[Laparoscopic cystectomy and transileal ureterostomy for neurogenic vesicosphincteric disorders. Evaluation of morbidity]

Current Surgical Treatment for Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

This study aimed to present a comprehensive literature review of the efforts of a spinal cord injury workgroup in Taiwan regarding urologic surgery for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Surgical procedures should be viewed as a final option for managing patients with SCI who have persistent symptoms and complications that cannot be resolved by other means. Surgeries can be grouped according to their purpose: reducing bladder pressures, reducing urethra resistance, increasing urethra resistance, and urinary diversion. The choice of surgery depends on the type of LUTD based on urodynamic tests. Additionally, cognitive function, hand motility, comorbidities, efficacy of surgery, and related complications should be considered.

Special surgical aspects of radical cystectomy in spinal cord injury patients with bladder cancer

PURPOSE

Radical cystectomy in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) provides numerous additional difficulties, compared to able-bodied people. Therefore, it is important to obtain information from an experienced team about optimally managing these patients.

METHODS

Surgical procedures, based on the experience of 12 radical cystectomies in SCI patients with bladder cancer between January 1st, 2001, and December 31st, 2020, were recorded and the operative and perioperative clinical data were evaluated. Surgery was performed in a high-volume center by the surgeon most experienced in radical cystectomies, assisted by the neuro-urologist, involved in the care of the patient from the spinal cord center. Furthermore, a checklist based on the experience of the surgeon and the assisting neuro-urologist was developed.

RESULTS

SCI patients mostly suffered from an advanced disease and were always operated by the same team. The hospital stays ranged from 23 to 134 days (median 42 days). Four of the patients suffered from a postoperative paralytic ileus. Otherwise, both the operation time and the intraoperative blood loss as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications were basically comparable with those in able-bodied patients. The special features of radical cystectomy in SCI bladder cancer patients are described. Furthermore, a checklist addressing preoperative red flags, intra-operative challenges and post-operative challenges is presented.

CONCLUSION

Radical cystectomy in SCI patients should be performed in a high-volume department by the most experienced surgical team. The inclusion of the urologist caring for the patient from the spinal cord injury center is highly recommended.

[Non continent urinary diversion and other bladder managements in patients with multiple sclerosis]

INTRODUCTION

To compare non-continent urinary diversion (NCUD) and other bladder managements in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), in terms of satisfaction and burden of care.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients with MS that were proposed a NCUD in our center for refractory lower urinary tract disorders between January 2005 and March 2018 were eligible. Patients were attributed to two distinct groups: "NCUD" and "Other bladder management". The primary endpoint was the satisfaction related to the bladder management quoted by a numerical rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10. The secondary endpoints included, among other things, the evaluation of the burden of care associated with the bladder management.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were included in the "NCUD" group and 11 in the "Other bladder management" group, with 4 patients pursuing with spontaneous voiding, 3 with intermittent catheterization, 2 that have undergone a sphincterotomy, 1 still performing self-intermittent catheterization and 1 with a supra-pubic catheter. The "NCUD" group had a significant higher NRS than the "Other bladder management" group (8.22±1.78 vs. 6.27±2.45; P=0.0056). The daily average duration of care was 16.42minutes in the "NCUD" group and 35.6minutes in the "Other bladder management" group (P=0.1111) CONCLUSION: This exploratory study, even if not conclusive, brings to light the preliminary results needed to elaborate a high level of evidence protocol regarding the satisfaction and the burden of care associated with NCUD in MS patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

[Expert opinion on surgical care pathway management of neurologic patients from Neuro-Urology Committee of the French National Association of Urology (AFU)]

The surgical care pathway of neurologic patients has two aims: preventing urinary morbidity and mortality and improving their quality of life. It requires taking into account the specificities of disabilities in domains of body functions: circulatory, ventilation and digestive physiology, motor functions, sensory functions, mental functions, and skin fragility which are responsible of dependencies in this heterogeneous group of patients. This management is necessarily multidisciplinary to be optimal and through specific clinical care pathway, providing guidance to the surgical procedure: preparation of the surgery, its realization, and post-operative rehabilitation. The indication for surgery must be coordinated and validated in neuro-urology multidisciplinary staff. Preoperative stay in a physical and rehabilitation medicine center may be useful to ensure a complete assessment and anticipate problems related to surgery. The patient will be hospitalized in the urology department in a single room suited to their disabilities and handicaps. The chronic treatments should be not modified if possible. The lack of sensitivity does not dispense anesthesia to prevent autonomic hyperreflexia, the most severe complication after high complete spinal cord injury. The laparoscopy and sub-peritoneal surgery, the early removal nasogastric tube and early refeeding make it possible to early resumption of intestinal transit. In many cases, the patients should be transferred to a physical and rehabilitation medicine during post-operative period where the nursing care will be most suitable. A quickly adapted rehabilitation must be able to reduce loss of function and physical dependence.

Prospective evaluation of laparoscopic assisted cystectomy and ileal conduit in advanced multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the morbidity, mortality, and impact on quality of life and renal function after laparoscopic cystectomy and ileal conduit in patients with multiple sclerosis with lower urinary tract symptom refractory to conservative management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted between February 2004 and December 2010 on 44 consecutive patients with multiple sclerosis who underwent laparoscopic cystectomy and ileal conduit for lower urinary tract symptom. Median Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 8 (6.5-8.5). Mean duration of multiple sclerosis was 19.3 ± 7.9 years. The quality of life was determined using the validated Qualiveen questionnaire preoperatively and at minimum 6 months after the surgery.

RESULTS

No conversion to open surgery was required. Postoperative morbidity rate was 18.2%; minor (Clavien ≤ 2) and major (Clavien ≥ 3) complications occurred in 13.6% and 6.8%, respectively. Mean follow-up was 44.5 ± 20.6 months. Complications noted were asymptomatic ureteroileal stenosis (n = 6) and pyelonephritis (n = 3). Neurological status and Expanded Disability Status Scale score remained stable throughout. Renal function remained unchanged. Limitations, constraints, and specific urinary impact index subscores of the Qualiveen were significantly improved at 6 months time.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cystectomy and ileal conduit for lower urinary tract symptom in advanced multiple sclerosis is a safe procedure with low complications. Neurological status and renal function remain stable and quality of life improves and continues to remain improved during long-term follow-up, suggesting this to be an attractive option in patients with advanced multiple sclerosis with lower urinary tract symptom refractory to conservative treatment.