和吊带完整组的膀胱顺应性6周后同伪手术组相比显著降低（P=0.007、0.05、0.05）.结论：吊带尿道下部分的完整性并不是吊带治疗SUI大鼠模型所必需的.然而吊带手术可以降低膀胱的顺应性.这可以解释在临床中观察到的同吊带手术有关的排尿功能障碍.     

The role of angiotensin II in stress urinary incontinence: A rat model

AIMS: Pharmacological treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is limited to the use of non-selective alpha-agonists, which are often ineffective. Non-adrenergic mechanisms have also been implicated in urethral closure, including angiotensin II (Ang-II), which has been demonstrated throughout the urinary tract. We investigate the role of Ang-II in urethral tone in a rat model of SUI. METHODS: Abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) and retrograde urethral pressure profilometry (RLPP) were measured in 70 female virgin rats. Thirty rats underwent pudendal nerve injury (PNT), 30 had circumferential urethrolysis (U-Lys), and 10 had sham surgery. Rats received daily doses of Angiotensin Type 1 (AT-1) receptor inhibitor (20 mg/kg), Angiotensin Type 2 (AT-2) receptor antagonist (10 mg/kg), or Ang-II (2 mg/kg). RESULTS: Following U-Lys, RLPP and ALPP decreased from 21.4 +/- 2.0 and 39.2 +/- 3.3 mm Hg, to 13.1 +/- 1.5 and 21.6 +/- 1.9 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.01). After PNT, RLPP, and ALPP decreased from 21.0 +/- 1.6 and 41.9 +/- 3.0 mmHg to 13.1 +/- 1.5 and 24.7 +/- 3.3 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.01). AT-1 inhibitor caused significant decrease in RLPP and ALPP from 21.0 +/- 6.2 and 41.8 +/- 9.4 mmHg, to 12.0 +/- 3.8 and 25.6 +/- 6.6 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.01). Likewise, AT-2 treatment reduced RLPP and ALPP from 21.4 +/- 6.3 and 40.1 +/- 1.7 mmHg, to 13.5 +/- 5.7 and 31.0 +/- 7.2 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.01). Following surgery, Ang-II administration restored RLPP and ALPP to baseline presurgical values. CONCLUSIONS: AT-1 and AT-2 receptor inhibition significantly lowers urethral resistance, comparable to either neurogenic or urethrolytic injury. Ang-II treatment restored urethral tone in rats with intrinsic sphincter dysfunction. Ang II appears to serve a functional role in the maintenance of urethral tone and stress continence.     

Long-term effect of ovariectomy and simulated birth trauma on the lower urinary tract of female rats

PURPOSE: Using an animal model we studied the long-term effects of ovariectomy and simulated birth trauma in the development of apoptosis as well as the urodynamic, histological and ultrastructural findings 9 months after such procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 pregnant Sprague-Dawley female rats were used. Immediately after delivery 14 animals underwent vaginal ballooning and ovariectomy, while the remaining 10 served as controls. At 9 months the animals underwent urodynamic evaluation, which included the urethral pressure profile. The rats were then sacrificed and urogenital tissue was obtained for immunostaining using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling, histomorphometry evaluation and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Immunostaining demonstrated a significant increase in the apoptotic index in the urethra of castrated/ballooning rats with a predominance in the submucosa layer. Maximum urethral closure pressure was significantly lower in that group, although there was no correlation of apoptosis with maximum urethral closure pressure measurement. Urodynamic evaluation revealed only discrete alterations in cystometric parameters. Morphometric evaluation showed increased connective tissue in the vagina. Electron microscopy of urethral smooth muscle demonstrated altered cellular shape, increased intercellular space with collagen deposition and some degeneration of the mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS: Apoptosis in the urethra occurs 9 months after castration and simulated birth trauma. However, this finding was not seen in the muscle layers or in other urogenital tissues. Some ultrastructural changes also occurred that may explain some symptoms that women have after vaginal childbirth and menopause.     

Variables affecting maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) measurements

Introduction and hypothesis

The relationship between pelvic floor muscles and measurements of urethral function is not well studied. It is not known whether adjusting for clinical, demographic and urodynamic parameters would improve the association between MUCP and ALPP. Our hypothesis was that pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) influences the relationship between MUCP and ALPP.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of women who underwent a complex urodynamic study with evaluation of MUCP and ALPP using ICD-9 codes with documentation of PFMS.

Results

Urodynamic stress incontinence was confirmed in 478 patients, of whom 323 had MUCP recorded and 263 had both MUCP and ALPP recorded. Women with higher PFMS had a higher MUCP. In regression analysis ALPP at 150 mL and MUCP were weakly associated (coefficient 0.43, 95% CI 0.08–0.78; p = 0.02), whereas ALPP at capacity and MUCP were moderately associated (coefficient 0.60, 95% CI 0.25–0.95; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study showed that MUCP and ALPP at 150 mL were weakly associated and that this improved to a moderate association for ALPP at capacity. MUCP increased with increasing PFMS among women with stress urinary incontinence and decreased with increasing age. There was no evidence that ALPP was associated with PFMS or age. The relationship between MUCP and ALPP was unchanged when accounting for covariates of PFMS (age, parity, BMI, prior procedure, urethral mobility, bladder capacity, stage of cystocele, or stage of uterine or apical prolapse).

     

尿道注射聚(乳酸-羟基乙酸)共聚物微球治疗压力性尿失禁

目的 观察聚(乳酸-羟基乙酸)(PLGA)共聚物微球在大鼠尿道的组织相容性以及对实验大鼠尿失禁模型的治疗作用.方法 双相乳化法制备PLGA微球,电子显微镜及计算机图像分析仪分析其表征;将40只成年雌性SD大鼠随机均分为2组(实验组和对照组),并接受尿道松解术形成压力性尿失禁模型.实验组接受微球尿道注射,对照组仅接受等量生理盐水注射.在注射前1周和注射后2、4和8周,所有大鼠接受腹部漏点压(ALPP)的检测.此外,术后第2、4和8周,每组动物每个时间点处死3只,应用苏木素.伊红(HE)染色方法检测微球在尿道组织的形态学演变,此外应用免疫组织化学方法检测巨噬细胞特异性的炎症标志物CD68在注射部位尿道组织的表达,以评价微球与尿道肌层的组织相容性.结果 PLGA微球可成功地注射于大鼠尿道的肌层,并诱导局部炎症反应;CD68免疫染色证实浸润细胞以单核细胞和巨噬细胞为主.以微球和增生细胞为主的混杂组织位于黏膜下肌层内,发挥尿道填充作用.在术后2周,炎症反应最为明显,以后随着时间逐渐减退.全程未见变性、坏死等破坏性病理改变;实验组ALPP在微球注射后较注射前和对照组明显改善,并可维持到注射后8周.结论 PLGA微球在尿道组织是安全的,可起到尿道填充作用增加尿道阻力,发挥治疗压力性尿失禁的作用.PLGA微球作为可注射的细胞支架可用于尿失禁的组织工程.     

Major perineal trauma in children

Between 1976 and 1987, 22 children aged 3 to 17 years (mean age, 9.5 years) were admitted to our institution with major perineal trauma. There were 14 urethral ruptures and 9 rectal lesions. The lesions were multiple and combined: vaginal and urethral or vaginal and rectal injuries were found in 10 females, while only 1 of 12 males had both urethral and rectal lesions. In most instances, perineal physical signs did not reflect the severity of the lesion. Among the patients with urethral lesions, there was no sex or age predominance; complete rupture occurred in four females and eight males. The insertion of a urethral catheter was of no diagnostic help. Retrograde urethrogram demonstrated a lesion in seven of eight cases. The intravenous pyelogram (IVP) showed evidence of extravasation in two of the eight cases, and in four instances there were indirect rupture signs. A suprapubic cystostomy was performed in 12 of the 14 urethral injuries. A primary repair with urethral stenting was carried out twice without bladder drainage. Immediate repair was performed in eight cases and delayed in five others. Within this last group, two patients were cured without sequelae by stenting without suture, while the three others who underwent only cystostomy necessitated multiple reconstructive operations with poor results. It is of interest that the four treatment failures occurred in the youngest patients (4 to 7 years of age). The rectal lesions were related to impalement in seven of nine patients. Rectoscopy allowed localization of perforations but did not permit identification of sphincter injuries when the mucosa was intact. Primary repair was possible in all cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Manifestation of Bilateral Huge Ovarian Metastases from Colon Cancer Immediately After the Initial Operation: Report of a Case

This report describes the case of a 34-year-old premenopausal woman in whom bilateral huge ovarian metastases were found immediately after initial surgery for sigmoid colon cancer. Both ovaries had been intact at the time of sigmoidectomy, but 2 months later, she complained of persistent vaginal bleeding, and large bilateral metastases were detected in both ovaries. Oophorectomy with intraperitoneal chemotherapy proved ineffective and the patient died 3 months later, after a second operation, from peritoneal dissemination. This case report serves to demonstrate the importance of searching for synchronous or nonsynchronous metastases to the ovaries after surgery for colon cancer in young women. Consideration should also be given to the feasibility of performing prophylactic oophorectomy or administering intensive chemotherapy in association with colon resections for carcinoma for premenopausal women because of the ineffectiveness of these modalities as treatment for metastatic disease. Received: February 6, 2001 / Accepted: September 11, 2001     

Excitatory effect of propiverine hydrochloride on urethral activity in rats

Objectives: To investigate the effects of the antimuscarinic agent, propiverine, on the bladder and urethra in rats. Methods: A total of 54 female rats were given propiverine, imidafenacin (an antimuscarinic agent), or distilled water by gavage once or twice daily. After 2 weeks, bladder and urethral activity were recorded under urethane anesthesia. In the propiverine group, the changes of bladder and urethral activity before and after intravenous injection of α₁‐adrenergic antagonists (prazosin, silodosin and naftopidil) were also recorded. Furthermore, the leak point pressure after electrical stimulation of abdominal wall muscles was measured in rats with vaginal distension from the control and propiverine groups. Results: Intravesical baseline pressure was significantly lower in the propiverine and imidafenacin groups compared with the control group, whereas the urethral baseline pressure was significantly higher in the propiverine group compared with the control or imidafenacin groups. Intravenous injection of prazosin (an α₁‐receptor antagonist) significantly decreased the urethral baseline pressure in both of the propiverine and control groups. Intravenous injection of silodosin and naftopidil (α_1A‐ and α_1D‐receptor antagonists, respectively) significantly decreased the maximum contraction pressure and the urethral baseline pressure in the propiverine group. The leak point pressure of the propiverine group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Conclusions: An increase of catecholamines after propiverine administration might activate smooth muscle of the proximal urethra via α_1A‐ and α_1D‐adrenergic receptors, as well as activating urethral and pelvic floor striated muscle via the spinal motoneurons.     

Usefulness of urethral descent for evaluating the type of female stress urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND: To select suitable treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), both urethral function and urethral mobility must be assessed. Abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) is considered to be useful to evaluate urethral function, and radiographic findings are effective to evaluate urethral mobility. However no adequate methods to measure urethral mobility with videourodynamics study (VUDS) exist. We measured the downward movement of the membranous urethra at the same time as ALPP was measured on VUDS, and examined whether or not the urethral descent on VUDS is useful to evaluate urethral mobility. METHODS: The subjects were 28 women with over grade II SUI (according to McGuire's grading) who underwent bead chain cystography and VUDS. As a classical index of urethral mobility, we measured the change of posterior urethrovesical angle (PUVA) and vesical neck descent during Valsalva maneuver on bead chain cystography. The videourodynamic urethral catheter had a radiographic marker that permitted the identification of the location of the urethral pressure sensing aperture. The catheter was fixed at the position where the urethral pressure aperture reached the point of highest pressure. The urethral descent was defined as the downward movement of the urethral marker during Valsalva maneuver while measuring ALPP. According to the urethral descent the patients were classified as follows: 1) hyper-mobile group; urethral descent was over 5 mm. 2) non-mobile group: urethral descent was under 5 mm. The severity of SUI was evaluated with 1 hr. pad weighting test, ALPP and maximum urethral pressure. RESULTS: The urethral descent was significantly related to vesical neck descent and PUVA change. In the non-mobile group (11 cases), ALPP was significantly lower, and urine loss on the pad weighting test was significantly greater than that in the hyper-mobile group (17 cases). The non-mobile group exhibited more severe incontinence than the hyper-mobile group. When the patients were classified according to Blaivas's classification, all patients in type III and 2 in type I were in the non-mobile group. These 2 type I patients had low ALPP (40 cm. water and 70 cm. water) and a history of radical hysterectomy. Therefore these patients were diagnosed with ISD due to the fixed urethra. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral descent is an useful index of urethral mobility. In the non-mobile group, the pathophysiological cause of SUI was not urethral hypermobility but ISD, and it was diagnosed as type III SUI without urethral mobility. We consider that urethral descent assesses urethral mobility more accurately than vesical neck descent, and that urethral descent is a valuable parameter on VUDS.     

Trauma to the anterior urethra: diagnosis and management

Injuries to anterior urethra are uncommon, mainly due to blunt trauma, and rarely associated with pelvic fractures or life threatening multiple lesions. Straddle type injury is the most frequent lesion, in which the immobile bulbar urethra is crushed or compressed on the inferior surface to the pubic symphysis. Diagnosis of urethral injury is easy, suspected due to trauma circumstances, presence of urethrorragy or initial hematuria, and eventually difficult micturition and penile scrotal for perineoscrotal hematoma. It should always be confirmed and classified by retrograde urethro-gram, realized either immediately or after a few days. Initial acute management is suprapubic cystostomy, if possible before any attempt of urethral catheterization or miction. Urethral contusions only require this urinary diversion or urethral catheter for a few days and usually heal without any sequelae. Management of partial and complete disruptions remains controversial: suprapubic diversion only and secondary endoscopic or open surgical repair of the urethral stricture that occurs in the great majority of the cases (always after complete disruption), early endoscopic realignment and prolonged urethral catheterization (4 for 8 weeks according to the lesion), in partial disruptions, more controversial in complete disruptions; delayed (after a few days) open surgical repair (urethrorraphy) that is the preferred European and French attitude for complete disruptions. Penetrating anterior urethral trauma and urethral lesions associated with penile fracture require immediate surgical exploration and repair if possible. After anterior urethral disruption, the main morbidity is urethral stricture very often requiring surgical treatment (visual urethrotomy if the structure is short, end to end spatulated urethrorraphy, flap or graft urethroplasty if longer).     

Pelvic fracture urethral injuries in girls

PURPOSE: Injuries to the female urethra associated with pelvic fracture are uncommon. They may vary from urethral contusion to partial or circumferential rupture. When disruption has occurred at the level of the proximal urethra, it is usually complete and often associated with vaginal laceration. We retrospectively reviewed the records of a series of girls with pelvic fracture urethral stricture and present surgical treatment to restore urethral continuity and the outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1984 and 1997, 8 girls 4 to 16 years old (median age 9.6) with urethral injuries associated with pelvic fracture were treated at our institutions. Immediate therapy involved suprapubic cystostomy in 4 cases, urethral catheter alignment and simultaneous suprapubic cystostomy in 3, and primary suturing of the urethra, bladder neck and vagina in 1. Delayed 1-stage anastomotic repair was performed in 1 patient with urethral avulsion at the level of the bladder neck and in 5 with a proximal urethral distraction defect, while a neourethra was constructed from the anterior vaginal wall in a 2-stage procedure in 1 with mid urethral avulsion. Concomitant vaginal rupture in 7 cases was treated at delayed urethral reconstruction in 5 and by primary repair in 2. The surgical approach was retropubic in 3 cases, vaginal-retropubic in 1 and vaginal-transpubic in 4. Associated injuries included rectal injury in 3 girls and bladder neck laceration in 4. Overall postoperative followup was 6 months to 6.3 years (median 3 years). RESULTS: Urethral obliteration developed in all patients treated with suprapubic cystostomy and simultaneous urethral realignment. The stricture-free rate for 1-stage anastomotic repair and substitution urethroplasty was 100%. In 1 girl complete urinary incontinence developed, while another has mild stress incontinence. Retrospectively the 2 incontinent girls had had an associated bladder neck injury at the initial trauma. Two recurrent vaginal strictures were treated successfully with additional transpositions of lateral labial flaps. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes that combined vaginal-partial transpubic access is a reliable approach for resolving complex obliterative urethral strictures and associated urethrovaginal fistulas or severe bladder neck damage after traumatic pelvic fracture injury in female pediatric patients. Although our experience with the initial management of these injuries is limited, we advocate early cystostomy drainage and deferred surgical reconstruction when life threatening clinical conditions are present or extensive traumatized tissue in the affected area precludes immediate ideal surgical repair.     

Combined sphincter repair and postanal repair for the treatment of complicated injuries to the anal sphincters.

The management of seven patients with multiple injuries to the anal sphincter musculature and its nerve supply, from major pelvic trauma, anal fistula surgery, or obstetric trauma, was reviewed. All were either incontinent of solid stools or had defunctioning colostomies. Anal manometry was abnormal in all patients. Concentric needle electromyography (EMG) showed anterior division of the external sphincter in all the patients; five also had posterior division of both the external sphincter and puborectalis. EMG abnormalities were found in the lateral quadrants of these muscles, particularly the external sphincter. Single fibre needle EMG showed evidence of reinnervation in the external sphincter in six patients, and in the puborectalis in two, indicating partial denervation of the muscles. Treatment was by anterior sphincter repair using an overlapping technique, combined with postanal repair; the repairs were protected by a defunctioning colostomy. When assessed 4-60 months (mean 17 months) after colostomy closure all seven patients were continent of solid and semi-formed stools, but had urgency of defaecation. None could control liquid stool or flatus. After complicated sphincter injuries planned surgical reconstruction, based on EMG assessment of the sphincter muscles, can restore acceptable continence.     

Periurethral injection of autologous adipose-derived stem cells with controlled-release nerve growth factor for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in a rat model

Background

Stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, its current efficacy is insufficient.

Objective

We designed a stem cell transplantation system that contains autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and controlled-release nerve growth factor (NGF). We evaluated whether this system could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ADSCs by periurethral coinjection in SUI rats.

Design, setting, and participants

We first tested for the presence of NGF receptors in rat ADSCs and observed the effect of NGF on ADSCs in vitro and in vivo. NGF was encapsulated within poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid—PLGA) microspheres (PLGA/NGF) to control its release. SUI was created in rats, and ADSCs were harvested, cultured from fat tissue, and retained for later transplantation. SUI rats then received different forms of periurethral injection therapy. Their urodynamic index was monitored. Eight weeks after injection, the SUI rats were sacrificed and their urethra removed for histologic evaluation.

Intervention

Forty SUI rats were allocated to five groups for receiving periurethral injection with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), ADSC, ADSC + PLGA, ADSC + NGF, or ADSC + PLGA/NGF. Bladder capacities, abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP), and retrograde urethral perfusion pressure (RUPP) were reassessed at 2, 6, and 8 wk after injection.

Measurements

The rat SUI model was generated by bilateral pudendal nerve transection (PNT). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting detected the NGF receptor Ark-A. The regeneration of muscles and peripheral nerves was evaluated by Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemical staining.

Results and limitations

Results revealed the presence of the NGF receptor Trk-A on rat ADSCs. Short-term observations showed that NGF could improve ADSCs’ viability in vitro and in vivo. ADSCs delivered intramuscularly into the urethra in combination with PLGA/NGF resulted in significant improvements in ALPP and RUPP as well as the amount of muscle and ganglia. There was a significant difference between the ADSC + PLGA/NGF group and other groups.

Conclusions

Periurethral coinjection of autologous ADSCs with controlled-release NGF may be a potential strategy for SUI treatment.     

Complete rupture of the urethra in combination with anterior pelvic fracture and symphyseal rupture after spontaneous vaginal delivery

Summary We report on a complete longitudinal rupture of the urethra in combination with a rupture of the pubic symphysis and pelvic fracture during spontaneous vaginal delivery. Only after stabilisation of the pelvic fracture by external skeletal fixation adaptation of the urethra was possible. Three weeks later after removing of the transurethral catheter a mild stress incontinence could be observed. In the follow up one year later the patient was completely continent. The cosmetic result was satisfactory. There was no cystocele. An unclear haematuria after delivery needs a meticulous urological examination. Early repair of urethral disruption minimize the risk of severe incontinence. Coordinated care between the trauma surgeon and urologist is required for successful treatment of this rare combined injury after birth.      

Outcome of urethral reconstructive surgery in a series of 74 women

PURPOSE: We evaluated the results of vaginal flap reconstructive surgery of the female urethra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 74 consecutive women who presented with urethral pathology requiring surgical reconstruction were assessed for anatomical and functional outcome. Followup was 1 to 15 years (median 1.5). Outcome assessment included success or failure of the anatomical repair based on physical examination as well as voiding habits and continence assessed by voiding diary, questionnaire and patient self-assessment. RESULTS: A total of 74 procedures were performed, including 72 vaginal flap repairs (56 with a concomitant pubovaginal sling). Five vaginal flap repairs were performed with a concomitant modified Pereyra procedure and 1 was done with Kelly plication. A patient in whom vaginal flap repair was planned underwent a Tanagho anterior bladder flap procedure, 1 underwent extensive lysis of urethral and periurethral scarring with primary urethral repair and 12 underwent vaginal flap repair without an incontinence procedure. A total of 72 women with an average age +/- SD of 54 +/- 13 years were followed a median of 1.5 years after vaginal flap reconstruction and 2 were lost to followup. Of the 62 patients with preoperative incontinence 54 (87%) considered themselves cured or improved. Successful anatomical repair by single procedure vaginal flap repair was achieved in all except 5 patients (93%). CONCLUSIONS: Single stage vaginal flap reconstruction with concurrent pubovaginal sling and Martius flap graft has a high degree of anatomical and functional success for treating a difficult surgical problem.     

Vaginal calculi secondary to urethrovaginal fistula with vaginal stenosis in a 14-year-old girl

The author reports a case of vaginal calculi secondary to urethrovaginal fistula with vaginal stenosis in a 14-year-old girl. The initial urethrovaginal fistula and vaginal stenosis resulted from pelvic trauma after a traffic accident, with subsequent surgical urethral realignment and anterior colporrhaphy without success. The patient had continuous urinary incontinence for a duration of 11 years after surgery, and was finally diagnosed with urethrovaginal fistula with primary multiple vaginal calculi in our hospital. Surgeries were performed to remove the stones and repair the urethrovaginal fistula. Colpoplasty was also given by an obstetrician–gynecologist to solve the vaginal stenosis. After the procedure, the girl urinated normally. At her 3-month follow-up, the patient had no sign of urine leakage.