Botulinum toxin for treating overactive bladder in men: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: We sought to systematically review the literature on the use of botulinum toxin (BTX-A) injections in the bladder to treat overactive bladder (OAB) in men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed to identify clinical trials on efficacy and safety of BTX-A injections in the detrusor for treatment of OAB in men published from inception to October 2020. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias and study characteristics were extracted by two reviewers independently. RESULTS: After screening 75 abstracts, 12 trials were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which 6 were conducted exclusively in men (mean age: 66.7 years). Only two were randomized controlled studies and the remaining were observational studies, mostly case series. Total number of participants in each study ranged from 28 to 146. Therapeutic response to intravesical BTX-A injection was assessed differently across the studies, which used quality-of-life symptom questionnaires and voiding diary parameters. Urodynamics findings were reported separately for men before and after intravesical injection of BTX-A in two studies only. Pooling of outcome data was possible with adverse events reported after BTX-A by seven studies, which showed urinary tract infection, urinary retention, increased postvoid residual, de novo interstitial cystitis, and hematuria rates of 29.8%, 20.0%, 37.3%, 28.3%, and 12.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Limited information regarding the efficacy and safety of BTX-A bladder injections for male OAB from relatively low evidence is available. Further research is needed to better understand the risk-benefit profile of BTX-A in the male population.

Prevalence of self-reported complications associated with intermittent catheterization in wheelchair athletes with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of complications associated with intermittent catheterization in wheelchair athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: International and national sporting events. METHODS: A total 130 competitive wheelchair athletes living with SCI completed a self-reported questionnaire during international or national sporting events. The questionnaire collected information regarding demographics, injury characteristics, method of bladder emptying, and complications related to intermittent catheterization. RESULTS: Overall, 84% (109/130) of wheelchair athletes used intermittent catheterization. Within this group, 77% of athletes (84/109) experienced at least one complication associated with intermittent catheterization. Twenty-seven percent (29/109) sustained urethral injuries and 63% (69/109) had at least one episode of urinary tract infection during the last 12 months. Almost one-fourth of male athletes (22/95, 23%) had a history of inflammation / infection of genital organs associated with intermittent catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: Here we report a high prevalence of self-reported complications associated with intermittent catheterization in wheelchair athletes with SCI. Considering their potential impact on lower urinary tract function, athletic performance, and health, further studies are needed to assess the role of preventative strategies to reduce complications related to intermittent catheterization in wheelchair athletes with SCI. SPONSORSHIP: Coloplast Brazil and Instituto Lado a Lado pela Vida (a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization based in São Paulo) and Wellspect provided funding for this study.

How can we prevent postprostatectomy urinary incontinence by patient selection, and by preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative measures? International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society 2018.

AIMS: To review current prevention strategies for urinary incontinence among patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: This is a consensus report of the proceedings of a research proposal from the annual International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS), 14 to 16 June 2018 (Bristol, UK): "How can we prevent postprostatectomy incontinence by patient selection, and by preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative measures?" RESULTS: Several baseline parameters were proposed as predicting factors for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI), including age, tumor stage, prostate volume, preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms, maximum urethral closure pressure, and previous transurethral resection of the prostate. More recently, magnetic resonance imaging has been used to measure the membranous urethral length and sphincter volume. Peroperative techniques include preservative and reconstructive approaches. Bladder neck preservation improved early (6 months), as well as long-term (>12 months) continence rates. Several prospective studies have reported earlier return of continence following preservation of puboprostatic ligaments, although no long-term data are available. Preservation of the urethral length yielded controversial outcomes. Concerning postoperative strategies, it is probably optimal to remove the catheter in a window between 4 and 7 days if clinically appropriate; however, more research in this regard is still required. Postoperative PFME (preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise) appears to speed up the recovery of continence after RP. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative strategies to prevent PPUI include proper patient selection and PFME. Peroperative techniques have largely shown benefit in the short term. Postoperative complications and timing of trial without catheter can influence continence status. Future research initiatives must assess peroperative and postoperative measures, with longer-term follow-up.

Impact of LUTS on treatment-related behaviors and quality of life: A population-based study in Brazil.

AIMS: To report on the impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on treatment-related behaviors and quality of life in Brazilian adults greater than or equal to 40 years. METHODS: Data were from a computer-assisted telephone survey conducted in Brazil between 1 September and 31 December 2015 (Brazil LUTS study). Participants were adults greater than or equal to 40 years with landlines living in major cities from five geographical regions in Brazil. Participants rated how often they experienced individual LUTS during the previous month and associated bother, and the impact on quality of life (QoL), treatment seeking, treatment, treatment satisfaction, and treatment discontinuation. Multiple logistic regression models were adjusted to analyze the simultaneous effects of predictor variables on each dependent variable. RESULTS: When the presence of LUTS was defined as symptoms occurring less than half the time or more, one-quarter of respondents sought treatment but 6% fewer actually received treatment. Of these, around 25% reported dissatisfaction with treatment and almost 10% reported treatment discontinuation. The occurrence of some symptoms and, in particular, the resultant bother were significantly related to worse QoL and to treatment-related outcomes, such as treatment seeking, actual treatment, treatment dissatisfaction, and treatment discontinuation. Symptoms of all three categories were associated with all these domains for both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first population-based study carried out in South America showing that treatment seeking and treatment rates for LUTS are low. Since the LUTS prevalence is high, this reinforces the importance of a comprehensive medical assessment, focusing on the resulting bother, for more appropriate and personalized patient management.

Surgical treatment of post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence in adult men: Report from the 6th International Consultation on Incontinence.

AIMS: To report the recommendations of the 6th International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI) on post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence. METHODS: The 6th ICI committee on surgical treatment of urinary incontinence in men assessed and reviewed the outcomes of surgical therapy and updated the prior recommendations published in 2013. Articles from peer-reviewed journals, abstracts from scientific meetings, and literature searches by hand and electronically formed the basis of this review. The resulting guidelines were presented at the 2016 ICI meeting in Tokyo, Japan. RESULTS: Voiding diary and pad tests are valuable for assessing quantity of leakage. Cystoscopy and/or urodynamics may be useful in guiding therapy depending on the type of incontinence and presumed etiology. Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) is the preferred treatment for men with moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after RP. Male slings are an acceptable approach for men with mild to moderate SUI. Much discussion centers on the definition of moderate SUI. Injectable agents have a poor success rate in men with SUI. Options for recurrent SUI due to urethral atrophy after AUS implantation include changing the pressure balloon, downsizing the cuff and increasing the amount of fluid in the system. Infection and/or erosion demand surgical removal or revision of all or part of the prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are several series reporting the outcomes of different surgical interventions for PPUI, there is still a need for prospective randomized clinical trials. Recommendations for future research include standardized workup and outcome measures, and complete reporting of adverse events at long-term.

Current controversies in urinary tract infections: ICI-RS 2017.

AIMS: The current definition of urinary tract infection (UTI) relies on laboratory and clinical findings, which may or may not be relevant, depending upon the patient group under consideration. This report considers the utility of current definitions for UTI in adults with and without underlying neurological conditions in order to identify gaps in current understanding and to recommend directions for research. METHODS: This is a consensus report of the proceedings of Think Tank TT3: "How do we define and when do we treat UTI in neurological and non-neurological adult patients?" from the annual International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS), June 8-10, 2017 (Bristol, UK). RESULTS: Evidence considering the definitions of UTI in patients with and without neurological diseases was reviewed and synthesized. We examined research on laboratory methods and clinical definitions, focusing on specific cut-off values for the quantification of significant bacteriuria, and leucocyturia. Several areas were identified, mostly related to the lack of evidence-based definitions of significant bacteriuria for different patient groups, as well as uncertainties about the role of inflammatory biomarkers, and non-specific symptoms and signs. CONCLUSIONS: One of the biggest challenges in clinical practice is to discriminate between asymptomatic bacteriuria and symptomatic UTI. Future research should concentrate on risk factors for developing symptomatic UTI in different patient groups. Targeted investigations for specific populations, such as the frail elderly, and patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction, are still needed.

An initial study on the effect of functional electrical stimulation in erectile dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects approximately 150 million men worldwide. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy has shown a high regenerative capacity for smooth muscle cells and, therefore, is being increasingly adopted. FES can be a beneficial treatment option when the cause of ED is related to degeneration of cavernous smooth muscle. To evaluate the impact of FES on erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction. Twenty-two patients with ED participated in this randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention (IG) or control (CG). IG participants underwent FES therapy (50 Hz/500 µs) for a total of 4 weeks, divided into two weekly sessions lasting 15 min each, with intensity lower than the motor threshold. CG participants were treated with placebo FES and followed the same routine as the IG. Erectile function was assessed by the validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and Erection Hardness Score (EHS), applied before and after treatment, and quality of life, by the WHOQOL questionnaire. Statistically significant differences in IIEF-5 and EHS were found between the IG and CG after treatment (p < 0.05), as well as a within-group difference in the IG when comparing the post-treatment periods (p < 0.0001) The WHOQOL revealed a significant difference between CG and IG after treatment (p < 0.05), as well as a within-group difference in the IG after treatment (p < 0.0001), except in the Environment domain, in which there was no difference between the pre- and post-treatment periods (50.9 ± 2.8 pre vs. 52.3 ± 3.1 post). This trial showed that FES therapy may improve erectile function and quality of life in men with ED.

Trends in pelvic organ prolapse management in Latin America.

AIMS: To describe practice patterns and perspectives regarding pelvic organ prolapse (POP) management among urologists, gynecologists, and urogynecologists in Latin America (LATAM). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to September 2016 using a 37-item internet-based survey applied to members of urologic and gynecologic associations from 18 countries. Participants were asked about their background and practice patterns. Descriptive statistics were employed. RESULTS: A total of 673 responses were obtained. Most came from Colombia (33.6%) and Brazil (24.7%). The number of practitioners who perform at least one POP procedure per month and were eligible to finish the survey was 529 (78.6%), out of which 323 (61.0%) were urologists, 156 (29.5%) gynecologists, and 50 (9.5%) urogynecologists. Mesh-based POP repairs were used by 57.1% of participants. Out of non-mesh users, the most frequent vaginal procedures were sacrospinous fixation (30%), colporrhaphy (25%), and uterosacral fixation (12%). Regarding the impact of FDA warnings, 75.2% participants indicated that the use of mesh has declined, and 41.9% considered this has had a negative effect in the use of incontinence tapes as well. Only two physicians reported legal disputes related to mesh procedures, and 75.8% said they would still indicate mesh repairs in certain cases. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on POP practice patterns in LATAM. Preferences regarding surgical management of POP are not very different from international trends. Despite intense scrutiny and media exposure, mesh-based procedures are still largely used in LATAM.

Collagen content in the bladder of men with LUTS undergoing open prostatectomy: A pilot study.

AIMS: To evaluate the collagen content in the bladder wall of men undergoing open prostate surgery. METHODS: From July 2014 to August 2016, men aged ≥ 50 years, presenting LUTS and undergoing open prostate surgery due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) or prostate cancer were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative assessment included validated questionnaires (IPSS and OAB-V8), lower urinary tract ultrasound, and urodynamics. Bladder biopsies were obtained during open prostatectomy for determination of collagen content (sirius red-picric acid stain; polarized light analysis). Collagen to smooth muscle ratio (C/M) in the detrusor was measured and its relationship with preoperative parameters was investigated. The level of significance was P < 0.05. RESULTS: Thirty-eight consecutive patients were included in this pilot study. Mean age was 66.36 ± 6.44 years and mean IPSS was 11.05 ± 8.72 points. Men diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM2) were found to have higher collagen content in the bladder wall when compared to non-diabetic patients (17.71 ± 6.82% vs 12.46 ± 5.2%, respectively; P = 0.024). Reduced bladder compliance was also marker for higher collagen content (P = 0.042). Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was not a predictor of increased collagen deposition in the bladder wall (P = 0.75). Patients with PVR ≥ 200 mL showed a higher collagen to smooth muscle ratio in the bladder wall (P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: DM2 and urodynamic parameters, such as increased PVR and reduced bladder compliance, were associated with higher collagen content in the bladder wall of men with LUTS.

The effects of Pilates method on pelvic floor muscle strength in patients with post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence: A randomized clinical trial.

AIMS: To assess the effects of a Pilates exercise program compared to conventional pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) protocol on pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) in patients with post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence. METHODS: Patients were randomized into three treatment groups (G1: Pilates, G2: electrical stimulation combined with PFMT, and G3: control group). Duration of therapy was 10 weeks. Baseline assessment included the 24 h pad-test and the ICI-Q questionnaire. PFMS was measured using a manometric perineometry device at baseline and 4 months after radical prostatectomy (RP). The level of significance was P < 0.05. RESULTS: One hundred twenty three patients were randomized and 104 patients completed the study protocol (G1: n = 34; G2: n = 35; G3: n = 35). Post-treatment assessment showed statistically significant improvements in maximum strength in G2, increased endurance in G1 and G2, and increment of muscle power in all three groups (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the mean changes of maximum strength, endurance, and muscle power between groups after treatment (P > 0.05). G1 and G2 achieved a higher number of fully continent patients than G3 (P < 0.05). At the end of treatment, 59% of patients in G1, 54% in G2, and 26% in G3 were continent (no pads/day). CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in PFMS parameters were distinct among active treatment groups versus controls, but did not predict recovery of urinary continence at final assessment. The Pilates method promoted similar outcomes in the proportion of fully continent patients when compared to conventional PFMT 4 months after RP.

Constipation and LUTS - how do they affect each other?

CONTEXT: Urinary bladder and rectum share a common embryological origin. Their autonomic and somatic innervations have close similarities. Moreover, the close proximity of these two organ systems could suggest that dysfunction in one may influence, also mechanically, the function of the other. Therefore, it is not surprising that defecation problems and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) occur together, as reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between constipation and LUTS focusing on what is evidence-based. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We searched the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) database in February 2010 to retrieve English language studies (from 1997 to 2009) and the 2005, 2006 and 2007 abstract volumes of the European Association of Urology (EAU), American Urological Association (AUA) and International Continence Society (ICS). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We present the findings according to the studied population in four groups: (a) children, (b) middle-aged women, (c) elderly and (d) neuropathic patients. Most published studies that correlated rectal and bladder dysfunction were carried out in children or in young women. On the other hand, there are few studies regarding the association between constipation and LUTS in the elderly and in neuropathic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Several studies in children documented that constipation is linked to urinary tract problems, including infections, enuresis, vesicoureteral reflux and upper renal tract dilatation. The underlying pathophysiology of these findings has not yet been clearly defined. Studies in middle-aged women also support a high prevalence of constipation among patients suffering from urinary tract dysfunction. Furthermore, an association between constipation and urinary incontinence, as well as between constipation and pelvic organ prolapse, has been suggested. The only prospective study in constipated elderly with concomitant LUTS demonstrates that the medical relief of constipation also significantly improves LUTS. Finally, the available data on neuropathic patients suggest that stool impaction in the rectum may mechanically impede bladder emptying. However, most of the studies only include a small number of patients, are not prospective and are uncontrolled. Therefore, there is a need for large-scale, controlled studies to further improve evidence and to provide a valid recommendation for all groups, especially for the elderly and neuropathic patients.

Constipation and LUTS: how do they affect each other?

CONTEXT: Urinary bladder and rectum share a common embryological origin. Their autonomic and somatic innervations have close similarities. Moreover, the close proximity of these two organ systems could suggest that dysfunction in one may influence, also mechanically, the function of the other. Therefore, it is not surprising that defecation problems and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) occur together, as reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between constipation and LUTS focusing on what is evidence-based. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We searched the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) database in February 2010 to retrieve English language studies (from 1997 to 2009) and the 2005, 2006 and 2007 abstract volumes of the European Association of Urology (EAU), American Urological Association (AUA) and International Continence Society (ICS). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We present the findings according to the studied population in four groups: (a) children, (b) middle-aged women, (c) elderly and (d) neuropathic patients. Most published studies that correlated rectal and bladder dysfunction were carried out in children or in young women. On the other hand, there are few studies regarding the association between constipation and LUTS in the elderly and in neuropathic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Several studies in children documented that constipation is linked to urinary tract problems, including infections, enuresis, vesicoureteral reflux and upper renal tract dilatation. The underlying pathophysiology of these findings has not yet been clearly defined. Studies in middle-aged women also support a high prevalence of constipation among patients suffering from urinary tract dysfunction. Furthermore, an association between constipation and urinary incontinence, as well as between constipation and pelvic organ prolapse, has been suggested. The only prospective study in constipated elderly with concomitant LUTS demonstrates that the medical relief of constipation also significantly improves LUTS. Finally, the available data on neuropathic patients suggest that stool impaction in the rectum may mechanically impede bladder emptying. However, most of the studies only include a small number of patients, are not prospective and are uncontrolled. Therefore, there is a need for large-scale, controlled studies to further improve evidence and to provide a valid recommendation for all groups, especially for the elderly and neuropathic patients.

Hemorrhagic shock due to spontaneous rupture of adrenal pheochromocytoma

The spontaneous rupture of an adrenal pheochromocytoma is an extremely rare event; however, it is potentially fatal. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of pheochromocytoma followed by an extensive retroperitoneal hematoma and hypovolemic shock. The correct diagnostic assessment determined the adequate surgical approach and a favorable outcome for the patient.

Hemorrhagic shock due to spontaneous rupture of adrenal pheochromocytoma.

The spontaneous rupture of an adrenal pheochromocytoma is an extremely rare event; however, it is potentially fatal. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of pheochromocytoma followed by an extensive retroperitoneal hematoma and hypovolemic shock. The correct diagnostic assessment determined the adequate surgical approach and a favorable outcome for the patient.