Urinary continence and erectile function after bladder neck sling suspension in male patients with spinal dysraphism

Morphometry of pyramidalis muscle and its role in reconstructive surgeries: A cadaveric study in South Indian population

Background

The pyramidalis muscle is a tiny triangular-shaped muscle that is located in the anterior abdominal wall, which originates from the body of the pubis and pubic symphysis and is inserted into linea alba. This study aimed to measure the different parameters of the pyramidalis muscle in adult cadavers.

Methods

This study was carried out on 31 adults (26 males and five females) 10% formalin embalmed cadavers of both sexes from the Department of Anatomy at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal.

Results

The mean length of the right pyramidalis muscle was 64.44 ± 12.52 mm and the left pyramidalis muscle was 64.73 ± 12.81 mm. The mean width of the muscle was 15 ± 4.18 mm and 15.03 ± 3.52 mm on the right and left sides, respectively. The mean thickness of the muscle was 1.32 ± 0.55 mm and 1.4 ± 0.80 mm on the right and left sides, respectively. The distance between the umbilicus to pubic symphysis ranged from 130-192 mm and their mean was calculated to be 159.77 ± 15.36. The distance between the umbilicus and the apex of the muscle ranged from 72-123 mm.

Conclusions

The measured parameters like length, width and thickness may help the surgeons to locate the muscle during infra umbilical surgeries.

Sexual Function of Men and Women With Spina Bifida: A Scoping Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

As most adults with spina bifida are either sexually active or interested in becoming sexually active, providers should understand how spina bifida impacts sexual function and options for treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to summarize the current literature describing how features of spina bifida impact sexual function in men and women, effective available treatment options for sexual dysfunction, and to identify research gaps.

METHODS

Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL Complete, PsychInfo, Cochrane Central, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection databases using keywords related to spina bifida and sexual function. 34 primary research studies were included.

RESULTS

Most men (56-96%) can achieve an erection, although it may be insufficient for penetration. Although 50-88% ejaculate, it is often dripping, retrograde, or insensate. Twenty percent to 67% achieve orgasm. Generally, men with lower lesions and intact sacral reflexes have better outcomes, although some men with all levels of lesion report good function. Sildenafil is efficacious at treating erectile dysfunction for most men. The "TO-MAXimize sensation, sexuality, and quality of life" procedure may improve sexual function in selected men with low-level lesions. Female sexual function and treatment is less well understood. Women may experience decreased arousal, difficulties with orgasm, and pain. No treatment has been studied in women. Bowel and bladder incontinence during intercourse appears to be bothersome to men and women. Although both men and women have diminished sexual satisfaction, their sexual desire appears to be least impacted. Present studies are limited by studies' small, heterogeneous populations, the misuse of validated questionnaires in the sexually inactive population, and the lack of a validated questionnaire specific to people with spina bifida.

CONCLUSIONS

Spina bifida impacts the sexual function of both men and women. Future studies should seek a better understanding of female sexual function and treatment, use validated questionnaires appropriately, and ultimately create a validated sexual function questionnaire specific to this population. Streur CS, Corona L, Smith JE, et al. Sexual Function of Men and Women With Spina Bifida: A Scoping Literature Review. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:244-266.

Prevalence and pubo-umbilical index of pyramidalis muscle in a select Kenyan population

PURPOSE

Pyramidalis is a lower anterior abdominal wall muscle that is considered vestigial and shows variations in prevalence and size. It's been utilized as an anatomical landmark and harvested for use in various surgical procedures. Despite knowledge of its clinical importance, data on the prevalence of pyramidalis remain absent from the Kenyan population with few studies globally reporting on its pubo-umbilical index. We therefore aimed to determine the prevalence and relative lengths (pubo-umbilical index) of pyramidalis muscle in a sample Kenyan population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-two cadavers (41 males, 11 females) from the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi were used. Prevalence and length of the muscle (l) were established, and the distance between pubic symphysis and umbilicus (L) measured and used to calculate pubo-umbilical index (l/L ×100%). Independent and paired T tests were done, using SPSS® version 22. A p value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

Pyramidalis was present in 84% (44) of cadavers; 83% (43) bilaterally, 2% (1) unilaterally, and 85.4% (35) in males, 81.8% (9) in females. Mean length in males and females was 71.8 ± 35 mm and 63.5 ± 37.5 mm, respectively. Mean pubo-umbilical index was 38% ± 18 (39 % ± 18 males, 35% ± 19 females). No statistically significant difference was found.

CONCLUSION

Pyramidalis is a highly prevalent muscle in the Kenyan population and, hence, could be exploited for its clinical and surgical utilities. The muscle terminates largely within the 2nd quarter (25-50%) of the infra-umbilical linea alba measured from pubic symphysis. Its pubo-umbilical index would be useful to surgeons making midline infra-umbilical incisions and performing procedures involving the muscle.

Biometrics of Pyramidalis Muscle and its Clinical Importance

INTRODUCTION

Pyramidalis is classified as a vestigial muscle which is frequently present. It is muscle of the anterior abdominal wall. It is thought to tense the linea alba. It has been used as a surgical landmark, source of muscle stem cells and in various surgical procedures.

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe the morphometry and morphology of pyramidalis muscle in an adult Indian population and its correlation with the clinical significance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cadaveric study on 25 formalin fixed cadavers (males-17, females-8) was conducted in context with prevalence, morphology and morphometry of pyramidalis muscle. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-Square test and student's t-test using SPSS version 23.

RESULTS

The pyramidalis muscle was present in 92% cases, usually bilaterally (72%) than unilaterally (20%) and more frequently in males (94.11%) than in females (87.5%). This study was conducted in Department of Anatomy, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India from August 2014 to August 2016. Bilateral asymmetry was reported. The mean length of the muscle in males and females was 52.21±14.32 and 50.13±13.62mm on the right and 53.97±15.11 and 51.22±13.78mm on the left side. No significant gender predominance existed on the right and left-sided pyramidalis lengths. The mean width of the right-sided pyramidalis in males and females was 18.35±5.15 and 17.05±4.99mm and the left-sided was 17.8±4.80 and 16.21±4.23mm without gender dimorphism. The mean thickness of the right-sided pyramidalis in males and females was 4.91±1.33 and 4.53±1.29mm and the left-sided 4.33±1.28 and 4.38±1.27mm without gender differences. The mean pyramidalis-puboumbilical index was 35.15±4.38%, 36.01±4.97% in males and females respectively. No anatomical variations with regard to origin and insertion were seen.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable information on pyramidalis muscle which may help in appropriate understanding of anatomy, functions and clinical significance of the muscle.

Central Somatosensory Networks Respond to a De Novo Innervated Penis: A Proof of Concept in Three Spina Bifida Patients

INTRODUCTION

Spina bifida (SB) causes low spinal lesions, and patients often have absent genital sensation and a highly impaired sex life. TOMAX (TO MAX-imize sensation, sexuality and quality of life) is a surgical procedure whereby the penis is newly innervated using a sensory nerve originally targeting the inguinal area. Most TOMAX-treated SB patients initially experience penile stimulation as inguinal sensation, but eventually, the perception shifts to penis sensation with erotic feelings. The brain mechanisms mediating this perceptual shift, which are completely unknown, could hold relevance for understanding the brain's role in sexual development.

AIM

The aim of this study was to study how a newly perceived penis would be mapped onto the brain after a lifelong disconnection.

METHODS

Three TOMAX-treated SB patients participated in a functional magnetic resonance imagery experiment while glans penis, inguinal area, and index finger were stimulated with a paint brush.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Brush stimulation-induced activation of the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) and functional connectivity between SI and remote cerebral regions.

RESULTS

Stimulation of the re-innervated side of the glans penis and the intact contralateral inguinal area activated a very similar location on SI. Yet, connectivity analysis identified distinct SI functional networks. In all three subjects, the middle cingulate cortex (MCC) and the parietal operculum-insular cortex (OIC) were functionally connected to SI activity during glans penis stimulation, but not to SI activity induced by inguinal stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Investigating central somatosensory network activity to a de novo innervated penis in SB patients is feasible and informative. The consistent involvement of MCC and OIC above and beyond the brain network expected on the basis of inguinal stimulation suggests that these areas mediate the novel penis sensation in these patients. The potential role of MCC and OIC in this process is discussed, along with recommendations for further research.

Sling suspension of the bladder neck for pediatric urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE

Surgery for urinary incontinence in childhood is in the process of an ongoing search for better results because a procedure that guarantees dryness still does not exist. This study has been conducted to assess the overall results of the fascia sling procedure for incontinence in children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty-nine patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and follow-up of more than 2 years have been included in the study (46 boys and 43 girls aged 2-17 years). All patients underwent U-type sling suspension of the bladder neck. In 59 patients detrusorectomy and in 11 patients bladder augmentation was performed. Sphincter incompetence was defined as low-pressure (<30 cm H(2)O) leakage observed during urodynamic studies. The results of surgery were assessed clinically (dryness intervals).

RESULTS

Forty-two (47%) patients were completely dry, and 23 (26%) considerably improved. The success rate was higher in males (35) than in females (30) (76% vs 70%). Detrusorectomy did not improve the success rate of the sling procedure (68% vs 79% sling only), but bladder augmentation did (90%). Higher success rates have been observed in adolescents compared to prepubertal children (83% vs 56%). No serious complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Rectus fascia sling suspension is a safe procedure and could be considered a good option for the treatment of neurogenic sphincter incompetence in children.

Treatment of the neurogenic bladder in spina bifida

Renal damage and renal failure are among the most severe complications of spina bifida. Over the past decades, a comprehensive treatment strategy has been applied that results in minimal renal scaring. In addition, the majority of patients can be dry for urine by the time they go to primary school. To obtain such results, it is mandatory to treat detrusor overactivity from birth onward, as upper urinary tract changes predominantly start in the first months of life. This means that new patients with spina bifida should be treated from birth by clean intermittent catheterization and pharmacological suppression of detrusor overactivity. Urinary tract infections, when present, need aggressive treatment, and in many patients, permanent prophylaxis is indicated. Later in life, therapy can be tailored to urodynamic findings. Children with paralyzed pelvic floor and hence urinary incontinence are routinely offered surgery around the age of 5 years to become dry. Rectus abdominis sling suspension of the bladder neck is the first-choice procedure, with good to excellent results in both male and female patients. In children with detrusor hyperactivity, detrusorectomy can be performed as an alternative for ileocystoplasty provided there is adequate bladder capacity. Wheelchair-bound patients can manage their bladder more easily with a continent catheterizable stoma on top of the bladder. This stoma provides them extra privacy and diminishes parental burden. Bowel management is done by retrograde or antegrade enema therapy. Concerning sexuality, special attention is needed to address expectations of adolescent patients. Sensibility of the glans penis can be restored by surgery in the majority of patients.

Urologischer Erkrankungen bei Patienten mit Meningomyelozele

Since the 1980s the management of children and adolescents with meningomyelocele has undergone major changes. The introduction of pharmacotherapy with antimuscarinic agents, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and antibacterial prophylaxis has revolutionized the management of children with neurogenic bladder. The co-operation between neonatologists, neurosurgeons, paediatric neurologists, paediatricians, paediatric urologists, paediatric nephrologists, paediatric orthopaedists and paediatric surgeons is necessary to achieve an optimized therapy in each individual patient. In this interdisciplinary consensus paper we provide definitions and classifications as well as a timetable for the appropriate investigations. The conservative and surgical options are explained in detail. A short review is given concerning orthopaedic management, incidence of latex allergy, options for bowel management, diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections, problems with sexuality and fertility as well as the long-term compliance of these patients and their relatives.

Neurological Bypass for Sensory Innervation of the Penis in Patients With Spina Bifida

PURPOSE

Most male patients with spina bifida have normal sexual desires. During puberty they begin to realize that they can achieve erection and sexual intercourse but without any sensation in the penis. We hypothesized that restored sensation in the penis would greatly contribute to their quality of life and sexual health. In this prospective study we investigated the outcome of a new operative neurological bypass procedure in patients with spina bifida.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 3 patients who were 17, 18 and 21 years old with a spinal lesion at L5, L4 and L3-L4, respectively, the sensory ilioinguinal nerve (L1) was cut distal in the groin and joined by microneurorrhaphy to the divided ipsilateral dorsal nerve of the penis (S2-4) at the base of the penis. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative neurological and psychological evaluations.

RESULTS

By 15 months postoperatively all patients had achieved excellent sensation on the operated side of the glans penis. They were unequivocally positive about the results and the penis had become more integrated into the body image. In 2 patients masturbation became more meaningful and 1 became more sexually active with and without his partner.

CONCLUSIONS

The newly designed neurological bypass procedure in patients with spina bifida resulted in excellent sensibility in the glans penis. The new sensation appeared to contribute to the quality of the patient sexuality and sexual functioning as well as to the feeling of being a more normal and complete individual who is more conscious of the penis. This new operation might become standard treatment in patients with spina bifida in the future.

Detrusorectomy for Neuropathic Bladder in Patients with Spinal Dysraphism

PURPOSE

We assess the outcome of detrusorectomy in 35 patients with spina bifida who were incontinent due to poor bladder volume or poor compliance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 51 patients requiring bladder augmentation 35 underwent detrusorectomy. In 3 patients ileocystoplasty was later performed as a secondary procedure because of failure of the detrusorectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients (17 males, 18 females) underwent detrusorectomy. Mean patient age at operation was 9.9 years (range 0.4 to 17.8). Mean followup was 4.9 years (range 1 to 10.5). A continent catheterizable vesicostomy was constructed in 14 patients and ureteral reimplantation was performed in 8. Twenty-five patients also underwent sling and/or Burch cystourethropexy during detrusorectomy, of whom 19 are continent and 5 have some leakage between clean intermittent catheterizations. In 1 girl the sling procedure was not successful, and she was subsequently treated with bladder neck closure. Bladder compliance after operation was improved in 9 cases and unchanged in 10. Of the 16 patients in whom compliance was already acceptable before the operation and was unchanged after detrusorectomy 7 were able to stop antimuscarinic therapy. Compliance became poor in 4 cases, of which 3 required ileocystoplasty. Bladder volume (as a percentage of normal volume for age) was increased after detrusorectomy in 13 patients, unchanged in 11 and decreased in 11. Complications of detrusorectomy included bladder leakage in 2 cases. One patient needed a laparotomy because of urinary ascites shortly after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Detrusorectomy may be combined with other procedures such as ureteral reimplantation, slingplasty and continent vesicostomy. Of 35 treated patients compliance improved in 16 (46%),volume improved in 13 (37%), 3 had no change in parameters, and 3 had a slight decrease in volume and compliance. Four patients had poor results, of whom 3 needed a secondary ileocystoplasty. Therefore, it may be concluded that detrusorectomy is a safe and probably useful procedure for improvement of bladder volume and compliance in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and may obviate the need for ileocystoplasty in a limited number of patients.

Transvaginal sling suspension of bladder neck in female patients with neurogenic sphincter incontinence

PURPOSE

Many surgical options exist to enhance bladder neck closing pressure in women. Most procedures are relatively large with a success rate of between 70% and 90%. Sling procedures with the sling placed between the anterior vaginal wall and bladder neck cause a risk of traumatic lesions of the bladder neck at operation and of postoperative erosion of the sling into the urethra. We evaluated the results of surgical treatment for neurogenic pelvic floor paralysis in girls with spina bifida by transvaginal rectus abdominis sling suspension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1991 and 2001 we treated 24 girls with a pubovaginal sling placed through the vagina. Patient age at operation was 1 to 17 years (mean 9). After identification of the bladder neck and anterior vaginal wall 2 small holes were made into the vagina left and right of the bladder neck. The sling was taken through these holes and fixed to the contralateral pubic bone. The sling procedure has been combined with ileocystoplasty, auto-augmentation, a continent catheterizable stoma and ureteral reimplantation when needed.

RESULTS

Of the 24 patients 19 were dry after the initial procedure and 3 others became dry after a total of 4 additional injections of a bulking agent into the bladder neck via suprapubic needle introduction under transurethral endoscopic guidance. A patient underwent bladder neck closure after a vesicovaginal fistula developed from the ileal bladder and another primarily elected bladder neck closure for persistent urinary incontinence. No infectious complications occurred that were related to the procedure. Clean intermittent catheterization was possible in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Transvaginal sling suspension is safe, relatively easy to perform and cost-effective compared with most alternative procedures. It appears to be as successful as other more complicated procedures to achieve urinary continence in girls with spina bifida.

Puboprostatic sling repair for treatment of urethral incompetence in adult neurogenic incontinence

PURPOSE

An incompetent urethral sphincter can be a significant factor contributing to urinary incontinence in patients with neurogenic bladders. We review our experience with 12 men who underwent a puboprostatic sling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 12 men (mean age 37.1 years) with neurogenic bladder due to spinal cord injury in 9 and spina bifida in 3. All patients were diagnosed with urethral incompetence based on fluorourodynamic evaluation. Medical therapy failed in all 12 patients and all complained of urine leakage with activity. All patients underwent placement of an autologous fascial sling distal to the prostatic urethra via an abdominal approach. Ten patients also underwent simultaneous bladder augmentation to correct high intravesical pressures.

RESULTS

Followup ranged from 1 to 39 months (average 14.25). All patients manage the bladder with intermittent catheterization. Of the patients 8 are completely dry between catheterizations and 2 had significant improvement with only minimal leakage (1 pad per day), with an overall success rate of 83%. One patient improved initially but subsequently underwent placement of an artificial urinary sphincter for residual stress incontinence. In 1 patient several external sphincterotomies failed despite adequate sling placement. There were no complications related to the placement of the sling and all patients are able to perform intermittent catheterization without difficulty.

CONCLUSIONS

In select male patients the puboprostatic sling can be an effective and safe method to treat urethral incompetence secondary to neurogenic voiding dysfunction.

Pediatric reconstructive surgery

The field of reconstructive pediatric urologic surgery is constantly changing. Recent changes in pediatric urologic reconstructive surgery are discussed in the present review. Surgical techniques for treating patients with hypospadias, exstrophy, incontinence, and ambiguous or variant genitalia are also discussed.