Future considerations in prosthetic urology.

Since their popularization, genitourinary prosthetics have remained a gold-standard therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence and in cases of testicular loss or dysfunction. They have also represented an area of significant innovation, which has contributed to excellent long-term outcomes. Given this history, the objective of the current review was to provide a 5-10-year outlook on anticipated trends and developments in the field of genitourinary prosthetics. To accomplish this objective, a PubMed and patent search was performed of topics relating to penile and testicular prostheses and urinary sphincters. In regard to penile prostheses, findings demonstrated several new concepts including temperature-sensitive alloys, automated pumps, devices designed specifically for neophalluses, and improved malleable designs. With artificial urinary sphincters, new concepts include the ability to add or remove fluid from an existing system, two-piece systems, and new mechanisms to occlude the urethra. For testicular prosthetics, future implementations may not only better replicate the feel of a biological testicle but also add endocrinological functions. Beyond device innovation, the future of prosthetics is also one of expanding geographic boundaries, which necessitates variable cost modeling and regulatory considerations. Surgical trends are also changing, with a greater emphasis on nonnarcotic, postoperative pain control, outpatient surgeries, and adjunctive techniques to lengthen the penis and address concomitant stress incontinence, among others. Concomitant with device and surgical changes, future considerations also include a greater need for education and training, particularly given the rapid expansion of sexual medicine into developing nations.

Future considerations in prosthetic urology / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Since their popularization, genitourinary prosthetics have remained a gold-standard therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence and in cases of testicular loss or dysfunction. They have also represented an area of significant innovation, which has contributed to excellent long-term outcomes. Given this history, the objective of the current review was to provide a 5-10-year outlook on anticipated trends and developments in the field of genitourinary prosthetics. To accomplish this objective, a PubMed and patent search was performed of topics relating to penile and testicular prostheses and urinary sphincters. In regard to penile prostheses, findings demonstrated several new concepts including temperature-sensitive alloys, automated pumps, devices designed specifically for neophalluses, and improved malleable designs. With artificial urinary sphincters, new concepts include the ability to add or remove fluid from an existing system, two-piece systems, and new mechanisms to occlude the urethra. For testicular prosthetics, future implementations may not only better replicate the feel of a biological testicle but also add endocrinological functions. Beyond device innovation, the future of prosthetics is also one of expanding geographic boundaries, which necessitates variable cost modeling and regulatory considerations. Surgical trends are also changing, with a greater emphasis on nonnarcotic, postoperative pain control, outpatient surgeries, and adjunctive techniques to lengthen the penis and address concomitant stress incontinence, among others. Concomitant with device and surgical changes, future considerations also include a greater need for education and training, particularly given the rapid expansion of sexual medicine into developing nations.

AdVance sling use decreasing relative to artificial urinary sphincters.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the percent of AdVance male sling usage relative to artificial urinary sphincters (AUS) over a 9 year period since its introduction in order to assess trends across the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As a surrogate for procedures performed, we reviewed device utilization trends of the AdVance sling and AUS broken down by American Urological Association (AUA) section. ANOVA testing between years was used to determine purchasing trends with p values of < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Relative to AUS, AdVance sling percentage significantly increased from 36% in 2007 to 48% in 2008 (p = 0.032). Sling percentage then remained stable over the next 3 years from 2008-2011 with no significant percent change between years (p = NS). Compared with 2008-2011, AdVance usage decreased in 2012 to 29% (p = 0.002) and remained stable at this decreased relative level through 2015 (p = NS, difference between years 2012-2015). Comparing incontinence procedures across AUA sections, the Southeast section performed the highest percentage of male stress urinary incontinence procedures, including 27% of all AdVance slings and 25% of all artificial sphincters. CONCLUSION: Proportion of AdVance sling usage relative to AUS increased after its introduction through 2008. Usage remained stable at an increased level for the next3 years. More recent years have found decreased AdVance usage and a resurgence of the artificial urinary sphincter. Reasons for these trends remain speculative.

Waves of Change: National Trends in Surgical Management of Male Stress Incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the trend in surgical management of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in the context of the rate of radical prostatectomy (RP) as reported by a national database. Traditionally, the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has been the gold standard, but the male sling represents a newer and popular alternative. Refinements in prostate surgery may reduce the incidence and degree of subsequent SUI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed using the National Inpatient Survey database, which captures discharge data from inpatient and overnight admissions. Cases were identified by their International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision procedure codes. We queried the codes 58.93 (implantation of AUS), 59.4 (suprapubic sling operation), 59.5 (retropubic urethral suspension), and 59.6 (paraurethral suspension). We also queried 60.5 (RP) for comparison. Data were collected from January 2000 to December 2012 and weighted to a national average using National Inpatient Survey guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 32,416 anti-incontinence operations (20,790 AUS and 11,625 sling procedures) were performed over the study period. There was a significant downward trend in the total number of incontinence procedures (F(1,11) = 6.15, P = .03). However, when stratifying the data by procedure type, only AUS placement demonstrated a significant decline (F(1,11) = 21.70, P <.01), whereas sling procedures significantly increased (F(1,11) = 12.95, P <.01). There was no significant change in the annual incidence of RP. CONCLUSION: Inpatient surgery for male SUI is decreasing overall. Placement of the AUS declined significantly, whereas sling placement became more common. Future study will determine the etiology of these trends.

Artificial Urinary Sphincter: Report of the 2015 Consensus Conference.

PURPOSE: The AMS800™ device, by far the most frequently implanted artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) worldwide, is considered to be the "gold-standard" when male incontinence surgical treatment is contemplated. Despite 40 years of experience, it is still a specialized procedure with a number of challenges. Here, we present the recommendations issued from the AUS Consensus Group, regarding indications, management, and follow-up AMS800™ implantation or revision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under ICS auspices, an expert panel met on July 10, 2015 in Chicago, IL, USA in an attempt to reach a consensus on diverse issues related to the AMS800™ device. Participants were selected by the two co-chairs on the basis of their practice in a University hospital and their experience: number of implanted AUSs according to AMS (American Medical System Holdings Inc., Minnetonka, MN) records and/or major published articles. Topics listed were the result of a pre-meeting email brainstorming by all participants. The co-chairs distributed topics randomly to all participants, who then had to propose a statement on each topic for approval by the conference after a short evidence-based presentation, when possible. RESULTS: A total of 25 urologists were invited to participate, 19 able to attend the conference. The present recommendations, based on the most recent and relevant data available in literature as well as expert opinions, successively address multiple specific and problematic issues associated with the AMS800™ trough a eight-chapter structure: pre-operative assessment, pre operative challenges, implantation technique, post-operative care, trouble-shooting, outcomes, special populations, and the future of AUSs. CONCLUSION: These guidelines undoubtedly constitute a reference document, which will help urologists to carefully select patients and apply the most adapted management to implantation, follow-up and trouble-shooting of the AMS800™.

Male incontinence surgery in the 21st century: past, present, and future.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Surgery is the mainstay for treating postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence. Although the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) remains a popular treatment option, a decade worth of innovations have expanded the role of male sling surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: AUS surgery has an approximately 80-85% success rate, regardless of the degree of incontinence. The bone-anchored male sling has a similar success rate in men with mild-to-moderate leakage, but is less efficacious in those with severe incontinence. A transobturator approach has simplified the procedure, but appears best suited for men with milder degrees of incontinence. A new quadratically fixed sling that achieves a broader area of urethral compression by combining a transobturator and suprapubic approach has recently been introduced, with the aim of greater efficacy, while maintaining the low morbidity of sling surgery. SUMMARY: The male sling and AUS are equally efficacious for the treatment of mild-to-moderate stress urinary incontinence. The sling appears to have a lower risk of infection, erosion, and urethral atrophy. The AUS remains the most efficacious treatment for severe stress urinary incontinence and for radiated patients. Recent changes in male sling surgery may improve efficacy in men with more severe incontinence.

Seguimiento del esfínter urinario artificial FlowSecure / Follow-up of the FlowSecure artificial urinary sphincter

El esfínter urinario artificial AMS-800 ha sido la única prótesis disponible para el tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo refractaria a otras modalidades terapéuticas durante los últimos 25 años. La tasa relativamente elevada de complicaciones derivadas de su utilización durante este tiempo provocó una serie de modificaciones en su diseño, lo que dio como resultado la aparición en el mercado del esfínter urinario artificial Flow Secure. El esfínter urinario artificial Flow Secure es una prótesis ajustable rellena de suero salino sin contraste, por lo que la radiografía simple no es útil para su seguimiento; la ecografía es la técnica radiológica más adecuada para su valoración. Además de calcular el residuo posmiccional, la ecografía permite verificar el estado de la prótesis y calcular la presión a la que está siendo sometida la uretra por el esfínter. Al uso de la ecografía debe de añadirse la utilización de flujometría y de una historia clínica detallada. Estos últimos son los elementos adecuados para realizar una valoración funcional correcta del paciente portador de la prótesis, ya que permiten valorar la necesidad de ajustar la presión del sistema a la continencia del paciente, si esto fuera necesario (AU)

The AMS-800 artificial urinary sphincter has been the only prosthesis available for treatment of stress urinary incontinence refractory to other therapeutic modalities for the past 25 years. The relatively high rate of complications occurring with the AMS-800 device during this time led to introduce a number of changes in its design that resulted in a new prostheses, the Flow Secure artificial sphincter. The Flow Secure artificial urinary sphincter is an adjustable prosthesis filled with normal saline without contrast. Plain X-rays cannot therefore be used for monitoring, and ultrasound is the most adequate radiographic technique for evaluation. In addition to calculating the post-void residue, ultrasound allows for verifying prosthesis status and for calculating the urethral occluding pressure. A detailed clinical history and flow rate measurement should be used together with the ultrasound scan to functionally assess patients with the Flow Secure device in order to determine the need for adjusting system pressure to the minimum pressure required for total continence (AU)

Temporal trends in adoption of and indications for the artificial urinary sphincter.

PURPOSE: The introduction of the artificial urinary sphincter represented a significant advance in treating urinary incontinence. We examined temporal trends in artificial urinary sphincter use, focusing on adoption of the device with time, individual surgeon volume, indications for placement and differences in application by gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on artificial urinary sphincter related operations performed in the United States from 1975 and thereafter were provided by the manufacturer. Surgical and demographic data on each patient were recorded and analyzed on an annual basis at 5-year intervals to determine the number of procedures performed as well as individual surgeon volume. Indications for implantation or revision were also studied and recorded in 5-year increments. RESULTS: Artificial urinary sphincter use increased dramatically from 11 cases in 1975 to 3,762 in 2005. Most increased volume was due to an increase in device use in men with little growth in use in women. More than 90% of surgeons who participated in artificial urinary sphincter surgery performed 5 or fewer related cases per year (median 1 to 2) in most years. The annual proportion of revision surgeries stabilized after an initial increase. The most prevalent indication for initial implantation in men from 1985 and thereafter was incontinence after radical prostatectomy. In women neurogenic disease was consistently the most common indication for placement. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial urinary sphincter use has increased dramatically in the United States since 1975 and it now appears to be stable. Placement is primarily performed in men with incontinence after radical prostatectomy. Only a small minority of surgeons perform a high volume of artificial urinary sphincter cases.

Técnica de implantación del esfínter urinario artificial FlowsecureTM en uretra bulbar / Implantation technique of the artificial urinary sphincter “flow secure™” in the bulbar urethra

OBJETIVO: El esfínter urinario FlowSecureTM es una prótesis para la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo que ha proporcionado unos excelentes resultados hasta el día de hoy. Si bien su colocación es sencilla, los urólogos acostumbrados a la colocación de otros tipos de prótesis pueden encontrar inconveniente el cambio a esta nueva técnica. Este artículo pretende demostrar que este nuevo esfínter se puede colocar de forma rápida y sencilla, así como discutir las diferencias respecto del modelo AMS-800TM.MÉTODOS: A raíz de un paciente al que se colocó el esfínter urinario FlowSecureTM en nuestro centro se describe mediante dibujos la técnica de colocación y se apuntan ciertos consejos prácticos que hacen más fácil y rápida su colocación.RESULTADO: El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 90 minutos. El paciente presentó un postoperatorio correcto, retirándose la sonda vesical a las 24 horas y siendo dado de alta a las 72 horas. A los 3 meses de la intervención el paciente refiere resolución completa de su incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo.CONCLUSIONES: El esfínter urinario FlowSecureTM resulta una prótesis de colocación rápida y sencilla, y a medida que su utilización se vaya extendiendo podremos valorar si sus resultados a largo plazo son mejores que los del modelo AMS-800TM(AU)

OBJECTIVES: Artificial urinary sphincter “FlowSecureTM” is a prosthesis designed for stress urinary incontinence that has achieved excellent results. Although implantation is easy, some urologist used to other prosthesis may find difficult the change to this new technique. This article shows how easily and quickly this new sphincter can be implanted and discuss the differences with the artificial sphincter AMS-800TM.METHODS: Following the case of a patient who was implanted artificial urinary sphincter “FlowSecureTM” in our center we describe with pictures the technique of implantation and give some advices to make this quicker and easier RESULTS: Surgical time was 90 minutes. Patient presen-ted uneventful recovery, urethral catheter was removed 24 hours after surgery and discharge was done 72 hours after surgery. Three months after implantation patient describes complete resolution of his stress urinary incontinence.CONCLUSIONS: Artificial urinary sphincter “FlowSecu-reTM” is easy and quick to implant, and as its use is extended we would compare if results are better than those of the AMS-800TM model(AU)

Current use of the artificial urinary sphincter and its long-term durability: a nationwide survey in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: Although the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is one of the most effective surgical treatments for severe urinary incontinence, little is known about its use in Japan. A nationwide survey was done to determine contemporary trends in AUS use and its long-term durability. METHODS: Data on AUS units sold in Japan were provided directly by Takai Hospital Supply Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, and a survey form was sent to all 44 institutes where AUS implantation had been carried out. The survey included various demographic and preoperative variables, surgical variables, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Between 1994 and 2007, a total of 100 AUS devices had been provided in Japan. Of the 44 institutes, 24 responded to the survey, and a total of 64 patients were enrolled in the study. Post-urological surgery incontinence accounted for 81.3% of the indications. During the mean follow-up of 50 months, mechanical failure occurred in four (6.2%), and the device was removed in 13 (20.3%) due to infection (14.0%), erosion (4.7%), or urination difficulty (1.5%). Of the 58 patients evaluated, 91.4% reported social continence. Five- and 10-year failure-free rates were 74.8% and 70.1%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, operative time was an independent predictor of treatment failure (P = 0.0334). CONCLUSIONS: Considering recent trends in prostate surgery, the AUS may be significantly underused in Japan. Although excellent long-term durability has been achieved, a learning effect appears to be evident. The Japanese urological community needs to provide appropriate patients with this treatment option.

Esfinter urinario artificial: abordaje transescrotal / Artificial urinary sphicter

Se presenta un caso clínico de paciente masculino con insuficiencia esfinteriana genuina y disfunción eréctil posterior a una prostatectomía radical, revisando en detalle el estudio urodinámico y sus hallazgos. Se realiza un abordaje combinado transescrotal para la colocación simultánea del esfínter AMS 800 y de la prótesis de pene AMS 700, describiendo resultados y seguimiento posterior. Se realiza una revisión bibliográfica de los esfínteres colocados por vía transescrotal, descripción de la técnica quirúrgica e indicaciones y se comparan resultados con los obtenidos en nuestro centro. Demostrando que la vía transescrotal es plausible pero con indicaciones precisas y que aún sus resultados son inferiores a los descritors para la vía perineal

We prresent a case of post prostatectomy incontinence and erectile dysfunction, reviewing its urodynamic findings. Using a combined transcrotal approach, is implanted an AMS 800 penile prosthesis on the same procedure, describing results and follow up. We have done a review of the literature involving the transcrotal approach, describing the surgical technique and its indications, comparing the results with the ones obtained in our centre and demonstrating that the transcrotal approach is possible, but with its specific indications and still with weaker results that the perineal approach

Implantación del Esfínter Urinario Artificial 'FlowSecure(TM') en uretra bulbar: Descripción de la técnica quirúrgica paso a paso / 'Flowsecure(TM)' artificial urinary sphincter: a new adjustable artificial urinary sphincter concept with conditional occlusion for stress urinary incontinence

Introducción: En Octubre de 2006 se implantó por primera vez en nuestra Institución el nuevo esfínter urinario artificial FlowSecure TM. El prototipo fue concebido y diseñado por los Profesores Craggs MD y Mundy AR y los resultados clínicos preliminares de 9 pacientes fueron publicados a mediados del 2006. Nuestro objetivo es el de difundir la descripción detallada de la técnica quirúrgica para la implantación de esta nueva prótesis. Materiales y métodos: Se requiere una incisión perineal para la exposición de la uretra bulbar y una abdominal para la creación de un espacio paravesical y de un bolsillo escrotal. Se coloca un trocar con un estilete desde la incisión abdominal a la perineal para pasar el manguito desinflado, que se ajusta a la uretra y se asegura con tres puntos de Prolene. Tras volver a llenar el manguito se extrae líquido hasta que se forma una muesca en el reservorio de asistencia al estrés, indicando que el sistema está a presión atmosférica 0. Se coloca entonces la bomba en el escroto y los reservorios en el espacio paravesical. Resultados: El esfínter fue colocado en un paciente con incontinencia de esfuerzo tras una RTU de próstata. La técnica es simple, el paciente se fue de alta al cuarto día y no fue necesario presurizar el sistema porque el paciente recuperó la continencia desde la retirada de la sonda. Discusión: La implantación en uretra bulbar es muy sencilla. Los resultados en este paciente concuerdan con los de Knigth et al., que describen tiempo quirúrgico de 30 a 40 minutos, media de estancia hospitalaria de 4 días y presurización innecesaria en tres de sus nueve pacientes. Parece que la técnica y los resultados son reproducibles

Introduction: We have implanted the FlowSecure artificial sphincter for the first time in October 2006. The prototype was originally conceived and designed by Professor Craggs M. D. and Professor Mundy A.R. Preliminary clinical results were reported in nine patients early this year. Our objective is to spread technique for surgical implantation. Methods: Combined perineal and abdominal incisions are required for exposure of bulbar urethra, creation of a cavity in the para-vesical space and dissection of a pocket under de scrotal wall. A trocar with a stylet is routed from the abdominal incision to the perineal incision to pass the deflated cuff to the perineal site. The cuff is placed around the urethra and secured with Prolene sutures. After refilling the cuff, fluid is removed from the system until the stress relief balloon becomes just indented (atmospheric pressure 0). The pump is placed in the scrotum and the balloons in the paravesical space. Results: We have implanted our first FlowSecure artificial sphincter in a patient with severe stress incontinence following a T.U.R.P. The surgical technique is simple and associated with little handling. He was discharged from hospital 4 days after the procedure and it was decided that pressurisation was unnecessary. Discussion: Surgical implantation of the new FlowSecure artificial urinary sphincter is an easy procedure in males with stress urinary incontinence. Knigth et al. reported 30 to 40 minutes operating time, 4 days mean hospital stay and unnecessary pressurisation procedure in 3 out of their 9 patients. It seems that their results are reproducible

Trastorno del suelo pélvico / Pelvic floor disease

El suelo pélvico es una de las estructuras más complejas del cuerpo humano. Históricamente, el abordaje de sus enfermedades ha sido «vertical», con el compartimiento anterior abordado por urólogos, el medio por ginecólogos con frecuentes incursiones en el compartimiento anterior femenino, y el posterior reservado a los cirujanos. Durante los últimos años se ha producido un cambio en la filosofía del manejo de estas enfermedades gracias la aparición de un concepto integrador «transversal» que afecta a la fisiología, la fisiopatología y la propia definición de estas enfermedades como una estructura integrada, en la que se incluyen la incontinencia urinaria, la incontinencia fecal, el prolapso de órganos pélvicos, las alteraciones de la percepción y del vaciamiento del tracto urinario, el estreñimiento crónico, las disfunciones sexuales y varios síndromes de dolor crónico del área perineal. Creemos que se deberían aunar los esfuerzos de los diferentes profesionales relacionados con el tratamiento de estas enfermedades y crear unidades de suelo pélvico. Parece importante que se establezca un concepto de multidisciplinariedad, ya que las habilidades y los conocimientos necesarios para el abordaje de los problemas de las pacientes requieren equipos formados por múltiples dominios profesionales (AU)

The pelvic floor is one of the most complex structures of the human body. Historically, the approach to pelvic floor disease has been «vertical»: the anterior compartment was the domain of urologists, the middle compartment was the domain of gynecologists with frequent incursions into the female anterior compartment, and the posterior compartment was reserved for surgeons. In the last few years, a change has occurred in the philosophy underpinning the management of these diseases with the development of an integrative «cross sectional» approach which affects the physiology, physiopathology, and the definition of these diseases as an integrated structure, and which includes urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, alterations in the perception of urinary tract emptying, chronic constipation, sexual dysfunctions, and several chronic pain syndromes in the perineal area. We believe that the efforts of the various professionals involved in the treatment of these disorders should be pooled and that pelvic floor units should be created. These units should be characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, since the skills and knowledge necessary for the management of these patients requires teams composed of professionals with a broad range of competencies (AU)

New millennium, new slings.

The etiology of stress incontinence is not completely understood. In the past, bladder neck suspensions were performed to correct anatomic abnormalities of the bladder neck and urethral hypermobility. This procedure was attractive because of its simplicity, low morbidity, and excellent early success rate. With time, the successes seen with bladder neck suspensions have not proven to be durable, and alternative surgical procedures have been developed. Until recently, the indications for bladder neck suspension were types I and II stress incontinence; slings were reserved for type III incontinence. However, slings have been shown to be as effective as and more durable than bladder neck suspensions for treatment of all types of stress incontinence; therefore, their popularity has spread. The success of distal urethral slings suggests that it is not necessary to correct anatomic hypermobility to correct stress incontinence. A plethora of new procedures and materials has emerged, leading to an increased need for well-controlled, objective outcome studies in order to understand the impact of these surgeries on our patients.

Experiencia inicial do Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo com uso de fascia lata homologa para correcao de incontinencia urinaria esfincteriana / Initial experience of the Hospital of the Clinics of the College of Medicine of the University of Sao Paulo with use of homologous fascia lata for correction of sphincteric urinary incontinence

Incontinencia urinaria de esforco causada por deficiencia esfincteriana intrinseca, e o desafio no tratamento da incontinencia de esforco feminina. Nosso objetivo e descrever a tecnica pubovaginal Sling...