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ObjectivesTo identify predictors of early artificial sphincter (AUS) erosion among a cohort of men with erosion, who underwent AUS placement by either university or community-based surgeons.MethodsThe records of all patients with AUS erosions, including men who underwent AUS placement at outside facilities, were retrospectively reviewed. A Cox proportional-hazards model for time to erosion was performed with the predictors being the components of a fragile urethra (history of radiation, prior AUS, prior urethroplasty), androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), trans-corporal (TC), and 3.5 cm cuff, controlling for other risk factors. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test compared "fragile" urethras with "not fragile" urethras. All statistical analysis was done using R version 3.5.2.ResultsOf the 156 men included, 36% had undergone AUS placement in the community. Median time to erosion was 16.0 months (1.0-240.0 months), and 122 (78%) met at least one fragility criteria. Radiation (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.52-3.64) and prior urethroplasty (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.18-3.80) were independently associated with earlier time to erosion. The Kaplan-Meier estimates demonstrate 1- and 5-year survival rates of 76.5% and 50.0%, respectively, for "non-fragile" and 44.1% and 14.8% for "fragile" urethras (P < .0001).ConclusionIn a diverse cohort of men with AUS erosion, men with "fragile" urethras eroded sooner. Radiation and prior urethroplasty were independent risk factors for earlier time to erosion, but prior AUS, ADT, TC and 3.5 cm cuff were not.

Background Urinary continence recovery after radical prostatectomy is a major issue even in the robotic era. Surgical techniques aimed at improving earlier return to continence are continuously sought. Objective To describe our novel surgical technique of urethral fixation during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to assess early urinary continence recovery and perioperative complications. Design, setting, and participants A prospective, single-center, single-surgeon cohort of 70 consecutive patients undergoing RARP between January and December 2019 was analyzed. A study group of 35 patients operated on with the urethral fixation technique was compared with a control group of 35 patients receiving standard vesicourethral anastomosis. Surgical procedure Urethral fixation versus standard vesicourethral anastomosis during RARP was evaluated. In the study group, the urethral stump was fixed to the dorsal median raphe posteriorly and to the medial portion of the levator ani muscle posterolaterally. The same posterior musculofascial reconstruction incorporating the vesicourethral anastomosis was performed in both groups. Measurements Urinary continence recovery, perioperative complications, operating room time, and estimated blood loss were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results and limitations The two groups were comparable with regard to all demographic, clinical, and pathological variables. Recovery of urinary continence at 3 mo after catheter removal was reported by 34 (97.1%) patients in the study and 28 (80%) patients in the control group (p = 0.02). Patients in the study group reported significantly higher rates of urinary continence even at 1 wk and 1 mo after catheter removal compared with the control group (68.6% vs 45.7%, p = 0.04, and 80% vs 54.3%, p = 0.04, respectively). No differences were observed in operating room time (p = 0.7) or estimated blood loss (p = 0.65). Ninety-day postoperative complications were observed in one (2.9%) patient in the study and in four (11.4%) in the control group (p = 0.3). The main limitation is the nonrandomized comparison of relatively small cohorts. Conclusions In our study, we observed a significant improvement in early urinary continence recovery, with no increase in operating room time or perioperative complications, using the novel urethral fixation technique compared with the standard vesicourethral anastomosis during RARP. Patient summary We describe our novel surgical technique of urethral fixation during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Compared with the standard technique, utilization of our technique was found to be associated with an improved early recovery of urinary continence, with no increase in operating room time or perioperative complications.

Introduction: Bladder and urinary sphincter malfunctioning that results from some change in the central and/or peripheral nervous system is defined as neurogenic bladder. The urinary tract symptoms that can be related to its filling, emptying, or both have a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals. The present review was based on the document prepared for the public health system in Brazil as a treatment guidelines proposal. Material and Methods: Survey questions were structured as per PICO (Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcome). Search strategies were defined and performed in the MEDLINE/Pubmed, Embase, Epistemonikos and Google Scholar databases. The selection of articles followed the evidence hierarchy concept; evidence body was identified, and the quantitative study data were extracted. The quality of evidence and grade of recommendation were qualitatively assessed according to GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations). Results: A total of 2.707 articles were identified, with 49 of them being selected to compose the basis for this review. Neurogenic bladder treatments were classified according to their focus on filling or emptying symptoms and sub- classified in pharmacological and surgical treatments. Conclusion: Treatment guidelines are important tools for the public health system to promote the best practice when treating neurogenic bladder patients.

Background The injection of muscle precursor cells (MPC) into the external urinary sphincter muscle (EUS) is a promising therapeutic option for regenerative treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The objective of the present project was to conduct a pre-clinical trial to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of ultrasound (US) guided, transurethral injections into the EUS of female cadavers. Methods This is a prospective, anatomical, interventional and radiological cadaveric laboratory investigation. Two urologists performed transurethral US-guided injections to deliver nano-iron particles into the EUS. The intervention was performed in three unfixed, fresh female cadavers. Each cadaver received MRI before and CT as well as MRI of the pelvis after the injections. Results The precision and accumulation of nano-iron particles in the EUS was compared using a rating scale to evaluate left versus right and anterior versus posterior distribution in axial and sagittal orientation with US, MRI and CT. The accuracy of our US-guided injections into the anterior target region yielded 4 points on the rating scale. Adequate precision and accumulation of particles in the left versus right EUS were also demonstrated (3 vs. 3.33 points, respectively). Signal intensity in MRI revealed a mean ratio of 0.33 before and after injection. CT scans showed no relevant artefacts impairing the assessment. Conclusion US-guided, transurethral injection into the EUS is feasible and imaging reveals a precise accumulation in the target region. Our method provides an appropriate approach to deliver MPC in the EUS muscle for a regenerative treatment of SUI in the near future.

PURPOSE:Risk factors for complications after artificial urinary sphincter surgery include a history of pelvic radiation and prior artificial urinary sphincter complication. The survival of a second artificial urinary sphincter in the setting of prior device complication and radiation is not well described. We report the survival of redo artificial urinary sphincter surgery and identify risk factors for repeat complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A multi-institutional database was queried for redo artificial urinary sphincter surgeries. The primary outcome was median survival of a second and third artificial urinary sphincter in radiated and nonradiated cases. A Cox proportional hazards survival analysis was performed to identify additional patient and surgery risk factors. RESULTS:Median time to explantation of the initial artificial urinary sphincter in radiated (150) and nonradiated (174) cases was 26.4 and 35.6 months, respectively (p=0.043). For a second device median time to explantation was 30.1 and 38.7 months (p=0.034) and for a third device it was 28.5 and 30.6 months (p=0.020), respectively. The 5-year revision-free survival for patients undergoing a second artificial urinary sphincter surgery with no risk factors, history of radiation, history of urethroplasty, and history of radiation and urethroplasty were 83.1%, 72.6%, 63.9% and 46%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:Patients without additional risk factors undergoing second and third artificial urinary sphincter surgeries experience revision-free rates similar to those of their initial artificial urinary sphincter devices. Patients who have been treated with pelvic radiation have earlier artificial urinary sphincter complications. When multiple risk factors exist, revision-free rates decrease significantly.

Context The use of the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) for female non-neurogenic severe stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to sphincter deficiency is either not specifically registered and/or reimbursed in some countries worldwide, as opposed to males, in whom it is considered the gold standard. With waning popularity of synthetic midurethral slings for the treatment of SUI, evidence-based assessment of AUS performance and safety is mandatory for patient counselling. Objective To conduct a systematic review of studies evaluating short- to long-term AUS performance and safety outcomes in non-neurogenic adult females with severe SUI. Evidence acquisition PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched, from 1987 to 2018, without language restriction. Included studies had to report outcomes after AUS implantation in at least five adult women with non-neurogenic SUI, after a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Evidence synthesis Twelve articles collecting data from 886 patients were identified, no study being randomised or prospective. The reported zero pad rates ranged from 42% to 86%, revision rates from 6% to 44%, and mechanical failure rates from 2% to 41%. Procedure serious adverse event rates ranged from 2% to 54% and rates of serious adverse device effects such as explantation ranged from 2% to 27%. Conclusions The level of evidence supporting the use of an AUS for non-neurogenic SUI in women is very low. AUS outcome assessments necessitate well-designed randomised trials, in accordance with current evidence-based medicine requirements. Patient summary In this article, reviewing the scientific literature over the last 30 yr, we looked at the short- to long-term efficacy and safety of the artificial urinary sphincter in adult women for the treatment of severe urine leakage. We conclude that the data analysed provide very low evidence and that further well-conducted trials with large populations are required.

Purpose Rate of continence after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement appears to decline with time. After appropriate workup to exclude inadvertent device deactivation, development of urge or overflow incontinence, and fluid loss, many assume recurrent stress urinary incontinence (rSUI) to be secondary to nonmechanical failure, asserting urethral atrophy as the etiology. We aimed to characterize the extent of circumferential urethral recovery following capsulotomy and that of pressure regulating balloon (PRB) material fatigue in men undergoing AUS revision for rSUI. Materials and methods Retrospective review of a single surgeon database was performed. Cases of AUS removal/replacement for rSUI involving ventral subcuff capsulotomy and intraoperative PRB pressure profile assessments were identified. Results The described operative approach involving capsulotomy was applied in 7 patients from November 2015 to September 2017. Mean patient age was 75 years. Mean time between AUS placement and revision was 103 months. Urethral circumference increased in all patients after capsulotomy (mean increase 1.1 cm; range 0.5-2.5 cm). Cuff size increased, remained the same, and decreased in 2, 3, and 2 patients, respectively. Six of 7 patients underwent PRB interrogation. Four of these 6 PRBs (66.7%) demonstrated pressures in a category below the reported range of the original manufacturer rating. Conclusions Despite visual appearance to suggest urethral atrophy, subcuff capsulotomy results in increased urethral circumference in all patients. Furthermore, intraoperative PRB profiling demonstrates material fatigue. Future multicenter efforts are warranted to determine if capsulotomy, with or without PRB replacement, may simplify surgical management of rSUI with reductions in cost and/or morbidity.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the involuntary urine leakage due to failure of the urethral closure mechanism, is a global health challenge with substantial human suffering and socioeconomic costs. Approximately 167 million male and female patients are predicted to suffer from SUI in 2018, worldwide. A wide range of surgical interventions are available for the treatment of SUI. Severe cases, however, usually require the implantation of artificial urinary sphincter devices. This review comparatively presents and analyzes the working principles, as well as the challenges, associated with the current implantable SUI systems in clinical use. These include slings, urethral bulking agents, artificial urinary sphincters, and adjustable continence devices. It further reports on recent research progress and state-of-the-art in the field of SUI implants, including an original approach proposed by the authors with a pressure feedback sensory mechanism. The new emerging field of artificial muscle devices, including electroactive polymers, provides a promising innovative solution for replacing the weakened urethral sphincter in SUI patients.

OBJECTIVE To report the functional outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic artificial urinary sphincter (AUS; AMS 800™, American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN, USA) implantation and revision in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). PATIENTS AND METHODS A pilot prospective monocentric study included all consecutive female patients with SUI and undergoing an AUS surgery (implantation or revision) using a robotic approach between 2012 and 2018. The AUS was implanted through a transperitoneal robotic approach. The dissection of the bladder neck was initiated using a posterior approach with a permanent visual control. Intraoperative and early postoperative complications were reported (Clavien-Dindo classification). Continence was defined as no pad usage. RESULTS A total of 41 patients, median (interquartile range [IQR]) age 67.5 (57-74.7) years were included. In the group of 27 patients undergoing an AUS implantation, one conversion to laparotomy, one bladder neck and one ureteric injury occurred. The AUS was not implanted in the two latest cases. Twelve minor (Clavien-Dindo Grade I-II) early postoperative complications occurring in 10 patients were reported. The median (IQR) follow-up was 19 (11-27) months. The continence rate was 84% (21/25 patients). In the group of 14 patients undergoing an AUS revision, no vaginal or bladder injury was reported. One patient had a bowel injury with conversion to laparotomy without AUS insertion. Two major (Clavien-Dindo Grade III-V) early postoperative complications occurred in two patients: one intraoperative bowel injury, which ultimately resulted in the death of the patient and one device infection requiring an explantation of the AUS. The median (IQR) follow-up was 18 (13.5-24.2) months. The continence rate was 83.3% (10/12 patients). CONCLUSION The results obtained after robot-assisted laparoscopic AUS implantation among women are promising despite the significant morbidity due to previous pelvic surgeries. Longer follow-up studies are needed.

Objective To determine whether frailty is associated with increased odds of 30-day surgical complications among men undergoing both artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement and removal procedures and to determine whether frailty was associated with increased odds of having an AUS removal procedure. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of men undergoing AUS placement and removal procedures using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) from 2006 to 2013. Frailty was quantified using the NSQIP-FI (frailty index) and was applied to logistic regression models predicting 30-day complications (overall, major, and minor) and the odds of having an AUS removal procedure (over an AUS placement procedure). Results We identified a total of 624 and 147 men undergoing AUS placement and removal procedures, respectively. NSQIP-FI of ≥0.27, but not age, was associated with major complications (aOR 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.2-9.9), while age ≥85 years, but not NSQIP-FI, was associated with minor complications (aOR 7.9, 95% confidence interval 1.4-45.6). Men undergoing AUS removal procedures tended to be more frail compared to men undergoing AUS placement procedures (12.9% vs 6.1% had NSQIP-FI of ≥0.27, P Conclusion Men undergoing AUS removal procedures are, on average, more frail compared to men undergoing AUS placement procedures. Frailty is associated with increased odds of major complications and with having an AUS removal procedure. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating measures of frailty, instead of age alone, into the perioperative decision-making process for adults considering these types of procedures.

Male urinary incontinence is highly prevalent, leading to a miserable quality of life. The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is the device that closely simulates the function of the biological urinary sphincter. The precise evaluation of occlusion mechanisms and of interaction phenomena occurring between AUS cuff and urethral duct is fundamental for more reliable design. The action induced in the interaction with urethral duct under a specific pressure depends on its constitutive material and structural characteristics. The methods of experimental and computational bioengineering are exploited to investigate mechanical functionality of the coupled system, as AUS and urethral duct. Experimental tests are developed to investigate the response when the AUS is inflated around a urethral phantom. Numerical model of the cuff is developed mimicking the experimental tests for the validation. Subsequently, numerical models are exploited to interpret the interaction of the cuff with urethral phantoms considering the influence of urethral size and of tissues mechanical behavior, mimicking healthy and degraded configurations. The investigation provides useful information on the behavior of AUS cuff with urethral duct evaluating the action induced and represents a support for planning an extension of experimental tests on animal and human urethral samples.

PurposePatient centered data are lacking regarding functional and quality of life improvements after artificial urinary sphincter placement. We analyzed the degree of benefit from artificial urinary sphincter placement using ISI (Incontinence Symptom Index), a validated patient reported outcome measure assessing the severity and bother of urinary incontinence, and IIQ-7 (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7), a validated patient reported outcome measure assessing the impact and emotional distress of urinary incontinence.Materials and methodsWe performed a retrospective review at 4 centers participating in TURNS (Trauma and Urologic Reconstruction Network of Surgeons). Data were available on 51 and 45 patients who underwent artificial urinary sphincter placement, and had preoperative and postoperative ISI and IIQ-7 data, respectively.ResultsMean age was 64.8 years. Median time from surgery to followup questionnaires was 8.5 months. On ISI the median preoperative severity and bother scores were 24 (IQR 20-28.5) and 6 (IQR 4-7), and the median postoperative severity and bother scores were 10 (IQR 4.5-17) and 1 (IQR 0-3), respectively. Improvement on each ISI item was statistically significant. On IIQ-7 the median preoperative impact and distress scores were 9 (IQR 6-13) and 4 (IQR 2-6), and the median postoperative impact and distress scores were 3 (IQR 0-7) and 0 (IQR 0-3), respectively. Improvement on each IIQ-7 item was statistically significant.ConclusionsArtificial urinary sphincter implantation significantly reduces the severity and bother of stress urinary incontinence symptoms. Longer followup and development are needed of a patient reported outcome measure targeting male stress urinary incontinence.

Objectives Report the long-term outcomes of the AMS 800 artificial sphincer (AS) for the treatment post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) in a single center in Brazil. Materials and Methods Clinical data from patients who underwent the procedure were retrieved from the medical records of individuals with more than 1 year of follow-up from May 2001 to January 2016. Continence status (number of pads that was used), complications (erosion or extrusion, urethral atrophy, and infection), malfunctions, and need for secondary implantation were evaluated. The relationship between complications and prior or subsequent radiation therapy (RT) was also examined. Results From May 2001 to January 2016, 121 consecutive patients underwent AS implantation for PPI at an oncological referral center in Brazil. At the last visit, the AS remained implanted in 106 patients (87.6%), who reported adequate continence status (maximum of 1 pad/day). Eight-two subjects (67.8%) claimed not to be using pads on a regular basis at the final visit (completely dry). Revision occurred in 24 patients (19.8%). Radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy was used in 47 patients before or after AS placement. Twelve patients with a history of RT had urethral erosion compared with 3 men without RT (p=0.004). Conclusion Considering our outcomes, we conclude that AS implantation yields satisfactory results for the treatment of PPI and should remain the standard procedure for these patients. Radiation therapy is a risk factor for complication.

Urinary incontinence affects more than 300 million people worldwide. The implantation of a medical device called an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is the gold standard treatment when conservative and minimally invasive therapies fail. In this article, the AUSs (extra-urethral and endo-urethral sphincters) available on the market, both presented at the research level and filed as patents, are reviewed. The ability of the different solutions to effectively replace the natural sphincter are discussed, together with advantages and some possible side effects, such as tissue atrophy, overall invasiveness of the implant, and so forth. Finally, future research priorities are discussed for both endo-urethral and extra-urethral approaches considering key engineering aspects, such as materials, compression and closure mechanisms, and implantation methods, with the long-term aim of developing an effective, reliable, durable, and minimally invasive AUS capable of restoring a normal quality of life for incontinent patients.

© 2014 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Purpose Although long-term outcomes after initial placement of artificial urinary sphincters are established, limited data exist comparing sphincter survival in patients with compromised urethras (prior radiation, artificial urinary sphincter placement or urethroplasty). We evaluated artificial urinary sphincter failure in patients with compromised and noncompromised urethras.Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 86 sphincters placed at a single institution between December 1997 and September 2012. We assessed patient demographic, comorbid disease and surgical characteristics. All nonfunctioning, eroded or infected devices were considered failures.Results Of the 86 patients reviewed 67 (78%) had compromised urethras and had higher failure rates than the noncompromised group (34% vs 21%, p=0.02). Compared to the noncompromised group, cases of prior radiation therapy (HR 4.78; 95% CI 1.27, 18.04), urethroplasty (HR 8.61; 95% CI 1.27, 58.51) and previous artificial urinary sphincter placement (HR 8.14; 95% CI 1.71, 38.82) had a significantly increased risk of failure. The risk of artificial urinary sphincter failure increased with more prior procedures. An increased risk of failure was observed after 3.5 cm cuff placement (HR 8.62; 95% CI 2.82, 26.36) but not transcorporal placement (HR 1.21; 95% CI 0.49, 2.99).Conclusions Artificial urinary sphincter placement in patients with compromised urethras from prior artificial urinary sphincter placement, radiation or urethroplasty had a statistically significant higher risk of failure than placement in patients with noncompromised urethras. Urethral mobilization and transection performed during posterior urethroplasty surgeries likely compromise urethral blood supply, predisposing patients to failure. Patients with severely compromised urethras from multiple prior procedures may have improved outcomes with transcorporal cuff placement rather than a 3.5 cm cuff.

PurposeMale stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can significantly diminish quality of life and lead to embarrassment and social withdrawal. Surgical therapies, such as male urethral slings and artificial urinary sphincters (AUS), are considered effective and safe treatments for male SUI. Our objective is to evaluate 30-day complications in patients undergoing male slings and AUS placement from a national multicenter database.MethodsData from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality of Improvement Program for 2008-2013 were used to identify patients who underwent male slings and AUS implantation. Trained coders abstracted complication data from the patient record independent of the surgical team. We compared 30-day postoperative complications for male slings and AUS. We examined the relationship between patient factors and complication rates for each procedure type.ResultsOverall, 1205 incontinence surgeries in men were identified: 597 male sling placements and 608 AUS implantations. Male sling placement had a lower 30-day postoperative complication rate compared to AUS (2.8 vs. 5.1%, p=0.046). Compared to AUS, male sling was associated with fewer urinary tract infections (0.3 vs. 2.0%, p=0.020) and return trips to the operating room (1.0 vs. 3.0%, p&nbsp

Purpose: Decision-making regarding surgery for post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) is challenging. The 24-hour pad weight test is commonly used to objectively quantify PPI. However, pad weight may vary based upon activity level. We aimed to quantify variability in pad weights based upon patient-reported activity. Materials and Methods: 25 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy were prospectively enrolled. All patients demonstrated clinical stress urinary incontinence without clinical urgency urinary incontinence. On three consecutive alternating days, patients submitted 24-hour pad weights along with a short survey documenting activity level and number of pads used. Results: Pad weights collected across the three days were well correlated to the individual (ICC 0.85 (95% CI 0.74–0.93), p

PURPOSE: (1) Describe both nervous pathways to the sphincters, and highlight the anatomical support of their coordination. (2) Obtain a 3D representation of this complex innervation system. METHODS: A computer-assisted anatomical dissection technique was used. Serial histological sections were cut in the pelvis of four female human foetuses (aged 19-32weeks of gestation). The sections were treated with conventional staining, and with seven different immunostainings. The sections were digitalized and, finally, a 3D representation was built from the corresponding images. RESULTS: Myelinated and sensory fibres were detected at the inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) level. Our analysis showed that most of the afferent sensory fibres come from the urinary and anal sphincters through the anterior and posterior branches of the IHP respectively. A highly positive nitrergic (anti-NOS1) and sensitive (anti-CGRP) labelling was found in the external layer of the urethral sphincter. The 3D representation allowed describing the two components of the innervation system. A sensory-motor regulation loop was found for both sphincters. CONCLUSION: A 3D description of the components of both nervous pathways to the sphincters has been established. Our findings on the innervation of the sphincters tend to question the classical infra/supra levatorian muscle description. The coordinated work of the internal and external layers of the anal and urethral sphincter is probably mediated by multiple roles regulation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success of treatment with periurethral collagen injections in patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with bladder neck hypermobility and intrinsic sphincter deficiency MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty women suffering from (SUI) were selected and divided into GI (consisting of 13 women with SUI and bladder neck hypermobility) and GII (consisting of 27 women with SUI and intrinsic sphincter deficiency). Periurethral collagen was injected followed by a subjective evaluation (the need for urinary protectors) and an objective evaluation through urodynamic study before and after the treatment RESULTS: It was noticed that after 9 months there was a decrease in the need of urinary protectors in the two groups. It was observed through the urodynamic study that either cure or improvement was achieved in 46% in GI and 40.7% in GII. There was a significant increase in the leak pressure in GII. Moreover, there was a decrease in the volume of urine leak in the two groups, being the results in GII statistically significant CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the periurethral collagen injection is useful for the treatment of the SUI. The results in hypermobility are similar to those in intrinsic sphincter deficiency. In fact, it is a very simple out patient's procedure, with little side effects.

Purpose Functional characteristics and durability of the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) among patients who develop bladder cancer has been poorly characterized. We sought to evaluate AUS outcomes among patients subsequently diagnosed with bladder cancer, in order to describe device survivability when subject to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as cystoscopy, transurethral resection, and cystectomy. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed 1,803 male patients treated with AUS surgery at a single institution between 1983-2014. We describe AUS device outcomes among patients undergoing surveillance and treatment for bladder cancer. Results Following AUS placement, 14 (0.8%) patients were subsequently diagnosed with and treated for bladder cancer and 4 patients with bladder cancer undergoing treatment and screening, subsequently received AUS placement. The median follow-up from device placement was 7.2 years (interquartile range [IQR], 2.8-11.5), and the median time from AUS placement to bladder cancer diagnosis was 6 (IQR, 0-9). There were a total of 8 primary and 1 secondary devices failures. Despite a median of 2 diagnostic cystoscopies (IQR, 1-6) and 0 bladder tumor resections (IQR, 0-0) per patient following device implantation, only 1 (5.6%) patient experienced an iatrogenic erosion related to urethral manipulation. Among those undergoing cystectomy (n=4), 1 device was left in situ without complication. Conclusions Bladder cancer surveillance and treatment with an AUS device in place appears to confer minimal additional risk to AUS survival. Careful attention should be given to device deactivation and use of the smallest caliber instruments available to minimize the risk of iatrogenic urethral erosion.

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Many different approaches have been used to treat bladder neck strictures and urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy in the past. Most techniques are highly invasive and carry a high risk of complications. The present study describes the use of the Solovov-Badenoch 'pull-through urethroplasty' as well as artificial urinary sphincter implantation.• To report our experience in the management of patients with combined urinary incontinence and stricture after radical prostatectomy with a two-step approach: urethroplasty with a 'pull-through' technique after the Solovov-Badenoch principle; and artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) insertion after 8-10 months.• We retrospectively evaluated a cohort of 11 patients treated between September 2001 and January 2010.• There were no intraoperative complications in either procedure. • After urethroplasty one patient was unable to empty the bladder with complete urine retention without urethral stricture (treatment failure). • At 6 months after the urethroplasty 10 patients were completely incontinent and received AUS. • One previously irradiated patient developed urethral erosion 6 months after AUS implantation and underwent complete removal of the device. • After a mean (range) follow-up of 65 (19-119) months, nine patients (81.8%) were continent with no post-void residual urine and a perfectly functioning AUS.• Our experience with a two-step approach (combined suprapubic/transperineal redo anastomosis and AUS placement) shows that redo vesico-urethral anastomosis is easier than pure transperineal approaches with good results in restoring patency and that the transperineal step provides a dedicated operative field for AUS implantation with reduced risks of perioperative complications.

No Abstract

Objective: To report urethroplasty outcomes in men who developed urethral stricture after undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Methods: Our urethroplasty database was reviewed for cases of urethral stricture after radiation therapy for prostate cancer between June 2004 and May 2010. Patient demographics, prostate cancer therapy type, stricture length and location, and type of urethroplasty were obtained. All patients received clinical evaluation, including imaging studies post procedure. Treatment success was defined as no need for repeat surgical intervention. Results: Twenty-nine patients underwent urethroplasty for radiation-induced stricture. Previous radiation therapy included external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), radical prostatectomy (RP)/EBRT, EBRT/brachytherapy (BT) and BT alone in 11 (38%), 7 (24%), 7 (24%), and 4 (14%) patients, respectively. Mean age was 69 (±6.9) years. Mean stricture length was 2.6 (±1.6) cm. Anastomotic urethroplasty was performed in 76% patients, buccal mucosal graft in 17%, and perineal flap repair in 7%. Stricture was localized to bulbar urethra in 12 (41%), membranous in 12 (41%), vesicourethra in 3 (10%), and pan-urethral in 2 (7%) patients. Overall success rate was 90%. Median follow-up was 40 months (range 12-83). Time to recurrence ranged from 6-16 months. Conclusion: Multiple forms of urethroplasty appear to be viable options in treating radiation-induced urethral stricture. Future studies are needed to examine the durability of repairs. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

OBJECTIVE: Description and early results of a new urethral sling technique for treatment of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence, which combines efficacy, low cost and technical simplicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2003 to April 2004, 30 patients with moderate or total urinary incontinence, following radical prostatectomy or endoscopic resection of the prostate, underwent the new technique. The technique is based on the placement of a longitudinal-shaped sling in the bulbar urethra, measuring 4 cm in length by 1.8 cm in width, made of Dacron or polypropylene mesh, fixed by 4 sutures on each side, with 2 sutures passed with Stamey-Pereira needle by retropubic approach and 2 by prepubic approach, which are then tied over the pubis. Pressure control was determined by interrupting the loss of infused water through a suprapubic cystostomy 60 cm from the pubis level. RESULTS: Pre-operative assessment excluded vesical instability, urethral stenosis and urinary infection. Suprapubic cystostomy was removed when the patient was able to satisfactorily void with urinary residue lower than 100 mL, which occurred in 29 of the 30 cases. In 2 cases, there was infection of the prosthesis, requiring its removal. In 3 cases, there was the need to adjust the sling (increasing the tension), due to failure of the urinary continence. Overall, 20 of 30 (66.7%) operated patients became totally continent, and did not require any kind of pads. Four of 30 (13.3%) patients achieved partial improvement, requiring 1 to 2 pads daily and 6 of 30 (20%) patients had minimal or no improvement. There was no case of urethral erosion. CONCLUSION: This new sling technique has shown highly encouraging preliminary results. Its major advantage over other surgical techniques for treatment of moderate or severe stress urinary incontinence is the simplicity for its execution and low cost. A long-term assessment, addressing maintenance of continence, detrusor function and preservation of the upper urinary tract, is still needed.

Female, 57 year-old patient, reported having undergone surgery for correction of urinary incontinence due to sphincteric insufficiency with the implantation of a synthetic pubovaginal sling 14 months earlier. Though she did not present urine loss any longer, approximately 60 days following the surgical procedure she started to report dysuria, pollakiuria and dyspareunia. Attempts of a conservative solution were ineffective. The appearance of a vaginal infra-urethral granuloma and the exteriorization of the synthetic material led to its removal.

The most promising treatment for stress urinary incontinence can be a cell therapy. We suggest human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) as an alternative cell source. We established the optimum in vitro protocol for the differentiation from hAFSCs into muscle progenitors. These progenitors were transplanted into the injured urethral sphincter and their therapeutic effect was analyzed. For the development of an efficient differentiation system in vitro, we examined a commercial medium, co-culture and conditioned medium (CM) systems. After being treated with CM, hAFSCs were effectively developed into a muscle lineage. The progenitors were integrated into the host urethral sphincter and the host cell differentiation was stimulated in vivo. Urodynamic analysis showed significant increase of leak point pressure and closing pressure. Immunohistochemistry revealed the regeneration of circular muscle mass with normal appearance. Molecular analysis observed the expression of a larger number of target markers. In the immunogenicity analysis, the progenitor group had a scant CD8 lymphocyte. In tumorigenicity, the progenitors showed no teratoma formation. These results suggest that hAFSCs can effectively be differentiated into muscle progenitors in CM and that the hAFSC-derived muscle progenitors are an accessible cell source for the regeneration of injured urethral sphincter.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:58:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-01-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-15T15:23:54Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S1677-55382018000601215.pdf: 1674227 bytes, checksum: a8ba64800069a7838d810d1403ba23b3 (MD5) Purpose: The objective of the present study is to test the efficiency and practicality of a new artificial sphincter BR - SL - AS - 904 in the control of urinary incontinence in post - PR patients and to evaluate their complications. Patients and Methods: Fifteen patients with incontinence after one year of radical prostatectomy were included prospectively. All patients underwent artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) implant BR - SL - AS - 904 according to established technique. Independent variables such as free urinary flow, PAD weight test, ICIQ - SF score and urinary symptoms through the IPSS score were compared in different follow-up moments. Results: Patients submitted to AUS implantation did not present trans - operative or post - operative complications related to the surgical act such as: infection, hematoma, erosion or urinary retention. Device was inert to the body during the follow-up, showing an excellent adaptation of the patients, besides the easy handling. The mean age was 68.20 years 40% of the patients had systemic arterial hypertension, 6.7% diabetes mellitus, 6.7% were hypertensive and diabetic, 13.4% were hypertensive, had diabetes and hypercholesterolemia and 26.7% patients had no comorbidities. It was evidenced that the urinary flow peak during the follow-up remained stable. Decreased averages and median PAD weight test were 135.19 to 75.72 and 106.00 to 23.50, respectively. The IPSS score decreased and the quality of life increased (12.33 to 3.40 and 2.50 to 3.20 respectively). The ICQF - SF questionnaire score also showed a decrease, ranging from 16, 71 to 7.33. Conclusion: The artificial sphincter implant BR - SL - AS 904 was reproducible, safe and effective in the control of urinary incontinence in post - PR patients. Serviço de Urologia Hospital das Clínicas Universidade Federal de Pernambuco UFPE Departamento de Cirurgia Centro de Ciências da Saúde Universidade Federal de Pernambuco UFPE Departamento de Urologia Instituto do Câncer Dr. Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo Serviço de Urologia Hospital Santa Marcelina Porto Velho RO Disciplina de Urologia Unesp - Universidade Estadual Paulista Disciplina de Urologia Unesp - Universidade Estadual Paulista