The inFlow intraurethral valve-pump for women with detrusor underactivity: A summary of peer-reviewed literature.

Context: Detrusor underactivity (DUA) in women can result in urinary retention and the need for chronic bladder drainage management. Without a cure for urinary retention due to DUA, treatment options are focused on effective bladder drainage most often by intermittent or continuous catheter drainage. The inFlow intraurethral valve pump was FDA approved for use in women with this condition in 2014.Methods: Using a literature search, this clinical review sought to explore the epidemiology and commonly used treatment options for women with DUA and critically examine all available studies of the inFlow urinary prosthesis.Results: Due to a lack of effective treatments to improve detrusor function, DUA is generally considered incurable and there are limited treatment options which mostly focus on effective bladder drainage. The inFlow urinary prosthesis is a unique technology which utilizes a nonsurgically inserted urethral device for females to assist with bladder drainage due to DUA. The inFlow urinary prosthesis has been used in Europe and elsewhere for 20 years and is the subject of seven peer-reviewed clinical studies. For those that tolerate the device (about half), the inFlow urinary prosthesis has a low infection rate and side effect profile, is easy to use, and can normalize urination by returning autonomy to patients and thus improve their quality of life.Conclusion: There is no cure for women with DUA. Bladder drainage can be managed by intermittent or continuous catheterization. Appropriately selected women interested in an alternative to catheterization may be offered an on-device trial of the inFlow urinary prosthesis.

Real-time daily assessment of work interference on healthcare professionals' restroom use: A pilot study.

AIMS: Certain occupations may predispose individuals to develop lower urinary tract symptoms presumably through the adoption of unhealthy toileting behaviors. This study aimed to pilot the feasibility of recording healthcare workers' perceptions of daily, work-related interference with toilet use using a cellular, text-based survey tool. METHODS: A cohort study of adult healthcare professionals completed a baseline questionnaire, a daily survey for fourteen consecutive days regarding their restroom use for the current workday, and a posttest survey providing feedback on study design and participation. Contributors to daily toilet use were analyzed in a linear mixed effects model that allowed for modeling effects within a given day. A backward stepwise regression was performed to assess for the presence of the effect of toilet use among control variables. RESULTS: Increased work burden (i.e., increased inconvenience for using the restroom at work) was provisionally found to be associated with fewer voids per day. The number of voids at work was also associated with the number of breaks, urinary urgency, and limiting fluids. Subjects reported that participation in the study was easy, did not interfere with work, and that they would be willing to participate again in a similar study. CONCLUSION: The utilization of a daily text message survey is a feasible way to study healthcare workers and their toileting behaviors at work. A larger similarly designed study could potentially confirm that limitations to restroom use may result in toileting behaviors that could predispose healthcare workers to develop bothersome urinary symptoms. Further investigation is warranted.

Association of Knowledge and Presence of Pelvic Floor Disorders and Participation in Pelvic Floor Exercises: A Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Women's baseline knowledge of pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) and pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) is not well established, as is their knowledge regarding PFE and participation in such exercise. The aim of our study was to assess baseline PFD and PFE knowledge and to determine if knowledge in any way influenced participation in PFEs. METHODS: This was an institutional review board-approved, cross-sectional survey administered to women 18 years or older. We included all women who completed the survey, of which 3733 met the criteria. A survey-based questionnaire was used to query lower urinary tract symptoms, PFD, knowledge, and frequency of participation in PFEs. RESULTS: Of those who responded, the mean incontinence knowledge score was 9.2 ± 2.6, whereas the mean score for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) knowledge was 6.8 ± 3.6. Of the respondents, 92.5% reported being familiar with Kegel exercises. The majority of respondents reported that they did not participate in PFEs (57.4%). Those with POP were more likely to do daily PFEs than those without POP, 34.8% versus 16.4% (P < 0.001). Stress urinary incontinence did not influence frequency of performing PFEs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that while baseline knowledge of POP and incontinence knowledge were high in this patient population, the majority of participants did not participate in PFE. Participants with POP were more likely to partake in daily PFE. A gap exists between knowledge and willingness to participate in PFE. Bridging this gap may be significantly impactful for women's health.

Factors associated with urinary incontinence in a community sample of young nulligravid women.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with urinary incontinence (UI) in a community sample of young nulligravid women. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis from a cross-sectional survey-based study of cisgender women aged 18 to 25 years recruited through a national registry of research volunteers. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing toileting behaviors, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and bowel symptoms. Women were excluded from analysis if currently pregnant, any prior pregnancy, cystectomy, or any neurologic disease including spinal cord injury, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. Analyses determined the prevalence of symptoms and evaluated candidate risk factors for UI. RESULTS: Final analyses included 964 women (mean age, 22.6 ± 2.0). Monthly UI was identified in 295 (30.6%) subjects, with mixed UI being the most common (56.9%; n = 168). Seventy-two women (7.4%) reported fecal incontinence (FI) and 24 (3.5%) women reported both UI and FI. After multivariable regression modeling, UI was associated with an intermittent urine stream and the delayed voiding toileting behavior subscale. CONCLUSIONS: UI in this cohort of young nulliparous women was highly prevalent and warrants further study as to the cause. Therapeutic guidelines to prevent UI and LUTS may need to be adjusted by targeting populations earlier than traditionally considered.

Why Do Women Not Use the Bathroom? Women's Attitudes and Beliefs on Using Public Restrooms.

There are a variety of factors and influences, both internal and external, that may impact an individual's public toileting experience and may ultimately have repercussions for bladder health. This study sought to identify predominant constructs underlying a women's attitude towards using restrooms at work, at school, and in public in order to develop a conceptual model incorporating these themes. We performed a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional, survey-based study that included open-ended questions about limitations to restroom use using a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative data coding and analysis was performed on 12,583 quotes and, using an iterative inductive-deductive approach, was used to construct the conceptual framework. Our conceptual framework reveals a complicated interplay of personal contexts, situational influences, and behavioral strategies used by women to manage their bladder and bowel habits away from home. These findings can inform future research and public policy related to bladder health awareness related to toilet access in the workplace and in public.

Gender specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations for antimuscarinic drugs for overactive bladder treatment.

Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) has a heterogeneous presentation that varies between individuals and by gender. Treatment with antimuscarinic medications is standard first line pharmacotherapy for most patients with OAB. However, gender specific differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antimuscarinic therapy are often overlooked and not discussed.Areas covered: This review will explore differences by gender between the presentation and treatment of OAB. We will discuss the differences between sexes in terms of lower urinary tract anatomy, muscarinic receptors, and hormone variation. The effect of antimuscarinics on males and females as well as adherence and persistence patterns will be reviewed in order to fully review all available literature on the gender specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations for antimuscarinic use in the treatment of OAB.Expert opinion: Despite extensive research into various antimuscarinic formulations and therapeutic regimens for the treatment of OAB, identification of gender specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics considerations remains scant. As our knowledge and understanding of OAB, muscarinic receptors, and antimuscarinic medications evolve, we will hopefully be better able to understand and implement gender-specific and genomic-sprecific treatment regimens and considerations for improved clinical outcomes.

Minimal Inpatient Narcotic Requirement and Immediate Complication Profile Supports Same Day Discharge Following Artificial Urinary Sphincter Insertion.

INTRODUCTION: With more than 3,500 artificial urinary sphincters placed annually in the United States a significant cost burden is associated with overnight observation following surgery. We sought to determine whether inpatient management after artificial urinary sphincter insertion, our current local standard of care, is necessary with regards to inpatient narcotic requirements and immediate postoperative complications. METHODS: This was an institutional review board approved, retrospective review of artificial urinary sphincter insertions identified by CPT code 53445 between June 2013 and September 2017. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, postoperative narcotic use and immediate postoperative complications. RESULTS: We identified 163 men who underwent artificial urinary sphincter insertion for analysis. The cohort had a mean age of 69.8 ± 8.5 years, body mass index of 28.9 ± 5.1 kg/m2 and preoperative pad per day use of 5.8 ± 3.5. Of all patients identified 25 (15%) were using chronic narcotic pain medication preoperatively and 51 (31%) had a diagnosis of diabetes (mean A1c 7.0 ± 1.5%). All but 1 (99%) patients were discharged on the first postoperative day and 1 left on the second postoperative day. Two (1.2%) patients experienced immediate postoperative complication, and 8 (6%) patients failed a voiding trial on postoperative day 1. The 154 (94%) patients who required orally administrated narcotic pain medication after leaving the postanesthesia care unit used a median of 31.0 ± 22.9 morphine milligram equivalents. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate postoperative and peridischarge complication rates are around 1% after artificial urinary sphincter insertion, and narcotic requirements following postanesthesia care unit stay are minimal. Outpatient artificial urinary sphincter insertion is likely to be safe, effective and beneficial with regards to patient experience and total costs.

Association between urinary symptom severity and white matter plaque distribution in women with multiple sclerosis.

AIMS: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by demyelinated white matter plaque throughout the central nervous system. Plaque involvement in regions that regulate micturition may be associated with urinary symptom severity in patients with MS. The aim of this prospective study is to investigate the relationship between cerebral plaque volume (PV), location, and urinary symptoms in women with MS. METHODS: We conducted a case-control pilot study of women with MS undergoing routine yearly brain MRI. Women were administered the American Urologic Association-Symptom Index (AUA-SI) and divided into two groups: severe urinary symptoms (AUA-SI ≥20) and mild symptoms (AUA-SI ≤7). PV and location in the brain were determined using a validated automated white matter lesion segmentation algorithm. RESULTS: This study of 36 women found that the median total PV did not differ between groups. Women with severe urinary symptoms had larger median PV in the left frontal lobe (LFL) and right limbic lobe (RLL) compared with women with mild urinary symptoms. Within the RLL, women with severe symptoms had a larger median PV in the right cingulate gyrus (RCG). There was a moderate correlation between LFL lesion volume and RLL lesion volume with the AUA emptying subscore; however, these regions did not correlate with the storage subscore. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study found urinary symptom severity in women with MS is associated with PV in the RCG and LFL, and not total cerebral PV. These findings may explain why disease burden alone is not a predictor of severity or type of voiding dysfunction in patients with MS.

Detrusor underactivity in women: A current understanding.

AIMS: To examine the current understanding and management of detrusor underactivity (DUA) and underactive bladder (UAB) in women. METHODS: A review of the current literature was performed with a specific focus on new management strategies and treatment options for women with DUA and UAB. RESULTS: DUA has become an area of increased interest in recent years. Affecting up to 45% of older women undergoing urodynamic evaluation for non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms, DUA is common. There are a variety of possible etiologies including neurogenic or myogenic dysfunction. As there is currently no cure for DUA and no way to restore the ability of the detrusor muscle to contract, management of DUA in women is mostly focused on effective bladder drainage by urinary catheterization. Clean intermittent catheterization is the gold standard for bladder drainage however for a variety of reasons, women with DUA often are managed with indwelling urethral catheter or suprapubic tube. Medications, sacral neuromodulation, and the inFlow urinary prosthesis are also treatment alternatives or additions to catheterization. Novel therapies using stem cells and gene therapy are also under investigation for the treatment of DUA and UAB. CONCLUSIONS: DUA is likely more prevalent than recognized and undertreated in women. It is vital that further research in treatment options beyond catheterization be developed for these patients to offer patients a variety of treatment options.

Disparities in Female Pelvic Floor Disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pelvic floor disorders include urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and other sensory and emptying abnormalities of the lower urinary and gastrointestinal tracts which are widely prevalent among women and largely undertreated. Many disparities exist among women with pelvic floor disorders which may affect prevalence estimates and treatment options offered. RECENT FINDINGS: Findings suggest that there are many disparities among women with pelvic floor disorders including age, race, inadequate knowledge, access to care, and socioeconomic status. Better understanding disparities among women with pelvic floor disorders can help to guide further programs for education, outreach, and treatment of women with pelvic floor disorders.

A standardized surgical technique for removal of the Interstim tined lead.

INTRODUCTION: Explantation of the Interstim sacral neuromodulation (SNM) device is occasionally necessary. Removing the tined lead can put strain on the lead, resulting in a possible break and retained fragments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a notification regarding health consequences related to retained lead fragments. We describe a novel and safe surgical technique for removing the Interstim device and permanent lead. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database for complications related to tined lead removal and searched the database of a single surgeon at our institution. Our standardized technique for tined lead removal is as follows. An incision is made over the previous lead insertion site and the lead is isolated and externalized. The fibrous encapsulation is dissected off the lead to expose the tines and ensure the lead is free from adhesions. The lead is removed by wrapping it around a curved hemostat and turning it under tension. If the lead breaks, the incision is extended and dissection is carried down to the sacral body to remove all fragments. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients had their tined lead removed between 2009 and 2015 after being in place a median of 2.00 years (IQR 1.32-3.32 years). One lead broke (3.6%) during removal over the 6 years using our standardized approach. CONCLUSION: Permanent tined leads can break on removal and retained fragments can pose significant health consequences. Our technique standardizes the approach for removal and is safe and effective in our series.

Unnecessary diagnostic imaging: a review of the literature on preoperative imaging for boys with undescended testes.

Cryptorchidism or undescended testis is one of the most common pediatric disorders of the male endocrine glands and the most common genital disorder identified at birth. Ultrasound is commonly ordered for boys with undescended testes prior to referral to a surgical specialist, but its sensitivity and specificity is insufficient to reliably localize non-palpable testes and thus confers unnecessary costs to the patient and the healthcare system. We review the ability of ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to reliably locate undescended testes and emphasize whether diagnostic imaging should change the decision to operate or the surgical approach for boys with cryptorchidism.