Anatomical outcomes and complications of sacrocolpopexy using Surelift Uplift mesh: A multicentric observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the anatomical and functional outcomes, as well as the safety data of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) using a lightweight macroporous mesh. METHODS: A multicentric observational study was developed including five expert centers between March 2011 and December 2019. Inclusion criteria were female patients with symptomatic ≥stage II POP (POP-Q classification), who underwent a LSC. A lightweight and macroporous mesh device (Surelift Uplift) was used. Baseline anatomical positions were evaluated using POP-Q stage. The anatomical outcomes and procedural complications were assessed during the postoperative period. Primary outcomes were anatomical success, defined as POP-Q stage ≤I, and subjective success, defined as no bothersome bulge symptoms, and no repeat surgery or pessary use for recurrent prolapse. RESULTS: A total of 325 LSCs were analyzed with a median patient age of 66 (interquartile range [IQR] 61-73). After a median follow-up of 68 months (IQR 46.5-89), anatomical success was found in 88.9%, whereas subjective success was seen in 98.5% of the patients. Recurrent prolapse presented as cystocele (1.5%). Reported complications were bladder (4.6%) or rectum lesions (0.6%), de novo urinary incontinence (12.9%), and mesh extrusion (1.2%). CONCLUSIONS: LSC provides significant clinical improvement and excellent anatomical results, with a low risk of serious complications for women with ≥2 grade POP in a real clinical practice setting.

Is detrusor underactivity associated with voiding dysfunction after single incision sling surgery?

BACKGROUND: Some women experience voiding dysfunction after stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery. We explore if detrusor underactivity (DU) found in urodynamic study (UDS) prior to SUI surgery using an adjustable single incision sling (SIS) may be related to voiding dysfunction after surgery. METHODS: This is a prospective, diagnostic, transversal, single center study comparing voiding dysfunction after SUI surgery with a SIS (Altis®; Coloplast, Humlebæk, Denmark) between women with DU (cases) or normal detrusor (controls). Inclusion criterium was women ≥18 years with SUI/mixed UI (stress predominant) operated between June 2013 and December 2020. Exclusion criteria were: women without UDS prior to surgery or without voiding phase in the P/Q, previous incontinence surgery, POP stage ≥2, neurogenic conditions, other pelvic floor surgery. Urinary symptoms were assessed using structured questions evaluating storage/voiding symptoms. Patients were divided into two groups according to projected Isovolumetric Pressure Index (PIP1) with 30-75 cmH2O indicating normal contractility. RESULTS: A total of 139 women were included, 29 (20.9%) in DU group and 110 (79.1%) in control group. Control and DU groups have shown similar objective (75.5% vs. 71.4% P=0.66) and subjective (85.4% vs. 96.1% P=0.22) success rates, respectively, without statistical differences. Voiding symptoms increased after surgery in both groups (+20.7% DU group vs. +8.1% normal group, P=0.29). More voiding symptoms (persistent/de novo) were found in DU group vs. normal group, but without statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, the presence of DU previous to SUI surgery with a SIS (Altis®, Coloplast) has no impact on objective and subjective success rates. On the other hand, patients with preoperative DU showed higher proportion of voiding dysfunction but no statistical difference.

[Cystoscopy in the assessment of patients with bladder pain syndrome: Results of a national multicenter observational study.] / La cistoscopia en la evaluación del síndrome de dolor vesical: resultados de un estudio observacional multicéntrico nacional.

OBJECTIVES: To study the use and results of cystoscopy and bladder hydrodistension in the objective assessment of patients with Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), in routine clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, non-interventional, national, multicenter study carried out in Functional Urology and Urodynamic Units of Spain belonging to the IFU Group. 273 women with BPS who underwent cystoscopy at baseline as a diagnostic tool according to clinical criteria and following the routine clinical practice of each center, were studied. The pre and post hydrodistension findings and the scores of the symptom and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) questionnaires were described: BPIC-SS, PPBC, PGI-S and EQ-5D-5L. RESULTS: The mean age (SD) was 59 (14) years with a high presence of bladder symptoms: increased voiding frequency (81.7%), nocturia (74%) and urgency (60.4%). 40.7% of cystoscopies were performed under anesthesia and 73.7% uses a standard rigid cystoscope. Hunner lesions were observed in 9.9% of the patients, hypervascularizations (46.2%), glomerulations (23.4%), mild bleeding (6.6%) and scars (2.2%). After hydrodistension, a greater number of grade 1 and 2 lesions were observed. In 51.6% of the patients there were no changes, but in 27.5% slight changes were observed and in 11.4% moderate or severe changes. Symptom and HRQoL questionnaire scores showed no association with cystoscopy findings before and after hydrodistension. CONCLUSIONS: The value of the cystoscopic findings in the SDV has yet to be defined, although it plays a fundamental role in the differential diagnosis. In this observational study, we did not find a correlation of the cystoscopic findings with the symptoms of the patients, measured by validated questionnaires, nor with the HRQoL.

OBJETIVO: Analizar el uso y resultados de la cistoscopia y la hidrodistensión vesical para la evaluación objetiva de pacientes con Síndrome de Dolor Vesical (SDV), en el contexto de práctica clínica habitual.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, no intervencionista, multicéntrico de ámbito nacional, realizado en Unidades de Urología Funcional y Urodinámica de España pertenecientes al Grupo IFU en el que se analizaron 273 mujeres con SDV a las que se les realizó una cistoscopia a nivel basal como herramienta diagnóstica según criterio clínico y siguiendo la práctica clínica habitual de cada centro. Se describieron los hallazgos pre y post hidrodistensión y las puntuaciones de los cuestionarios de síntomas y de Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud (CVRS): BPIC-SS, PPBC, PGI-S y EQ-5D-5L. RESULTADOS: La edad media (DE) fue de 59 (14) años con gran presencia de síntomas vesicales: frecuencia miccional aumentada (81,7%), nocturia (74,0%) y urgencia (60,4%). El 40,7% de las cistoscopias se realizaron bajo anestesia y en el 73,7% se empleó un cistoscopio rígido estándar. Se observaron lesiones de Hunner en un 9,9% de las pacientes, hipervascularizaciones (46,2%), glomerulaciones (23,4%), sangrado leve (6,6%) y cicatrices (2,2%). Tras la hidrodistensión se observó un mayor número de lesiones grado 1 y 2. En el 51,6% de las pacientes no hubo cambios, pero en el 27,5% se observaron cambios leves y en el 11,4% cambios moderados o graves. Las puntuaciones de los cuestionarios de síntomas y CVRS no mostraron asociación con los hallazgos de la cistoscopia antes y después de la hidrodistensión. CONCLUSIONES: El valor de los hallazgos cistoscópicos en el SDV está aún por definir, aunque juega un papel fundamental en el diagnóstico diferencial. En este estudio observacional no encontramos correlación de los hallazgos cistoscópicos con los síntomas de las pacientes, medidos por cuestionarios validados, ni con la CVRS.

La cistoscopia en la evaluación del síndrome de dolor vesical: resultados de un estudio observacional multicéntrico nacional / Cystoscopy in the evaluation of bladder pain syndrome: results of a national multicenter observational study

Objetivo: Analizar el uso y resultados dela cistoscopia y la hidrodistensión vesical para la evaluación objetiva de pacientes con Síndrome de DolorVesical (SDV), en el contexto de práctica clínica habitual.Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, nointervencionista, multicéntrico de ámbito nacional, realizado en Unidades de Urología Funcional y Urodinámica de España pertenecientes al Grupo IFU en el quese analizaron 273 mujeres con SDV a las que se lesrealizó una cistoscopia a nivel basal como herramientadiagnóstica según criterio clínico y siguiendo la prácticaclínica habitual de cada centro. Se describieron los hallazgos pre y post hidrodistensión y las puntuaciones de los cuestionarios de síntomas y de Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud (CVRS): BPIC-SS, PPBC, PGI-Sy EQ-5D-5L.Resultados: La edad media (DE) fue de 59 (14) añoscon gran presencia de síntomas vesicales: frecuenciamiccional aumentada (81,7%), nocturia (74,0%) y urgencia (60,4%). El 40,7% de las cistoscopias se realizaron bajo anestesia y en el 73,7% se empleó uncistoscopio rígido estándar. Se observaron lesiones deHunner en un 9,9% de las pacientes, hipervascularizaciones (46,2%), glomerulaciones (23,4%), sangradoleve (6,6%) y cicatrices (2,2%). Tras la hidrodistensiónse observó un mayor número de lesiones grado 1 y2. En el 51,6% de las pacientes no hubo cambios,pero en el 27,5% se observaron cambios leves y en el11,4% cambios moderados o graves. Las puntuacionesde los cuestionarios de síntomas y CVRS no mostraronasociación con los hallazgos de la cistoscopia antes ydespués de la hidrodistensión. Conclusiones: El valor de los hallazgos cistoscópicos en el SDV está aún por definir, aunque juega unpapel fundamental en el diagnóstico diferencial. En esteestudio observacional no encontramos correlación delos hallazgos cistoscópicos con los síntomas de las pacientes, medidos por cuestionarios validados, ni con laCVRS.(AU)

Objetives: To study the use and resultsof cystoscopy and bladder hydrodistension in the objective assessment of patients with Bladder Pain Syndrome(BPS), in routine clinical practice.Material and methods: Observational, non-interventional, national, multicenter study carried out inFunctional Urology and Urodynamic Units of Spain belonging to the IFU Group. 273 women with BPS whounderwent cystoscopy at baseline as a diagnostic toolaccording to clinical criteria and following the routineclinical practice of each center, were studied. The preand post hydrodistension findings and the scores of thesymptom and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL)questionnaires were described: BPIC-SS, PPBC, PGI-Sand EQ-5D-5L.Results: The mean age (SD) was 59 (14) years witha high presence of bladder symptoms: increased voiding frequency (81.7%), nocturia (74%) and urgency(60.4%). 40.7% of cystoscopies were performed under anesthesia and 73.7% uses a standard rigid cystoscope. Hunner lesions were observed in 9.9% of thepatients, hypervascularizations (46.2%), glomerulations(23.4%), mild bleeding (6.6%) and scars (2.2%). Afterhydrodistension, a greater number of grade 1 and 2lesions were observed. In 51.6% of the patients therewere no changes, but in 27.5% slight changes wereobserved and in 11.4% moderate or severe changes.Symptom and HRQoL questionnaire scores showed noassociation with cystoscopy findings before and afterhydrodistension.Cconclusions: The value of the cystoscopic findingsin the SDV has yet to be defined, although it plays afundamental role in the differential diagnosis. In this observational study, we did not find a correlation of thecystoscopic findings with the symptoms of the patients,measured by validated questionnaires, nor with theHRQoL.(AU)

Longer is better than shorter: The added value of the seven-day pad test in the post-radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence.

AIMS: To investigate the feasibility and reliability of the seven-day pad test (7DPT), the correlation between 7DPT and 24-hour pad test (24HPT), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) questionnaire, and the different categorization by the severity of each pad test. Pad weighting tests have been recommended in the evaluation of post-radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence severity, being considered the 24HPT gold standard. Some authors consider that the longer the testing, the better assessment. We propose a self-filled pad weight, the 7DPT. METHODS: A prospective study of incontinent male patients after radical prostatectomy. We carried out the study in two phases. All patients underwent urodynamic study. The first phase evaluated the feasibility and reliability of 7DPT. The second evaluated the correlation between 7DPT, 24HPT, and ICIQ-SF questionnaire in a larger sample. RESULTS: First phase: 32 patients were recruited. Test-retest reliability was excellent, with good agreement between mean 7DPT and 24HPT. The number of pads and mean 7DPT showed a good correlation. Second phase: 72 patients were screened, 51 (71%) met inclusion criteria. Mean 7DPT and 24HPT showed a strong association. Mean 7DPT and 24HPT correlated moderately with ICIQ-SF score. 7DPT and 24HPT agreement with ICIQ-SF groups was slight. As 7DPT captures better days with maximum urinary leakage, up to 12 patients would have been misclassified according to 24HPT (number need to treat for 7DPT was seven). CONCLUSIONS: 7DPT is a feasible and reliable tool to evaluate post-radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence, with a strong correlation with the 24HPT and moderate with the ICIQ-SF.

[Functional urology during COVID-19: Recommendations during de-escalation.] / La urología funcional en la era COVID-19. Consejos para la desescalada.

OBJECTIVES: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, all surgical activity that was not life threatening was cancelled , as well as most face-to-face consultations. Currently the beginning of the de-escalation phases that will led us to a new normal, forces us to establish some degree of priority in the interventions as well as in the medical consultations. Our objective is to establish some recommendation on Functional Urology office visits and surgical interventions that serve as a tool to facilitate decision-making. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experts in Functional Urology from different autonomous communities of Spain were contacted to design a strategy to reorganize the activity of both, diagnosis and treatment. A modified nominal group technique has been used due to the extraordinary restrictions of assembly and mobility during the COVID pandemic. The first signer (EMC) made the first draft with the measures adopted and the strategy to be followed during the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal was sent to the rest of the authors, in order to unify criteria and experiences to reach a quick consensus on the relative priority of the different activities, problems and solutions. A final version was approved by all authors May 27, 2020. RESULTS: Tables of recommendation have been prepared for outpatient consultation, surgical and technical interventions, according to de-escalation phases proposed by the Spanish Associations of Surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: The change that COVID-19 Pandemich as involved in our clinical practice force us to seek alternative methods to treat our patients, some of which may already be established. Mean while, a consensusin decision making is necessary. Documents such as the current one, are intended to guide the management of patients with urological functional pathology in exceptional situations. Logically, it should be adapted to material and human availability, and to the idiosyncrasy of each Urology service.

OBJETIVOS: Debido a la Pandemia COVID-19 se suspendió toda actividad quirúrgica que no fuera una urgencia vital, así como la mayoría de consultas presenciales. Actualmente el inicio de las fases dedesescalada que nos llevarán a una nueva normalidad nos obliga a establecer unos grados de prioridad en las intervenciones así como en las consultas médicas. Nuestro objetivo es establecer una serie de recomendaciones sobre las consultas de Urología Funcional y las intervenciones quirúrgicas que sirva como herramientade ayuda en la toma de decisiones.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Expertos en Urología Funcionalde distintas comunidades autónomas de España fueron contactados para diseñar una estrategia parareorganizar la actividad tanto de diagnóstico como de tratamiento. Se ha utilizado una técnica de grupo nominal modificada debido a las restricciones extraordinarias de reunión y movilidad durante la pandemia COVID. El primer firmante (EMC) realizó el primer borrado rcon las medidas adoptadas y la estrategia a seguir durante la evolución de la pandemia COVID19. Se remitió la propuesta al resto de autores, con el fin de unificar criterios y experiencias para llegar a un rápido consenso sobre la importancia relativa de las distintas actividades, problemas y soluciones. Se realizó una versión definitiva, aprobada por todos los autores, el día 27 de mayo de 2020. RESULTADOS: Se han elaborado tablas de recomendaciones tanto para consultas externas, como para intervenciones quirúrgicas y técnicas, de acuerdo con las fases de desescalada propuestas por la Asociación Española de Cirujanos (AEC). CONCLUSIONES: El cambio que ha supuesto la Pandemia COVID-19 en nuestra práctica clínica nos obliga a buscar métodos alternativos para seguir y tratar a nuestros pacientes, algunos de los cuales pueden ya quedar instaurados. Mientras, es necesario un consenso en la toma de decisiones. Documentos como el actual, pretenden orientar en el manejo de los pacientes con patología funcional urológica en situaciones excepcionales. Lógicamente, deberá adaptarse alas disponibilidades materiales y humanas, y a la idiosincrasia de cada servicio de Urología.

La urología funcional en la era COVID-19. Consejos para la desescalada / Functional urology during COVID-19: Recommendations during de-escalation

OBJETIVOS: Debido a la Pandemia COVID-19 se suspendió toda actividad quirúrgica que no fuera una urgencia vital, así como la mayoría de consultas presenciales. Actualmente el inicio de las fases dedesescalada que nos llevarán a una nueva normalidad nos obliga a establecer unos grados de prioridad en las intervenciones así como en las consultas médicas. Nuestro objetivo es establecer una serie de recomendaciones sobre las consultas de Urología Funcional y las intervenciones quirúrgicas que sirva como herramientade ayuda en la toma de decisiones. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Expertos en Urología Funcionalde distintas comunidades autónomas de España fueron contactados para diseñar una estrategia parareorganizar la actividad tanto de diagnóstico como de tratamiento. Se ha utilizado una técnica de grupo nominal modificada debido a las restricciones extraordinarias de reunión y movilidad durante la pandemia COVID. El primer firmante (EMC) realizó el primer borrado rcon las medidas adoptadas y la estrategia a seguir durante la evolución de la pandemia COVID19. Se remitió la propuesta al resto de autores, con el fin de unificar criterios y experiencias para llegar a un rápido consenso sobre la importancia relativa de las distintas actividades, problemas y soluciones. Se realizó una versión definitiva, aprobada por todos los autores, el día 27 de mayo de 2020. RESULTADOS: Se han elaborado tablas de recomendaciones tanto para consultas externas, como para intervenciones quirúrgicas y técnicas, de acuerdo con las fases de desescalada propuestas por la Asociación Española de Cirujanos (AEC). CONCLUSIONES: El cambio que ha supuesto la Pandemia COVID-19 en nuestra práctica clínica nos obliga a buscar métodos alternativos para seguir y tratar a nuestros pacientes, algunos de los cuales pueden ya quedar instaurados. Mientras, es necesario un consenso en la toma de decisiones. Documentos como el actual, pretenden orientar en el manejo de los pacientes con patología funcional urológica en situaciones excepcionales. Lógicamente, deberá adaptarse alas disponibilidades materiales y humanas, y a la idiosincrasia de cada servicio de Urología

OBJECTIVES: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, all surgical activity that was not life threatening was cancelled, as well as most face-to-face consultations. Currently the beginning of the de-escalation phases that will led us to a new normal, forces us to establish some degree of priority in the interventions as well as in the medical consultations. Our objective is to establish some recommendation on Functional Urology office visits and surgical interventions that serve as a tool to facilitate decision-making. MATERIAL AND METHODS: experts in Functional Urology from different autonomous communities of Spain were contacted to design a strategy to reorganize the activity of both, diagnosis and treatment. A modified nominal group technique has been used due to the extraordinary restrictions of assembly and mobility during the COVID pandemic. The first signer (EMC) made the first draft with the measures adopted and the strategy to be followed during the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal was sent to the rest of the authors, in order to unify criteria and experiences to reach a quick consensus on the relative priority of the different activities, problems and solutions. A final version was approved by all authors May 27, 2020. RESULTS: tables of recommendation have been prepared for outpatient consultation, surgical and technical interventions, according to de-escalation phases proposed by the Spanish Associations of Surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: The change that COVID-19 Pandemic has involved in our clinical practice force us to seek alternative methods to treat our patients, some of which may already be established. Meanwhile, a consensus in decision making is necessary. Documents such as the current one, are intended to guide the management of patients with urological functional pathology in exceptional situations. Logically, it should be adapted to material and human availability, and to the idiosyncrasy of each Urology service

Onabotulinumtoxina Re-Injection for Refractory Detrusor Overactivity Using 3-4 Injection Sites: Results of a Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if repeated treatment with Onabot/A in less injections points, provides similar clinical efficacy, duration, and adverse events compared with previous treatment. METHODS: Prospective data of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO) patients previously treated with Onabot/A according to standard technique. When patients requested for repeating procedure, they were treated with the same Onabot/A dose but with 3-4 injection sites. Onabot/A injection was performed under local or spinal anaesthesia. Pain was evaluated with VAS pain scale. Efficacy was evaluated by the Treatment Benefit Scale (TBS) and attainment of complete continence. Duration of effect was determined by patient reported return of symptoms, and requested for repeating procedure. Adverse events were also reported. RESULTS: We report the results of 21 patients. Nineteen patients (90%) were female, 10 patients (48%) neurogenic, 9 (43%) were under clean intermittent catheterization. Procedure was performed under local anaesthesia in 20 patients (95%). Doses of Onabot/A used were 100-300 units with 3-4 injections sites. According to TBS, 86% of patients improved. Seventeen patients (81%) were continent after the procedure. Five patients (24%) presented urinary tract infection as adverse event. The mean duration of effect was 34.9 weeks compared with 35.6 weeks of previous procedure with no significant differences. CONCLUSION: We consider that treatment of Onabot/A with 3-4 injections may have similar clinical efficacy and duration of effect, compared to standard technique, with limited adverse events.

Mid-term safety and efficacy of the ALTIS® single-incision sling for female stress urinary incontinence: less mesh, same results.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the mid-term safety and efficacy of the ALTIS® single-incision sling (Coloplast Corp., Minneapolis, MN, USA) for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single-arm, unsponsored, observational single-centre trial in a cohort of patients undergoing SUI surgery with the ALTIS procedure. All patients were diagnosed according to clinical reports, physical exploration and urodynamics. Body mass index (BMI) was categorised according to World Health Organization classification. Valsalva leak-point pressure (VLPP) was categorised in three groups: <60, 60-90 and >90 cmH2 O. Patients were evaluated postoperatively at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months with physical examination, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and satisfaction visual scale (SVS; score 0-10). Adverse events were assessed at each visit. Multivariate analysis for risk factors of surgery failure was performed. RESULTS: We recruited 110 women, with a mean (SD) follow-up of 22.34 (10.34) months. Regarding efficacy, 91 patients (82.7%) were objectively cured and 97 (88.2%) were subjectively cured. Regarding VLPP and BMI, no differences were seen between groups (P > 0.05). There was a ~20% decrease in urge UI (P = 0.04). No variable showed to be an independent risk factor for ALTIS failure (P > 0.05). Overall, nearly 96% of the women reported 9 or 10 points on the SVS. A total of 24 patients (21.8%) had some kind of complication. No mesh erosion was reported in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: The ALTIS sling demonstrated to be an effective and safe procedure for SUI in the mid-term setting. Objective and subjective cure rates are at least comparable to 'gold standard' procedures with a minimal rate of self-limiting non-surgical complications.

Clinical profile of motor neuron disease patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and neurogenic bladder.

INTRODUCTION: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are frequent in motor neuron disease (MND) patients, but clinical factors related to them are unknown. We describe differences in LUTS among MND phenotypes and their relationship with other clinical characteristics, including prognosis. METHODS: For this study, we collected clinical data of a previously published cohort of patients diagnosed with classical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (cALS), progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) or primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) with and without LUTS. Familial history was recorded and the C9ORF72 expansion was analysed in the entire cohort. Patients were followed-up for survival until August 2016. RESULTS: Fifty-five ALS patients (37 cALS, 10 PMA and 8 PLS) were recruited. Twenty-four reported LUTS and neurogenic bladder (NB) could be demonstrated in nine of them. LUTS were not influenced by age, phenotype, disability, cognitive or behavioural impairment, or disease progression, but female sex appeared to be a protective factor (OR=0.39, p=0.06). Neither family history nor the C9ORF72 expansion was linked to LUTS or NB. In the multivariate analysis, patients reporting LUTS early in the disease course tended to show poorer survival. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, LUTS appear to be more frequent in male MND patients, but are not related to age, clinical or genetic characteristics. When reported early, LUTS could be a sign of rapid disease spread and poor prognosis. Further prospective longitudinal and neuroimaging studies are warranted to confirm this hypothesis.

Urodynamic findings in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with lower urinary tract symptoms: Results from a pilot study.

AIMS: To determine lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) prevalence and urodynamic findings in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients treated in our hospital. METHODS: Cross-sectional and descriptive study on a cohort of ALS patients. Validated questionnaires (ICIQ-SF, IPSS, and OAB-V8) were self-administered in order to evaluate the presence of LUTS. Symptoms were classified as clinically significant (csLUTS), if any of following scores, IPSS > 7, ICIQ-SF > 0, or OAB-V8 ≥ 8, were present. Urodynamic study was offered to csLUTS patients. Physical examination and prostate ultrasound were also performed. RESULTS: Fifty five of seventy nine (70%) ALS patients accepted to participate in the study. Only 24/55 (43.6%) patients met criteria for csLUTS and 13 patients reported urgency urinary incontinence (26.3%). Most of csLUTS patients complained of mixed symptoms (82.6%). QoL measured by IPSS was 2.1 ± 1.5, 20% scoring as mostly dissatisfied or unhappy. Average QoL ICIQ-SF scoring was 3.17 ± 3, 33% complained of moderate to severe bother. Ten of twenty four (41.7%) csLUTS patients consented to UDS. The most frequent finding was detrusor overactivity with obstruction due to non-relaxing external sphincter (five patients) or bladder neck (two patients). Two patients showed normal bladder filling but non-relaxing external sphincter during voiding. UDS was normal in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: In this small pilot study we found a high prevalence of csLUTS in ALS which are mainly related to a combination of voiding and storage symptoms. In most patients, symptoms are caused by overactive detrusor combined with non-relaxing sphincter. Severity of symptoms and impact in QoL is only moderate but in a subset of patients can be considerable. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:626-631, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.