Long-term suprapubic catheterisation: clinical outcome and satisfaction survey.

We report on the clinical outcome and satisfaction survey of long-term suprapubic catheterisation in patients with neuropathic bladder dysfunction. Between early 1988 and later 1995, 185 suprapubic catheters were inserted under direct cystoscopic vision. Anti-cholinergic therapy was given to all patients with significant detrusor hyper-reflexia; the catheters clamped daily for two hours and changed every six weeks. Ultrasonography and assessment of the serum creatinine were used to assess the upper renal tracts, and the results of the pre- and post-catheter video-cystometrography was used to evaluate bladder morphology, cystometric capacity, maximum detrusor pressure and the presence of vesico-ureteric reflux. There were equivalent numbers of males and females. The follow-up ranges from 3-68 months. Following catheterisation, there was a 50% reduction in the average maximum detrusor pressure, bladder morphology improved in 85% of the cases; the bladder capacity and upper renal tracts remained unchanged. Vesico-ureteric reflux was abolished in 33% of the cases. Complaints were common consisting of recurrent catheter blockage, persistent urinary leakage and recurrent urinary tract infections. There was a 2.7% incidence of small bowel injury with one fatality. However, the general level of satisfaction was high. It is concluded that suprapubic catheterisation is an effective and well tolerated method of management in selected patients with neuropathic bladder dysfunction for whom only major surgery would otherwise provide a solution to incontinence. We are encouraged to find preservation of renal function with maintained bladder volumes and reduced maximum detrusor pressures thus justifying the policy of catheter clamping and anti-cholinergic therapy in the presence of significant detrusor hyper-reflexia. However, even in expert hands this procedure is not without hazards.

Iatrogenic hypospadias--a preventable injury?

Iatrogenic hypospadias is a preventable injury to the ventral male urethra produced by the downward pressure of an indwelling urethral catheter. In spite of avoiding long-term urethral catheterisation, we have acquired 16 patients with this injury in the last 9 years either in our unit or discovered in patients referred to our unit. Although not a life endangering complication, the majority of such patients find the penile appearance so produced unacceptable. We have reconstructed any penis that has more than meatal cleavage in a total of six patients, with good results. The majority of patients have been fully investigated so that an alternative therapy to catheterisation may be provided. Where possible a catheter free state has been achieved. If not, a suprapubic catheter has been inserted. Those not reconstructed were due to reasons of ill health, and in two instances, due to patient choice.

Endoscopic correction of intractable stress incontinence with silicone micro-implants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical value of silicone micro-implants (Macroplastique, Uroplastique, Bioplastique) in the treatment of intractable genuine stress incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1992 and March 1995, 34 patients with failed previous surgery for genuine stress incontinence were treated with transurethral submucosal injection of Macroplastique. RESULTS: The initial success rate was high, 90% at 1 month and 75% at 3 months postoperatively. However, at 2 years of follow-up the success rate fell to 48%. Patient satisfaction was high. CONCLUSION: Macroplastique is a relatively simple and effective day-case procedure for intractable genuine stress incontinence. It may have a place as a last-resort surgery for genuine stress incontinence predominantly due to sphincter incompetence in an unfit patient with failed previous anti-incontinence procedures despite good repositioning of the bladder neck. However, many more patients and a much longer follow-up are needed before any further meaningful statements can be made about the success or failure of this material.

Developments in the ureteroscopes, techniques and accessories associated with laser lithotripsy.

Two stages in the development of the technique of laser lithotripsy are described. In the first series, spanning 1985-1988, three consecutive groups of patients are compared. In the first 100 patients, 11.5-F ureteroscopes were used. Access on first retrograde attempt was successful in 73%; 3% developed strictures; the ureteric perforation rate was 7%; and 12% required nephrostomy drainage. These results contrast with those of the third group in this series, consisting of 200 patients using a miniaturised ureteroscope. Access on the first retrograde attempt was successful in 99%. There were no strictures, no perforations and no requirements for nephrostomy drainage. (The second group of 100 patients using a range of rigid ureteroscopes was intermediate in its complication rate: 2% developed strictures, the ureteric perforation rate was 3%, and 6% required nephrostomy drainage). In the second series, spanning 1989-1990, the procedures were performed by all grades of urologists using miniaturised endoscopes. An in-depth audit was performed and each patient was followed until completely clear of fragments. The stones were successfully accessed on the first attempt in 213 cases (89%). In group A (139 patients, no basket used) 32 renal units (23%) were cleared of stone fragments immediately following the procedure, rising to 78 units (56%) by 3 months and 99 units (71%) beyond 3 months follow-up. Some fragments remained in 40 renal units and were cleared by further ureteroscopy, ESWL or PCNL, with the exception of 1 patient who had small residual fragments despite ESWL for fragments flushed to the kidney.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The fate of G3pT1 bladder cancer.

Poorly differentiated (G3) cancers are known to have a worse prognosis than other superficial bladder tumours. In the period 1976 to 1987, 53 patients with G3pT1 disease were treated by radical radiotherapy with a 5-year survival rate of 64%. Thirteen patients (25%) developed an invasive tumour during the follow-up period. The presence of secondary carcinoma in situ was associated with a poor prognosis. These results are better than those reported for transurethral resection alone and suggest that radiotherapy is the treatment of choice in G3 superficial tumours.