An open multicenter study of polyacrylamide hydrogel (Bulkamid®) for female stress and mixed urinary incontinence

Perspectives on technology: urethral slings in a post-mesh world

OBJECTIVES

To detail the history of synthetic mid-urethral slings (SMUSs) and fascial slings, their efficacy, associated complications, and changes to practice that have occurred after the issuing of the 2011 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Safety Communication statement on transvaginal mesh (TVM), and to highlight the need for surgical registries and high-quality randomised controlled data to guide recommendations for continence procedures, in view of current concerns regarding mesh.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of systematic reviews to identify articles published from 2011 onward, following the FDA Safety Communication regarding TVM.

RESULTS

Prior to the formal FDA Safety Communication in 2011, TVM was considered a safe option for the treatment of both pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The 2011 FDA safety communications and ensuing widely publicised litigation against TVM manufacturers have shifted both surgeon and patient acceptance of mesh products. Several efforts by medical and government bodies have been made to establish ways to monitor the surgical outcomes and safety of mesh products. The Australasian Pelvic Floor Procedure Registry is one such example. Although SMUSs have a long and established safety profile, perceptions of mesh products for SUI have also been negatively affected. The extent of this, however, has yet to be adequately measured through qualitative and quantitative data. The available data suggest it has been difficult for patients and consumers to distinguish between TVM morbidity for POP vs SUI. Furthermore, there remains a lack of high-quality randomised or real-world registry data to definitively exclude the SMUS from the SUI treatment algorithm. Since SMUSs are a viable option for SUI treatment, the concept of a 'post-mesh world' remains contentious.

CONCLUSION

Controversies surrounding SMUSs have changed the treatment landscape of SUI. Against the background of significant litigious action following the FDA warnings against mesh use, there has been significant reduction in the uptake of synthetic mesh products. Although there are ample data related to surgical outcomes and safety for both autologous fascial and retropubic SMUSs in carefully selected patients, informed consent and surgical training will be of paramount importance as newer synthetic materials reach clinical maturity.

Quality of life and sexual function after tension-free vaginal tape and polyacrylamide hydrogel injection for primary stress urinary incontinence: 3-year follow-up from a randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To assess quality of life (QoL) and sexual function outcomes at 3 years after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and polyacrylamide hydrogel injection (PAHG) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

In this randomized trial comparing TVT (n = 104) and PAHG (n = 108), we assessed changes in QoL and sexuality using the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Short Form (IIQ-7), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) and RAND-36 Item Health Survey (RAND-36) at baseline and at 3 years. This is a secondary analysis of a randomized, noninferiority trial comparing patient satisfaction after TVT and PAHG.

RESULTS

In both groups, incontinence-related QoL improved from the baseline (p < 0.00), except for difficulty emptying the bladder and pain/discomfort. Total scores of UDI-6 and IIIQ-7 were lower for TVT compared to PAHG (p < 0.00) indicating better QoL at 3 years. Urinary incontinence with sexual activity or fear of incontinence restricting sexual activity improved in both groups (p < 0.00), with higher scores for physical section subscale in PISQ-12 (p = 0.02) for TVT. Physical and social functioning (RAND-36) improved from the baseline in both groups (p < 0.01) with a better outcome in the TVT group for physical functioning (p = 0.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Both TVT and PAHG improve QoL and sexual function in primary SUI with better incontinence and health-related QoL scores in the TVT group compared to the PAHG group at 3 years.

A diagnostic conundrum: Is it a periurethral diverticulum/cyst or a bulking agent (Bulkamid)?

INTRODUCTION

Urethral bulking agents are commonly used to manage female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) as they have been suggested to be safe, efficacious, and a minimally invasive surgical option. Bulkamid is a newer bulking agent that has been introduced and promoted in the market for use. It is non-particulate in nature with high tissue biocompatibility, and consequently, it is difficult to differentiate between Bulkamid and a periurethral cyst on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This, therefore, presents a diagnostic dilemma.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Here we describe two cases with previous injections of Bulkamid referred to our Centre for management of a presumed periurethral diverticulum based on MRI findings. Both patients were reviewed and examined in outpatient clinics with MRI findings discussed at MDT, further imaging was required.

RESULTS

We found that a limited noncontrast computed tomography (CT) pelvis, followed by a voiding cystometrogram (VCMG), and then a repeat limited noncontrast CT pelvis effectively differentiated between Bulkamid and these presumed periurethral diverticulae. The theory behind this was that during micturition, the contrast would pass through to the urethral diverticulum and appear as high-density (bright) material within the periurethral region (the pre-VCMG was required to prove that any high-density material was due to the contrast and not pre-existing high-contrast material).

CONCLUSION

A CT scan done in conjunction with a VCMG is likely to be more effective in differentiating between Bulkamid and a true periurethral diverticulum than an MRI scan. Appropriate diagnostic evaluation of periurethral lesions can lead to time-saving and cost-effective patient management as this will bypass the need for unnecessary investigations and possible unwarranted surgical intervention.

Update on Urethral Bulking for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Urethral bulking agents are an effective treatment for stress urinary incontinence in select females. The material and techniques used for urethral bulking are constantly evolving. With the introduction of several new agents, there is an ongoing debate over which agent is the most effective, durable, and safe.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current available bulking agents include Bulkamid®, Macroplastiue®, Durasphere®, Coaptite®, or Urolastic®. Each of these agents has its own biophysical properties that affect its efficacy and safety. Evidence evaluating bulking agents has increased over time but there is no definitive data that suggest superiority of one agent over another. The ideal urethral bulking agent for female stress incontinence has yet been identified. Currently available agents have acceptable short-term and medium-term efficacy with few adverse events.

Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering: Addressing Key Design Needs Toward Clinical Translation

Collapse

The new therapeutic option for female stress and stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence: Periurethral hypertonic saline (10%) injection

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of periurethral hypertonic saline (10% NaCl) injection in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (S-MUI) in women.

METHODS

This was a prospective study conducted between January 2014 and April 2018 with 64 women (44 SUI and 21 S-MUI). Patients with SUI and S-MUI were evaluated using the Urinary Distress Inventory 6. Quality of life was evaluated with the Incontinence Quality of Life Scale and lower urinary tract symptoms of the women were evaluated with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Modules. Incontinence status and treatment success were assessed via the Stamey incontinence grade and pad test.

RESULTS

The subjective success rate was 58.5%, and the objective success rate was 81.5%. The rate of reinjection was 21.5%, and the mean duration of reinjection was 8.92 months (3-19 months). Minor adverse effects were observed in 30.4% of the 79 injections. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Modules and Incontinence Quality of Life Scale scores improved remarkably starting from the first month. Urinary Distress Inventory 6 scores in the S-MUI group also improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that hypertonic saline injection is an effective and safe method in the treatment of SUI and S-MUI. Since hypertonic saline is a much cheaper and more accessible substance compared to bulking agents, it seems to be a viable alternative for urinary incontinence treatment in women.

Combination therapy with botulinum toxin and bulking agent-An efficient, sustainable, and safe method to treat elderly women with mixed urinary incontinence

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy, sustainability and safety of combined botulinum toxin and polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG) therapy to treat urgency and stress components of therapy‐refractory mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in an elderly study population.

Methods

Fifty‐five women with therapy‐refractory MUI were treated with botulinum toxin and PAHG in one surgical procedure. Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) outcomes were separately assessed after 4 and 12 months by objective UUI episodes/24 h and cough test, subjective impact of UUI and SUI on quality of life, and subjective International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐UI SF). MUI outcome was calculated by combining UUI and SUI outcomes. Complications were monitored throughout the study.

Results

At 4 months, objective cure rates were 73%, 53%, and 42%, and subjective cure rates were 71%, 52%, and 50% for SUI, UUI, and MUI. At 12 months, objective cure rates were 73%, 56%, 50% and subjective cure rates were 78%, 42%, and 40% for SUI, UUI, and MUI. The ICIQ‐UI SF score decreased by 9.0 and 8.7 points after 4 and 12 months. All complications were transient and included 22% clean intermittent catheterization immediately after surgery, 33% postvoid residual volumes >100 ml at 14 days, and 13% symptomatic urinary tract infection within the first postoperative month.

Conclusions

The combination of botulinum toxin and PAHG is effective, sustainable and safe to treat therapy‐refractory MUI, even in an elderly and frail study population. Patients benefit from the short surgical procedure without the need for general anaesthesia or discontinuation of anticoagulation.

Periurethral injection with polyacrylamide after previous TVT surgery

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this registry study was to assess the clinical utility of using periurethral bulking with polyacrylamide hydrogel in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after previous midurethral sling surgery.

METHODS

The study period was 2007 through 2019. Using data from the Norwegian Female Incontinence Registry we included 57 women who had received Bulkamid® because of insufficient improvement or recurrent SUI after previous retropubic TVT surgery. The primary outcome was cure of SUI, and secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction, degree of leakage, change in urgency incontinence (UUI), free flow rate, postvoid residual volume, and complications. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize data and Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare pre- and postoperative results for pairs, with level of significance at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Pure SUI was seen in 19 (33.3%) while 38 (66.7%) had mixed incontinence. Postoperatively 72.9% had a negative stress test and 73.7% were satisfied with treatment. There was only 1 complication in 67 injections (1.5%). De novo UUI occurred in five patients, corresponding to 8.8% of the whole study group, but 26.3% among those with no preoperative UUI problems. Among the patients with preoperative UUI, 39.5% were cured of this problem and a further 36.8% were improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The cure rate and satisfaction rate of periurethral bulking with polyacrylamide after previous MUS are favorable and complications are rare. There seems to be a risk of overactive bladder symptoms developing in women with no such symptoms preoperatively.

Urethral bulking agents for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women: A systematic review

AIMS

To perform a systematic review to assess and compare the efficacy and safety of all urethral bulking agents (UBAs) available for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. A systematic search was conducted using the Ovid Medline, Embase and PubMed databases. Studies were included if they involved women who underwent either Bulkamid®, Macroplastique®, Durasphere®, Coaptite®, or Urolastic® injections for the treatment of SUI. A total of 583 articles were screened with 56 articles included. A qualitative analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The newer synthetic UBAs are not inferior to Contigen®, with variable mean success rates of 30%-80% in the short-term. Better long-term success rates were found with Bulkamid® (42%-70%), Coaptite® (60%-75%), and Macroplastique® (21%-80%) on qualitative review. Urinary tract infection rates were similar between bulking agents (4%-10.6%) although temporary acute urinary retention was more commonly associated with Coaptite® (mean: 34.2%), and de novo urgency in Durasphere® (mean: 24.7%). Significant complications such as migration into lymph nodes was reported with Durasphere®. Erosion was reported with Macroplastique®, Coaptite®, and Urolastic®, with a rate as high as 24.6% in one study of Urolastic®.

CONCLUSION

Available data support the use of Bulkamid® and Macroplastique®, which has shown a short-term efficacy of 30%-90% and 40%-85% respectively, and long-term efficacy of 42%-70%, and 21%-80%, respectively. Bulkamid® appears to have a more favorable safety profile, with no cases of erosion or migration of product associated with its use. Direct comparisons of UBAs have not been performed.

Seven-year efficacy and safety outcomes of Bulkamid for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence

AIMS

Bulking agents are a minimally invasive treatment option for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety following treatment with Bulkamid as a primary procedure for SUI or stress-predominant MUI.

METHODS

This was an Institutional Review Board-approved single-center retrospective study of female patients with SUI or stress-predominant MUI who had undergone injection with Bulkamid since 2005 and had completed 7 years of follow up. The primary endpoint was patient satisfaction measured on a four-point scale as cured, improved, unchanged, or worse. Secondary outcomes included the number of incontinence pads used, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) scores, Visual Analog Scale Quality of Life (VAS QoL), reinjection rates, and perioperative and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 1,200 patients were treated with Bulkamid since 2005 and of these, 388 (32.3%) had completed 7 years of follow-up. A total of 67.1% of the patients reported feeling cured or improved if Bulkamid was a primary procedure, 11.1% reported no change, and 2.3% reported worsening of incontinence. A total of 19.5% of patients received a subsequent other incontinence procedure. The ICIQ-UI SF was reduced by 8.6 points. VAS QoL improved by a mean of 4.3 points. Postoperative complications were transient. Prolonged bladder emptying time was reported in 15.3% of patients and urinary tract infection in 3.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Bulkamid injections are an effective and safe first-line treatment option for women with SUI or stress-predominant MUI providing durable outcomes at 7 years.

Quality of life and sexual function after TVT surgery versus Bulkamid injection for primary stress urinary incontinence: 1 year results from a randomized clinical trial

Introduction and hypothesis

To assess changes in quality of life (QoL) and sexual function outcomes at 1 year after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) versus polyacrylamide hydrogel injection (PAHG).

Methods

In a randomized trial comparing TVT (n = 111) and PAHG (n = 113) treatments of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), we compared urinary incontinence and health-related QoL using the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Short Form (IIQ-7), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) and RAND-36 Item Health Survey (RAND-36) at baseline and 1 year.

Results

UDI-6 and IIQ-7 showed improved incontinence-related QoL (p = 0.001) from baseline in both groups except for difficulty emptying the bladder and pain/discomfort. At 1 year, TVT patients experienced less urinary symptom-related distress compared to PAHG (p < 0.001). Sexual function improved in both groups (p < 0.001 for TVT and p = 0.01 for PAHG) with higher scores for the physical section subscale (p < 0.001) for TVT. Health-related QoL (RAND-36) improved from baseline in both groups in physical and social functioning (p < 0.001) with better outcome in the TVT group for physical functioning (p < 0.001). Increase in pain from baseline (p = 0.02) was detected for TVT, but not for PAHG. However, there was no difference between the groups (p = 0.78).

Conclusions

In primary SUI, TVT and PAHG treatments both improved QoL and sexual function at 1 year. However, incontinence and health-related QoL scores were better in the TVT group. More pain compared to the baseline was reported after TVT, although there was no difference between groups. Clinical significance needs to be evaluated in long-term follow-up.

Urethral bulking agents: a retrospective review of primary versus salvage procedure outcomes

PURPOSE

Urethral bulking agents (UBA) have traditionally been offered as salvage procedures for recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We compare the success of UBA in patients that had undergone a previous procedure for SUI (Salvage-UBA) to the SUI surgery naïve (Primary-UBA). We hypothesised a positive effect in both Primary and Salvage-UBA with potentially poorer rates of response in the salvage group.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of patients having their first UBA (2010-2018). Primary outcome was to assess any difference in patient reported success between groups. Patient-reported improvement was assessed on a 4-point scale: 'cured, improved, no change, worse' and treatment 'success' defined as 'cured' or 'improved'. A multivariate analysis, adjusting for plausible differences between groups, was undertaken in IBM SPSS Statistics (2016).

RESULTS

135 Primary-UBA and 38 Salvage-UBA were performed. Complete follow-up was obtained for 114 patients (66%): 86 Primary and 28 Salvage. Median follow-up time: 33 months. In 2012, 47% (8/17) of all UBA were Salvage-UBA, whilst in 2018, the majority were Primary-UBA (92%, 46/50). Success was not significantly different between Salvage-UBA 75% (21/28) versus Primary-UBA 67% (58/86) (Wald χ² = 0.687, df = 1, p = 0.407). Top-up rates were similar: 14% (n = 4/28, Salvage-UBA) versus 15% (n = 13/86, Primary-UBA) (χ² = 0.011, df = 1, p = 0.914).

CONCLUSION

The number of women opting for UBA has increased substantially. No significant differences were noted for success with Salvage-UBA compared to Primary-UBA.

Regenerative medicine and injection therapies in stress urinary incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common and bothersome condition. Anti-incontinence surgery has high cure rates, but concerns about mesh tapes have resulted in the resurgence of surgical procedures that involve increased abdominopelvic dissection and morbidity. Injection therapy with urethral bulking agents or stem cell formulations have been developed as minimally invasive alternatives. Many synthetic and biological bulking agents have been trialled, but several have been discontinued owing to safety concerns. The use of Macroplastique and Contigen has the largest evidence base, but, overall, success rates seem to be similar between the various agents and positive outcomes are poorly sustained for more than 6 months. Furthermore, subjective cure rates, although initially high, also deteriorate over time. The available data consistently demonstrate manifestly poorer outcomes for injection therapies than for surgery. Stem cell treatments are thought to functionally regenerate the urethral sphincter in patients with suspected intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Autologous adipose and muscle-derived stem cells seem to be the intuitive cell source, as they are comparatively abundant, can be harvested and cause minimal donor site morbidity. To date, only a few small clinical studies have been reported and most data are derived from animal models. The success rates of stem cell injection therapies seem to be comparable with those of bulking agents.

Particulate Versus Non-Particulate Bulking Agents In The Treatment Of Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has been treated surgically with the midurethral sling but in recent years, this option has come under scrutiny and the risk-benefit balance continues to be reviewed. The low-risk alternative for women with uncomplicated SUI is the bulking agent, which aims to achieve continence through coaptation of the urethra. Two classes of bulking agents can be identified: those made from solid microparticles in an absorbable liquid or gel carrier (particulate agents) and those comprising a homogenous gel (non-particulates) that resists absorption. Polydimethylsiloxane®, carbon-coated zirconium oxide®, calcium hydroxyapatite® and polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer® are currently marketed particulate agents. With the exception of calcium hydroxyapatite, the particles are non-degradable. Each agent achieves its long-term bulking effect through reactive changes around the persisting particles while the carrier volume is lost. Bulkamid® is a non-particulate agent with the bulking effect resulting from the volume of gel injected. The lasting network of fine fibers formed by the host tissue anchors the gel in situ. Foreign-body granulomas, erosion and migration/material extrusion and loss of bulk have been observed in connection with the particle-based products. Bulkamid may be mechanistically less liable to these events; however, there are minimal data directly comparing the two types of bulking agent. The question of durability is inevitable based on their differing modes of action.

A review of novel STING bulking agents

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to review the literature to compare the efficacy and complications of polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) and polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG) with the current standard of care, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA), when used to treat VUR in the paediatric population.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched. Keywords included Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), endoscopic; endoscopic injection, endoscopic treatment, dulking material, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer, polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer, Deflux, Dexell, Vantris, Bulkamid, outcome, treatment and children. Prospective or retrospective studies comparing PAHG/PPC directly with Dx/HA were included for review.

RESULTS

Four studies were identified comparing PPC with Dx/HA. All studies showed superior efficacy (on micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) at 3 months) of PPC over Dx/HA. However, 1 study identified a significantly higher rate of vesicoureteric junction obstruction (VUJO) in the PPC group. One study was identified comparing PAHG with Dx/HA which showed similar efficacy on 3-month MCUG.

CONCLUSIONS

Current data suggest PPC confers a higher resolution rate of VUR and PAHG confers comparable resolution rates for VUR compared with Dx/HA in the paediatric population. However, the incidence of late-onset VUJO in one study is concerning, and high-quality randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed before making further recommendations.

Complications of urethral bulking therapy for female stress urinary incontinence

AIMS

To review, report, and discuss the complications associated with urethral bulking therapy in female stress urinary incontinence.

METHODS

An extensive nonsystematic literature review on complications associated with injectable bulking agents used in the clinical practice was conducted. We reviewed articles published in English and indexed in the PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Original articles, case reports, and case series were taken into consideration. Data regarding the safety of injectable bulking agents and the complications associated with their utility within the context of urethral bulking therapy for female stress urinary incontinence were extracted and discussed.

RESULTS

Approximately, 1/3 of the patients experience some type of a complication after urethral bulking therapy. The majority of these complications are of low grade, transient, do not necessitate additional surgical intervention, and amenable to treatment with conservative measures such as clean intermittent catheterization and antibiotics. However, more serious complications such as abscess formation, delayed hypersensitivity reactions, and vaginal erosion have been reported. Some of the injectable bulking agents have been withdrawn from the market because of their unfavorable adverse effect profile.

CONCLUSIONS

Urethral bulking therapy can be considered as a low-risk procedure. However, it is not without complications which can be severe in rare instances. The search for the ideal urethral bulking agent is ongoing and future comparative studies assessing the safety and efficacy of these compounds in randomized controlled settings are warranted.

Injection of Urethral Bulking Agents

Urethral injection is a safe and minimally invasive method of treating female stress urinary incontinence with multiple bulking agents currently commercially available. Although there are numerous studies that demonstrate efficacy, long-term success is not yet proven. This article aims to describe the mechanism of action and properties of various agents, patient selection factors, available techniques for injection, outcomes of urethral injections, and complications associated with the procedure.

Results of an innovative bulking agent in patients with stress urinary incontinence who are not optimal candidates for mid-urethral sling surgery

AIMS

To assess the efficacy and safety of peri-urethral bulking injections (PBI) with an innovative bulking material (PDMS-U) in women with stress-urinary incontinence (SUI) who are not optimal candidates for mid-urethral sling surgery.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed in women with SUI who, for several reasons, have a relative contraindication for a mid-urethral sling procedure. These reasons include: (i) recurrent SUI after a prior SUI surgical procedure; (ii) a history of oncologic gynaecological surgery; (iii) a history of neurologic disease resulting in voiding problems; (iv) a maximal flow rate of less than 15 mL per second or; (v) women with a contraindication for surgery with general or regional anaesthesia. All women were treated with PBI consisting of PDMS-U, a bulking agent that polymerizes in situ. The primary outcome was subjective improvement, defined as "a little better" to "very much better" on the PGI-I. Secondary outcomes included objective cure, disease specific quality of life and adverse events.

RESULTS

Subjective improvement was reported by 18 (90%) of the 20 included patients. The subjective cure rate was 56% and the objective cure rate was 65%. There was a statistically significant improvement of all domain scores of the UDI-6, IIQ-7, and PISQ-12 at 6 months follow up. Abnormal post voiding residual volume (>150 mL) was the most common adverse event (40%), but persisted in only one patient, based on the patient's preference for a catheter.

CONCLUSIONS

PBI with PDMS-U is a viable treatment option in women with a relative contra-indication for mid-urethral sling surgery.

The efficacy and safety of urethral injection therapy for urinary incontinence in women: a systematic review

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different bulking agents for treating urinary incontinence in women, a systematic review including only randomized controlled trials was performed. The subjects were women with urinary incontinence. The primary outcomes were clinical and urodynamic parameters. The results were presented as a weighted mean difference for non-continuous variables and as relative risk for continuous variables, both with 95% confidence intervals. Initially, 942 studies were identified. However, only fourteen eligible trials fulfilled the prerequisites. Altogether, the review included 1814 patients in trials of eight different types of bulking agents, and all studies were described and analyzed. The measured outcomes were evaluated using a large variety of instruments. The most common complications of the bulking agents were urinary retention and urinary tract infection. Additionally, there were certain major complications, such as one case of death after use of autologous fat. However, the lack of adequate studies, the heterogeneous populations studied, the wide variety of materials used and the lack of long-term follow-up limit guidance of practice. To determine which substance is the most suitable, there is a need for more randomized clinical trials that compare existing bulking agents based on standardized clinical outcomes.

Durability, safety and efficacy of polyacrylamide hydrogel (Bulkamid(®)) in the management of stress and mixed urinary incontinence: three year follow up outcomes

Introduction

There are a myriad of treatment options available for patients suffering with the increasingly prevalent condition of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The minimally invasive nature of periurethral bulking agents makes them an attractive proposition in the correctly selected patient. There is, however, limited data available on the medium to long term safety and efficacy of this procedure. The aim of our study is to evaluate the outcomes of Polyacrylamide Hydrogel (PAHG) (Bulkamid^®) as a periurethral bulking agent at our institution.

Material and methods

From 2006 to 2011, two hundred and fifty six women underwent periurethral bulking with PAHG in the management of SUI or mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Women were assessed with at least yearly quality of life and ICIQ questionnaires.

Results

The majority of patients had the procedure under a local anaesthetic, with a median operative time of 9 minutes. Median follow up was 38 months. 82% of patients reported cure/significant improvement at 3 months. Importantly, this high satisfaction rate was maintained at final follow up and was reflected in both VAS and ICIQ scores. There were no reported adverse reactions and no significant safety concerns.

Conclusions

We conclude that Bulkamid^® injection is an efficacious, minimally invasive, and safe procedure for a selected group of patients with stress incontinence. In our study, PAHG has been shown to be durable and safe.

Efficacy of dextranomer hyaluronic acid and polyacrylamide hydrogel in endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux: A comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Various bulking agents are available for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) endoscopic treatment, but their inconsistent success rates and costs are concerns for urologists. Recently, polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG) has been shown to have a good overall success rate, which seems comparable to dextranomer hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA), currently the most popular bulking agent. Our objective was to compare the short-term success rate of PAHG and Dx/HA for VUR endoscopic treatment in children.

METHODS

We performed a prospective non-randomized study using PAHG and Dx/HA to treat VUR grades I to IV in pediatric patients. All patients underwent endoscopic sub-ureteric injection of PAHG or Dx/HA, using the double-HIT technique, followed by a 3-month postoperative renal ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram. Treatment success was defined as the absence of de novo or worsening hydronephrosis and absence of VUR.

RESULTS

A total of 90 pediatric patients underwent an endoscopic injection: 45 patients (78 ureters) with PAHG and 45 patients (71 ureters) with Dx/HA. The mean injected volume of PAHG and Dx/HA was 1.1 mL and 1.0 mL, respectively. The overall success rate 3 months after a single treatment was 73.1% for PAHG and 77.5% for Dx/HA. Postoperatively, 1 patient in each group presented with acute pyelonephritis and 2 patients in the Dx/HA group developed symptomatic ureteral obstruction.

CONCLUSION

Success rates of PAGH and Dx/HA in endoscopic injections for VUR treatment were comparable. The rate of resolution obtained with Dx/HA was equivalent to those previously published. The lower cost of PAHG makes it an interesting option.

[Female incontinence surgery: state of the art]

Female urinary incontinence represents a medical and social problem with huge impact regarding both patient's quality of life and social costs. The diagnosis is important for therapeutic choice and should consider some factors: the degree of urethral mobility, urodynamics parameters, patient's will and expectations, information about surgical complications and risks. Nowadays suburethral sling evolution and bulking therapy for selected cases consent to perform miniinvasive surgery; the most relevant problem concerns the management of postoperative complications: in this sense autologous slings are used after urethrolisis. In most difficult cases, it is possible to consider artificial sphincter as the best option.

Efficacy and safety of polyacrylamide hydrogel for the treatment of female stress incontinence: a randomized, prospective, multicenter North American study

PURPOSE

Bulkamid® is a new polyacrylamide hydrogel bulking agent for stress urinary incontinence that is injected in the urethral submucosa using a specifically designed device. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of Bulkamid vs Contigen® collagen gel for stress urinary incontinence or stress predominant mixed urinary incontinence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a single-blind, randomized, prospective, 33-center, 2-arm parallel study of hydrogel vs collagen gel with followup to 1 year. At baseline patients underwent physical examination and bladder testing, and completed quality of life questionnaires and bladder diaries. After randomization patients could receive up to 3 injections at 1-month intervals. Patients were assessed 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after bulking. They completed bladder diaries and quality of life questionnaires, and pad weight was tested. At the last visit Valsalva leak point pressure was measured. Subjective and objective incontinence outcomes and adverse events were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 345 women 229 were randomized to hydrogel and 116 were randomized to collagen gel. At 12 months a 50% or greater decrease in leakage and incontinence episodes was seen in 53.2% and 55.4% of patients who received hydrogel and collagen gel, respectively. At 12 months 47.2% of patients with hydrogel and 50% with collagen gel reported zero stress incontinence episodes, and 77.1% and 70%, respectively, considered themselves cured or improved. Major adverse events were rare in each group.

CONCLUSIONS

Bulkamid is not inferior to Contigen. It has a favorable, persistent effect on stress urinary incontinence with a low risk of serious adverse events. Bulkamid is a new, simple, office based bulking system that shows promise as a treatment in women with stress urinary incontinence, particularly since Contigen is no longer commercially available.

Use of periurethral injections of polyacrylamide hydrogel for treating post-vesicovaginal fistula closure urinary stress incontinence

AIMS

Following successful closure of obstetric genitourinary fistula, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common and challenging problem. Despite many decades of various treatment options, the effective management of post-fistula SUI remains unresolved. This study aims to assess the feasibility of periurethral injections of polyacrylamide hydrogel, commonly used for urinary stress incontinence in non-fistula women, in women with post-fistula closure SUI.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Women with urinary incontinence following successful fistula closure were assessed to exclude detrusor overactivity and urinary residual volumes of more than 100 mL. The urethrovesical junction was identified and polyacrylamide hydrogel was injected through the periurethral skin and vaginal epithelium at three sites.

RESULTS

Four women with post-fistula SUI were treated with polyacrylamide hydrogel injections. Three of the four women were dry post-operatively and remained continent at discharge.

CONCLUSION

In the short-term, periurethral injections of polyacrylamide hydrogel appears to be a promising method to treat post-obstetric fistula urinary stress incontinence.

[Stress incontinence in elderly women]

Stress incontinence is one of the major challenges in geriatric medicine. This is becoming more apparent in routine urology practice with the demographic changes in the population. A thorough diagnosis for a correct treatment of stress incontinence is as important in elderly women as it is in younger patients. This includes assessing the risk factors of incontinence and obesity, parturition, pelvic surgery and changes in hormone levels are risk factors usually found in elderly women. These are the main reasons why this patient group is most frequently affected. Treatment options do not differ significantly from these of younger women. Lifestyle modification, weight loss and supervised pelvic floor training are the mainstays of conservative therapy and surgical treatment should only be considered after these options have been exhausted. In these cases minimally invasive surgical techniques offer clear advantages especially for elderly often multimorbid women.

Prospective study using a new bulking agent for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux: polyacrylamide hydrogel

PURPOSE

Vesicoureteral reflux is frequently diagnosed in the pediatric population. Endoscopic treatment has become a popular form of first-line therapy. Available products offer good short-term success rates. However, the cost of these injected implants is an issue. We evaluated the success of endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux using polyacrylamide hydrogel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a single center, single surgeon, prospective, off-label study using polyacrylamide hydrogel to treat vesicoureteral reflux. All patients underwent endoscopic subureteral double hydrodistention implantation technique injection followed by renal ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram at 3 months postoperatively to confirm the absence of de novo hydronephrosis and correction of vesicoureteral reflux (grade 0).

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients (69 refluxing ureters) underwent polyacrylamide hydrogel injection. Median age at surgery was 50 months. Bilateral reflux was identified in 29 patients (73%). Nine patients had duplex systems, 2 with reflux into both moieties. Reflux was graded using the International Reflux Study in Children grading system, with grade I seen in 9 ureters, II in 17, III in 20, IV in 18 and V in 5. Mean volume injected was 1.1 ml. Success rate for grade I to III vesicoureteral reflux at 3 months after a single treatment was 87%, and the overall success for all grades was 81.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Off-label use of polyacrylamide hydrogel injection therapy for primarily low grade vesicoureteral reflux demonstrates that the technique and short-term success rates are comparable to the most popular bulking agent, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid. These results suggest that further trials comparing polyacrylamide hydrogel and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid would be worthwhile.

Bulking agents: a urogynecology perspective

A bulking agent is a material injected into the wall of the urethra to improve urethral coaptation in women suffering from stress incontinence. The concept was initially described in the 1930s when sodium morrhuate and paraffin were used to augment urethral resistance. Sclerosing agents were also used for inducing permanent urethral scaring to improve urinary leakage. Eventually, collagen and autologous fat were found to be efficacious, and only collagen demonstrated proven safety and endured extensive testing, becoming the gold standard for injectable agents. Since then, multiple other products have been developed by the industry, each with its particular success rates and complications.

Two-year follow-up of an open-label multicenter study of polyacrylamide hydrogel (Bulkamid®) for female stress and stress-predominant mixed incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG, Bulkamid®) is a promising urethral bulking agent. This article presents the 2-year follow-up results of a multicenter study of PAHG injections for treating stress and stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence.

METHODS

Submucosal injection of PAHG was performed in 135 women with urinary incontinence, with subjective and objective assessment of the efficacy and safety 24 months postinjection.

RESULTS

At 24 months, the subjective responder rate was 64 % (a statistically non-significant reduction from 67 % at 12 months). The decreased number of incontinence episodes and urine leakage were maintained compared with the result from the 12-month evaluations, as were objective result rates and quality of life data. No safety issues occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

PAHG is an effective and safe treatment option for women with stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence, with maintained medium-term responder rates.

Urethral bulking: a urology perspective

Urethral bulking therapy (UBT) is a minimally invasive procedure for stress urinary incontinence that is beneficial for properly selected patients. Many different materials are available for UBT, although none fulfill all the qualities of an ideal agent. In general, short-term clinical results are encouraging; however, over longer follow-up, results are disappointing and retreatment is often necessary. Proper patient selection and management of patient expectations are paramount to successful application of UBT.

Stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder syndrome: current options and new targets for management

In the United States, office visits for women seeking treatment for urinary incontinence more than doubled between 1994 and 2000, from 1845 per 100 000 women. This review article addresses treatment options for 2 common types of incontinence in women: stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and detrusor overactivity (DO), commonly referred to as urge urinary incontinence (UUI). In the past, those with SUI typically faced limited treatment options, such as Kegel exercises, pessaries, or major surgery (Burch or Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz operations). However, treatment options for women also included anticholinergic medications, behavioral therapy, and implantable neuromodulation. In recent years, more options have become available. For women with SUI, a variety of minimally invasive synthetic midurethral sling approaches (eg, retropubic, transobturator, and single incision) and office-based procedures (eg, periurethral injection of bulking agents and radiofrequency collagen denaturation [Renessa®; Novasys Medical]) are now offered. More outpatient options will hopefully be available soon, including an inflatable, free-floating balloon to act as a shock absorber, and injection of muscle-derived stem cells into the periurethral tissue. Women with UUI now have targeted options, such as posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and intravesical injections of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®; Allergan, Inc.), in addition to nonoral systemic medications.