Surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence with urethral hypermobility: what is the best approach?

A comparative study evaluating the results of three surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with urethral hypermobility. This is a retrospective study of 189 patients, evaluating the outcomes of the percutaneous needle suspension using bone anchors (PNS), abdominal suspension (AS), and pubovaginal sling (PVS). The mean follow-up was 30.5 months. In our results, the patients were divided into three groups: PNS (49), AS (34), and PVS (106). No differences were found preoperatively. Intraoperatively, PNS had the shortest operative time and lowest estimated blood loss, and it is the only outpatient procedure. However, it had the highest complication rate. PNS had the lowest satisfactory rate (16.7%). This was followed by AS (78%), PVS with cadaveric fascia (90%), and PVS with autologous fascia (94%). In conclusion, PNS is a simple outpatient procedure, but the long-term results are disappointing. Both AS and PVS gave good results. PVS was superior to AS in shorter hospitalization, early recovery and overall patient satisfaction.

Percutaneous needle bladder neck suspension for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women: long-term results.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the long-term results of percutaneous needle suspension using bone anchor devices for treating stress urinary incontinence in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the long-term results of percutaneous bladder neck needle suspension performed at our institution. None of the women had undergone any anti-incontinence surgery before percutaneous needle suspension. A telephone survey was done for all available patients. Subjective cure was defined as no evidence of incontinence, significant improvement as 0 to 1 protective pad soaked daily and patient satisfaction with incontinence level, and failure as more than 1 pad used daily, lack of patient satisfaction or a secondary procedure required to treat stress urinary incontinence. In cases considered failures a detailed video urodynamic study was performed when possible before any secondary procedure. RESULTS: In 1996 and 1997, 49 patients underwent percutaneous needle bladder neck suspension with bone anchors, of whom 42 (86%) were available for telephone interview. Mean patient age was 57 years (range 31 to 77) and mean followup was 29 months (range 16 to 52). As defined, subjective outcome in the 42 women was cure in 2 (5%), significant improvement in 5 (12%) and failure in 35 (83%). Of the 35 patients with treatment failure who did not undergo a secondary procedure 25 were asked to present for video urodynamics and 18 were evaluated. Urodynamics revealed demonstrable urinary incontinence, urethral hypermobility in 16 (88%), intrinsic sphincter deficiency in 1 (6%) and detrusor instability in 1 (6%). In 2 cases x-ray revealed that a bone anchor had dislodged and migrated into the pelvis. Serious osteomyelitis at the bone anchor site in 1 case required surgical débridement and 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous needle suspension is associated with poor long-term results in women with stress urinary incontinence. Other procedures should be considered.

Continence mechanism of the ileal neobladder in women: a urodynamics study.

We undertook this study to evaluate the mechanism of continence in women who underwent modified radical cystectomy and creation of an ileal neobladder. Our surgical technique was modified in accordance with detailed anatomic dissection of female pelvises with attention to the innervation of the pelvic musculature and urethral sphincter. Ten women aged 41-71 years (mean 64.3 years) underwent nerve-sparing radical cystectomy and creation of an orthotopic neobladder with detubularized ileum. Videourodynamic evaluation was performed 6 months postoperatively to evaluate sphincteric and reservoir function. Seven of the ten patients were totally continent after the procedure, requiring no protective pad. Of these, one requires intermittent self-catheterization. Videourodynamic evaluation revealed a low-pressure reservoir with a mean capacity of 467 ml, and leakage did not occur during Valsalva maneuver. Three patients reported significant incontinence (more than one pad per day) after orthotopic reconstruction. These patients demonstrated intrinsic sphincteric deficiency with a low mean abdominal leak-point pressure of 48.3 cmH2O. Two of these women had stress incontinence preoperatively. In conclusion, continence can be preserved in most women after modified radical cystectomy and orthotopic bladder replacement. Success results from preservation of the intrinsic sphincteric mechanism and the creation of a low-pressure, compliant reservoir. A history of stress incontinence preoperatively appears to predispose to sphincteric weakness postoperatively.

Bladder substitution: experimental data.

Bladder enlargement or substitution using various segments of the gastrointestinal tract has been associated with significant metabolic and nutritional complications. Extensive research for other alternative materials, both synthetic and autologous, has revealed some difficulties including rejection, infection and stone formation. Most investigators believe that any material used for bladder augmentation must serve as a scaffold for the progressive ingrowth of all host bladder wall components, without infection or rejection. Recently, acellular matrix has been successfully utilized in experimental models for bladder substitution and appeared to satisfy many of these prerequisites.

Continence mechanism of the isolated female urethra: an anatomical study of the intrapelvic somatic nerves.

PURPOSE: A neuroanatomical study was initiated to gain better insight into the continence mechanism of the isolated urethra in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a detailed gross and histological neuroanatomical study to identify the intrapelvic somatic pathway from the sacral spinal cord to the female urethral sphincter. Gross anatomical dissection was performed in 5 formalin fixed female adult pelvises by tracing the autonomic nerves from the pelvic plexus and the spinal somatic nerves from S2-S4 to the urethral sphincter. Immunohistochemical staining of urethral step sections with a neuropeptide specific antibody was performed to demonstrate the course of the periurethral somatic nerves in relation to the vaginal wall. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated an intrapelvic somatic pathway derived from the S2, S3 and S4 sacral roots, distinct from the peripheral pudendal nerve, supplying the levator ani and the urethra. The somatic nerves travel beneath the endopelvic fascia in close relation to the inferior vascular pedicle of the bladder and are susceptible to injury during radical pelvic surgery. Mixed autonomic fibers from the pelvic plexus travel along the course of the ureter and are also intimately associated with the vascular pedicle of the bladder. Immunohistochemical staining of urethral step sections demonstrated that the periurethral nerves travel in close relation to the lateral and anterior vaginal wall. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the identification of intrapelvic somatic pathways to the urethra provides a basis for developing surgical techniques to preserve urethral somatic innervation during radical pelvic surgery in women.

Effect of retinoic acid on prostatic development.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: To assess the effect of retinoids on prostatic ductal branching morphogenesis, anterior prostates from newborn rats were cultured under serum-free conditions for 6 days in the presence of testosterone (10(-8) mM) plus 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cis-RA), all-trans-retinoic acid (at-RA), or N-4-hydroxyphenyl-retinamide (4-HPR). Measures of morphologic complexity were computed and compared between specimens of different treatment groups. RESULTS: Prostatic ductal growth and branching were inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by both 13-cis-RA and at-RA, but not by 4-HPR. This inhibitory effect of 13-cis-RA was reversible, as the prostatic ducts resumed branching and growth after removal of retinoic acid from the culture medium. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we then investigated the expression of nuclear receptor genes for retinoic acid. CONCLUSIONS: This showed the presence of RAR-beta and RAR-gamma in the 0-day prostate, suggesting that the effects of these retinoids on ductal morphogenesis may be via these receptors.

Collagen injection for intrinsic sphincteric deficiency in men.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy of collagen injections in the treatment of male urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincteric deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 88 men (mean age 68 years) with mild to severe intrinsic sphincter deficiency underwent a mean of 3.5 transurethral injections of collagen (mean total volume injected 25 ml.). Patients were subdivided into 2 groups based on use of more than 3 or 3 or fewer pads per day. Patient age, pad use before treatment, duration of leakage, number of injections, volume of collagen used and etiology of incontinence were compared for the 2 groups. RESULTS: Of the patients 42 became nearly completely dry, 19 had substantial improvement but still required 1 to 3 pads per day, 14 consistently used fewer pads but still more than 3 per day and 13 showed no improvement. Most injections were performed with the patient under local anesthesia and no significant morbidity occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In select patients collagen injections appear to be effective, easy to deliver and safe. Pretreatment incontinence severity, concomitant detrusor abnormalities and etiology of intrinsic sphincteric deficiency other than radical retropubic prostatectomy were associated with a worse response to collagen therapy.

Preoperative urodynamic evaluation: does it predict the degree of urinary continence after radical retropubic prostatectomy?

Preoperative evaluation of voiding patterns and detailed urodynamic evaluation before radical retropubic prostatectomy was carried out in an attempt to identify patients at higher risk of developing urinary incontinence postoperatively. Ninety-two men, mean age 64 years (range 54-72), who completed 1 year of follow-up after radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate were included in the study. According to the preoperative urodynamic findings, patients were divided into two main groups: group 1 (n = 64) patients with normal urodynamic findings, and group 2 (n = 28) patients with abnormal urodynamic findings. The latter group was further subdivided according to the abnormality: detrusor instability (n = 12), weak sphincter mechanism (n = 9), and detrusor and sphincter instability (n = 7). The degree and incidence of urinary incontinence were evaluated in both groups at the 1-year follow-up visit. There was a substantial difference in the incidence of urinary incontinence between the two main groups with only 2 patients with incontinence in group 1 (3%) versus 11 patients in group 2 (39%). In addition, the incidence of incontinence in group 2 differed depending on the type of abnormality: the lower incidence occurred in patients with detrusor instability (17%) and the higher incidence in patients with both detrusor and sphincter instability (71%). Identification of sphincteric and bladder dysfunction preoperatively may indicate a high risk of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.

Effect of intracavernous simultaneous injection of acetylcholine and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on canine penile erection.

We investigated the effects of intracavernous injection of a combination of acetylcholine (ACh) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on the erectile response in eleven adult male dogs. The minimum dose of ACh which increased the intracavernous pressure in eight dogs varied from 0.2 to 40 micrograms, and the minimum dose of VIP varied from 0.2 to 5 micrograms. When the minimum doses of ACh and VIP were injected simultaneously, a strong increase of intracavernous pressure (the mean increase was 102 cm. H2O from the baseline level) and a sustained erection (mean 5 min.) were observed in all eight dogs. The effect of simultaneous injection of both drugs was not additive but synergistic. Pretreatment with VIP-antibody and atropine intracavernously suppressed the erectile response induced by cavernous nerve stimulation. VIP may increase the affinity of muscarinic receptors for ACh in canine corpus cavernosum because pretreatment with atropine alone before the simultaneous injection of ACh and VIP completely abolished the effect of the combination. We conclude that ACh and VIP may play a cooperative role in canine penile erection.

Congenital defect in sinusoidal smooth muscles: a cause of organic impotence.

We report 2 cases of primary impotence due to a congenital defect in the compliance of the sinusoidal spaces secondary to fibrosis and atrophy of the smooth muscles. Both patients were young adults at presentation. Diagnosis of this rare entity was achieved by penile Doppler ultrasound and cavernosometry/cavernosography of the cavernous bodies. Both patients underwent placement of a penile prosthesis, during which biopsy samples of the cavernous tissue were obtained, and diagnosis was confirmed by light and electron microscopy.

Perineal pudendal neurotomy versus selective neurotomy of the S2 somatic contribution to the pudendal nerve. Effects on sacral-root-stimulated bladder and urethral responses in the dog.

In 10 dogs that underwent bilateral electrode implantation on the S2 ventral root, 5 then underwent a bilateral total perineal neurotomy of the pudendal nerve (group A) at 3 months and 5 bilateral division of the S2 somatic contribution to the pudendal nerve (group B). The effects of these 2 types of neurotomy on the bladder and urethral responses to electrostimulation were compared after another 3 months. In group A, the proximal and mid-urethral responses decreased significantly [69.1% (p = 0.004) and 79.6% (p = 0.002), respectively]. A decrease in bladder response [26% (p = 0.089)], although not significant, was also found. In group B, the decrease in the proximal urethral response was significant [67.8% (p = 0.012)]; the mid-urethral response (56.8%) was not statistically significant (p = 0.134). The bladder response decreased by 73.6% (p = 0.034). Thus, although pudendal neurotomy can be effective in reducing the outlet resistance, the pudendal nerve may have an important role in the regulation of micturition in the dog. Preoperative testing of the effect of a pudendal neurotomy by temporary nerve blocks is warranted to avoid undesirable side effects such as a decrease in bladder excitability.

Penile detumescence: characterization of three phases.

In 22 dogs in which erection was induced by cavernous nerve stimulation, we analyzed the intracavernous pressure changes during detumescence without and with acute clamping of the aorta or electrostimulation of the lumbar sympathetic chains. Additionally, the degree of venous outflow obstruction was assessed by saline perfusion of the cavernous body during aortic occlusion. Detumescence had three distinct phases: an initial phase exhibiting a small pressure increase; a second phase showing a slow pressure decrease; and a third phase in which a fast decrease occurred. The first phase was abolished by aortic clamping, whereas the other phases were not significantly affected. Sympathetic stimulation abolished or prevented the second phase. Perfusion of the cavernous body during the second phase resulted in a pressure rise to off-scale values; however, when initiated during the terminal phase or in the nonstimulated penis, the pressure increase was slight. Our study indicates that the arterial flow rate influences the duration of the first phase of detumescence and that venous drainage is completely restored in the third phase. Furthermore, sympathetic stimulation causes an almost immediate full restoration of venous drainage, as cavernous perfusion initiated with an intracavernous pressure about twice as high as without sympathetic stimulation failed to increase pressure to off-scale values.

Synchronized electrical stimulation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of the bladder: facilitation of the initiation of micturition in the dog.

To improve the quality of bladder contractions induced by parasympathetic stimulation and to facilitate the initiation of voiding, we investigated the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the parasympathetic innervation of the bladder in 12 dogs. For the sympathetic system, the lumbar sympathetic trunks were electrically stimulated; for the parasympathetic system, either the pelvic nerve or the ventral root of S2 was stimulated. With voltages at or just above the threshold for achieving a measurable effect on bladder pressure, stimulation of the sympathetic system or the pelvic nerve alone did not lead to voiding, and sacral root stimulation alone elicited voiding in only 7.4 per cent of stimulations. However, when the same stimulus parameters were used for synchronous stimulation, the voiding process was facilitated when sympathetic stimulation was begun five to 10 seconds before parasympathetic stimulation. When the pelvic nerve was used, voiding resulted in 77.7 per cent of stimulations and the bladder was emptied by a mean of 68.7 per cent; with S2 ventral root stimulation, voiding resulted in 83.3 per cent of stimulations and the bladder was emptied by 59.7 per cent. The facilitory effect of sympathetic stimulation was not abolished when the sympathetic trunks were cut centrally to the point of stimulation, but was absent when the hypogastric nerves were transected. We feel that sympathetic stimulation modulates the parasympathetic innervation of the bladder.

The effect of venous incompetence and arterial insufficiency on erectile function: an animal model.

We designed an animal model to elucidate the effect of venous leakage and arterial insufficiency on erectile function. In 10 dogs, electrodes were implanted around the cavernous nerves for electroerection and blood flow in the internal pudendal artery was recorded. Venous leakage was mimicked by inserting needles of varying gauges (30 to 16G) into the corpus cavernosum and the erectile response to neurostimulation was recorded before and after the creation of the leak. The relationship between the size and the amount of the venous leakage, the changes in the intracavernous pressure (peak and drop), and the changes in the peak and maintenance arterial blood flow were documented. Arterial blood flow was then reduced by 25 and 50 per cent by means of a screw clamp on the terminal aorta. The erectile response to neurostimulation was again determined, with the same electrical parameters, first with reduced blood flow alone, then in combination with leakage of varying size. Our results showed that minor cavernous vein leakage in the presence of normal arterial flow and a healthy sinusoidal system had a minimal effect on erectile function owing to a compensatory increase in penile blood flow. However, when reduction of arterial blood flow was superimposed on venous leakage, even of a minor degree, the erectile response to neurostimulation was markedly impaired.

Cavernous vein arterialization for vasculogenic impotence. An animal model.

We designed acute and chronic animal models to evaluate a new procedure of arterialization of the cavernous vein. In the acute study, arteriogenic impotence was induced in 6 dogs by bilateral ligation of the penile arteries just proximal to the crus of the penis. The cavernous vein and penile artery were anastomosed proximal to the site of ligation, and the pudendal vein was ligated proximally to prevent the diversion of arterial blood away from the penis. Erection was induced either by electrostimulation of the cavernous nerves or by intracavernous injection of papaverine, and the erectile response was studied before and after cavernous vein arterialization. Four dogs were followed up for two months to evaluate the long-term effects of the procedure. Shortly after arterialization of the cavernous vein, the basal flow rate in the internal pudendal artery increased dramatically to almost six times the control rate, and the erectile response to neurostimulation was approximately 85 percent of control. Selective pudendal arteriography at two months confirmed the patency of all arteriovenous anastomoses. However, scanning electron microscopy and histologic examination revealed sinusoidal damage most probably consequent to the chronically elevated arterial flow.

A possible role for calcitonin-gene-related peptide in the regulation of the smooth muscle tone of the bladder and penis.

We investigated the effect of calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) on bladder contractions and penile erection in 12 dogs. In a system in which the arteries were tied bilaterally to ensure delivery of high drug levels to the bladder, arterial injections of CGRP significantly reduced the peak intravesical pressure of bladder contractions induced by pelvic nerve stimulation or arterial injection of carbachol. When given intravenously, CGRP had no effect on bladder contractions consequent to neural stimulation. Intravesical instillation of CGRP, however, reduced the bladder contractions significantly. Histologic staining showed CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers within the smooth muscle layers of the bladder wall. Intracavernous CGRP increased cavernous arterial flow and induced cavernous smooth muscle relaxation and venous outflow occlusion. Muscarinic blockade had no effect on the canine intracavernous pressure response to intracavernous injection of CGRP. Histologic staining for CGRP-immunoreactivity showed nerve-fiber-like staining within the cavernous arterial wall, the nerves running near the cavernous arteries, and the cavernous smooth muscles. Our results suggest a possible role for CGRP in the regulation of the smooth muscle tone of the bladder and penis.

Local and systemic effects of chronic intracavernous injection of papaverine, prostaglandin E1, and saline in primates.

To compare the local and systemic effects of chronic intracavernous injection of papaverine, prostaglandin E1, and saline on erectile tissue, eight pigtail monkeys underwent 75 injections over a nine-month period. Monkeys were divided into three groups; each group received papaverine (10 mg.), prostaglandin E1 (20 micrograms.), or saline (one ml.). The erectile response was closely observed for two hours after each injection to monitor the onset, degree, and duration of erection. Liver function tests were performed every three months to detect early systemic metabolic changes. After sacrifice, the simian penises were perfused in situ and examined histologically with both light and electron microscopy. Papaverine resulted in an initially strong erectile response, but this was maintained throughout the length of the study in only two monkeys. In contrast, prostaglandin E1 resulted in tumescence that was maintained in all monkeys over the nine-month period. In addition, the papaverine group had elevated liver enzymes and significant histologic changes with loss of normal architecture on both light and electron microscopy. The other two groups showed only minimal histologic changes or none.

Penile venous drainage in erectile dysfunction. Anatomical, radiological and functional considerations.

To elucidate further the penile venous anatomy and its role in the haemodynamics of erection, we performed pharmacological cavernometry and cavernography in 95 patients with venogenic impotence and in 12 patients with psychogenic impotence. The findings were correlated with those of dissection in 10 adult male cadavers. Cavernography confirmed that the main venous drainage of the corpora cavernosa is via the cavernous veins, with additional drainage through the crural, circumflex and deep dorsal veins and demonstrated that, in patients with venogenic impotence, the cavernous veins are the common site of leakage. Cavernometry provided valuable parameters for the quantification of the degree of venous leakage. Detailed knowledge of the penile venous system and cavernometry and cavernography are essential for the proper diagnosis and treatment of patients with venogenic impotence.

Erectile response to acute and chronic occlusion of the internal pudendal and penile arteries.

We designed two animal experiments to elucidate the effect of obstruction of the internal pudendal artery on erectile function. In five dogs the internal pudendal or penile artery was acutely clamped unilaterally or bilaterally with a non-crushing vascular clamp. In eight dogs, the internal pudendal or penile artery was ligated, unilaterally or bilaterally, and occlusion was maintained for two months. In both models, electrodes were implanted around the cavernous nerves for electroerection. In unilateral occlusion, blood flow in the contralateral internal pudendal artery was recorded via an ultrasonic probe. In both unilateral and bilateral occlusion, intracavernous pressure in both corpora cavernosa was recorded through a 21-gauge butterfly needle connected to a Statham transducer. In the chronic model, selective pudendal angiography was done after the erection study was completed; the dogs were then sacrificed and the penile tissue was examined histologically under light microscopy. Unilateral acute clamping of the internal pudendal or penile artery caused a compensatory increase in arterial flow in the contralateral pudendal artery with only moderate impairment of intracavernous pressure on the ipsilateral side, but bilateral occlusion resulted in a marked reduction in the intracavernous pressure response to neurostimulation. In contrast, chronic obstruction of penile vessels had a minimal effect on erectile function due to the development of a rich network of collaterals around the penis. Histological evaluation revealed mild local changes in the cavernous tissue with characteristic compensatory enlargement of branches of the cavernous artery on the control side in cases of unilateral occlusion.

Detailed anatomy of penile neurovascular structures: surgical significance.

In 10 formalin-preserved adult male cadavers, dissection of the penile veins, arteries and nerves revealed information of clinical importance. The main venous drainage of the corpora cavernosa is via the cavernous veins, with additional drainage through the circumflex, deep dorsal, and crural veins. The arterial supply of the cavernous bodies varied remarkably, and the incidence of an accessory internal pudendal artery was high. The cavernous nerves, previously believed to be microscopic structures, were in fact identifiable grossly, and we were able to follow them from the region of the hilum of the penis to the prostate. The nature of these nerves was then confirmed by serial histologic sectioning. This detailed knowledge of the venous drainage and arterial and nervous supply of the penis, as well as of the relationships among the cavernous structures in the hilum of the penis, can elucidate the cause of erectile dysfunction and provide a valuable guide for surgical correction of vasculogenic and neurogenic impotence.