Identifying patients who require urodynamic testing before surgery for stress incontinence based on questionnaire information and surgical history

Sensitivity to Change of Subdomain Question 6 of the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form After Sling Removal for Pain

OBJECTIVE

To determine the sensitivity to change of question 6 (Q6) of the modified short form version of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) before and after synthetic sling removal (SSR).

METHODS

Following IRB approval, a prospectively maintained database of mid-urethral sling (MUS) complications identified women with UDI-6 Q6 data before and after SSR. Q6 were compared pre- and postoperatively and against patient self-report of pain in women undergoing -SSR for pain (SSR-P) and in a control group when pain was not the primary indication for SSR (SSR-C). Women with missing pre-SSR or insufficient (<6 months) follow-up measures of pain were excluded. Three hypotheses were tested. (1) Correlation of Q6 scores with patients' self-reported pain pre- and post-SSR, (2) Higher pre-SSR Q6 scores in the SSR-P group than in the SSR-C group, and (3) Decrease in Q6 scores in the SSR-P group.

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2017, 116 of 435 women referred to our institution met study criteria. Q6 scores were significantly (P <.0001) associated with self-reported pain with increasing likelihood of self-reporting pain as Q6 score increased. Mean pre-SSR Q6 scores in SSR-C (n = 42) was 1.0 ± 1.2 while mean pre-SSR Q6 scores in SSR-P (n = 74) was 2.3 ± 1.1 (P <.0001). Mean improvement in Q6 score after SSR was -0.19 ± 1.2 (P = 0.3) in SSR-C and -0.88 ± 1.4 (P <0.0001) in SSR-P.

CONCLUSION

In women undergoing SSR for MUS-related complications, Q6 scores were correlated to self-reported pain and responsive to surgical intervention for pain relief.

Complications Following the Insertion of Two Synthetic Mid-urethral Slings and Subsequent Removal

OBJECTIVE

To determine outcomes after removal of two synthetic mid-urethral slings (MUS) at a tertiary care center.

METHODS

Following IRB approval, a retrospective chart review of non-neurogenic, symptomatic women requiring re-operation after ≥2 MUS was performed. Data reviewed by a third party included: demographics, prior anti-incontinence surgery, complications, pelvic/urinary symptoms, subsequent investigations, surgical repair and outcomes (including UDI-6/IIQ-7 questionnaires) at a minimum 6 months follow-up. Cure was defined as being continent, no dyspareunia, and no additional surgical therapy.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2014, 21 women met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 57 years (range: 40-82) and mean follow-up was 30.2 months (range: 6-78). The majority of patients presented with one or more symptoms of voiding dysfunction (95%), urinary incontinence (86%), irritative voiding symptoms (62%), dyspareunia (57%), recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) (29%), vaginal extrusion (20%) and erosion involving the urinary tract (5%). Patients had a mean of 2 prior anti-incontinence procedures (range 2-3). Over two-thirds had a combination of retropubic and transobturator MUS. Mean number of pre-operative investigations was 3.5 (1-6) including voiding cystourethrogram, cystoscopy and urodynamics. Two patients had complete remission, 14 partial remission, and five failed. Mean postoperative total UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores at last clinic visit were 10 (range: 0-16/SD 4.1) and 11 (range: 0-28/SD 10.3), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The management of women with suboptimal outcomes following two synthetic MUS from transvaginal excision results in modest symptomatic improvement but low permanent complete remission and frequent need for additional therapies.

Long-term functional outcomes following non-radiated urethrovaginal fistula repair

OBJECTIVE

To review long-term functional outcomes after urethrovaginal fistula (UVF) repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following IRB approval, women who underwent transvaginal non-irradiated UVF repair with minimum 6-month follow-up were reviewed. Surgical outcomes were assessed by validated questionnaires: UDI-6, IIQ-7, FSFI and visual analogue scale for QoL. Two groups were compared: (1) synthetic sling-related versus (2) non-sling-related UVF. Descriptive statistics were applied with p < 0.05 for significance.

RESULTS

From 1996 to 2013, 18 patients underwent UVF repair, with a mean age of 46 years (range 20-66), BMI 29 (range 21-42) and mean follow-up at 52 months (range 9-142). Overall repair success rate was 95%. Prior failed UVF repair was recorded in 11 women (61%). Statistical differences noted for Q4: 1.9 versus 0.8 (p = 0.03) and Q5: 1.3 versus 0 (p = 0.02) and VAS between the two groups, favoring the non-sling group; 1.5 (0.6) versus 5 (4) (p = 0.05). No differences in IIQ-7 were noted between the two groups (p = 0.09). Of the 18 patients, 5 remained sexually active and of those, 2 responded to FSFI (40%) with low scores. Reoperation rate was 33% (6 women) with 3 requiring periurethral-bulking agent for recurrent SUI, 2 transurethral laser for residual urethral sling mesh strands and 1 urethral dilation.

CONCLUSION

This large contemporary series of non-radiated UVF indicates a satisfactory outcome in UVF closure repair at a mean 4- to 5-year long-term follow-up, with the synthetic sling-related group performing worse.

Long-term functional outcomes following nonradiated vesicovaginal repair

PURPOSE

We investigated the long-term impact on bladder and sexual symptoms in women with prior vesicovaginal fistula repair, particularly those previously treated before referral.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After receiving institutional review board approval we reviewed the charts of women who underwent nonradiated vesicovaginal fistula repair for demographics, surgical approach (vaginal or abdominal) and functional outcomes with a minimum 6-month followup. Patients lost to followup were reached by a structured phone interview and/or mailed validated lower urinary tract questionnaires, including the UDI-6 (Urogenital Distress Inventory-6), IIQ-7 (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7) and FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index). Three surgical groups were compared, including naïve-no prior repair, recurrent-1 prior repair and other-more than 2 repairs with the hypothesis of worse outcomes with more repairs.

RESULTS

From 1996 to 2011 vesicovaginal fistula repair was performed in 66 patients, including in 42 as primary treatment (vaginal vs abdominal approach in 31 vs 11), in 14 as secondary treatment, and in 10 who underwent more than 2 repairs. Mean patient age was 45 years (range 24 to 87), mean body mass index was 29 kg/m(2) (range 19 to 43) and mean followup was 55 months (range 6 to 198). The overall repair success rate was 97%. There was no difference in functional outcomes in questionnaire responders among the 3 groups for lower urinary tract symptoms (62% on UDI-6/IIQ-7). However, for FSFI (33% of patients) there was female sexual dysfunction in patients who underwent transabdominal repair and in women with 2 repairs.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term followup of patients with vesicovaginal fistula repair indicated no differences in lower urinary tract outcomes at a mean 7-year followup between primary and recurrent repairs. There was a difference in sexual function, although it was not statistically significant. Sexual activity among responders was low.

The evidence for urodynamic investigation of patients with symptoms of urinary incontinence

Urodynamic studies are the gold standard to objectively diagnose dysfunction of the lower urinary tract. The widely available evidence for the clinical relevance is, however, fragmented. This article summarizes the published knowledge supporting the use of urodynamic studies in urinary incontinence in female, male and frail patients, as well as patients with relevant neurological disease. Five technological innovations are discussed briefly. Standard urodynamic cystometry can, on the basis of a solid body of evidence, objectively unveil the entire function of the lower urinary tract in all patients with urinary incontinence, regardless of the patients' perception of (ab-)normality of signs and or symptoms.

Executive summary: The International Consultation on Incontinence 2008--Committee on: "Dynamic Testing"; for urinary incontinence and for fecal incontinence. Part 1: Innovations in urodynamic techniques and urodynamic testing for signs and symptoms of urinary incontinence in female patients

AIMS

The members of The International Consultation on Incontinence 2008 (Paris) Committee on Dynamic Testing' provide an executive summary of the chapter 'Dynamic Testing' that discusses (urodynamic) testing methods for patients with signs and or symptoms of urinary incontinence. Testing of patients with signs and or symptoms of faecal incontinence is also discussed.

METHODS

Evidence based and consensus committee report.

RESULTS

The chapter 'Dynamic Testing' is a continuation of previous Consultation-reports added with a new systematic literature search and expert discussion. Conclusions, based on the published evidence and recommendations, based on the integration of evidence with expert experience and discussion are provided separately, for transparency.

CONCLUSION

This first part of a series of three articles summarizes the committees recommendations about the innovations in urodynamic study techniques 'in general', about the test characteristics and normal values of urodynamic studies as well as the assessment of female with signs and or symptoms of incontinence and includes only the most recent and relevant literature references.

Analysis of the value of the ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire and stress test in the differential diagnosis of the type of urinary incontinence

AIMS

Presently, there is no simple, universally accepted instrument for the initial diagnosis of urinary incontinence (UI), which is why physicians find it so difficult to integrate the diagnosis into their daily clinical practice. The objective of this study is to analyze the true value of the ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire (ICIQ), the stress test, and the combination of both for the diagnosis as to the type of UI.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study performed in 116 women consulting for UI symptoms in two specialized health care centers. The subjects completed the ICIQ and underwent a stress test and urodynamic testing which was used for the reference diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the statistical "likelihood ratio (LR)" were assessed.

RESULTS

According to the ICIQ, 45 women (38.8%) suffered from Stress UI (SUI); 19 (16.4%), Urgency UI (UUI), and 49 (42.2%), Mixed UI (MUI). According to the stress test, 75 (64.7%) presented SUI. According to the combination of both tests, the diagnosis was SUI in 35 (30.2%), UUI in 17 (14.7%), and MUI in 37 (31.9%). Regarding urodynamic testing, observations were as follows: USI in 45 subjects (38.8%), detrusor overactivity (DO) in 25 (21.6%), and combination of both (MUI) in 30 (25.9%). The combination of ICIQ-UI SF plus stress test showed good specificity and negative predictive value, and the best LR coefficients obtained were: 3.11 (USI); 6.64 (UUI); 2.64 (MUI), and 3.77 ("all" SUI).

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of the ICIQ plus stress test will aid in characterizing the type of UI at a basic health care level, favoring the prescription of the most appropriate treatment for each case.

Use of urodynamics prior to surgery for urinary incontinence: How helpful is preoperative testing?

It has not yet been definitively demonstrated that preoperative evaluation of women with stress urinary incontinence with urodynamic testing enhances presurgical counseling, more effectively models patients' expectations or improves postoperative outcome. Nonetheless, urodynamic testing is frequently utilized in the assessment of women with stress urinary incontinence and clearly accomplishes a number of goals when utilized for this purpose. For example, there are data to suggest that the risk of voiding dysfunction can be mitigated by utilizing data obtained from urodynamic testing to identify women more likely to void ineffectively after conventional stress incontinence procedures. Furthermore, it has been suggested though not proven, that patients with more severe forms of stress incontinence as identified by urodynamic testing, might be less likely to improve after surgery compared to others with more modest degrees of incontinence. Since urodynamic testing is invasive, costly and not always available, it is imperative that the usefulness of such testing be carefully explored and its utility appropriately defined. In this review, we discuss urodynamic techniques to assess stress urinary incontinence, particularly focusing on the ability of leak point pressure testing and urethral pressure profilometry to predict which patients would most likely benefit from surgery and which might be more likely to experience adverse events following surgery.

Female stress urinary incontinence: how do patient and physician perspectives correlate in assessment of outcomes?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article discusses outcome assessment following surgery for incontinence, by correlating patient perspectives with that of the physician.

RECENT FINDINGS

A review of the literature demonstrates a large variance in the 'success rates' published for different stress urinary incontinence procedures. We review the elements essential in formation of a universal and valid incontinence questionnaire. Studies have attempted to correlate common clinical measures (voiding diaries, pad testing, urodynamics) with quality-of-life questionnaires. Sentinel articles in incontinence outcome assessment are discussed. Studies with critical measures of outcome are examined using the recommendations made by the Female Stress Urinary Incontinence Guidelines Panel summary report. Through presentation of our data on tension-free vaginal tape procedures, we give insight into the future of stress urinary incontinence research and outcomes.

SUMMARY

Early 'cure rates' were severely limited by their retrospective nature and focus on chart review and physician assessment. Symptom and quality-of-life questionnaires provide subjective outcome assessments. No direct correlation exists between universally accepted objective and subjective measures of improvement. Recent studies are getting closer to the female stress urinary incontinence guidelines. Yet, the pursuit for a universal definition of success continues, in order to bridge patient and physician perspectives on cure.

Is there a role for periurethral collagen injection in the management of urodynamically proven mixed urinary incontinence?

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effectiveness of periurethral collagen injection (PCI) in patients presenting with symptoms of mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) and urodynamically demonstrated sphincter deficiency and detrusor overactivity.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on all patients undergoing PCI from February 1999 to February 2003, during which those with MUI were treated with PCI as first-line therapy. The inclusion criteria were MUI symptoms, detrusor overactivity on urodynamic study, stress urinary incontinence due to sphincter deficiency (determined from physical examination, stress test, urodynamic study with Valsalva leak point pressure, and cystography findings, without urethral hypermobility). The primary outcome measures were the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and quality-of-life score and the need for anticholinergic medications or additional surgery. Comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test and paired t test.

RESULTS

Of the 56 patients who underwent PCI, 43 presented with symptoms of MUI, and 16 of these (29%) had both detrusor overactivity and stress urinary incontinence on urodynamic study. The mean follow-up after PCI (without additional PCI) was 18 months (range 6 to 39). The mean age was 65 years (range 40 to 84). The mean Valsalva leak point pressure was 54 +/- 40 cm H2O (range 18 to 146). Ten patients had undergone previous anti-incontinence procedures, and anticholinergic medications had failed in six. The questionnaire scores, indicating severe MUI/poor quality of life before PCI, improved after PCI: UDI question 1, 2.3 +/- 0.8 versus 1.3 +/- 1.0 (P = 0.021); UDI question 2, 2.1 +/- 1.2 versus 1.4 +/- 1.0 (P = 0.068); UDI question 3, 2.9 +/- 0.4 versus 1.8 +/- 1.2 (P = 0.010); and quality-of-life question, 8.6 +/- 2.1 versus 5.2 +/- 3.5 (P = 0.026). The mean injected volume/patient was 8.5 cm3 (range 5 to 17) within a mean of 1.9 treatments (range 1 to 3). Four patients continued taking anticholinergic medications and one proceeded to sling placement.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of PCI as the primary/initial intervention in patients with MUI may be the preferred approach, particularly in patients with an elevated risk of anticholinergic medication side effects or when voiding dynamics preclude sling placement.

Primer: questionnaires versus urodynamics in the evaluation of lower urinary tract dysfunction—one, both or none?

What is the role of urodynamic assessments and have we made too much use of them? Is there a correlation between symptoms and underlying pathophysiology? These questions are addressed in this article. There are disparities in the assessment of lower urinary tract dysfunction between the accuracy of symptomatic assessment and the underlying pathophysiology. This is particularly evident with voiding symptoms, in contrast to storage symptoms, and has fuelled the debates that have resulted in the abandonment of the term 'prostatism' in favor of 'lower urinary tract symptoms', whereas the term 'overactive bladder syndrome' has been embraced as a storage symptom complex. Clearly, voiding disorders principally affect men, whilst storage disorders are more common in women. Much has been written and spoken about regarding the use of symptomatic assessment versus urodynamics in the assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men, whilst there has been a clearer consensus on the potential usefulness of urodynamics in the assessment of storage disorders, and so this article focuses principally on the latter topic.

Three-dimensional ultrasonography to assess long-term durability of periurethral collagen in women with stress urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the natural history of periurethral collagen injection (PCI) over time using serial three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) of the urethra as an objective measure.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent PCI between February 1999 and February 2003. All had been diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency without urethral hypermobility, had follow-up data including two or more 3DUS scans within 1 year or more, and had undergone no additional PCIs (ie, remained clinically improved). The follow-up examinations included serial history, symptom and quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaires (Urogenital Distress Inventory, global QOL visual analog scale [scale of 0 to 10, with 0 = best]), physical examination, and 3DUS scans. The primary subjective and objective outcomes were the Urogenital Distress Inventory and QOL scores and the 3DUS-determined periurethral collagen volume and configuration, respectively.

RESULTS

Of the 54 patients undergoing PCI during the accrual period, 20 had follow-up of 1 year or longer (mean 2.0, range 1 to 3.8). The mean 3DUS collagen volumes were not statistically different at baseline at a mean of 4 months after PCI (2.9 +/- 1.9 cm3) compared with at the last follow-up visit (2.7 +/- 1.9 cm3; P = 0.34). The volume retention rate was 97% +/- 33% of the baseline volume. The periurethral configuration was circumferential in 80% and asymmetric in 20%, and was maintained over time. The postinjection Urogenital Distress Inventory question 3 (stress urinary incontinence) and QOL scores were significantly improved compared with the pre-PCI evaluations with a mean of 2.4 +/- 0.8 versus 1.4 +/- 0.7 (P = 0.013) and 7.3 +/- 2.6 versus 3.5 +/- 2.5 (P = 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to demonstrate the long-term durability of PCI on serial 3DUS in association with improved continence and QOL using questionnaire analysis. This new knowledge provides a technical and therapeutic endpoint for PCI.

Urodynamic assessment of patients with stress incontinence: how effective are urethral pressure profilometry and abdominal leak point pressures at case selection and predicting outcome?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Disagreement exists as to the extent of evaluation required prior to offering surgical intervention for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. While few would argue that additional information can be gleaned from a properly performed urodynamic investigation, it remains unclear exactly which women would most benefit from such preoperative study, and if urodynamic evaluation definitively improves treatment outcome. Since such invasive studies may not be widely available in certain areas, can be costly, and are associated with a low, but defined risk of bladder infection, it is imperative that the appropriate indication for preoperative urodynamic evaluation be carefully defined. This review highlights recent reports and controversies concerning the use of urodynamics (focusing on leak point pressure testing and urethral pressure profilometry) prior to surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence.

RECENT FINDINGS

There remains no clear consensus as to whether urodynamic testing enhances surgical outcome of stress urinary incontinence treatments by improving case selection or altering the surgical approach based on study findings. As treatment strategies for stress urinary incontinence have developed over the last several years to a more uniform approach, it is less clear that the severity of stress urinary incontinence, based on either abdominal leak point pressure or urethral pressure profilometry will influence the choice of surgical technique. Furthermore, there is little evidence to suggest that patients with more severe forms of stress urinary incontinence by urodynamic testing fare more poorly after the most commonly offered surgical treatment than those with less severe forms. There are certain sub-populations of women who appear to be at higher risk of voiding dysfunction following incontinence surgery, and urodynamic testing may aid in identifying this group.

SUMMARY

It is not apparent that either abdominal leak point pressure measurement or urethral pressure profilometry can accurately predict which patients will achieve the best outcome of surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Other parameters assessed during urodynamic evaluation might provide prognostic information regarding the risk of voiding dysfunction postoperatively and the possibility of persistent urge-related leakage following surgery, though not directly predict cure. A multi-institutional randomized study comparing the outcome between patients in whom treatment was determined with the urodynamic information known, compared with patients in whom this information was unknown would further enhance our understanding of the usefulness of urodynamics in the preoperative evaluation of women with stress urinary incontinence.

Does Valsalva leak point pressure predict outcome after the distal urethral polypropylene sling? Role of urodynamics in the sling era

PURPOSE

Recently sling procedures have been shown to be effective in the treatment of all types of incontinence. In this study we evaluated the role of preoperative Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) in predicting the outcome of sling surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 174 consecutive patients who underwent a distal polypropylene sling procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Using SEAPI scores patients were divided by VLPP into group 1-60 patients who did not leak on urodynamics, group 2-27 patients with VLPP greater than 80 cm H2O, group 3-71 patients with VLPP 30 to 80 cm H2O and group 4-16 patients with VLPP less than 30 cm H2O. Surgical outcomes were determined by symptom, bother and quality of life questionnaires filled out by patients. The physicians were blinded to patient response.

RESULTS

Mean followup was 14.7 months (range 12 to 30) and mean patient age was 62 years (range 32 to 88). The groups were well matched before surgery with respect to age, number of previous surgeries, and severity of SUI symptoms and urge incontinence. The percentage of patients who were cured or improved was similar among groups. After surgery there was no statistical difference among patient mean self-reported symptoms of or bother from SUI or urge incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

The distal urethral polypropylene sling provides similar symptom improvement in all patients regardless of preoperative VLPP. VLPP is helpful in the diagnosis of SUI but appears to be of minimal benefit in predicting the outcome of the distal urethral polypropylene sling procedure.

When the sling is too proximal: A specific mechanism of persistent stress incontinence after pubovaginal sling placement

OBJECTIVES

To review a series of patients with persistent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after pubovaginal sling (PVS) placement because of an excessively proximal position of the graft on the bladder neck.

METHODS

Four women, who had previously undergone PVS placement for SUI, presented for evaluation of persistent SUI. All underwent investigations, including history, symptom questionnaire, quality-of-life assessment, physical examination, voiding cystourethrography, and multichannel urodynamic studies. Subsequently, takedown of the primary PVS and placement of an autologous fascial PVS were performed on all patients. A detailed case review of one of the patients is presented.

RESULTS

All patients had persistent severe SUI confirmed by a positive supine stress test and Valsalva leak point pressure determination. Malposition of the graft was diagnosed preoperatively on the basis of severe distortion of the bladder base and a wide-open bladder neck at rest on the lateral standing voiding cystourethrography images. The diagnosis was confirmed on operative exploration. All patients were continent after takedown of the prior PVS and placement of an autologous fascial sling.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent SUI after PVS placement may occur secondary to positioning of the graft excessively proximally on the bladder neck. True lateral voiding cystourethrography views are essential for the precise diagnosis. In our experience, optimal management involves takedown of the primary PVS and placement of an autologous fascial PVS.

Nonintubated uroflowmetry as a predictor of normal pressure flow study in women with stress urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether a normal nonintubated uroflowmetry test (NIF) is predictive of a normal pressure flow study (PFS) in women with stress urinary incontinence.

METHODS

Women evaluated with multichannel urodynamics from December 1998 to October 2002 who had urodynamic stress urinary incontinence, an NIF with voided volume of at least 150 mL, no more than grade 2 cystocele, and a PFS were included (n = 92). Voiding parameters obtained in the NIF performed without catheterization were compared with those obtained after catheterization and mechanical bladder filling. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of using a normal NIF to predict a normal PFS were calculated.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found in the mean volume voided and postvoid residual volume between the NIF obtained spontaneously and the NIF obtained after mechanical bladder filling. The mean maximal urinary flow rate, however, was greater in the spontaneous NIF group than in the mechanical fill group (23.9 mL/s versus 19.6 mL/s, P = 0.041). A strictly defined normal NIF resulted in a normal PFS in 57.7% of cases in women who had no history of urethral or bladder surgery and in 42.9% of women who had such a prior surgical history.

CONCLUSION

The low positive predictive value for both groups of women suggests that a normal NIF cannot exclude an abnormal PFS in this patient population. NIF and PFS should, therefore, be interpreted with caution and should always be compared with one another when assessing voiding dynamics in women with stress urinary incontinence.

Evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms in females

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ongoing controversy exists as to the extent of the necessary evaluation of the female presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. Most would agree that a detailed history, a physical examination and a urine analysis are essential components of the initial evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms in the female. Beyond these assessments, however, there are no universally accepted guidelines or recommendations. In selected patients, a urodynamic, endoscopic and/or radiographic evaluation may be indicated. When further investigation of lower urinary tract symptoms is being considered, individual test characteristics, including sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and accuracy, must be balanced against such factors as cost, morbidity, discomfort, availability and invasiveness. This review discusses some of the recent reports, controversies and developments in the evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms in the female, and briefly reviews the most recent relevant International Continence Society subcommittee publications.

RECENT FINDINGS

The proceedings of the International Consultation on Incontinence, as well as recent publications by a number of its subcommittees, have provided some guidance for the structured evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms in the female, especially with regard to the investigation of urinary incontinence. The role of urodynamics and radiographic imaging continues to be refined. Magnetic resonance imaging is, at present, still primarily a research tool in the evaluation of lower urinary tract disorders in the female; however, a clinical role for this technology is evolving.

SUMMARY

The goal of a diagnostic evaluation is the accurate characterization of lower urinary tract symptoms for the purposes of treatment. Ideally, a brief, low-cost, non-invasive evaluation would provide a high degree of diagnostic accuracy. However, existing technology is limited in this regard. Until future refinements permit a completely non-invasive, cost-effective and accurate analysis of female lower urinary tract symptoms, existing technology must be appropriately utilized. Well-conducted, evidence-based, prospective studies are needed.

Practice pattern of urologists in the Rocky Mountains region with regard to use of urodynamic studies

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the patterns of urodynamic studies (UDS) use among community urologists. Much controversy exists with regard to the need and indications for UDS in the clinical evaluation of urinary incontinence (UI) and voiding dysfunction (VD).

METHODS

A one-page questionnaire containing 11 questions was mailed to urologists practicing in the Rocky Mountains region. Physicians were asked about (a) their type of practice; (b) the number of patients with UI and VD they see per week; (c) the number of office procedures they perform on these patients; (d) the percentage of patients with UI and VD for whom they use UDS for diagnostic clarification; and (e) the limiting factors to more frequent use of UDS.

RESULTS

Of the 127 questionnaires mailed, 51 (40%) were returned, and 49 (39%) of these were returned "completely filled out." No follow-up letter was sent nor was a telephone interview done. Most urologists (n = 38; 76%) indicated they are in private practice, 5 (10%) are in academics, 3 (6%) are in multispeciality groups, 2 (4%) are affiliated with a health maintenance organization (HMO), and 1 is in a hospital-based practice. Twelve (24%) see fewer than 5 UI patients per week, 21 (43%) see 5 to 10 UI patients per week, and 16 (32%) see more than 10 UI patients per week. The respective numbers for VD patients seen per week are 4 (8%), 12 (24%), and 33 (67%). Thirty (61%) and 32 (65%) of respondents use UDS in fewer than 5% of patients seen with UI or VD, respectively. Thirty-seven (76%) use cystoscopy in more than 5% of patients seen with UI or VD. Regarding limiting factors for more frequent use of UDS (of those 35 urologists giving single answers), 60% believed there was a lack of indication and 40% noted that UDS are too time-consuming or not cost-effective (20%), difficult to interpret (5.7%), or that they had no access to such equipment (14%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the majority of urologists perform cystoscopy more frequently than UDS for diagnostic clarification of patients with UI and VD, and 40% of urologists do not perform UDS for reasons other than lack of indication. These results may indicate a need for more access to, and additional training in, UDS among urologists for management of UI and VD.

Questionnaires for women with urinary symptoms

AIMS

To identify the characteristics of optimal symptom questionnaires in women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

METHODS

Literature review.

RESULTS

Although numerous questionnaires have been developed for the evaluation of female LUTS, no one instrument has emerged as that preferred for collecting and reporting subjective information about LUTS in women. Questionnaires currently available range widely in intended purpose, extent and style, and in the quality of testing used to validate them.

CONCLUSIONS

Questionnaires should be constructed based on scientifically sound validation techniques that reflect disease and/or symptoms in the target population. They should be concise, easily administered and scored, discriminant between sphincter and bladder causes of incontinence, and able to measure severity and the effect of the symptom on the patient.

Urinary incontinence symptom scores and urodynamic diagnoses

The aim of this study was to determine whether scores on two validated urinary incontinence symptom scales predicted eventual urodynamic diagnoses. Two hundred ninety-three patients undergoing multi-channel urodynamic testing rated their symptoms of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse (POP), using the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, the Urogenital Distress Inventory, and an obstructive symptom subscale from the long form of the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire. Among the 202 (69%) patients without advance-stage POP, increasing scores on scale items related to stress and urge incontinence predicted increasing frequency of the diagnoses of genuine stress incontinence (GSI) and detrusor instability, respectively. Among the 91 (31%) patients with advance-stage POP, there was no association. Among all patients with GSI, the presence of intrinsic sphincter deficiency could not be predicted by responses to the symptom scales. Scores on the symptom scales were inadequate predictors of eventual urodynamic diagnoses, especially among women with advance-stage POP.