Assessing variability of the 24-hour pad weight test in men with post-prostatectomy incontinence

ABSTRACT Purpose: Decision-making regarding surgery for post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) is challenging. The 24-hour pad weight test is commonly used to objectively quantify PPI. However, pad weight may vary based upon activity level. We aimed to quantify variability in pad weights based upon patient-reported activity. Materials and Methods: 25 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy were prospectively enrolled. All patients demonstrated clinical stress urinary incontinence without clinical urgency urinary incontinence. On three consecutive alternating days, patients submitted 24-hour pad weights along with a short survey documenting activity level and number of pads used. Results: Pad weights collected across the three days were well correlated to the individual (ICC 0.85 (95% CI 0.74–0.93), p<0.001). The mean difference between the minimum pad weight leakage and maximum leakage per patient was 133.4g (95% CI 80.4–186.5). The mean increase in 24-hour leakage for a one-point increase in self-reported activity level was 118.0g (95% CI 74.3–161.7, p<0.001). Pad weights also varied significantly when self-reported activity levels did not differ (mean difference 51.2g (95% CI 30.3–72.1), p<0.001). Conclusions: 24-hour pad weight leakage may vary significantly on different days of collection. This variation is more pronounced with changes in activity level. Taking into account patient activity level may enhance the predictive value of pad weight testing.

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.