[Use of synthetic slings and mesh implants in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence and prolapse : Statement of the Working Group on Urological Functional Diagnostics and Female Urology of the Academy of the German Society of Urology]. / Einsatz von synthetischen Band- und Netzimplantaten bei der Behandlung von Belastungsinkontinenz und Descensus genitalis der Frau : Stellungnahme des Arbeitskreises Urologische Funktionsdiagnostik und Urologie der Frau der Akademie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Urologie.

Due to a safety alert issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 for transvaginal mesh implants to treat female prolapse as a result of numerous reports of complications such as infection, chronic pain, dyspareunia, vaginal erosion, shrinkage and erosion into other organs nearly all industrial products have been withdrawn from the market in the meantime. The United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand extended warnings and prohibitions even on the implantation of midurethral slings (TVT, TOT). In view of these current international controversies regarding the use of implanted materials for the treatment of stress incontinence and prolapse and the lack of clear guidelines for the use of biomaterials, the opinion of the Working Group on Urological Functional Diagnostics and Female Urology should provide clarity. The Opinion is based on the SCENIHR Report of the "European Commission's Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks", the "Consensus Statement of the European Urology Association and the European Urogynaecological Association on the Use of Implanted Materials for Treating Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Stress Urinary Incontinence" and in compliance with relevant EAU and national guidelines and the opinion of the Association for Urogynaecology and Plastic Pelvic Floor Reconstruction (AGUB eV). In addition, recommendations are given for the future handling of implants of slings and meshes for the treatment of stress incontinence and prolapse from a urologic viewpoint.

[Botulinum toxin for neurogenic bladder dysfunction]. / Botulinumtoxin bei neurogener Blasenfunktionsstörung.

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) has become increasingly established in the treatment of neurogenic bladder dysfunctions over the last 12 years. Today it represents an alternative to conservative medical therapy and reduces the indications for broader surgical measures. Since September 2011, BoNT/A is approved for the use in neurogenic bladder disorders. This article therefore summarises the main findings once more, particularly with regard to practical application.The by far most commonly used BoNT subtype is botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A), which has shown the most convincing effects after detrusor injections in the urological field. It unfolds its full effect after about 7 days. Subjective parameters, such as urination frequency, incontinence and quality of life are improved most substantially, which is objectively reflected by the increase in bladder capacity and the reduction of maximum detrusor pressure. Significantly decreasing effectiveness and necessity for repeated injections must be expected after about 9 months. Repeated applications have proven to be effective. Systematic side effects are rare and do not reach dramatic extents. The major urologic side effect, which is not uncommon, is the increase in residual urine, which can lead to urinary retention in patients with spontaneous voiding.

Results of a BoNT/A antibody study in children and adolescents after onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox®) detrusor injection.

BACKGROUND: Onabotulinumtoxin A (OnaBoNT/A, Botox®) is effective in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity, however this therapy can fail. In a prospective study, we analyzed patient serum for BoNT/A antibodies (BoNT/A-AB) as a possible cause of therapy failure. METHODS: 17 patients (average age 14.5 years) who had neurogenic detrusor overactivity were admitted for repeated OnaBoNT/A injection into the detrusor muscle. We analyzed their serum for BoNT/A-AB. The clinical findings were correlated with the incidence of BoNT/A-AB. RESULTS: Positive BoNT/A-AB were clearly or marginally determined in 6 patients. Therapy had failed in all 6. In 4 of the 6, therapy might have failed because of a low-compliance bladder (3 patients) or tethered-cord syndrome (1), but BoNT/A-AB were found as the only possible cause in 2 patients. Thus, the incidence of BoNT/A-AB in the 17 patients was 35%, and the antibodies were clinically significant in 12%. All patients with BoNT/A-AB had a history of recurrent urinary tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who show a failure of therapy after OnaBoNT/A injections for which no other causes can be determined should have their serum checked for BoNT/A-AB. Recurrent urinary tract infection might be a predisposing factor for BoNT/A-AB.

[Botulinum toxin (BoNT) : Short form of a European consensus panel report regarding recommendations on the use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of lower urinary tract disorders and pelvic floor dysfunctions]. / Botulinumtoxin (BoNT) : Kurzfassung einer europäischen Konsensusempfehlung zur BoNT-Therapie von Funktionsstörungen des unteren Harntraktes und des Beckenbodens.

Botulinum toxin A has still not been approved for urologic indications leading to uncertainty of the user or those who would like to use it. Recently, a report of a European consensus panel on this topic was published in European Urology: Apostolidis et al. (2009) Recommendations on the use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of lower urinary tract disorders and pelvic floor dysfunctions: a European consensus panel report. As there is general interest in this treatment the German translation of this report should facilitate access to the most relevant information. This very condensed article focuses on the clinical practical features and is not a precise word-by-word translation but should serve as concise guidelines for the German-speaking colleagues who are involved with this treatment. Further detailed information (e.g. pharmacology, exact mode of action, tables and references etc.) is available in the very extensive original manuscript.

[Complete resection of urothelial cancer metastases with curative intent]. / Metastasenchirurgie in kurativer Absicht beim Urothelkarzinom.

BACKGROUND: Recent publications suggest that a subgroup of patients can benefit from surgical removal of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) metastases in addition to systemic chemotherapy. We report the combined experience and outcome of patients undergoing resection of TCC metastases at 15 uro-oncologic centers in Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with distant metastatic TCC of the bladder or upper urinary tract underwent resection of all detectable metastases in 15 different German uro-oncological centers between 1991 and 2008 in an attempt to be rendered free of disease. RESULTS: The resected metastatic sites consisted of retroperitoneal lymph nodes (56.8%), distant lymph nodes (11.3%), lung (18.2%), bone (4.5%), adrenal gland (2.3%), brain (2.3%), small intestine (2.3%), and skin (2.3%). The treatment sequence included systemic chemotherapy in 35/44 (79.5%) patients before and/or after surgery. Median survival times from initial diagnosis of metastatic TCC and subsequent resection were as follows: overall survival, 35 and 27 months, respectively; cancer-specific survival, 38 and 34 months, respectively; and progression-free survival, 19 and 15 months, respectively. Overall 5-year survival from metastasectomy for the entire cohort was 28%. Seventeen patients were still alive without progression at a median follow-up time of 8 months. Seven patients without disease progression survived for more than 2 years and remain free from tumor progression at a median of 63 months. CONCLUSION: The results in this selected cohort confirm that long-term cancer control and possibly cure can be achieved in a subgroup of patients following surgical removal of TCC metastases. However, prospective data to identify patients most likely to benefit from this aggressive therapeutic approach are lacking. Therefore, metastasectomy in patients with disseminated TCC remains investigational and should be offered only to those with limited disease as a combined-modality approach with systemic chemotherapy.

[A look beyond urology: vaginal cancer]. / Ein Blick diesseits des Tellerrandes: Das Vaginalkarzinom.

Primary carcinomas of the vagina are very rare. Nevertheless, they need to be included in differential diagnoses when carrying out a urological examination of the pelvic floor and the vagina in patients with micturition problems, also in younger patients: we report a case of a 35-year-old woman with a primary carcinoma of the vagina and present a review of the literature.

Efficacy of botulinum-A toxin bladder injections for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in multiple sclerosis patients: an objective and subjective analysis.

AIMS: We studied the use of botulinum-a toxin (BTX-A) injections into the bladder as an alternative approach in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity due to multiple sclerosis (MS) with drug-refractory overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. METHODS: Sixteen MS patients--11 women, 5 men; mean age 48.6 years--with refractory OAB symptoms were included in a one-center prospective study. For outcome analysis, we used a bladder diary, a complete urodynamic study, and validated questionnaires for subjective assessment. We injected 300 U of BTX-A (Botox) into the bladder and into the external sphincter muscle to reduce the probability of posttreatment urine retention. RESULTS: There was an increase in residual volume from 81.3 +/- 23.8 to 126.3 +/- 32.9 ml after 4 weeks. In one woman, transient self-catheterization was unavoidable. Four weeks and 3 and 6 months after BTX-A injection, the significant results were as follows: daytime frequency was reduced by 29%, 44%, and 30%, respectively. Nocturia diminished by 33%, 72%, and 40%. Use of pads was be reduced by 38% after 4 weeks and by 64% after 3 months. Urodynamically, reflex volume and maximal cystometric bladder capacity increased by 73%, 77%, and 58% (at 6 months, the increase was not significant) and by 36%, 27%, and 36% (not significant). Maximal detrusor pressure decreased by 35%, 22%, and 57%. Subjective outcome indicated significant improvement of symptoms at 4 weeks and 3 months, but not at 6 months. Patient satisfaction with the therapy was very high. CONCLUSIONS: BTX-A detrusor injections are very effective in the treatment of drug-resistant OAB symptoms in MS patients as reflected in urodynamic measurements and in patient satisfaction. Build up of residual urine remains a problem of which patients must be informed.

A new option for the management of urethral trauma: primary reconstruction of posterior urethral disruption with a buccal mucosa transplant.

Up to now, the management of traumatic posterior urethral disruption ranges from primary realignment to delayed urethroplasty. However, we reconstructed the membranous part of the urethra with an onlay graft of buccal mucosa after traumatic complete disruption as a first line therapy. After 7 months followup, the clinical outcome is very good. Because primary reconstruction of the urethra with a buccal mucosa graft after traumatic disruption has not yet been reported, the question arises whether this technique should be routinely included as an option for primary urethral reconstruction after trauma of the posterior urethra.

[Subjective patient satisfaction after injection of botulinum-a toxin in detrusor overactivity]. / Subjektive Patientenzufriedenheit nach Botulinumtoxin-A-Injektionen bei Detrusorhyperaktivität.

PURPOSE: The established treatment for overactive detrusor function consists of anticholinergic drugs. But this treatment can fail or produce intolerable side effects. We therefore investigated the effect of botulinum-A toxin in treating overactive detrusor function in patients with neurogenic and nonneurogenic bladder dysfunction. We were particularly interested in patient satisfaction with this therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The subjects were 38 patients who had overactive detrusor function of different origins and in whom therapy with anticholinergic drugs had failed. To measure results, we used urodynamic studies and a questionnaire that consisted of 27 validated questions ("Urogenital Distress Inventory UDI-6", "Symptom Severity Index" and "Symptom Impact Index") as well as a satisfaction questionnaire. We injected 200 - 300 U of botulinum-A toxin (Botox) cystoscopically. RESULTS: At least 4 weeks after injection, 90 % of the patients reported clear improvement of their voiding situation and 93 % stated that they would undergo this procedure again. The frequency of micturition decreased by 29 % in average, and the increased postvoid residual volume was clinically irrelevant. Patients reported side effects or complications in 6.7 % of cases. The satisfaction scale (0 - 10) averaged 6.9. Urodynamically, reflex volume increased by 85 %, maximal bladder capacity increased by 47 %, and bladder pressure decreased by 33 %. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum-A toxin injection into the overactive detrusor muscle seems to be very effective. The effect is not only reflected in urodynamic studies but also in the subjective patient satisfaction.

Pubovaginal bone anchor fixation with polyethylene versus fascia lata slings in the treatment of female stress incontinence: sling material and processing are predominant factors in success.

OBJECTIVE: The opponents of the In-Taca bone anchor system note the risk of a high rate of wound infection and osteitis pubis. We evaluated whether there is a difference in the outcome of the use of two different sling materials--polyethylene and fascia lata--with regard to wound infection, and analyzed the incidence of osteitis pubis further in a larger series. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 61 women (mean age = 65.4 years) were treated for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) type II and III using the In-Taca bone anchor system. In 15 of 61 patients, we used a synthetic sling of polyethylene, and in 46, a fascia lata sling. The subjective success rate was determined with validated questionnaires (Urinary Distress Inventory-6, Symptom Severity Index and Symptom Impact Index). The objective assessment included a pad test according to the ICS- standard and a urogynecologic evaluation. Mean follow-up was 10.2 months. RESULTS: Wound inflammation of only very mild degree occurred in 15% in the fascia lata group, whereas 33% in the polyethylene group developed serious sling infection; in three patients explantation of the sling was necessary. Accordingly, satisfaction with the procedure was low in the polyethylene group. In both groups, there were no hints of osteitis pubis. The sling material used did not affect continence rate. CONCLUSION: Using the bone anchor system, the infection rate depends primarily on the sling material used and its processing: polyethylene is well tolerated in other reconstructive procedures (such as TVT, where a netlike mesh is used), so the processing of synthetic sling material plays an extremely important role in infection rate: platelike, dense synthetic material tends to cause wound infection.

[Botulinum toxin in urology. An inventory]. / Botulinumtoxin in der Urologie. Eine Bestandsaufnahme.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is highly potent in neurogenic and non-neurogenic voiding disorders. Experience with it in neurourology began 15 years ago in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Indications were expanded not only to neurogenic detrusor hyperactivity but also to non-neurogenic detrusor hyperactivity, other forms of dysfunctional voiding, and some types of pelvic pain syndrome. Sphincter injections can be recommended for patients with symptomatic post-voiding residual urine due to insufficient detrusor contractility, and detrusor injections can be recommended for patients with neurogenic detrusor hyperactivity in which anticholinergic drugs are not sufficient. Because of the lack of evidence-based studies, botulinum toxin is not approved for urologic use, although there is a desperate need for it.

Laparoscopic management of hydronephrosis in a woman with rare genitourinary anomalies: unicornous uterus, contralateral agenesis of the kidney, and contralateral ectopic ovary in the groin.

A 40-year-old woman had infected right-sided hydronephrosis and rare genitourinary anomalies-a dextroposed unicornous uterus-as the cause of the hydronephrosis, which had to be mobilized laparoscopically by dissecting the scar tissue. Furthermore, the patient had left-sided agenesis of the kidney and a left-sided ectopic ovary with a rudimentary tube in the inner inguinal canal.

Botulinum-a toxin detrusor injection as a novel approach in the treatment of bladder spasticity in children with neurogenic bladder.

OBJECTIVES: Children with neurogenic hyper-reflexive bladder in whom classical therapy with anticholinergic drugs and intermittent catheterization fails are threatened by high intravesical pressure, vesicoureteral reflux, and impairment of kidney function. Surgery, such as bladder augmentation, is often necessary in such cases. To obviate surgery in these high-risk children, we investigated the use of detrusor injection of botulinum-A toxin (Botox). METHODS: Our subjects were 20 children with hyper-reflexive detrusor muscle and high bladder pressure, over 40 cmH(2)O despite anticholinergic therapy. After baseline urodynamic measurements, we injected botulinum-A toxin into the detrusor muscle at 30-50 sites at 12 U/kg of body weight up to a maximum of 300 U. Follow-up cystometric measurements were taken two to four weeks and three and six months after injection. RESULTS: From basic measurements to follow-up cystometry, mean reflex volume changed from 97.1 ml before injection to 178.6 ml after four weeks (p<0.01) and to 162.8 ml after three months (p<0.01). After six months mean reflex volume returned to 119.3 ml (n.s.). Maximal bladder capacity changed from 163.1 ml to 219.9 ml (p<0.01), to 200.6 ml (p<0.01) and to 222.4 ml (p<0.01), respectively, and maximal detrusor pressure changed from 59.6 cmH(2)O to 34.9 cmH(2)O (p<0.01), to 46.7 cmH(2)O (n.s.) and to 61.8 cmH(2)O (n.s.), respectively. CONCLUSION: Botulinum-A toxin (Botox) is effective when injected into the hyper-reflexive detrusor muscle. It is a valuable treatment option in the management of neurogenic bladder. The effect lasts about six months, and then reinjection is necessary.

Alfuzosin in the treatment of high leak-point pressure in children with neurogenic bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To decrease the detrusor leak-point pressure (LPP) of > 40 cmH2O in children with a neurogenic bladder, using the alpha1-adrenergic blocking agent alfuzosin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Videocystometry was used to measure the detrusor LPP and several other variables before and 3 weeks after the oral administration of alfuzosin (2.5-7.5 mg/day) in 17 children (mean age 6.3 years) with an upper motor neurone lesion. RESULTS: The mean (sd) detrusor LPP decreased from 68 (37) to 46 (31) cmH2O (P < 0.01), reflex volume (defined as the volume at the first uninhibited bladder contraction of > 15 cmH2O) increased from 78 (69) to 112 (118) mL (+ 44%), bladder compliance increased from 9.3 (6.1) to 19.6 (14.6) mL/cmH2O (+ 111%), maximal vesical pressure decreased from 84 (40) to 70 (47) cmH2O (- 17%), and the mean number of uninhibited bladder contractions decreased from 6.3 to 3.5 (- 44%). The therapy was well tolerated; side-effects were rare and not severe. Intermittent catheterization could be avoided in six children. CONCLUSION: Alfuzosin decreases the detrusor LPP in children with a neurogenic bladder caused by an upper motor neurone lesion, significantly and therapeutically, and should be considered as an alternative or addition to intermittent catheterization and anticholinergic drugs in selected patients.

Efficacy of botulinum-a toxin in children with detrusor hyperreflexia due to myelomeningocele: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVES: The established treatment of children with neurogenic bladder consists of the use of anticholinergic drugs, such as oxybutynin and tolterodine, and clean intermittent catheterization four or five times a day. If anticholinergic drugs and clean intermittent catheterization fail, surgery is often necessary. With the intent of avoiding surgery, we investigated the effect of botulinum-A toxin for treating detrusor hyperreflexia in this group of patients. METHODS: The subjects were 17 children (average age 10.8 years) who had detrusor hyperreflexia and were using clean intermittent catheterization four or five times a day. Urodynamic studies were followed by injection of 85 to 300 U of botulinum-A toxin into 30 to 40 sites in the detrusor muscle. Urodynamic follow-up was done 2 to 4 weeks after injection. RESULTS: The mean reflex volume increased by 112.1%, from 95.00 plus minus 34.54 mL (range 47 to 147) to 201.45 plus minus 68.57 mL (range 77 to 310) (P <0.005). The maximal bladder capacity increased by 56.5%, from 137.53 plus minus 59.96 mL (range 59 to 242) to 215.25 plus minus 96.36 mL (range 60 to 380) (P <0.005). The maximal detrusor pressure decreased by 32.6%, from 58.94 plus minus 32.32 cm H(2)O (range 19 to 149) to 39.75 plus minus 26.12 cm H(2)O (range 7 to 100) (P <0.005). Detrusor compliance increased by 121.6%, from 20.39 plus minus 26.5 mL/cm H(2)O (range 4.5 to 40) to 45.18 plus minus 45.4 mL/cm H(2)O (range 5.3 to 100) (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum-A toxin injection into the hyperreflexive detrusor muscle seems to be very effective and might be a therapeutic alternative to anticholinergic drugs.