Perioperative platelet inhibition in transurethral interventions: TURP/TURB

PURPOSE: To determine whether transurethral surgery under platelet inhibition is a feasible procedure. Before transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) or bladder tumours (TURB), the administration of platelet-inhibiting medication is often interrupted due to possible bleeding complications. We studied the performance of TURP and TURB under the current recommendations of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) on perioperative platelet inhibition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients assigned for transurethral intervention were preoperatively divided into the following risk groups: low, medium and high cardio- or cerebrovascular risk. In patients with a low-risk profile, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was discontinued. Patients of the medium risk group continued taking 100 mg of ASA. Patients of the high-risk group receiving dual platelet inhibition (ASA + clopidogrel) were not treated operatively. In total 346 patients from the low and medium risk groups underwent transurethral intervention. RESULTS: Forty-two out of 198 TURP were performed under 100 mg of ASA. Without ASA, a significantly shorter length of stay and earlier removal of the transurethral catheter was documented. In the parameters postoperative haemorrhage and operative revision, no significant differences were observed. Thirty-two out of 148 TURB were performed under 100 mg of ASA. Regarding the length of stay, time until catheter removal, postoperative haemorrhage and operative revision, no significant differences were found under ASA. Only significantly longer continuous irrigation was documented under ASA. CONCLUSION: In the case of a verified indication for use of platelet inhibitors, it is possible to avoid discontinuation and the consequent increased risk of thromboembolic incidents in transurethral surgery is admissible.

The Miniarc® sling system in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

AIMS: To assess the technical feasibility of a new mini-invasive sling procedure (MiniArc®) and present short-term results in the treatment of female urinary incontinence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 97 women with mixed or stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were treated by placement of the new single-incision sling. Pelvic organ prolapse was graded using the POP-Q system (pelvic organ prolapse quantification system). Preoperative workup included urodynamic evaluation, cough stress test and introital ultrasound. Postoperatively, introital ultrasound was performed to determine residual urine and check tape position. Quality of life was measured using King's Health Questionnaire. A voiding diary and pad count served to verify the patients' subjective complaints. RESULTS: The MiniArc® single-incision sling procedure was the initial intervention in 37 (38.2 percent) patients and the second intervention in 60 (61.7 percent) patients with recurrent incontinence. The cough stress test was negative in 79 (83.1 percent) women 6 weeks after the sling procedure and in 74 (77.8 percent) at 12 months. De novo urge occurred in 32 (36.8 percent) women. Quality of life was significantly improved at 12-month follow-up in 65 (69.1 percent) patients (p < 0.001). The number of pads decreased significantly from 2.2 to 0.6 (p < 0.001) after the procedure. One patient developed an hematoma and bladder perforation occurred in another. CONCLUSIONS: Our short-term clinical results suggest that the MiniArc® is a safe and effective minimally invasive sling procedure for treating female SUI. Randomized comparative controlled trials and long-term results are still required to define the role of the new sling system in comparison to established mid-urethral tape techniques for treating incontinence.