Refined nomogram incorporating standing cough test improves prediction of male transobturator sling success

Urethral Slings for Irradiated Patients With Male Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically compare success, cure and complication rates of urethral sling surgeries in stress urinary incontinence patients with and without a history of pelvic radiotherapy (RT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PUBMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify relevant articles. The primary outcomes were the success and cure rates. The secondary outcomes included the rates of infection, urethral erosion, total complications, explantation, and satisfaction. Outcomes were analyzed using a random-effects model to calculate the unadjusted odds ratio (OR) in patients with a history of RT compared with those without prior RT.

RESULTS

On pooled analysis, we found significantly lower odds of success (OR 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53-0.87, P < .001) and cure (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.55-0.82, P < .001) in radiated patients than in nonirradiated patients. Subgroup analysis by type of sling showed significantly lower odds of success in Advance subgroup (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.45-0.95, P < .001) and significantly lower odds of cure in Advance (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36-0.95, P < .001) and Atoms subgroups (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.54-0.93, P < .001). We also found significantly greater odds of sling explantation (OR 2.93; 95% CI 1.62-5.29, P < .001) and infection (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.03-9.07, P < .001) in radiated patients than in nonradiated patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a history of pelvic RT have lower odds of success and cure and higher odds of infection and sling explantation than those without a history of pelvic RT.

Surgical Management of Male Stress Incontinence: Techniques, Indications, and Pearls for Success

Purpose

Male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has detrimental and long-lasting effects on patients. Management of this condition is an evolving field with multiple options for surgical treatment. We sought to review the pre-operative evaluation, intra-operative considerations, post-operative care, and future directions for treatment of male SUI.

Methods

A literature review was performed using the PubMed platform to identify peer-reviewed, English-language articles published within the last 5 years pertaining to management of male stress urinary incontinence with an emphasis on devices currently on the market in the United States including the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS), male urethral slings, and the ProACT^TM system. Patient selection criteria, success rates, and complications were compared between the studies.

Results

Twenty articles were included in the final contemporary review. Pre-operative workup most commonly included demonstration of incontinence, PPD, and cystoscopy. Definition of success varied by study; the most common definition used was social continence (0-1 pads per day). Reported rates of success were higher for the AUS than for male urethral slings (73-93% vs 70-90%, respectively). Complications for these procedures include urinary retention, erosions, infections, and device malfunction. Newer treatment options including adjustable balloon systems and adjustable slings show promise but lack long-term follow-up.

Conclusion

Patient selection remains the primary consideration for surgical decision-making for management of male SUI. The AUS continues to be the gold standard for moderate-to-severe male SUI but comes with inherent risk of need for revision. Male slings may be a superior option for appropriately selected men with mild incontinence but are inferior to the AUS for moderate and severe incontinence. Ongoing research will shed light on long-term results for newer options such as the ProACT and REMEEX systems.

Refined Nomogram Incorporating Standing Cough Test Improves Prediction of Adjustable Trans-Obturator Male System (ATOMS) Success to Treat Post-Prostatectomy Male Stress Incontinence

(1) Background: The adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) device serves to treat post-prostatectomy incontinence, as it enhances residual urinary sphincteric function by dorsal compression of the bulbar urethra. We investigated the clinical parameters affecting continence recovery using this device and developed a decision aid to predict success. (2) Methods: We reviewed consecutive men treated with first-time ATOMS for post-prostatectomy incontinence from 2014 to 2021 at our institution. Patient demographics, reported pads per day (PPD), 24-h pad-test and Standing Cough Test (SCT), results’ grades 1–4, according to Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS), and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) questionnaire were assessed. Treatment success was defined as no pads or a single PPD with ≤20-mL 24-h pad-test. Logistic regression was performed using a stepwise model (entry 0.15 and stay criterium 0.1) to evaluate independent variables’ determinant of dryness. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves for predictive variables were evaluated and their area under curve (AUC) was compared. A nomogram was generated and internally validated to predict probability of treatment success. (3) Results: Overall, 149 men (median age 70 years, IQR 7) were evaluated with a median follow-up of 45 months (IQR 26). Twelve patients (8%) had previous devices for incontinence, and 21 (14.1%) had pelvic radiation. Thirty-five men (23.5%) did not achieve continence after ATOMS adjustment (use of no or one security PPD with ≤20-mL 24-h pad-test). In univariate analysis, Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.0412), previous urethroplasty (p = 0.0187), baseline PPD (p < 0.0001), 24-h pad-test (p < 0.0001), MSIGS (p < 0.0001), and ICIQ-SF questionnaire score (p < 0.0001) predicted ATOMS failure. In a multivariable model, 24-h pad-test (p = 0.0031), MSIGS (p = 0.0244), and radiotherapy (p = 0.0216) were independent variables, with AUC 0.8221. The association of MSIGS and 24-h pad-test was the superior combination (AUC 0.8236). A nomogram to predict the probability of ATOMS failure using the independent variables identified was proposed. (4) Conclusions: Several variables were identified as predictive of success for ATOMS using clinical history, physical examination (MSIGS), and factors that evaluate urine loss severity (PPD, 24-h pad-test, and ICIQ-SF questionnaire). MSIGS adds prognostic value to 24-h pad-test in assessing success of ATOMS device to treat post-prostatectomy incontinence. A nomogram was proposed to calculate the risk of ATOMS failure, which could be of interest to personalize the decision to use this device or not in the individual patient.

Narrative review of male urethral sling for post-prostatectomy stress incontinence: sling type, patient selection, and clinical applications

Male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following prostate treatment is a devastating complaint for many patients. While the artificial urinary sphincter is the gold standard treatment for male SUI, the urethral sling is also popular due to ease of placement, lack of mechanical complexity, and absence of manual dexterity requirement. A literature review was performed of male urethral sling articles spanning the last zz20 years using the PubMed search engine. Clinical practice guidelines were also reviewed for comparison. Four categories of male urethral sling were evaluated: the transobturator AdVance and AdVance XP, the bone-anchored InVance, the quadratic Virtue, and the adjustable sling series. Well selected patients with mild to moderate urinary incontinence and no prior history of radiation experienced the highest success rates at long-term follow up. Patients with post-prostatectomy climacturia also reported improvement in leakage after sling. Concurrent penile prosthesis and sling techniques were reviewed, with favorable short-term outcomes demonstrated. Male urethral sling is a user-friendly surgical procedure with durable long-term outcomes in carefully selected men with mild stress urinary incontinence. Multiple sling types are available with varying degrees of efficacy and complication rates. Longer follow-up and larger cohort sizes are needed for treatment of newer indications such as climacturia as well as techniques involving dual placement of sling and penile prosthesis.

Artificial Urinary Sphincter Complications: Risk Factors, Workup, and Clinical Approach

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review risk factors for AUS complications and present a systematic approach to their diagnosis and management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Established risk factors for AUS complications include catheterization, channel TURP, pelvic radiation, urethroplasty, anticoagulation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, frailty index, hypertension, low albumin, and low testosterone. We present our algorithm for diagnosis and management of AUS complications. Despite being the gold standard of treatment for men with SUI, major and minor complications can occur at any point after AUS insertion. Careful consideration of the urologic, medical, and operative risk factors for each patient can help prevent complications. A systematic approach to early and late complications facilitates their identification and effective management. The evaluating urologist must have a thorough understanding of potential AUS complications in order to restore quality of life in men with bothersome SUI.

Standing cough test stratification of moderate male stress urinary incontinence

PURPOSE

Patient-reported history of pads per day (PPD) is widely recognized as a fundamental element of decision-making for anti-incontinence procedures. We hypothesize that SUI severity is often underestimated among men with moderate SUI. We sought to compare patient history of incontinence severity versus objective in-office physical examination findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our single-surgeon male SUI surgical database from 2007-2019. We excluded patients with incomplete preoperative or postoperative data and those who reported either mild or severe SUI, thus having more straightforward surgical counseling. For men reported to have moderate SUI, we determined the frequency of upgrading SUI severity by recording the results of an in-office standing cough test (SCT) using the Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS). The correlation of MSIGS with sling success rate was calculated. Failure was defined as >1 PPD usage or need for additional incontinence procedure.

RESULTS

Among 233 patients with reported moderate SUI (2-3 PPD), 89 (38%) had MSIGS 3-4 on SCT, indicating severe SUI. Among patients with 2-3 PPD preoperatively, sling success rates were significantly higher for patients with MSIGS 0-2 (76/116, 64%) compared to MSIGS 3-4 (6/18, 33%) (p <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Many men with self-reported history of moderate SUI actually present severe SUI observed on SCT. The SCT is a useful tool to stratify moderate SUI patients to more accurately predict sling success.

Outcomes of a Series of Patients with Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence Treated with an Adjustable Transobturator Male System or Artificial Urinary Sphincter

Introduction

A prospective evaluation of outcomes in a series of patients with post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) treated with two different devices is presented.

Methods

Consecutive patients with PPI underwent interventions with an adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) or artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). Decisions were based on patient preference after physician counselling. Patient characteristics and operative and postoperative parameters including dryness, satisfaction, complications, revision and device durability were evaluated.

Results

One hundred twenty-nine patients were included: 102 (79.1%) received ATOMS and 27 (20.9%) AUS. Mean follow-up was 34.9 ± 15.9 months. No difference was observed between patient age (p = 0.56), ASA score (p = 0.13), Charlson index (p = 0.57) and radiation (p = 0.3). BMI was higher for AUS (27.1 vs. 29.7; p = 0.003) and also baseline incontinence severity (7.9% mild, 44.1% moderate and 48% severe for ATOMS vs. 11.1% moderate and 88.9% severe for AUS; p = 0.0007). Differential pad test was higher for AUS (− 470 vs. − 1000 ml; p < 0.0001) and so was ICIQ-SF (15.62 vs. 18.3; p < 0.001), but total dryness (76.5 vs. 66.7%; p = 0.33), social continence (90.2 vs. 85.2%; p = 0.49) and satisfaction (92.2 vs. 88.9%; p = 0.69) were equivalent. The postoperative complication rate was similar (22.6 vs. 29.6%; p = 0.4). The surgical revision rate was higher for AUS (6.9 vs. 22.2%; p = 0.029) and also the explant rate but did not reach statistical significance (4.9 vs. 14.8%; p = 0.09). Time to explant was shorter for AUS (log-rank p = 0.021). Regression analysis revealed radiation (p = 0.003) and incontinence severity (p = 0.029) predict total dryness, while complications (p < 0.005) and type of device (p = 0.039) independently predict surgical revision.

Conclusions

Both ATOMS and AUS are effective devices. Pad test change for AUS exceeds that of ATOMS. The revision rate is higher for AUS, and durability is superior for ATOMS. The satisfaction rate is equivalent. Larger series and longer follow-up are needed to compare both devices more appropriately. According to our experience, the AUS is not the only gold standard for PPI.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-020-01563-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Concurrent urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED) can greatly damage a patient's quality of life. Owing to the intertwined anatomy, treatment options for one most certainly have implications on the other.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to characterize and elucidate the treatment patients with postprostatectomy UI undergoing concurrent or subsequent treatment of ED. These principles can be extrapolated to all patients with UI and ED.

METHODS

The literature on postprostatectomy UI treatment in the context of concurrent ED was reviewed through a Medline search. Original research using quantitative and qualitative methodologies was considered.

RESULTS

The epidemiology, workup, and management of postprostatectomy UI being mindful of ongoing or future ED treatments are the main outcome measures. Owing to the intertwined anatomy, treatment options for UI and ED have implications on the other. It is essential for the surgeon to obtain an understanding of the patient's degree of bother for each process, personal preference on treatment options, and management of expectations. Surgical treatment options include a combination of the artificial urinary sphincter, sling, inflatable penile prosthesis, semi-rigid penile prosthesis, and new techniques such as the Mini-Jupette. The appropriate combinations will be determined by patient factors of dexterity, preference, degree of leakage, history of radiation, and so on. The decision of staged vs dual implant will be largely driven by the surgeons' preference, payor limitations, and comfort level. This issue is particularly challenging in redo cases where we advocate for cuff downsizing or tandem cuff before the transcorporal approach is used with the goal of preserving sexual function.

CONCLUSION

The concurrent treatment of ED and UI requires thoughtful workup, meticulous attention to detail, and an armamentarium of surgical skills. It is crucial for the surgeon to understand and manage patient expectations in treating these delicate and difficult pathologies. Ajay D, Mendez MH, Wang R, et al. Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2020;XX:XXX-XXX.

Strong correlation between standing cough test and 24-hour pad weights in the evaluation of male stress urinary incontinence

AIMS

We sought to compare in-office physical exam findings via standing cough test (SCT) versus 24-hour pad weights among men seeking treatment for postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

A retrospective review of a single surgeon database of incontinence procedures was performed. Documentation of SUI severity (grades 0-4) was completed by SCT preoperatively utilizing the Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS). All patients had pads per day (PPD) and 24-hour pad weights obtained. We determined the Spearman's correlation coefficient between these variables.

RESULTS

We identified 104 men who underwent anti-incontinence surgery (AdVance Sling or artificial urinary sphincter [AUS]). In the sling group (65 patients), nearly all (97%) had minimal incontinence with SCT (MSIGS = 0-2). In the AUS group (39 patients), most patients (69%) had an MSIGS 3 or 4 with SCT. Spearman's coefficient between quantification of SCT and pad weight for the overall group was ρ = .68 (P < .0001) demonstrating a strong positive correlation. PPD was also strongly correlated with pad weight (ρ = .55, P < .0001). As seen previously, SCT and PPD were correlated (ρ = .47, P < .0001). In a multivariable model predicting pad weight, the effect of SCT was greater than PPD (β = 83 [54-111], P < .0001 vs 45 [2169], P = .0004).

CONCLUSIONS

SCT findings strongly correlate to 24-hour pad weights in the evaluation of male SUI. The SCT shows promise as a rapid, reliable, noninvasive measure of SUI severity before anti-incontinence surgery.

Preliminary Outcomes of the Male Urethral "Mini-Sling": A Modified Approach to the Andrianne Mini-Jupette Procedure With Penile Prosthesis Placement for Climacturia and Mild Stress Urinary Incontinence

INTRODUCTION

Previous worked showed that the Andrianne Mini-Jupette (AMJ) procedure with inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) significantly improves climacturia or stress urinary incontinence (SUI) that may accompany erectile dysfunction (ED) after radical prostatectomy. However, with the AMJ procedure, the graft is incorporated into the medial aspect of the corporotomy, thereby requiring a more complex closure. Moreover, in the original report, multiple graft materials were used.

AIM

To describe our technique for "male urethral mini-sling" (MUMS) with a Virtue sling mesh, which is a modified approach to the AMJ, and to assess early postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for men who underwent IPP and MUMS placement with a modified Virtue mesh by 2 high-volume prosthetic urologic surgeons using the same technique. After proximal urethral exposure, the MUMS is sutured to the latera corpora over the bulbar urethra, proximal to and separate from the planned corporotomy, with care taken to avoid excessive urethral tension. The IPP is then placed in standard fashion. Changes in patient-reported climacturia and pads per day for SUI were assessed before and after surgery.

RESULTS

36 men underwent both IPP and MUMS placement between January 2016-October 2018. Mean patient age was 68 years. Etiology for ED and urinary symptoms was prostatectomy alone in 30 of 36 (83%) and prostatectomy plus radiation in 6 of 36 (17%). Preoperative urinary symptoms included climacturia in 30 of 36 (83%) and SUI in 27 of 36 (75%). Mean (SD) follow-up was 5.9 (3.7) months. Climacturia resolved in 28 of 30 (93%), and SUI improved in 23 of 27 (85%). The mean (SD) number of pads per day for those patients with SUI decreased significantly from 1.4 (1.1) before surgery to 0.4 (0.6) after surgery (P = .02). 1 patient required MUMS explantation for urethral erosion after prolonged postoperative catheterization.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The MUMS with modified Virtue mesh at the time of IPP placement can be used to treat ED with climacturia or mild SUI after radical prostatectomy.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

Strengths include the use of a consistent operative technique with a single graft material by 2 experienced prosthetic urologic surgeons. Limitations include the retrospective study design, use of subjective postoperative outcomes, lack of comparison group, and relatively moderate follow-up duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our early results suggest that the MUMS significantly improves bothersome climacturia and mild SUI in addition to treating ED, with little added morbidity. Although further study, including longer-term follow-up, is needed, this approach may be considered in the appropriately counseled patient. Valenzuela RJ, Ziegelmann MJ, Hillelsohn JH, et al. Preliminary Outcomes of the Male Urethral "Mini-Sling": A Modified Approach to the Andrianne Mini-Jupette Procedure With Penile Prosthesis Placement for Climacturia and Mild Stress Urinary Incontinence. J Sex Med 2019;16:1310-1317.