Comparison of cystometric methods in female rats

AIMS: Rat cystometry is a common model used to investigate urinary storage and voiding function. The effect of cystometric instrumentation in rat studies might be a source of deviation from normal physiologic responses. We hypothesized that transurethral catheterization would produce obstruction-related changes, and that suprapubic catheterization would limit volume-related functions as well as disrupt normal urothelial sensory function. We investigated the influence of transurethral and suprapubic catheterization on storage and voiding in the rat model. METHODS: Three groups of female SD rats 250-300 g under urethane anesthesia were studied. Cystometric and pseudoaffective responses to physiologic voiding with and without suprapubic catheter placement, and cystometry via suprapubic and transurethral catheterization were studied. RESULTS: In free-voiding animals, per-void volume was 1.8 +/- 0.2 ml with an average flow rate of 0.18 ml/sec, and intercontraction interval (ICI) 60 min. Suprapubic catheterization decreased the ICI and per-void volume consistent with capacity reduction. Suprapubic cystometry did not significantly alter parameters compared to voiding except for a shortened ICI. Bladder pressures and somatic responses were increased, and urine flow impaired by transurethral cystometry. Terazosin did not significantly improve voiding parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Other than volume-related parameter changes probably related to surgical compromise of bladder capacity, suprapubic catheterization does not alter the cystometric and physiologic responses to voiding when compared to normal, uninstrumented voiding. Transurethral cystometry appears to be obstructive and may activate nociceptive reflexes. For this reason, whenever possible, urodynamic testing using the rat model should employ suprapubic catheterization.     

良性前列腺增生患者经耻骨上膀胱造瘘与经尿道置管两种方法行排尿期压力-流率测定的比较与评价

目的:通过对良性前列腺增生(BPH)患者经耻骨上膀胱造瘘与经尿道置管两种方法行排尿期压力-流率测定的结果比较,探讨应用前者的必要性。方法:对23例平均年龄为69.3(57~77)岁的患者同时以经耻骨上膀胱造瘘与经尿道置管两种方法行排尿期压力-流率测定,对相应参数以配对t检验进行统计比较。结果:①经耻骨上膀胱造瘘与经尿道置管相比,最大尿流率(Qmax)提高约1.19 ml/s(P<0.05);最大尿流率时逼尿肌压力(Pdet,Qmax)减少约10.57 cmH2O(P<0.05);组特异性尿道阻力因子(URA)减少约11.39 cmH2O(P<0.01);AG(Pdet,Qmax-2Qmax)数减小约12.94(P<0.01);最大膀胱容量增加约66.61 ml(P<0.01)。②分别以schafer图所示、AG数>40为判定梗阻的标准,经耻骨上膀胱造瘘的梗阻数均为16(69.6%),而以尿道置测压管均为20(87.0%),前者例数比后者减少。结论:行排尿期压力-流率测定时,经耻骨上膀胱造瘘与经尿道置管两种方法各有利弊,对BPH患者,主张选择前者。对于其它疾病患者应视具体情况而定。     

Effect of thoughtful preparation on the catheterization of children undergoing investigative studies

AIMS: To evaluate an anesthetic sedation free method of transurethral catheterization in children. METHODS: The child and his or her parents are thoroughly prepared for the procedure by means of written and oral child-adapted information and practical instructions. To evaluate this routine, a simple questionnaire was given to 115 consecutive children undergoing transurethral catheterization. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 99 children (86%). Most children and parents (95) found the preparation"good"or"very good"and tolerated the catheterization procedure well. Only six children reported the catheterization to be"very painful"(without requiring that the procedure was terminated). Complications, such as urgency, smarting pain during voidings, or both, after withdrawal of the catheter, occurred in 12 children and urinary tract infections in 3. Unexpectedly, girls were affected more often than boys. CONCLUSIONS: Careful preparation of children and their parents allows the great majority of diagnostic studies that require urethral catheterization to be accomplished without anesthesia.     

The effect of suprapubic catheterization versus transurethral catheterization after abdominal surgery on urinary tract infection: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND/AIM: Transurethral catheterization is generally associated with a higher incidence of urinary tract infections than suprapubic catheterization; however, suprapubic catheterization is associated with other disadvantages such as higher costs and a more difficult technique, and at the moment there is no consensus about the use of both catheter systems. Therefore, a prospective randomized study was performed to investigate the effects of suprapubic catheterization and transurethral catheterization in patients undergoing surgery on the incidence of urinary tract infections and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Patients who underwent an elective laparotomy were randomized and received a suprapubic or transurethral catheter. The primary end point was urinary tract infection. Other parameters of urinary tract infection, as well as duration of catheterization, hospital stay, and number of recatheterizations and of relaparotomies were monitored. Treatment 'per protocol' was also analyzed after exclusion of patients receiving another catheter than randomized for. Patients were asked for their satisfaction with the catheters and complaints during and after catheterization. RESULTS: 165 patients were eligible, of whom 19 patients had to be excluded. 75 patients were allocated to receive the suprapubic catheter and 71 the transurethral catheter. There was no difference in the incidence of a urinary tract infection between the suprapubic group (n = 9/75; 12%) and the transurethral group (n = 8/71; 11%). Most patients (6/9) who developed a urinary tract infection in the suprapubic group, however, underwent recatheterization because of postoperative complications/sepsis and relaparotomy. The incidence of urinary tract infections in patients who received a suprapubic catheter and not a transurethral catheter was 3/59 (5%). The patients did not differ with respect to satisfaction and complaints. Being a men, recatheterization and duration of catheterization are risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of a urinary tract infection between a suprapubic catheter and a transurethral catheter in patients undergoing major surgery was not different. A potential advantage of the suprapubic catheter (reduction of urinary tract infections) is probably partly negated, because transurethral catheters were used if recatheterization was indicated during the postoperative stay or due to complications.     

Diameter of the external urethral sphincter as a predictor of detrusor-sphincter incoordination in children: comparative study of voiding cystourethrography

PURPOSE: Voiding cystourethrography is a diagnostic procedure widely used to evaluate lower urinary tract abnormalities in children. In children with and without suspected voiding dysfunction we measured the internal diameter of the external urethral sphincter on voiding cystourethrography to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy as a predictor of detrusor-sphincter incoordination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In part 1 of the study 59 boys and 37 girls with normal voiding function underwent voiding cystourethrography. In each child 1 to 6 voiding cystourethrograms (mean 2.1) were performed as a part of urological evaluation. Thus, a total of 200 voiding cystourethrograms were obtained. Underlying urological disease was primary vesicoureteral reflux in 57 cases, congenital hydronephrosis in 9, urinary tract infection in 6, ureteral anomalies in 11 and other in 13. To determine external urethral sphincter inner diameter on a given voiding cystourethrogram the sphincter was measured on consecutive images and the widest diameter was chosen. In part 2 of the study 43 children with suspected voiding dysfunction underwent voiding cystourethrography and external urethral sphincter electromyography. Electromyography results were comparatively analyzed with external urethral sphincter data. RESULTS: In part 1 an age dependent increase in external urethral sphincter inner diameter was noted in children with normal voiding function. External urethral sphincter inner diameter in mm. was determined by the formula, 0.166 x age in years + 4.31 in boys (p = 0.0001, r = 0.374) and 0.222 x age in years + 2.73 in girls (p <0.0001, r = 0.595). Overall the incidence of an external urethral sphincter inner diameter of less than 3 mm. was only 4% (8 of 200 patients). In part 2 external urethral sphincter electromyography documented detrusor-sphincter incoordination in 15 children (35%). When we defined an external urethral sphincter inner diameter of less than 3 mm. as a cutoff value for predicting detrusor-sphincter incoordination, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 93%, 89%, 82% and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: External urethral sphincter inner diameter has satisfactory sensitivity and specificity as a predictor of detrusor-sphincter incoordination in children. Thus, simple measurement of the inner diameter of the external urethral sphincter on voiding cystourethrography should be recommended in children with suspected voiding dysfunction before performing rather invasive urodynamic studies.     

Transurethral Balloon Laser Thermotherapy for Urinary Retention in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Who Are at High Surgical Risk

Background Twelve patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and urinary retention, who were considered to be poor candidates for prostatectomy, were treated by transurethral balloon laser thermotherapy (TUBAL-T). The mean patient age was 78.9 years (range, 66 to 93 years) and the mean duration of bladder catheterization was 11 weeks (range, 2 to 48 weeks).
Methods Irradiation into the prostatic tissue was done through 360 with a neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser balloon placed in the prostatic urethra, with pain relief provided by using local topical anesthesia. The total laser dose was from 45,000 to 1 23,376 J, with an average of 73,089 J. The irradiation time was from 40 to 54 minutes, with an average of 45.2 minutes.
Results Spontaneous voiding became possible in all patients at a mean of 2.8 days (range, 1 to 7 days) after irradiation. The mean catheter-free period was 20.5 months (range, 6 to 34 months), with the longest being 34 months. The international prostatic symptom scores, quality-of-life scores, and peak uroflow rates showed substantial improvement after laser thermotherapy. To date, long-term resumption of spontaneous voiding was successfully achieved in 9 of 12 cases (75%).
Conclusion TUBAL-T is a safe and effective alternative for treatment of urinary retention in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who are considered to be at high surgical risk.     

A comparison of outcomes of transurethral versus suprapubic catheterization after Burch cystourethropexy

The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with transurethral vs suprapubic catheterization after Burch cystourethropexy. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who had an anti-incontinence procedure primarily including Burch cystourethropexy with hysterectomy or Burch alone between July 1997 and June 2002 and comparing the outcomes of transurethral vs suprapubic catheters. The suprapubic and transurethral catheter placed were both 16-Fr Foley catheters. The variables analyzed were length of hospital stay, length of catheterization, postoperative fever, and urinary tract infection. The number of postoperative visits and complications within each group were also compared. Analysis was done utilizing Fishers exact test and Wilcoxons rank-sum analysis when indicated. We analyzed the charts of 217 patients. The outcomes of surgery (i.e., blood loss, postoperative morbidity, incidence of urinary tract infection, length of hospital stay) in each group did not statistically differ. There was a significant difference in length of cauterization: 7.1 days for the transurethral group and 9.61 days for the suprapubic group, a 1.79 day difference (p=0.001) and a difference in the number of visits for complaints of pain, 2.5 visits for the suprapubic group, 3.5 visits for the transurethral group (p=0.01). There were no differences in outcomes whether a transurethral or suprapubic catheter was used. There was a significant difference in duration of catheterization and extra visits to the clinic or hospital with a practitioner for the complaint of pain. Patients with a transurethral catheter had on the average one more visit than those with the suprapubic catheter.No financial support was received for any part of this projectEditorial Comment: The issue of transurethral vs suprapubic bladder drainage after open Burch urethropexy has been investigated in the past. Theofrastous et al. performed a randomized trial looking at this issue and concluded there was no difference in the mean duration of catheterization, hospital duration or rates of cystitis [1]. Retrospective studies on this issue are biased, and numerous confounding variables need to be accounted for including previous bladder surgery, urodynamic parameters, degree of tensioning of the colposuspension sutures, anesthetic protocols and use of intra- and post-op antibiotics.     

Alternative Approaches to the Prognostic Stratification of Mild to Moderate Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children

Purpose

We compared the prognostic stratification of primary vesicoureteral reflux by performing staging voiding cystourethrography in all children with a urinary tract infection or only in those with renal scarring on^99m technetium-dimercapto-succinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy.

Materials and Methods

Staging voiding cystourethrography and DMSA scintigraphy were performed in 105 children with a urinary tract infection and reflux persistence was assessed by radionuclide cystography after a 2-year followup.

Results

Staging voiding cystourethrography revealed no reflux in 51 children (DMSA positive in 3), grades I to II reflux in 21 (DMSA positive in 6) and grade III reflux in 33 (DMSA positive in 19). On followup radionuclide cystography no new reflux was detected, and it was no longer demonstrated in 23 children (8 with grade III and 15 with grades I to II reflux). The finding of grade III reflux on staging voiding cystourethrography had a 76 percent positive and a 92 percent negative value for predicting persistent reflux with an 87 percent predictive accuracy. Limiting the evaluation of voiding cystourethrography data to the 28 children with a positive DMSA scan the combination of renal scarring and grade III reflux had an 84 percent positive and an 83 percent negative predictive value with 83 percent accuracy. This approach would have prevented 77 children from having to undergo voiding cystourethrography.

Conclusions

Performance of staging voiding cystourethrography exclusively in children with renal scarring on a DMSA scan resulted in predictive accuracy that was close to what was achieved by performing voiding cystourethrography in all children with a urinary tract infection. To be able to limit cystourethrography to a select population could prove to be cost-effective.     

Voiding ability using propofol sedation in children undergoing voiding cystourethrograms: a retrospective analysis

PURPOSE: The ability of a child to void during cystourethrography is important in detecting vesicoureteral reflux. The potential effect of sedation on the capacity to void may impair our ability to detect vesicoureteral reflux. Since 2001, most voiding cystourethrograms at our institution have been performed with moderate sedation using propofol. To assess the impact of sedation on the ability of children to void, we retrospectively evaluated a group of patients who underwent sedated voiding cystourethrograms and compared them to a group undergoing nonsedated voiding cystourethrograms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nonsedated group consisted of children 2 to 8 years old who underwent voiding cystourethrography between 1996 and 2001. The sedated group consisted of children the same age who underwent voiding cystourethrography between 2002 and 2004. Patient characteristics, presenting symptoms, bladder capacity, emptying ability and diagnoses were recorded. Children were categorized as receiving sedation vs not receiving sedation. All sedated children received propofol deep sedation. Statistical analyses were performed using the 2-sided t test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of 544 charts reviewed 287 were within the age range defined. Of these children 85% were female. Sex was evenly matched between the sedated and nonsedated groups. Urinary tract infections (65%) and previous vesicoureteral reflux (25%) were the most common factors prompting voiding cystourethrography. Sedation was administered in 146 patients, of whom 80 (55%) were able to void to completion. Of the 141 patients who did not receive sedation 125 (89%) were able to void to completion (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Children who underwent voiding cystourethrography with sedation were less likely to void to completion. This finding may impair our ability to detect vesicoureteral reflux in children accurately. Large prospective studies are needed for better assessment of bladder emptying and sedation when performing voiding cystourethrography.     

输尿管镜气压弹导碎石术治疗儿童下尿路结石

目的：探讨儿童下尿路结石的治疗方法。方法：应用输尿管镜气压弹导碎石术经尿道或膀胱穿刺造瘘通道治疗儿童下尿路结石22例。结果：22例均一次成功击碎结石，治愈率100％。其中2例经膀胱穿刺造瘘通道碎石，术中即将结石取净。20例经尿道膀胱内碎石，术后结石均排净。无一例有并发症。结论：输尿管镜下气压弹导碎石治疗儿童下尿路结石，创伤小，成功率高，并发症少，为一种较理想的治疗方法。     

Postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs) following single-dose intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in colposuspension patients

The records of 196 women who underwent colposuspension for genuine stress incontinence at the Leicester General Hospital, England, between June 1991 and May 1996 were reviewed for evidence of urinary tract infection (UTI). Variables analyzed include age, type of anbibiotic, timing of a positive culture, organism(s) responsible and antibiotic sensitivity. Forty-six patients (23.47%) developed urinary infection; of these, 42 had received single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis with suprapubic catheterization. Thirty-two (76%) of those who developed UTI received augmentin (amoxycillin and clavulanic acid), whereas 10 (24%) were given cefuroxime and metronidazole. Positive cultures were obtained between postoperative days 3 and 28, with a mean of 9.6 days, and 81% occurred after the 7th day. Coliform organisms were responsible for nearly 70% of the infections. UTI is still common after colposuspension, despite single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis. Further studies looking at longer or alternative courses of antibiotics or clean intermittent self-catheterization are essential to establish the best way of curbing UTI in urogynecology patients.Editorial Comment: The authors present a summary of their experience with symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) after colposuspension, the patients having received a single dose of antibiotics preoperatively. Symptomatic urinary tract infections are described with regard to time of onset, length of suprapubic catheterization, pathogen and antibiotic sensitivity. One of the most interesting findings in this cohort of patients is the incidence of UTI over time, with the majority of infections occurring in the second postoperative week, and falling off dramatically thereafter. This is in contrast to the incidence of urinary tract infections with transurethral catheterization, where published experience suggests at 5%–10% increase in positive cultures for every day of transurethral catheterization, and almost universal positive cultures by 30 days. The results question the utility of preoperative single-dose antibiotic therapy in the prevention of UTI following colposuspension. Further investigation is needed to clarify what prophylactic antibiotic regimen is useful in preventing post-colposuspension infection of the lower urinary tract.     

Pediatric voiding cystourethrography: An essential examination for urologists but a terrible experience for children

Voiding cystourethrography is the most important fluoroscopic examination in pediatric urology for the investigation of lower urogenital tract diseases, such as vesicoureteral reflux or urethral stricture. However, this invasive procedure imposes a significant burden on children and their parents, and recently there has been a paradigm shift in the diagnosis and treatment of vesicoureteral reflux. In the 2011 revision, the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines on urinary tract infection recommended abandoning routine voiding cystourethrography after the first febrile urinary tract infection. In 2014, the randomized intervention for children with vesicoureteral reflux study recommended discontinuation of routine continuous antibiotic prophylaxis for vesicoureteral reflux. The time is now ripe to radically reconsider indications for voiding cystourethrography and the procedure itself.     

The demonstration of vesicoureteral reflux under general anesthesia.

With the improved quality and increased availability of voiding cystourethrography in children while they are awake many have considered obsolete the static cystogram done with the child asleep in conjunction with cystoscopy. Our review of 100 girls undergoing both studies as part of the same urological evaluation for urinary tract infection reveals that they are useful and complementary at times.     

Transurethral needle ablation for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: outcome after 1 year

PURPOSE: The aims of the study were to evaluate short-term effects on lower urinary tract symptoms and uroflowmetry and assess side effects of transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six men with a median age 68 years (range 53-77 years) were evaluated with symptom scores and voiding parameters before and at 3 and 12 months after TUNA. All treatments were performed in the outpatient department using topical anesthesia supplemented with sedoanalgesia. RESULTS: The International Prostate Symptom Score had decreased from 21.2 to 10.5 at 12 months postoperatively. Peak urinary flow was 10.9 mL/sec at baseline and was elevated to 13.7 mL/sec after 12 months. Residual urine volumes were unchanged. Postoperative urinary retention developed in 71% of the patients and had a mean duration of 6.3 (range 1-34) days. Postoperative perineal pain was noted by about half of the patients for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Painkillers were frequently used to reduce postoperative pain. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral needle ablation is a safe procedure suitable for the outpatient clinic. After short-term follow-up, statistically and clinically significant effects were observed on symptoms and uroflow. Long-term follow-up is mandatory to define the future role of this therapy.     

The use of radiography, urodynamic studies and cystoscopy in the evaluation of voiding dysfunction

PURPOSE: Children with dysfunctional voiding disorder often undergo radiological, cystoscopic or urodynamic evaluation to identify an anatomical or organic cause. We determined the role of these studies in the evaluation, management and ultimate outcome of a large patient population with voiding dysfunction at a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 1, 153 children with dysfunctional voiding disorder treated from 1990 to 1999. A thorough history and physical examination with specific emphasis on voiding patterns were done and urinalysis was performed in all cases. Ultrasound of the urinary system and excretory urography were done in 1,050 (91%) and 24 (2%) patients, respectively, while voiding cystourethrography was performed in 672 (58%), including 564 with a history of nonfebrile urinary tract infection. Cystoscopy and a formal urodynamic study were performed in 61 (5%) and 40 (3.5%) cases, respectively. RESULTS: Mean patient age at referral was 6 years (range 3 to 14). Of the children 74% were girls and 26% were boys. Physical examination of the abdomen, back, genitalia and neurological system was unremarkable in all cases. Ultrasound of the upper urinary system was normal in 1,018 patients (97%) and showed insignificant pyelectasis in 32 (3%). All 24 excretory urography studies were normal and voiding cystourethrography was normal in 470 of 672 cases (70%). Unilateral and bilateral low grade, and unilateral high grade reflux was present in 108, 19 and 3 patients, respectively. Urodynamic studies were performed in 40 children who did not respond to standard treatment. We noted detrusor instability in 16 patients, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in 6 and sensory abnormality in 3, while the study was completely normal in 10. Cystoscopy revealed normal findings in 17 cases, trabeculations in 21, inflammation in 20 and type 1 posterior urethral valves in 2. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of upper tract changes and positive anatomical findings in children with voiding dysfunction is too low to justify routine radiological evaluation and cystoscopy. However, in those who present with a nonfebrile urinary tract infection there remains an important role for voiding cystourethrography. We do not recommend routine urodynamics in children with voiding disorder because this study does not change therapy or influence the final outcome. Thorough history and physical examination lead to the correct diagnosis and treatment in the majority of children. A focus on correcting faulty voiding behavior with the judicious administration of antibiotics and anticholinergic therapy leads to a favorable outcome in most cases.     

Epidemiology and risk factors for urinary tract infection in patients with spinal cord injury

PURPOSE: To our knowledge risk factors for urinary tract infection associated with various drainage methods in patients with spinal cord injury have never been evaluated overall in the acute period. We identified the incidence and risk factors associated with urinary tract infection in spinal cord injured patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively followed 128 patients at our spinal cord injury reference hospital for 38 months and obtained certain data, including demographic characteristics, associated factors, methods of urinary drainage, bladder type, urological complications and predisposing factors of each infection episode. Logistic regression modeling was done to analyze variables and identify risk factors that predicted urinary tract infection. RESULTS: Of 128 patients 100 (78%) were male with a mean age plus or minus standard deviation of 32 +/- 14.52 years. All patients had a nonfatal condition by McCabe and Jackson guidelines, and 47% presented with associated factors. The incidence of urinary tract infection was expressed as number episodes per 100 patients daily or person-days. The overall incidence of urinary tract infection was 0.68, while for male indwelling, clean intermittent, condom and female suprapubic catheterization, and normal voiding the rate was 2.72, 0.41, 0.36, 0. 34 and 0.06, respectively. The risk factors associated with urinary tract infection were invasive procedures without antibiotic prophylaxis, cervical injury and chronic catheterization (odds ratio 2.62, 3 and 4, respectively). Risk factors associated with repeat infection were a functional independence measure score of less than 74 and vesicoureteral reflux (odds ratio 10 and 23, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Spinal cord injured patients with complete dependence and vesicoureteral reflux are at highest risk for urinary tract infection.     

Use of the dysfunctional voiding symptom score to predict resolution of vesicoureteral reflux in children with voiding dysfunction

PURPOSE: Dysfunctional voiding influences the presence and persistence of vesicoureteral reflux. We used a standardized published instrument, the dysfunctional voiding symptom score, to evaluate the association of dysfunctional voiding with vesicoureteral reflux. We report its use for monitoring improvement in and resolution of vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 1998, 114 patients with dysfunctional voiding were placed on behavioral modification. Of 58 patients (51%) who presented with urinary tract infection 27 (47%) had abnormal voiding cystourethrography, including 19 with reflux only. Baseline and followup dysfunctional voiding symptom score was determined in these 19 patients, who underwent prospective observational therapy and behavioral modification. We correlated the dysfunctional voiding symptom score with the evolution of vesicoureteral reflux. RESULTS: Vesicoureteral reflux was present in 19 of the 58 patients (33%) with dysfunctional voiding and urinary tract infection. All affected patients were female with a mean age of 6.7 years and a mean followup of 24 months. Reflux grade in the 24 units was I to IV in 7, 9, 7 and 1, respectively. Mean dysfunctional voiding symptom score was 13.3 in patients with normal voiding cystourethrography and 11.7 in the vesicoureteral reflux group (p = 0.6). Reflux resolved in 3, 2 and 2 cases of grades I, II and III disease, respectively, while improvement (decrease of 2 or more grades) was noted in 4. Initial dysfunctional voiding symptom score in these 11 cases decreased from a mean of 9.6 (range 4 to 18) to 3.7 (range 0 to 12, p = 0.01). The 8 patients with persistent reflux had an initial dysfunctional voiding symptom score of 14.4 (range 4 to 21), which decreased to 11.1 (range 1 to 19, p = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease in the dysfunctional voiding symptom score appears to confirm compliance with behavioral modification and predicts ultimate reflux resolution. The dysfunctional voiding symptom score provides a noninvasive means of monitoring compliance with therapy during expectant treatment of patients with vesicoureteral reflux.     

A novel intraurethral prostatic bridge catheter for prevention of temporary prostatic obstruction following high energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE: We evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel intraurethral prostatic bridge catheter in preventing temporary prostatic obstruction following targeted high energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 54 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent high energy transurethral microwave therapy under topical urethral anesthesia followed by placement of a prostatic bridge catheter, which remained indwelling as long as 1 month (prostatic bridge catheter group). Patient evaluation included determination of peak urinary flow rate, International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) and quality of life score at baseline, immediately following transurethral microwave therapy and prostatic bridge catheter placement, and periodically thereafter for 1 month. Results were retrospectively compared with those of 51 patients who underwent transurethral microwave therapy followed by standard temporary urinary catheterization, typically for 24 hours (standard catheterization group). RESULTS. Immediately following transurethral microwave therapy and prostatic bridge catheter placement significant improvements (p <0.0005) were observed in mean peak flow rate, I-PSS and quality of life score of 59.3, 33.5 and 23.6%, respectively, compared with baseline values. Further improvements were noted up to 1 month, at which time mean peak flow rate, I-PSS and quality of life score had improved 79.0, 54.9 and 56.5%, respectively, versus baseline (p <0.0005). In a retrospective comparison at baseline and 14 days between the prostatic bridge catheter group and standard catheterization group mean baseline peak flow rate, I-PSS and quality of life score were similar. However, at the 14-day followup evaluation in the prostatic bridge catheter group mean peak flow rate was 101.8% higher, and I-PSS and quality of life score were 47.9 and 51.1% lower, respectively, than the corresponding values in the standard catheterization group (p <0.0005). The prostatic bridge catheter was well tolerated and remained indwelling throughout the entire 1-month followup in 48 of 54 patients (88.9%). Early prostatic bridge catheter removal was required in 3 patients (5.6%) due to urinary retention and in 3 (5.6%) due to catheter migration. CONCLUSIONS. Prostatic bridge catheter placement provides an effective and well tolerated option for preventing prostatic obstruction in the acute period after transurethral microwave therapy. This approach avoids the inconvenience and infection risk of standard indwelling catheters or intermittent self-catheterization. Prostatic bridge catheter insertion and removal are rapid, facile, nontraumatic procedures. Prostatic bridge catheter may potentially be used in an array of minimally invasive procedures involving thermal treatment of the prostate gland.     

Comparison of 1 and 3 days' transurethral Foley catheterization after retropubic incontinence surgery

This prospective study was done to see if reducing transurethral Foley catheterization from 3 days to 1 would lead to fewer urinary tract infections without an increase in voiding problems. Ninety-one women undergoing retropubic surgery for stress urinary incontinence (Burch or Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz) were randomized to either 1 or 3 days' catheterization. Antibiotics were not used. Infection was diagnosed in 9 (20.0%) patients in the 1-day group and in 16 (34.8%) in the 3-day group. Delayed voiding occurred in 13 (28.9%) and 10 (21.7%) patients, respectively, and 5 (11.1%) and 3 (6.5%), respectively, received a new catheter. The differences do not reach statistical significance. Therefore, catheter time may safely be reduced to 1 day. This may lead to fewer infections but also somewhat more voiding problems. If a transurethral catheter is to be used, on balance the two regimens are equivalent.Editorial Comment: The investigators present a simple and clearly defined study on postoperative voiding management, specifically comparing 1 and 3 day's transurethral Foley catheterization after retropubic surgery. The study is limited by insufficient numbers and the possibility of a type II error in comparing such a small difference in length of Foley use (1 versus 3 days), in terms of the incidence of urinary tract infection or voiding dysfunction. In spite of this limitation, the large number of surgeons utilizing transurethral Foley catheterization following retropubic procedures should find this study of interest, as should those who practise in a managed care environment. Removal of the Foley catheter on postoperative day 1 appears to be a viable alternative, as long as adequate bladder emptying is confirmed.     

Durability of a single successful endoscopic polytetrafluoroethylene injection for primary vesicoureteral reflux: 14-year followup results

PURPOSE: We reviewed our 14-year experience with successful single endoscopic subureteral polytetrafluoroethylene injection for the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 42 patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux who were treated with a single successful subureteral polytetrafluoroethylene injection between 1989 and 1993 and followed with routine 1, 3 and 10-year voiding cystourethrography. RESULTS: The study included 30 girls and 12 boys 2 to 14 years old (median age 6 years). Four patients were lost to followup. Of the 38 remaining patients 28 had unilateral and 10 had bilateral primary vesicoureteral reflux. Endoscopic treatment with subureteral polytetrafluoroethylene injection was performed in 48 ureters. Followup ranged from 10 to 14 years (mean 12.5+/-2.1). Voiding cystourethrography in 38 patients and 48 ureters revealed that 35 ureters (73%) remained free of reflux, whereas reflux recurred in 13 (27%) at a median of 2 years. Of these 13 ureters recurring reflux was grade I to II in 5 and grade III to V in 8. Reflux recurred in 11 of 24 ureters with grade IV to V reflux. Of the 13 recurrences 10 presented as febrile urinary tract infections and only 3 grade I recurrences were detected on voiding cystourethrography alone. No untoward effects were seen in any of these patients with injection of polytetrafluoroethylene. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term followup may be warranted after a single successful endoscopic injection for vesicoureteral reflux, particularly high grade reflux. However, followup voiding cystourethrography is unnecessary in patients presenting with febrile urinary tract infection.