Which revision strategy is the best for non-mechanical failure of male artificial urinary sphincter?

PURPOSE

Persistence or recurrence of stress urinary incontinence (prSUI) after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation may be secondary to non-mechanical failure (NOMECA). It have for long been assumed to result from urethral atrophy. Its existence is now debated. As the pathophysiology of NOMECA is not elucidated, the most appropriate management remains unclear. We aimed to compare the several revision techniques for NOMECA of AUS in men.

METHODS

NOMECA was defined as prSUI, with normally functioning device, no erosion, infection or fluid loss. Exclusion criteria were neurogenic SUI, revision or explantation for other causes. From 1991 to 2022, 143 AUS revisions for NOMECA, including 99 cuff DOWNSIZING, 10 cuff repositioning (RELOC), 13 TANDEM-CUFF placement, 18 cuff changing (CHANGE), three increasing balloon pressure (BALLOON-UP), were performed in 10 centers. BALLOON-UP patients weren't included in comparative analysis due to small sample size. All components could be changed during the revision. Patients were also categorized in COMPLETE-CHANGE vs. PARTIAL-CHANGE of the device.

RESULTS

The three-months complete continence rate was 70.8% with a significant difference between RELOC and DOWNSIZING groups (p = 0.04). COMPLETE CHANGE was significantly associated with complete continence status at three months in multivariate analysis (83.3% vs. 63.3%, OR = 2.7; CI 95% [1.1-7.1], p = 0.03). Estimated five-year reoperation-free and explantation-free survival were respectively 63.4% and 75.9% (p = 0.16; p = 0.30). Those were significantly longer in COMPLETE-CHANGE vs PARTIAL-CHANGE (82.2% vs. 69.6%, p = 0.03); (71.2% vs. 58.2%, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

AUS revision for prSUI due to NOMECA yields satisfactory outcomes regardless of the technique used. We observed better functional outcomes when repositioning the new cuff. COMPLETE-CHANGE may improve functional outcomes, explantation-free and reoperation-free survivals.

2021 opinion from the CUROPF on THE efficacy and safety of mid-urethral slings used in women WITH urinary stress incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To determine the usefulness of mid-urethral slings (MUS) in the surgical management of women presenting with urinary stress incontinence (USI) METHOD: A consensus committee of multidisciplinary experts (CUROPF) was convened and focused on PICO questions concerning the efficacy and safety of MUS surgery compared to other procedures and concerning which approach (retropubic (RP) vs transobturator (TO)) should be proposed as a first-line MUS surgery for specific subpopulations (obese; intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD); elderly) RESULTS: As compared to other procedures (urethral bulking agents, traditional slings and open colposuspension), the MUS procedure should be proposed as the first-line surgical therapy (strong agreement). MUS surgery can be associated with complications and proper pre-operative informed consent is mandatory (strong agreement). Mini-slings (SIS/SIMS) should only be proposed in clinical trials (strong agreement). Both RP and TO approaches may be proposed for the insertion of MUS (strong agreement). However, if the woman is willing to accept a moderate increase in per-operative risk, the RP approach should be preferred (strong agreement) since it is associated with higher very long-term cure rates and as it is possible to completely remove the sling surgically if a severe complication occurs. The RP approach should be used for the insertion of MUS in a woman presenting with ISD (strong agreement). Either the RP or TO approach should be used for the insertion of MUS in an obese woman presenting with USI (strong agreement). In very obese women (BMI ≥35-40kg/m²), weight loss should be preferred prior to MUS surgery and bariatric surgery should be discussed (strong agreement) CONCLUSION: The current Opinion provides an appropriate strategy for both the selection of patients and the best therapeutic approach in women presenting with USI.

[Surgical management of suburethral sling complications and functional outcomes]

OBJECTIVES

To identify various clinical presentation leading to the diagnosis of mid-urethral sling (MUS) complications and to analyze the functional outcomes after surgical management of these complications.

METHOD

Retrospective observational monocentric study of all patients treated by MUS section or removal, between December 2005 and October 2019, in a pelviperineology centre.

RESULTS

During this study, 96 patients were included. MUS complications surgically managed were vaginal mesh exposure (48 %), urethral mesh exposure (17 %), bladder mesh exposure (10 %); dysuria (30 %), pain (6 %), and infection (3 %). The mean time to diagnosis was 2 years. This diagnosis delay was caused by a non-specific and heterogeneous symptomatology. Surgical management consisted in MUS partial removal (79 %) and MUS simple section (21 %) with low perioperative morbidity. At three months follow-up, 36 patients (53 %) had stress urinary incontinence (SUI), including 13 (19 %) de novo (meaning no SUI before MUS section/removal) and 19 (28 %) had overactive bladder, including 9 (13 %) de novo. Half of the patients with SUI after MUS section/removal were able to be treated by a second MUS with a success rate of 83 % at 3 years.

CONCLUSION

Clinical presentation of MUS complications is heterogeneous. Surgical treatment was associated with low morbidity in our study. Post-operatively, half of the patients had SUI and a second MUS was a relevant treatment option after proper evaluation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Laser procedure for female urinary stress incontinence: A review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

There is increasing interest in noninvasive treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), including a vaginal laser procedure. In view of a lack of data on this technique, we conducted a non-systematic review of the literature.

METHODS

We reviewed studies concerning the laser treatment of SUI from PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Study design, outcome measure, number of participants, procedural complications and results were analyzed.

RESULTS

The use of laser treatment of female SUI has been described in 7 prospective, single-center and non-comparative (no control group) studies, all of which used an erbium YAG or a CO₂ laser in thermal non-ablative treatment. Primary outcome was ICIQ-UI-SF score in six studies, and pad tests in one study. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 36months. Improvement rates ranged from 62% to 78%. No major adverse events were noted. Minor side effects included sensation of warmth, increased vaginal discharge and transient urge urinary incontinence.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of vaginal laser treatment of SUI has not been assessed in comparative studies. More rigorous and adequately powered trials are required to assess the relative benefits and adverse event profile of laser treatment of SUI, as compared with other minimally invasive procedures.

Transobturator tape sling for female stress incontinence with polypropylene tape and outside-in procedure: Prospective study with 1 year of minimal follow-up and review of transobturator tape sling

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of a minimally invasive surgical procedure using a polypropylene transobturator tape to treat female stress urinary incontinence during a minimal follow-up of 1 year and to present a review of this technique.

METHODS

A total of 206 women with stress urinary incontinence who underwent the transobturator tape procedure in a French multicenter prospective open tracker study, with a minimal follow-up of 1 year (range 12 to 33 months), were assessed. A nonelastic, polypropylene tape was placed under the mid-urethra. The surgical placement technique used a vaginal and transobturator percutaneous approach. Postoperative assessments included clinical examination, cough-stress test (full bladder), uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual urine volume performed after 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 16 months (range 12 to 33). Of the 206 patients, 79.1% were completely cured, 13% improved, and 7% failed. No vascular, nervous system, or digestive perioperative complications were observed; however, 2.4% of the patients had postoperative urinary retention.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study have confirmed the optimal results in stress incontinence previously reported in short-term studies. These results suggest that the transobturator tape procedure is a valuable alternative to the transvaginal tape procedure, with a low rate of complications.

Bandelettes sous-urétrales dans l'incontinence urinaire d'effort de la femme : revue des différents procédés

With more than 1,000,000 procedures in the world and the good results that have been published (85% recovery rate, low morbidity), Tension free Vaginal Tape (TVT) is now considered the gold standard for the treatment of female urinary stress incontinence. Currently, advances are noticed concerning the material used (monofilament, multifilament or extruded cross-linked polypropylene), the surgical access (ascending or descending retropubic, transobturator approach), and the ancillary instruments. The surgeon's vigilance is essential in selecting the most adapted material and access to obtain good results and the lower morbidity rate.

Surgical Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence with a Trans-Obturator-Tape (T.O.T.®) Uratape®: Short Term Results of a Prospective Multicentric Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a new minimally invasive surgical procedure using the Trans-Obturator-Tape Uratape to treat female stress urinary incontinence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

183 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) associated with urethral hypermobility, underwent the T.O.T. procedure (October 2001 to March 2003). 26 patients were previously operated for incontinence. 26 patients were operated at the same time for their genital prolapse. Mean age was 56 years (29-87). 50/183 patients were having mixed incontinence. A non-elastic, polypropylene tape (UraTape, Mentor-Porgès) with a silicon coated central part was placed under the mid-urethra. The surgical placement technique utilises a trans-obturator percutaneous approach. All patients underwent post-operative clinical examination, cough-stress test (full bladder), uroflowmetry, and post-voiding residual assessment.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 7 months (1-21). At 1 year follow-up 80.5% of the patients were completely cured and 7.5% were improved. The overall peri-operative complication rate was 2.2% with no vascular, nerve or bowel injury. 6 patients (3.3%) had post-operative urinary retention.

CONCLUSION

The present multicentric study confirms the results obtained by the instigator of the technique, E. Delorme, and allows us to consider T.O.T. as an effective and safe technique for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence, alone or in combination with prolapse repair.

[The Munchausen syndrome: a diagnosis not to be forgotten in urology]

INTRODUCTION

Among the manifestations of Münchausen's syndrome, "neurological" forms may exist.

OBSERVATION

We present the case of a patient presenting with urinary retention following treatment for urinary incontinence. The patient had injected himself with infected urine collected from his catheter, in order to create septicemia.

COMMENTS

Nephritic colitis, false gall stones, addition of fecal matter or of food and saliva in the urine or the bladder, neurogenic bladder and urinary infections have all been reported as possible manifestations of Münchausen's syndrome. Diagnosis of this syndrome is often delayed and laborious, after repeated hospitalisations, examinations and often aggressive treatment. Its therapeutic management is difficult. Patients, despite proof, deny their deceit and refuse psychiatric care.

[Can a precise vesiculectomy be performed during radical prostatectomy?]

OBJECTIVE

To define the anatomical landmarks allowing precise vesiculectomy to be performed during radical prostatectomy for cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

12 non-formalin-preserved anatomical subjects were dissected as during retropubic and perineal prostatectomy, with and without coloured latex vascular injection.

RESULTS

Three anatomical landmarks were defined: 1) Denonvilliers' fascia; 2) vas deferens; 3) arteries supplying the seminal vesicles.

CONCLUSIONS

These three anatomical landmarks ensure: complete resection, preservation of adjacent anatomical structures and elective haemostasis.

[Comparative study of 230 women to determine the maximum closure pressure and functional length of the urethra at 0, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock]

OBJECTIVE

The maximum closure pressure (MCP) of the urethra, measured by the urethral profile, constitutes an index of urinary continence. The objective of this study, in a large population of women, was to evaluate the possible variations of MCP and functional length (FL) of the urethra, according to the position of a urodynamic probe designed to perform lateral sectorial measurements.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Measurements were performed between July and December 1998, in 230 patients with a mean age of 55 years, using a probe perfused with water and equipped with an urethral side orifice. We compared, by analysis of variance for repeated measures, MCP and mean FL at 0 o'clock (MCPm0, LFm0), 3 o'clock (MCPm3, LFm3), 6 o'clock (MCPm6, LFm6) and 9 o'clock (MCPm9, LFm9).

RESULTS

The values for MCPm and LFm obtained according to the rotation of the probe were as follows: MCPm0 = 65.68 +/- 12.46 cmH20, MPCm3 = 55.44 +/- 16.97 cmH20, MCPm6 = 58.07 +/- 15.85 cmH20, and MCPm9 = 53.85 +/- 16.89 cmH20, LFm0 = 28.92 +/- 5.32 mm, LFm3 = 30.18 +/- 6.82 mm, LFm6 = 32.40 +/- 6.82 mm and LFm9 = 30.83 +/- 6.07 mm.

CONCLUSION

LCP may variable considerably in the same subject according to rotation of the probe. In our series, MCPm at 0 o'clock was significantly higher than MCPm at 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock. This difference appears to increase with age. The lowest values for MCPm were observed at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. The MCPm at 6 o'clock was intermediate and the closest value to the mean pressure calculated from MCPm in the four positions. On the other hand, FL varied only slightly according to the position of the probe.

[Lipodystrophy: a complication of protease inhibitors in HIV seropositive patients]

Indinavir-induced lipodystrophy constitutes a new complication of this therapeutic category. It is characterized by loss of fat from the face and limbs and accumulation of fat in the abdominal wall (possibly simulating an abdominal mass), but also in the abdominal cavity (retroperitoneum, greater omentum, mesocolon, mesentery). This complication, whose frequency is currently assessed to be between 24 to 64%, occurs an average of 10 months after starting treatment. It is often accompanied by laboratory abnormalities, such as hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia or insulin resistance. The pathophysiology and long-term consequences of this complication are still poorly understood.

Diagnostic value of ten systematic TRUS-guided prostate biopsies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the improvement in the rate of detection of prostate cancer using an extensive protocol involving ten transrectal biopsies.

METHODS

A total of 162 patients submitted to transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy for elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or abnormality on digital rectal examination were studied consecutively and prospectively. Five biopsies were performed in each lobe: between the three standard biopsies on each side, two additional biopsy specimens were taken in the same plane and at the same 45 degrees angle.

RESULTS

The complication rate with the ten-biopsy protocol was 1.85%. Prostate cancer was detected in 40.1% of the patients. In the overall series, the percentage of diagnostic improvement brought about by this ten-biopsy protocol was +3.1%. The percentage improvement was greatest (+4.9%) in patients with PSA </=10 ng/ml.

CONCLUSION

Increasing the number of biopsy cores without altering the angle of biopsy and/or the zone sampled does not lead to a significant improvement in the detection of prostate cancer.

[Value of the use of a questionnaire in the evaluation of incontinence surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the contribution of a questionnaire in the evaluation of patients operated for urinary stress incontinence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1988 to 1996, 42 patients underwent bladder neck suspension for urinary stress incontinence. Only 7 patients had no history of pelvic surgery, 24 patients presented pure urinary stress incontinence and 19 presented mixed incontinence, 37 patients were evaluable with a mean follow-up of 2 years. The evaluation consisted of two aspects: clinical assessment, based on review of the case files, showing that 77% of patients were continent, and a questionnaire (non-validated translation of "Q7" and "UD16"). This questionnaire evaluated quality of life (7 items) and symptoms. Each item was scored from 0 to 3.

RESULTS

To interpret the results we divided the three main scores into three intervals, the first third corresponding to good results. The percentage of good results for the overall score, quality of life score and symptom score was 62%, 73% and 46% respectively. The most discriminative questions of the questionnaire can be used to analyse urine leaks related to effort, urgency episodes of incontinence. A score of 0 or 1 was considered to be a good result. The percentage of good results for these three questions was therefore 72%, 60% and 64%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The cure rate therefore varies as a function of the criteria selected: the questionnaire allows the urologist to more accurately assess the patient's postoperative state.

[Diagnostic value of 10 systematized and ultrasound-guided transrectal prostatic biopsies]

OBJECTIVE

To study the improvement of prostatic cancer detection provided by ten strictly systematized transrectal prostatic biopsies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective study was conducted in 162 patients submitted to a series of 10 ultrasound-guided transrectal prostatic biopsies due to the presence of elevated PSA and/or an abnormality on digital rectal examination. Five biopsies were taken from different sites in each lobe: 2 biopsies were inserted between the 3 biopsies usually performed in the standard protocol, while maintaining the angle of entry of the needle recommended in this protocol.

RESULTS

The complication rate was 1.85% with the 10-biopsy technique. Prostatic cancer was detected in 40.1% of the 162 patients. The percentage diagnostic improvement provided by the 10-biopsy protocol in the overall patient population was +3.1% compared to the standard protocol. The highest percentage diagnostic improvement was observed in the group of patients with PSA < or = 10 ng/ml (+4.9%) and in the group of patients with an ultrasound prostatic volume < or = 40 cc (+4%).

CONCLUSION

The most marked diagnostic improvement appears to be related more to sampling of prostatic zones presenting a statistically increased risk of cancer (peripheral zone) than to the increased number of prostatic biopsies performed.

[Effects of a 6F urethral catheter on uroflowmetry in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy]

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the presence of a 6F catheter in the urethra modifies uroflowmetric parameters in a population of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

260 patients, 45 to 86 years old, presenting with benign prostatic hyperplasia, underwent two uroflowmetries, one with the urethra free, the other with a 6F urethral catheter. Patients with a history of neurological disease, diabetes mellitus, prostatic cancer, lower urinary tract surgery or taking drugs likely to affect micturition, were excluded from the study. Maximum flow rate (Qmax) and voided volume were then compared during the 2 recordings, using Wilcoxon's non parametric test.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between voided volumes in the 2 groups (m: 207 ml versus m: 226 ml), but a very significant difference was observed for maximum flow rate measurements (m: 8.62 ml/s versus m: 6.97 ml/s p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The presence of an urethral catheter, even small calibre (6F), modifies the flow rate by more than 1.5 ml/s. This element must be taken into account when performing and interpreting measurements of the pressure-flow relationship in men.

Adjuvant radiation therapy for recurrent PSA after radical prostatectomy in T1-T2 prostate cancer

To evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of adjuvant radiation therapy (ART) in patients with T1-T2 prostate cancer (CaP) in whom extracapsular cancer (pT3) was detected after radical prostatectomy (RP), together with biochemical failure characterized by a recurrent level of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA)>0.1 ng/mL. Twenty-two patients with T1-T2 CaP treated by RP who subsequently were found to have pT3 CaP with (13) or without (9) positive surgical margins and/or seminal vesicle invasion, exhibited biochemical failure characterized by a recurrent level of serum PSA, 2-40 (mean: 25) months after RP and were treated with ART (65 Gy). Bone and CT scans were negative in every patient, 15 of whom were submitted to TRUS biopsy (Bx) of the anastomosis (resection site), which was positive in 8. Patients were followed up for between 6 and 60 (mean: 32.5) months. Transient side effects (urgency, proctitis, diarrhea) were experienced by 9 patients after ART. A decrease in serum PSA was observed in 19 patients; however, only 14 of these achieved an undetectable level (<0.1 ng/mL) on one or more occasions after completion of ART (in 12 cases this was after 3 months). Of the 14 patients, 8 achieved a persistently unmeasurable PSA level at a mean follow-up of 20.4 (range: 9-48) months. There was no difference between patients in whom an undetectable level of serum PSA was attained and those in whom it was not, with regard to specimen pathology, PSA doubling time, timing of ART, and the result of Bx. Patients who achieved an undetectable PSA had a lower mean PSA at the time of ART (1.1 vs 2.9 ng/mL, P<0.05) and a lower preoperative mean PSA. Although ART for biochemical failure after RP may lead to undetectable PSA levels in a significant proportion of patients for a significant period of time, a longer follow-up shows that such unmeasurable levels persist in only 36.4% of such patients.

Balloon catheter dilatation in the treatment of ureteral and ureteroenteric stricture

Balloon catheter dilatation is a low-cost alternative to open surgery in patients with ureteral strictures, leading to low morbidity and short hospitalization. The goal of this study was to evaluate the results of this technique in patients with inflammatory ureteral strictures or ureteroenteric strictures after radical cystectomy. Twenty-five ureteral strictures in 20 (15 male, 5 female) patients were consecutively treated by high-pressure balloon dilatation: 14 cases of ureteroenteric stricture (9 after ileal cutaneous diversion, and 5 after orthotopic enterocystoplasty) and 11 of ureteral stricture from various inflammatory causes (tuberculosis, iatrogenic injury, radiation therapy, parasitosis). Dilatation was performed by an antegrade (ureteroenteric strictures) or retrograde (inflammatory strictures) approach using a balloon insufflated up to 10 to 20 atm for 5 to 15 minutes. The ureter was stented for a mean time of 2.1 months (range 1-5 months). Results were evaluated clinically and radiologically (intravenous urogram or CT scan). Immediate success was assessed by intraoperative radiologic monitoring. Long-term success was defined as the absence of recurrence of the stenosis after 6 months. Nineteen procedures were successful among the 23 evaluable cases. With a mean follow-up of 16 months (range 6-39 months), the long-term success rate was 52%: 40% in ureteral strictures and 61% in ureteroenteric strictures. Five strictures secondary to cutaneous diversion and six caused by radiation therapy recurred after dilatation. After cutaneous diversion, the failure occurred mostly at the anastomosis and involved the crossed-over ureter. This study shows that high-pressure balloon dilatation of ureteral strictures has a high early success rate and a long-term success rate of 52%. It can therefore be considered as an alternative to open surgery.

[Nephritic colic due to indinavir]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the frequency and assess curative and preventive measures against urinary lithiasis in patients treated with indinavir.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fourteen HIV seropositive patients who developed severe and acute flank pain were included. Four of the patients receiving 800 mg indinavir t.i.d. had fever (38.5 degrees C) or delayed secretion (> 2 h). Delay from indinavir treatment onset was 1 to 321 days. During the same period, 155 patients had been treated with indinavir. Clinical features, radiology and laboratory results were recorded in addition to an analysis of the lithiasis if possible.

RESULTS

Transient moderate renal failure occurred in 8 patients. Mean urine pH was 6. Serum phosphorus, calcium, and uric acid, liver tests and urinalysis were normal. A JJ ureteral stent was inserted in 4 cases due to complications. In all cases, fluids, analgesics and antispasmodics provided favorable outcome. Inversely, nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs given in 2 patients had a deleterious effect on renal function. The lithiasis was eliminated in 3 cases and infrared spectrophotometry demonstrated a structure compatible with indinavir monohydrate.

CONCLUSION

The formation of urinary lithiasis is a frequent complication of indinavir therapy (9%). Hyperhydration and urine acidification are usually successful but emergency drainage is required in approximately 3% of cases. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs should be avoided due to the risk of renal toxicity. A precise evaluation of fluid intake and diet, drug associations and personal history is needed to recognize patients at risk of recurrent lithiasis formation.

[W enterocystoplasty with resorbable staples: technic and functional results. Preliminary study]

INTRODUCTION

The use of absorbable staples for enterocystoplasty allows a marked reduction of the operating time. The long-term results on continence need to be evaluated at result term before adopting this technique.

METHODS

Eight patients underwent "W" enterocystoplasty performed with absorbable staples according to the so-called "Detroit" technique, with direct uretero-ileal anastomosis. The continence of these patients was evaluated by clinical follow-up and urodynamic assessment (3 patients). Quality of life was studied by a questionnaire sent to the patient.

RESULTS

The mean operating time was 5 hours 20 minutes, the plasty was performed in 25 to 35 minutes. The mean follow-up was 18.7 months, during which two uretero-ileal strictures were diagnosed. 7 of the 8 patients have a good diurnal continence (no leaks) and 1 patient has moderate continence (1 protection). Nocturnal continence was considered to be good in 3 cases, moderate in 2 cases and poor in 3 cases (> 1 protection). Four of the patients evaluated by questionnaire reported urinary disorders.

CONCLUSION

The use of absorbable staples allows a definite reduction of the operating time, for a modes excess cost and satisfactory functional results.

[Treatment of ureteral stenosis using high pressure dilatation catheters]

INTRODUCTION

High-pressure dilatation catheters have been proposed as an alternative to open surgery in the treatment of ureteric strictures because of the low morbidity and short hospital stay. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of this technique in patients with inflammatory ureteric strictures or uretero-ileal strictures.

METHODS

From April 1991 to September 1996, 25 strictures were treated by antegrade or retrograde dilatation with a high-pressure balloon catheter followed by stenting with a double J stent for an average of 2.1 months (1-5): 14 uretero-ileal strictures (tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, iatrogenic, radiotherapy). A good immediate result was defined as intraoperative rupture of the stricture under fluoroscopic control. A good long-term result was defined as absence of recurrence of the stricture, evaluated clinically and radiologically (IVU and/or ultrasonography).

RESULTS

The good immediate result rate was 82% (19 out of 23 strictures, with 2 non-evaluable cases). One intraoperative complication was observed (double J stent advanced too for into the ureter). 22 strictures were evaluable after removal of the double J stent and the good long-term result rate was 64% with a mean follow-up of 8.5 months (0.3-24). 8 patients developed a recurrence: 4 after Bricker, 3 with inflammatory strictures after radiotherapy and J with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that high-pressure balloon catheter dilatation of non-neoplastic ureteric strictures provides good results and can be considered to be the first-line treatment for these lesions.

[Post-treatment PSA, indicator of radical treatment effectiveness of localized cancer of the prostate]

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) has become essential to the follow-up of radical treatment for T1-T2 tumours. Various assays are available, but require a correlation coefficient to homogenize their results. PSA is probably the most reliable marker for the follow-up of radical prostatectomy (RP), as this operation should make PSA undetectable after 3 weeks. Highly sensitive tests, with a limit of detection of 0.1 ng/ml, allow the earlier laboratory detection of tumour escape (20 to 45%). Anastomotic biopsies are positive in 35 to 50% of cases. Seminal vesicle invasion and positive resection margins are more frequently associated with recurrence. The doubling time and rate of progression of PSA after RP can be used to distinguish local recurrence from metastasis. Urinary PSA is not useful in the follow-up of RP, as it is secreted by the periurethral glands. The use of the PSA after radical radiotherapy is less clearly established, as this treatment is not designed to eliminate all prostatic tissue or render PSA undetectable. Therapeutic efficacy is situated between 1 and 1.5 ng/ml according to the tests and is achieved in approximately 40% of cases after 4 years. A PSA level greater than 3 ng/ml at 3 months is indicative of a poor prognosis. Prospects for the future include the use of highly sensitive assays and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect circulating prostatic cells. The use of PSA has led to a re-evaluation of the efficacy of radical treatments and could influence the indications for adjuvant treatments.

Micturition disturbances and human immunodeficiency virus infection

PURPOSE

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections often lead to urological disorders, including tumors, infections and micturitional disturbances. It often is difficult to identify the origin of voiding disorders but the most frequent causes are infections (prostatitis and so forth), obstruction (cervico-prostatic or urethral) and neurological (encephalitis, myelitis, polyradiculoneuritis and so forth). We determined the etiologies, therapy and clinical outcome of micturitional disturbances in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between February 1989 and September 1992 we studied prospectively 39 HIV positive patients with voiding symptoms, such as straining, urinary retention, frequency and urgency. Each patient underwent a thorough neurological and urological examination, along with radiological evaluation of the urogenital tract and nervous system. Urodynamic evaluation was performed to specify the etiology and type of disturbance before treatment. The patients were followed for 2 to 24 months (mean 9) and 34 (87%) had urodynamic abnormalities, including a hyperactive bladder, bladder sphincter dyssynergia and a hypoactive bladder.

RESULTS

The cause of the voiding disorder was neurological in 61.5% of the cases, and the 2 most frequent disorders were cerebral toxoplasmosis and HIV encephalitis. Treatment was usually given to relieve symptoms with drugs acting on the detrusor-sphincter complex. A total of 22 patients (57%) had lasting improvement, while 17 (43%) died 2 to 24 months (mean 8) after onset of the voiding symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

A micturition problem is an unfavorable event since it usually indicates a neurological cause.

Prostate specimen reevaluation in patients with organ confined prostate cancer and postoperative biological recurrence

PURPOSE

We evaluated whether detectable levels of prostate specific antigen after radical prostatectomy for stage P2 disease are associated with unconfined cancer overlooked at pathological examination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among 129 patients with stages T1 and T2 prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy 60 had stage P2 disease. The initial slides from the 7 patients with biological failure were carefully reviewed and, if necessary, the embedded blocks were sectioned every 2 mm.

RESULTS

The disease was upstaged histologically from P2 to P3 in 6 of 7 patients by reinspecting the initial slides (3) and examining new slides (3).

CONCLUSIONS

A postoperative detectable prostate specific antigen level in cases of stage P2 cancer reflects the presence of unconfined disease that may be overlooked by histopathological examination.

[Problems raised by representation of activities in urology. Cooperative study by the urology services of the AP - HP (Public Services - Paris Hospitals)]

Paris public hospital urology departments conducted a study which had three objectives: - to test the indicators of activity to determine whether they were well adapted to measurement of the surgical activity performed, - to determine the contribution of the PMSI to the measurement of this activity, - to propose actions designed to improve the representation of the surgical activity actually performed by urology departments. The results of this study show that one half of the operations performed do not correspond to the field of PMSI (day-only admissions, outpatients department). The indicators currently used for budget allocation or interdepartment comparisons of activity are inadequate and, most importantly, induce deformities, variable from one department to another, which severely affect the image of the activity produced by these indicators. Two main reasons can explain these deformities: - the use of the NGAP and the score to measure activity: there is a marked variation of the score for the same operation, from one department to another. - the very poor census of activity performed in outpatient surgery. These two reasons are not related to the medical activity. Definition of a unique nomenclature for surgical procedures would constitute a great progress, provided that this nomenclature allows us to accurately describe our activity and can be modified according to our needs. Although the PMSI is a marked improvement of the information system, its application, in its current state, will not radically change the situation. The PMSI must be enlarged in one way or another, to outpatient activity including procedures performed in the outpatients department. For these measuring tools of activity, which determine the calculation of our budgets, to be adapted to our practice, we must be able to analyse their relevance and introduce changes. We need to develop this field of medico-economic research in urology.

[Does the proportion of tumor tissue in biopsies reflect the extent of localized prostate cancer?]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether the percentage of biopsy tissue invaded by tumour provides any supplementary information to laboratory and/or biopsy data (Gleason, number...) in the preoperative staging of patients with localized prostatic cancer (T1-T2).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

170 patients with a mean age of 65.05 +/- 6.12 years and a mean PSA of 22.5 +/- 21.4 ng/mL were submitted to radical prostatectomy (RP) for T1-T2 prostatic cancer. 110 patients were submitted to a series of 6 transrectal prostatic biopsies to establish the diagnosis. We evaluated the percentage of biopsy tissue invaded. This parameter, as well as the Gleason score and the preoperative PSA, were studied in comparison with pathological criteria of the operative specimen (capsule status, resection margins) and postoperative PSA.

RESULTS

The cut-off value of 10% of invaded biopsy tissue was calculated as being the most discriminant for the prediction of resection margins, capsule status and progression of laboratory parameters. When less than 10% of biopsy tissue was invaded, there were 31.2% positive margins (RM+). 28% of invaded capsules (pT3), and 21.7% of laboratory progression (P+) versus 44.1%, 71.4% and 47%, respectively, when more than 10% of tissue was invaded. The Gleason score of the biopsy did not improve this prognostic evaluation. The mean quantities of invaded biopsy tissue were statistically different between pT3 and pT2, RM+ and RM-and P+ and P-. When only one positive biopsy was invaded by less than 10%, 87.5% of these operated patients remained stable, RM- and pT2.

CONCLUSIONS

On an individual level, the percentage of invaded tissue does not reflect the degree of extension or progression of localized prostatic cancer. Only a single positive biopsy invaded over less than 10% of its length is statistically correlated with a good prognosis.

Early detection of prostate cancer in men with prostatism and intermediate prostate-specific antigen levels

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of prostate cancer and the diagnostic ability of prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and intermediate prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels of 4 to 10 ng/mL (Hybritech assay) and to assess the clinical significance of prostate cancers in men who subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

Six systematic transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsies were performed in 153 symptomatic men (mean age, 66 years) with PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/mL, irrespective of digital rectal examination (DRE) findings. Prostate volume was also determined by TRUS and PSAD was calculated (serum PSA divided by volume of entire prostate). The rate of positive biopsies was compared with PSAD (more than 0.2 versus less than 0.2), DRE (positive versus negative), and patient's age (more than 70 years versus 61 to 70 versus 60 or less). Eligible patients with cancer underwent radical prostatectomy, and specimens were analyzed with regard to clinical significance of tumors.

RESULTS

The overall cancer detection rate was 29.4%. PSAD and DRE, but not age, were both statistically significant in differentiating negative from positive biopsies. Independent of DRE findings, mean PSAD was significantly lower in biopsy-negative cases (0.29 +/- 0.17 and 0.25 +/- 0.16) than it was in positive cases (0.34 +/- 0.17 and 0.35 +/- 0.15). Half of the patients who underwent radical prostatectomy had pathologically nonorgan-confined disease (more than pT3), 34% had positive margins, and 47% had a Gleason score of 8 to 10. PSAD, DRE, and age could not predict outcome, probably owing to the small number of patients. However, the number of positive biopsies (1 or 2 versus 3 to 6) was able to predict pathologic stage.

CONCLUSIONS

In men with lower urinary tract symptoms and intermediate PSA levels of 4 to 10 ng/mL, PSAD may be useful in the selection of patients for prostate biopsy. Carcinomas found using these criteria are of clinical importance.

A single positive prostate biopsy in six does not predict a low-volume prostate tumour

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether a single positive prostate biopsy in six systematic transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsies is predictive of a small tumour volume in a subsequent radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 158 patients submitted to RP for T1-T2 prostate cancer, 15.2% had one positive biopsy. The rate of positive margins (M+) and extra-capsular involvement (C+) were assessed on the RP specimen in those with one positive biopsy (group I) and in those diagnosed by more than one positive biopsy (group II). The percentage of those with postoperative biological progression (P+), having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level > 0.1 ng/mL, was evaluated in both groups. The Gleason scores in biopsies and specimens were also compared. Fifteen patients diagnosed by a single positive biopsy were management conservatively.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients who were categorized C+, M+ and P+ was 29.2, 16.7 and 26% in group I and 70, 46.5 and 49.5%, respectively, in group II. All patients with < 10% of the biopsy core length invaded by cancer had intracapsular (P2) disease, whereas if all the core length was invaded by tumour, all patients had extracapsular (P3) disease. The Gleason scores for biopsy cores and whole specimens were identical in 38.7% of the cases; the Gleason score was underestimated on biopsy in 48.4% of cases. In the group treated conservatively, nine of 15 patients were in biological progression, with a mean follow-up of 22 months.

CONCLUSION

A single positive needle-biopsy in six systematic TRUS-guided prostate biopsies is not predictive of low-volume prostate cancer on an individual basis and does not guarantee a favourable outcome after RP.

[Detection of prostatic cancer in symptomatic patients with serum levels of prostate-specific antigen between 4 and 10 ng/ml]

OBJECTIVES

Determine the incidence of prostate cancer in patients consulting for common miction disorders and serum prostatic specific antigen (PSA) between 4 and 10 ng/ml.

METHODS

A total of 153 patients consulted for miction disorders. In 107 of them, the digital examination was abnormal and PSA was between 4 and 10 ng/ml. Transrectal sonography and prostatic biopsies were performed in these 107 patients. We determined the number of cancers detected and assessed the contribution of PSA density (PSAD) to diagnosis. In patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, invasion of the capsule (C+) and positive exeresis section (M+) were recorded.

RESULTS

Cancer of the prostate was diagnosed in 29.4% of the patients on the basis of at least 1 of the 6 biopsies. This rate was 47.8% in patients with an abnormal and 21.5% with a normal digital examination. Radical prostatectomy was performed in 32 patients: 50% of them were C+ and 33% M+.

CONCLUSION

Biopsy of the prostate is indicated in patients with an abnormal prostate at digital examination when PSA is between 4 and 10 ng/ml. When the prostate appears to be normal, PSAD may be helpful in determining when to perform a biopsy. Intermediary serum PSA levels do not guarantee favorable pathological characteristics.

[A single positive prostatic biopsy out of six systematic biopsies is not correlated with the intracapsular nature of the tumor on an individual level]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether or not a single positive prostatic biopsy out of six systematic ultrasound-guided biopsies, is reliably correlated manner with favourable histopathological features of the tumour on the radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a series of 158 patients undergoing RP for clinically localized prostatic cancer, 15.2% had only one positive biopsy out of 6 systematic biopsies. We compared the rates of capsular effraction (C+) and positive resection margins (RM+), assessed on the operative specimen, in this group of patients with a single positive biopsy (group 1) and in the group (group 2) diagnosed by more than one positive biopsy. The postoperative biological progression rate (P+), defined as an immediate or secondary postoperative elevation of PSA beyond 0.1 ng/ml by polyclonal assay, was also evaluated in the two groups. The Gleason score was evaluated and compared on biopsies and on RP specimens.

RESULTS

29.2 of cases were C+, 16.7% were RM+ and 26% were P+ in group 1, versus 70%, 46.5% and 49.5%, respectively, in group 2. All differences were statistically significant. All patients in group 1 with less than 10% of prostatic tissue invaded on the positive biopsy had stage P2, while all patients with 100% of the length of the biopsy invaded by tumour had stage P3. The Gleason score was accurately predicted by the positive biopsy in 39% of cases and was underestimated in 39% of cases.

CONCLUSION

A single positive prostatic biopsy out of six systematic biopsies is a useful predictive factor of local extension, but, in the individual patient, does not guarantee favourable histopathological characteristics of the tumour, nor a favourable course of the disease.

Advances in the assessment of clinically localized prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

We review the advances in pathology, biology, and radiology which could improve the detection of extracapsular prostate cancer preoperatively.

METHOD

The experiences of others are compared to ours to give a topical overview of advances in the assessment of clinically localized prostate cancer.

RESULTS

Despite new technologies, such as colour Doppler and endorectal magnetic resonance imaging, radiology does not enhance the ability to detect small invasion through the prostatic capsule. Biopsy features are one of the new fields of investigation. The number of positive sextant biopsies and the analysis of periprostatic spaces on biopsies appear to be major prognosis factors. In our experience, capsular perforation on biopsy is very powerful with respect to the proportion of positive biopsies ( > 66.7%) and serum PSA ( > 25 ng/ml, polyclonal assay) to predict biological progression after radical prostatectomy. The utility of the proportion of invaded tissue on biopsy is still debated.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite technical improvements, the staging of clinically confined prostate cancer is still a major issue. The best hope comes from the study of biopsy features in addition to PSA.

[Priapism in the adult: report of 15 cases]

OBJECTIVES

The practical approach to the treatment of priapism is complicated by the rarity of this disease. Treatments for impotence by intracavernous injection of vasodilators have considerably increased the incidence of prolonged erections, although "antidote" protocols, when instituted rapidly, ensure detumescence in most cases. The objective of this study was to define a practical and rigorous approach based on comparison of our results with those reported in the literature concerning the management of priapism.

METHODS

This series consists of fifteen consecutive cases observed in adults over a ten-year period. The pathophysiology and aetiologies are recalled. The authors evaluate the percentage of detumescence after primary treatment and after retreatment and discuss the incidence of secondary impotence. This information is compared with the data of the literature in order to define a practical approach.

RESULTS

After a trial intracavernous injection of vasoconstrictors, creation of a cavernospongiosa fistula provided the best results with a 60% detumescence rate after primary treatment and 80% after retreatment. All treatments combined, 53.3% of good results were obtained after primary treatment and 66.7% after retreatment. In the long-term, 50% of patients with a sufficient follow-up are impotent.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of systematic surveillance of patients treated by an intracavernous injection protocol, the number of priapisms induced in our institution has remained stable over recent years. Patients treated for priapism within 36 hours have a better short-term and long-term prognosis.

[Urination disorders in HIV infected patients]

OBJECTIVES

Manifestations of urological involvement, including tumour development, infection and impaired micturition are frequent in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The frequency and consequences of dysuria itself are difficult to evaluate due to the concomitant effects of underlying infections, obstructive or neurological pathologies.

METHODS

Thirty-nine HIV-positive patients presenting impaired micturition including isolated dysuria, urine retention pollakiuria or urge incontinence were followed prospectively from February 1989 to September 1992. Each patient underwent a complete neurological and urological examination. Imaging included CT-scan or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain or spinal cord, echography of the bladder and prostate, intravenous pyelography or ascending and micturition urethrocystography as required. Urinary function tests were used to determine the cause and exact type of impairment to establish therapeutic protocols.

RESULTS

A neurological origin was found in 61.5% of the cases. Cerebral toxoplasmosis and HIV encephalitis were the most commonly found causes. Symptomatic relief was obtained in most patients with bladder- sphincter active drugs. After a mean follow-up of 9 months (range 2-24 months), long-term improvement was achieved in 57.9%. Seventeen patients (44%) died within a delay of 2 to 24 months (mean 8 months) after onset of dysuria.

CONCLUSION

Signs of impaired micturition are frequently encountered in HIV-infected patients. A full work-up is needed for diagnosis and treatment adaptation. Neurological disease is the most frequent underlying cause and would appear to be a sign of poor prognosis.

[Endoscopic retropubic colpopexy for stress urinary incontinence in women (Stamey's operation). 55 cases]

Fifty five women with a mean age of 59 years, suffering from urinary stress incontinence (U.S.I.), were treated by endoscopic percutaneous cervicocystopexy (Stamey's operation), 39 patients (71%) suffered from pure U.S.I. and 16 (29%) presented a combination of stress and urge incontinence. Bonney's manoeuvre was positive in every case. With a mean follow-up of 21.5 months, 30 patients (58.8%) were completely continent, 9 (17.6%) presented occasional incontinence with intense effort, 12 (23.5%) were failures and 4 patients were lost to follow-up. The complications were minimal. The results were less favourable in patients with a history of pelvic surgery, particularly for correction of U.S.I., associated urge incontinence, detrusor hyperactivity or low urethral closure pressure, although one half of the patients in this group were nevertheless cured. Stamey's operation is a simple, reliable, easily reproducible technique which gives good results at the cost of low morbidity, short hospital stay and a low cost.

[Urinary lithiasis and pregnancy]

The incidence of renal stones in pregnant women is 1 in 1500. The diagnosis may be made more difficult by the particular anatomo-physiological conditions of pregnancy. Ultrasonography is not always sufficient to localise the stone and can be completed by intravenous urography, which is not contraindicated in pregnant women. In more than one half of cases, the stones are eliminated spontaneously during conservative treatment. The urologist may need to intervene in the case of complicated stones: internal or external urinary diversion is generally sufficient to palliate the problem until term. As extracorporeal lithotripsy is contraindicated in pregnant women, some authors recommend ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy when radical treatment is required. Surgical treatment is very rarely indicated.

[Sub-urethral diverticulum in women. Apropos of 6 cases]

Six female patients with a mean age of 40 years presenting with a suburethral diverticulum were treated between August 1990 and October 1992. The commonest functional symptoms were recurrent urinary tract infections (2/3 of cases) and post-voiding urethral discharge (1/2 of cases). Clinical examination revealed a tender anterior vaginal mass in only one half of cases. Only retrograde and voiding cystourethrography and transvaginal ultrasonography always demonstrated a direct or indirect image of the diverticulum. The suburethral diverticulum was resected via a transvaginal approach in the ventral supine position after sterilisation of the urine by prolonged antibiotic therapy. Urine drainage was generally ensured by a suprapubic catheter allowing antegrade cystography on the 15th day, prior to clamping then removal of the catheter. All but one of the patients immediately regained satisfactory micturition without dysuria or stress incontinence. Restoration of micturition was delayed in one patient with feelings of incomplete bladder emptying, but she urinated normally at three months. Postoperative imaging (retrograde and voiding cystourethrography, transvaginal ultrasonography) demonstrated resolution of the diverticulum in 5 cases. One patient had persistent signs of a small, residual diverticulum on antegrade cystography on the 15th day. Suburethral diverticulum is a rare disease of middle-aged women for which transvaginal surgical excision in the ventral supine position gives very good results.

["Clam" enteroplasty in the treatment of unstable or low compliance bladders]

The treatment of urinary incontinence due to unstable bladder remains difficult. In the case of failure of medical or physiotherapeutic treatments, clam enterocystoplasty represents a major and important therapeutic possibility. The operation consists of frontal section of the bladder to form a bivalve followed by interposition, between the two valves, of a detubed ileal graft in order to increase the functional vesical capacity and to interrupt the transmission of detrusor contraction waves from one valve to the other. 10 patients (7 men and 3 women) suffering from urinary incontinence due to neurogenic unstable bladder (4 cases: 3 meningoceles, 1 operated cauda equina neuroma) or to another cause (6 cases, including one sequela of radiotherapy for prostatic cancer and 5 cases of apparently primary urinary incontinence) underwent enterocystoplasty combined, in the case of neurogenic incontinence (2 cases simultaneously and 2 cases previously), with the insertion of an AMS 800 sphincter. No major complication was observed. 9 patients are continent and 1 had to be reoperated to undergo an augmentation enterocystoplasty (failure of the initial operation due to radiation changes of the bladder), 3 retain a post-voiding residual of about 200 ml but not requiring self catheterisation due to the absence of any repercussions on the upper urinary tract. Lastly, urodynamic studies demonstrated a spectacular increase in compliance and functional capacity of the bladder together with a reduction of the amplitude of intravesical pressure peaks.

[Treatment of male urinary incontinence with the AMS 800 sphincter prosthesis: 45 cases]

Urinary incontinence due to sphincter incompetence constitutes a major source of disability. The AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter allows durable restoration of satisfactory continence in patients who are often unresponsive to any other forms of treatment. 45 men underwent implantation of a peribulbar urethral (40) or pericervical (5) artificial sphincter over a 5-year period. Incontinence was secondary to prostatic surgery in the majority of cases (33). The technique, which is now well defined, consisted of urinary drainage via a bladder catheter for 8 days and activation of the sphincter after 1 month. The mean follow-up is 30 months. 36 (80%) of the patients are continent, including 27 (60%) without revision and 9 (20%) underwent unsuccessful revision resulting in partial or complete removal or permanent inactivation of the prosthesis (sepsis, urethral erosion, defective prosthesis). Strict patient selection, a rigorous implantation technique and standardised management of any incidents are key elements in the success of this procedure.