[Physiotherapy and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients: a randomized controlled trial]. / Kinésithérapie et symptômes du bas appareil urinaire chez des patients atteints de la sclérose en plaques : étude contrôlée randomisée.

AIM: This randomized controlled trial compare the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training vs. transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria were EDSS score<7 and presence of lower urinary tract symptoms. Exclusion criteria were multiple sclerosis relapse during the study, active urinary tract infection and pregnancy. The primary outcome was quality of life (SF-Qualiveen questionnaire). Secondary outcomes included overactive bladder (USP questionnaire) score and frequency of urgency episodes (3-day bladder diary). Sample size was calculated after 18 patients were included. Data analysis was blinded. Each patient received 9 sessions of 30 minutes weekly. Patients were randomized in pelvic floor muscles exercises with biofeedback group (muscle endurance and relaxation) or transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation group (rectangular alternative biphasic current with low frequency). RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were included. No difference appeared between groups for quality of life, overactive bladder and frequency of urgency episodes (respectively P=0.197, P=0.532 et P=0.788). These parameters were significantly improved in pelvic floor muscle training group (n=16) (respectively P=0.004, P=0.002 et P=0.006) and in transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation group (n=15) (respectively P=0.001, P=0.001 et P=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor muscle training and transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation improved in the same way symptoms related to urgency in MS patients with mild disability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

[Pelvic floor muscles training, electrical stimulation, bladder training and lifestyle interventions to manage lower urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review]. / Troubles du bas appareil urinaire chez des patients atteints de la sclérose en plaques et kinésithérapie pelvi-périnéale : revue systématique.

AIM: To assess the effectiveness of conservative therapeutic approaches in a multiple sclerosis population. MATERIAL: Review was performed in PubMed, PEDro, Scopus and Cochrane Library using combinations of the following keywords: multiple sclerosis; bladder dysfunction; overactive bladder; detrusor hyperreflexia; urge incontinence; urgency; stress incontinence; pelvic floor muscle; biofeedback; PTNS; tibial nerve; bladder training; physical therapy; physiotherapy; conservative treatment and behavioral therapy. RESULTS: Six randomized articles including 289 patients were selected. Four papers exhibited strong scores for the methodological quality assessment. The parameters always significantly improved concerned: number of incontinence episodes (decreased from 64% to 86% after treatment versus before treatment), quality of life (P≤0.001), severity of irritative symptoms (decreased by more than 50% after treatment versus before treatment), and nocturia (P=0.035 to P<0.001). Activities and participation, maximum flow rate, mean voided volume and daytime frequency were not significantly improved in all trials. CONCLUSIONS: The physical therapy techniques could be effective for the treatment of urinary disorders in multiple sclerosis populations with mild disability. However, the analyses are based on six studies within only four showed good methodological quality. No strong conclusions regarding treatment approaches can be drawn from this review.

Characteristics and expectations of patients with erectile dysfunction: results of the SCORED study.

In an observational study in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) consulting a general practitioner (GP) or urologist in Belgium, demographics, ED characteristics (including erection hardness score), co-morbidities and treatment expectations were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. In total, 341 GPs and 41 urologists recruited 1492 patients. Most (74%) were untreated and 25% had ED for >3 years. Considering PDE5 inhibitors, erection hardness (89%) and maintenance (92%) were considered 'very important' by most patients. Only 18% of physicians initiated discussion about ED, despite 41% of patients having >or=3 known risk factors. The questionnaire was considered helpful by 81% of GPs and 83% of their patients. Overall, patients are under-diagnosed, and physicians are reluctant to ask about ED. A questionnaire including erection hardness score is useful to facilitate discussion about ED in general practice. Erection hardness and maintenance are more important to patients as compared to fast onset or long duration of action.

What is the place of electroneuromyographic studies in the diagnosis and management of pudendal neuralgia related to entrapment syndrome?

Entrapment of the pudendal nerve may be at the origin of chronic perineal pain. This syndrome must be diagnosed because this can result in the indication of surgical decompression of the entrapped nerve for pain relief. Electroneuromyographic (ENMG) investigation is often performed in this context, based on needle electromyography and the study of sacral reflex and pudendal nerve motor latencies. The limits of ENMG investigation, owing to various pathophysiological and technical considerations, should be known. The employed techniques do not assess directly the pathophysiological mechanisms of pain but rather correlate to structural alterations of the pudendal nerve (demyelination or axonal loss). In addition, only direct or reflex motor innervation is investigated, whereas sensory nerve conduction studies should be more sensitive to detect nerve compression. Finally, ENMG cannot differentiate entrapment from other causes of pudendal nerve lesion (stretch induced by surgical procedures, obstetrical damage, chronic constipation...). Thus, perineal ENMG has a limited sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome and does not give direct information about pain mechanisms. Pudendal neuralgia related to nerve entrapment is mainly suspected on specific clinical features and perineal ENMG examination provides additional, but no definitive clues, for the diagnosis or the localization of the site of compression. In fact, the main value of ENMG is to assess objectively pudendal motor innervation when a surgical decompression is considered. Perineal ENMG might predict the outcome of surgery but is of no value for intraoperative monitoring.

[Contribution of the preoperative urodynamic findings in the determination of risks factors of urinary incontinence after radical retropubic prostatectomy]. / Apport de l'exploration urodynamique préopératoire dans la détermination des facteurs de risques de l'incontinence post-prostatectomie radicale totale.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to determine whether preoperative urodynamic evaluation helps the physiotherapist to adapt preoperative management of patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP) by identifying a group at risk of incontinence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We compared the preoperative urodynamic evaluation of 229 men scheduled for RP with their continence status, evaluated by standardized pad-test and questionnaire, at 6 weeks and 4 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The primary urinary incontinence risk has been obtained for five patient's categories, namely normal, bladder instability, bladder outlet obstruction, hypocontractility, and mixed results. None of the patients diagnosed with detrusor instability and bladder outlet obstruction was continent at six weeks from surgery. At four months, although it improves, the continence status remains significantly poorer than observed in all other groups. CONCLUSION: Preoperative urodynamic evaluation of patients scheduled for RP allows identifying patients with a high risk of postoperative urinary incontinence.

Does site-specific labelling and individual processing of sextant biopsies improve the accuracy of prostate biopsy in predicting pathological stage in patients with T1c prostate cancer?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether individual labelling and processing of the sextant of origin improves the accuracy of prostate biopsy in predicting the final pathological stage after radical prostatectomy in patients with T1c prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The charts of 386 patients treated for prostate cancer by radical prostatectomy between January 1996 and June 1999 were reviewed. In all, 124 patients fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: no abnormality on digital rectal examination (DRE) or transrectal ultrasonography, a prostate specific antigen (PSA) level before biopsy of < or = 20 ng/mL, and prostate cancer diagnosed after one set of random sextant biopsies, with the cores being submitted in six separate containers individually labelled for the sextant of origin. RESULTS: Within this series of patients with a low tumour burden, the preoperative PSA, biopsy Gleason score and unilateral vs bilateral involvement were not significant predictors of disease extension. The percentage of positive cores and the number and topography of positive sextants were both statistically significant predictors of organ-confined disease. Although these two variables appeared to be statistically equivalent on a first analysis in the overall series, a subgroup of patients was identified who benefited from the complete topographical information, i.e. those 52 (42%) patients with a Gleason score of < 7, 25-75% positive biopsies and < or =3 positive sextants. CONCLUSION: These results support the individual labelling of biopsy cores in selected patients with a normal DRE and a moderately elevated PSA, as it helps to better predict the final pathological stage. This substantial benefit outweighs the additional effort by the pathologist.

Treatment of erectile dysfunction.

The evaluation and treatment of Erectile Dysfunction has evolved dramatically over the last 10 years thanks to the improvement of our understanding of the physiology of erection and the development of effective drugs to be taken "on demand" before intercourse. In addition, Erectile Dysfunction is now clearly recognized as a medical disorder. It is beyond the scope of this article to go into details about the physiology and pathophysiology of the sexual cycle and the different diagnostic procedures for evaluating erectile disorders. Rather, we will concentrate on the therapeutic options for managing erectile disorders after a brief review of the most recent concepts of erection physiology and diagnosis.

A dose-escalation study to assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate in men with erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate (Viagra, Pfizer Inc., USA) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study over a period of 26 weeks in men with erectile dysfunction of a broad spectrum of aetiology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 315 patients from five countries were randomized to receive treatment with placebo (156 men) or sildenafil (159 men). Significant concomitant medical conditions were hypertension (20%), a history of pelvic surgery (19%), diabetes mellitus (15%), and ischaemic heart disease (10%). Patients randomized to treatment received a starting dose of 25 mg of sildenafil or matching placebo, which could be increased to 50 mg and then to 100 mg of sildenafil, based on efficacy and tolerability. Assessments of efficacy comprised the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), including question three (ability to achieve an erection) and question four (ability to maintain an erection), a partner questionnaire, an overall efficacy question, and event-log data. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, 26%, 32% and 42% of patients were taking 25, 50 and 100 mg of sildenafil, respectively. A similar distribution of doses was reported after 26 weeks of treatment. Treatment with sildenafil significantly improved the patients' abilities to achieve and maintain an erection compared with treatment with placebo (P < 0.001). Scores for four of the five sexual function domains of the IIEF (erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction) also improved significantly (P < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in the mean score for the erectile function domain, regardless of the aetiology of erectile dysfunction (P < 0.001). After 12 weeks and 26 weeks of treatment, 82% and 79% of patients receiving sildenafil reported improved erections, compared with 24% and 23% of patients receiving placebo, respectively (P < 0.001). Treatment-related adverse events were mild to moderate and occurred in 27% of patients receiving sildenafil, compared with 8% of patients receiving placebo. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for men with erectile dysfunction of a broad spectrum of aetiology.

Assessing the risk of unsuspected prostate cancer in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy: a 13-year retrospective study of the incidence and natural history of T1a-T1b prostate cancers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and natural history of stage T1a-T1b prostate cancer in patients undergoing surgery for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and thus evaluate the effect that recent medical and 'minimally invasive' treatments (which provide no prostate sample for pathological examination) might have on the percentage of patients with unsuspected prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 1648 patients undergoing surgery for BPH over a 13-year period were reviewed retrospectively; the period overlapped the introduction of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) as a detection method. RESULTS: Stage T1 prostate cancer was found in 182 patients (11%), comprising 126 (11%) of 1199 transurethral resections and 56 (12%) of 449 open enucleations. The introduction of systematic PSA assays gradually reduced the mean incidence of T1 cancer from 23% to 7%, with a greater effect on T1b (from 15% to 2%), while the incidence of T1a remained nearly constant (+/-5%). The pathological features of surgical specimens from 43 radical prostatectomies undertaken for T1 tumours were reviewed. Locally advanced disease (stage >/=pT3) was apparent in 13% of T1a and 28% of T1b tumours. Amongst the patients electing for surveillance, only 8% of those with T1a progressed within 30-97 months of follow-up (mean progression time 73 months), whereas 29% of those with stage T1b progressed within 36 months of follow-up (mean progression time 17 months). CONCLUSION: These results show that the use of the PSA assay has decreased but not suppressed the incidence of pT1 prostate cancer, with a greater effect on those tumours at higher risk of progression (T1b). This suggests that the detection of prostate cancer based on PSA and transrectal ultrasonography is appropriate for screening patients and is sufficiently accurate that treatments for BPH that provide no pathological materials can be applied safely.

Testicular torsion after previous orchidopexy for undescended testis.

We report one case of acute testicular torsion following orchidopexy for an undescended testis. A review of the literature reveals only ten similar cases. History of a previous testicular surgery should not preclude the possibility of a torsion in that testicle. We conclude that at orchidopexy for an undescended testis, eversion of the tunica vaginalis is an essential step to avoid any future torsion.

[Complete radical prostatectomy and positive lymph nodes (stages pT1 to 4, N1 to 3, M0, D1)]. / Prostatectomie radicale totale et ganglions positifs (stades pT1 à 4, N1 à 3, M0, D1).

Lymph node metastases are rarely detected during radical prostatectomy (55/647 patients in our series or 8.5%) and several authors consider that lymphadenectomy is unnecessary in most cases. Criteria based on clinical stage, PSA and tumor grade have been elaborated in order to avoid pelvic lymph node dissection in a low risk population. It is commonly admitted that patients with clinically localized prostate cancer, a PSA level < 10 ng/ml, and a Gleason score < 7 could be spared a pelvic lymphadenectomy. In our series, these patients account for 12% of positive nodes. The best treatment for prostate cancer patients with a nodal disease is controversial. We compare the evolution of two groups of patients: radical prostatectomy alone or combined with an immediate adjuvant hormonal treatment. We observe a difference between the two groups for biological progression (PSA failure) but not yet for clinical progression nor for survival as our mean follow-up in only 6 years.

[Correction of severe median hypospadias. Review of 77 cases treated by the onlay island flap technic]. / Correction des hypospades de gravité moyenne. Revue de 77 cas traités par la technique du "onlay island flap".

Seventy-seven hypospadias, selected from a series of 504 treated in our institution, were operated using the pediculated transverse "onlay" preputial graft. We try to demonstrate that this technique produces excellent functional and cosmetic results. Chordee can be corrected using extensive dissection of the urethral plate with association, if necessary, of a Nesbit type of dorsal plication. Complications rate, in our hands, is lower in comparison to the technique described by John Duckett, where the urethral plate is divided and a complete urethral tube is performed. We report 4 fistulas, one distal end breakdown of the repair and one postoperative hematoma that had to be revised. Because of this low complication rate, in many cases, the "onlay" pediculated graft replaces advantageously the Duckett type of repair.

Urodynamic and electrophysiological testing in pediatric neurourology.

In our institution, children with voiding disorders are submitted to a detailed evaluation comprising a careful clinical examination, laboratory tests, imaging (kidney ultrasonography and voiding cystourethrography) and urodynamic tests. Depending on the etiology of voiding dysfunction, children are subjected to a non invasive or an invasive urodynamic evaluation. Non invasive urodynamic testing comprises a free urinary flowmetry associated or not with an EMG recording of the pelvic floor. Invasive urodynamic testing consists of a pressure-flow study or a video-XR-urodynamic test. In rare instances, genitourinary electrophysiological investigations will be performed. Herein we describe these different urodynamic and electrophysiologic tests.

Is adrenalectomy part of radical nephrectomy?

Standard radical nephrectomy entails en bloc removal of the kidney together with Gerota's fascia and the ipsilateral adrenal. Thanks to the refinement of imaging techniques (ultrasound, CT and MRI), smaller tumors are being diagnosed. In addition, direct extension to the adrenal gland or adrenal metastasis can be detected in most cases. This is why several authors reserve adrenalectomy for large and/or upper pole tumors or abnormal appearing glands on preoperative CT-scan. However, preoperative diagnosis is not always accurate. Furthermore, micrometastatic adrenal invasion at the time of nephrectomy and late recurrences in the persistent adrenal have been documented, so that partisans of adrenalectomy only spare the adrenal in exceptional cases. The authors have reviewed several series in the litterature as well as there own, and conclude that ipsilateral adrenalectomy can be omitted for small middle- or lower pole tumors when the adrenal appears normal on CT and during the surgical intervention.

Adjuvant radiation therapy does not cause urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: results of a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the potential influence of adjuvant radiotherapy on urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with N0M0 prostate cancer randomized in a prospective study on postoperative radiotherapy for locally advanced disease (positive surgical margin, capsular perforation and/or seminal vesicle infiltration) were studied. Objective pad weighing tests corroborated by direct personal interviews were used to evaluate urinary continence at regular postoperative intervals. RESULTS: Of the patients 48 received 60 Gy. external radiotherapy with 18 MV photon beams between 12 and 16 weeks postoperatively, and 52 were followed expectantly. Risk factors were similar in both groups. With a mean followup of 24 months, no difference in complete urinary continence was observed. Of the irradiated group 77% and of the surveillance group 83% were totally dry. The fate of the bladder neck had no significant influence on final continence status, although there was a trend for faster recovery when the bladder neck was preserved. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective randomized study 60 Gy. external radiation therapy administered between 3 and 4 months after radical prostatectomy for pathologically locally advanced prostate cancer had no significant influence on urinary continence.

Megaureter in childhood: conservative or surgical management?

Antenatal and incidentally diagnosed megaureters can be safely treated conservatively after careful work up by combined imaging technics. Serial and repeated imaging are non the less usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis. This aspect could be fastidious and expensive. In case of symptoms, breakthrough infections or loss of kidney function, surgical treatment should be considered and good results can be expected. Refluxing megaureter has to be considered as high grade reflux and surgical approach is more often suggested. The authors have reviewed the experience of 139 patients with megaureters treated in the last decade to illustrate those facts.

[Severe and unexpected occurrence of water-electrolyte disorders in the postoperative period]. / Désordres hydro-électrolytiques sévères et inattendus survenus en période post-opératoire.

Unexpected severe electrolyte imbalance in the postoperative period. Report two cases. Two cases of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone are reported. In each patient, the physiopathology is reviewed. Differential diagnosis and treatment of hyponatremia is discussed.

[Recurrence following radical surgery for prostatic cancer. Analysis of clinical, biological and anatomo-pathological prognostic factors]. / Récidive après chirurgie radicale pour cancer prostatique. Analyse des facteurs pronostiques cliniques, biologiques, et anatomopathologiques.

To better characterize risk factors of progression (or recurrence) of prostate cancer after radical surgery, we analysed clinical and biological preoperative characteristics and post-operative pathology results in a series of 179 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 1994. The mean follow-up in the series is 36 months (24-36). 39 patients treated before radical prostatectomy by hormonotherapy or surgery (TURP, TULIP) were excluded from analysis. 28 patients treated with immediate adjuvant therapy were also excluded from the study on risk factors of recurrence. Clinical understaging is 37% (50/134 patients with stage T1-T2 have extracapsular extension or invasion of seminal vesicles). Preoperative PSA value is related to the pathologic stage. Extracapsular disease was found in 17% and 46% when PSA was < 4 ng/ml or > 10 ng/ml respectively, thereby confirming the poor staging value of preoperative PSA alone. Analysis of the surgical margins demonstrates a statistically significant difference (p = 0.018) between patients with a preoperative PSA < 10 ng/ml (22% of positive margins) and those with a PSA > 10 ng/ml (42% of positive margins). Predictive factors of recurrence were analyzed in the 112 patients who have not received pre- or postoperative treatment. The respective impact of clinical stage, preoperative PSA value, Gleason score, invasion of prostatic apex, capsular perforation, surgical margins, invasion of seminal vesicles or of pelvic lymph nodes, and invasion of intraprostatic, intracapsular or extraprostatic nerves were evaluated. In T3 cases, we observe 50% recurrence (but only 4 patients fall into this group) versus 14% in clinically localized tumors (T1c-T2c). No recurrence is detected when preoperative PSA is < 4 ng/ml; on the contrary 21% of patients with a PSA > 10 ng/ml recurred. Infiltration of the apex does not influence prognosis. In our experience, capsular perforation is a worse prognostic factor than positive surgical margins, the respective rate of failure being 25% and 17% respectively. Invasion of extraprostatic nerves increases the risk of failure compared to capsular perforation alone (31% vs 18%). Seminal vesicles invasion significantly worsens prognosis (50% vs 13% recurrence respectively; p = 0.024). All patients with positive lymph nodes recurred (p = 0.001).

The external vacuum device in the management of erectile dysfunction.

The effectiveness of a vacuum erection device was evaluated in a 3-year prospective trial involving 110 men with erectile disorders. The patients ranged from 36 to 75 years of age (average: 61). Fifty-seven had chosen the vacuum device as a first treatment attempt; 27 were on intracavernous self-injections with a vasoactive agent but wanted another treatment; and several treatment modalities had failed in the remaining 26 patients. At the 3-month follow-up, the patients were mailed a questionnaire to evaluate the quality of sexual intercourse with the vacuum constriction device. Partner satisfaction was evaluated in parallel. Improvement in sexual parameters as well as difficulties and side effects induced by the device were investigated. Our results confirm the efficacy of the vacuum constriction device in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in selected patients.

Free to total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ratio improves the discrimination between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the diagnostic gray zone of 1.8 to 10 ng/mL total PSA.

OBJECTIVES: Improved discrimination between prostate cancer (PC) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is clearly needed. Our aim in this study was to evaluate whether the free to total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ratio would be useful in the gray zone of 1.8-10 ng/mL total PSA range. METHODS: In a consecutive series of 435 clinic patients referred for prostate evaluation, 308 had a total PSA < 10 ng/mL (92 had PC and 216 BPH). Free and total PSA were measured, and the free to total PSA ratio calculated. RESULTS: Total PSA values were significantly different between the two groups. For the 200 patients with a total PSA < 6 ng/mL, no significant difference in total PSA values were seen (P = 0.411), whereas free to total PSA ratios remained statistically different (P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis comparing the performances of total PSA over the ratio of free to total PSA showed a clear advantage for the ratio at all sensitivity levels. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that in a significant number (n = 308) of prostatic patients in the diagnostic gray zone of 1.8-10 ng/mL total PSA, the routine use of free to total PSA might be advantageous in discriminating between cancer and benign hyperplasia. This advantage remained for total PSA < 4 ng/mL. Further study is warranted to confirm these findings in an unselected population.