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Objectives: To assess depression and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in 89 people with refractory urge incontinence, nonobstructive urinary retention, or urgency frequency enrolled at 13 U.S. study centers. The subjects were part of a large international, multicenter, randomized clinical trial on the safety and efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation for the treatment of refractory voiding dysfunction.Methods: The Beck Depression Index and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 were used to assess depression and HRQOL at baseline and at two follow-up visits.Results: Detectable levels of depression and reduced quality of life were noted at baseline. Subjects implanted with the stimulation device reported significant improvements in both HRQOL and depression at 3 months after implant that were maintained for the 6-month study period. Subjects assigned to the delayed implant group showed a slight worsening of HRQOL and depression from baseline to 3 months that continued through the 6-month visit.Conclusions: The results demonstrated the serious impact that unresolved voiding symptoms have on the physical, social, and psychological dimensions of quality of life. Treating refractory voiding dysfunction with sacral nerve stimulation resulted in improvement in both depression and HRQOL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report a case of urinary retention and urethral erosion after placement of tension-free vaginal tape. This procedure is gaining wide popularity in both Europe and the United States. Careful attention is necessary to assure tension-free placement of the sling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a unique case of bilateral metachronous testicular mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis. Testicular mesothelioma is a rare entity found in patients with or without asbestos occupational exposure. The tumor most commonly presents as a unilateral testicular mass. More rare presentations include bilateral synchronous or metachronous tumors. Treatment is with surgical resection and prognosis is not generally favorable. The benefits of adjuvant therapy with radiation or chemotherapy remain unknown and further studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]