Outcomes following mid-urethral sling placement in patients with intrinsic sphincteric deficiency: comparison of Sparc and Monarc slings

Purpose: The treatment of patients with intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD) remains difficult. It is theorized that differing vectors of support provided by retropubic versus transobturator mid-urethral sling routes may affect outcomes. We sought to compare outcomes of patients undergoing SPARC versus MONARC sling types in patients with Valsalva leak point pressures (VLPPs) below 60 cm H2O. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of female patients with stress urinary incontinence undergoing SPARC™ (n = 97) or MONARC™ (n = 39) placement following urodynamic diagnosis of ISD was performed, with minimum 12-month follow-up required. Outcomes were assessed using a questionnaire comprising validated incontinence questionnaires (UDI-6, IIQ-7) and additional items addressing satisfaction. Results: Success rates of 76 percent and 77 percent were observed in the SPARC (mean follow-up 36 months) and MONARC (mean follow-up 32 months) cohorts, respectively (p > 0.05). Superior UDI scores were demonstrated in the MONARC cohort (3.8 vs. 5.3, p = 0.04)), in contrast to similar IIQ scores across both groups (3.7 vs. 3.1, p > 0.05). A deterioration in success rates was seen in both cohorts with more extended follow-up and with lower VLPPs. However, this finding was limited by low patient numbers in these cohorts. A complication rate of 7 percent and 3 percent was noted in SPARC and MONARC cohorts (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We observed no significant differences in subjective outcomes when comparing patients undergoing SPARC versus MONARC sling placement in the treatment of SUI with VLPP < 60 cm H2O. A deterioration in continence rates was seen with extended follow-up. These data may be affected by low patient numbers and related study power, in particular with more extended follow-up.

Botulinum toxin injection: a review of injection principles and protocols

Despite the favorable outcomes seen using botulinum toxin (BTX) for voiding dysfunction using BTX, a standardized technique and protocol for toxin injection is not defined. We reviewed the current literature on intravesical BTX injection for DO (detrusor overactivity). Specific attention was placed on defining optimal injection protocol, including dose, volume, and injection sites. In addition, we sought to describe a standard technique to BTX injection.

Surgical technique using AdVance™ Sling placement in the treatment of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVES: To describe and illustrate a new minimally invasive approach to the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence following prostatectomy. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Our initial experience consisted of four patients treated with the Advance sling for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence. Sling placement involves the following steps: 1. Urethral dissection and mobilization, 2. Identification of surgical landmarks, 3. Placement of needle passers through the obturator foramen, 4. Mesh advancement, 5. Mesh tensioning and fixation, 6. Incision closure. COMMENTS: Based on our initial experience, we believe that the Advance Male Sling System may be a safe technique for the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence. This technique is easy to perform and may offer a reproducible, transobturator approach. Further patient accrual is ongoing to assess the safety and reproducibility of this technique. Also, additional study will focus on efficacy standards and complication rates.