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Purpose: For male cancer survivors, the combination of stress urinary incontinence and recurrent bladder neck contracture presents a management dilemma with poor consensus. Our objective was to assess the impact of artificial urinary sphincter placement on bladder neck contracture recurrence among prostate cancer survivors with stress urinary incontinence and bladder neck contracture. Materials and Methods: Men electing artificial urinary sphincter placement at our institution undergo synchronous bladder neck contracture treatment if indicated. An institutional database was queried for men with stress urinary incontinence and ≥1 intervention for bladder neck contracture. Records were divided according to whether an artificial urinary sphincter was ever placed. The impact of artificial urinary sphincter placement on bladder neck contracture recurrence was assessed using a multivariable conditional survival analysis, with survival defined as the recurrence-free interval following bladder neck contracture intervention. The proportional hazards assumption was assessed on the basis of Schoenfeld residuals. Results: The analytic cohort consisted of 118 in the artificial urinary sphincter group and 88 in the non-artificial urinary sphincter group. Patients in both groups underwent a median of 2 (range 1-8) bladder neck contracture interventions over the entire course of their care, encompassing 445 total bladder neck contracture interventions. The artificial urinary sphincter group was on average 2.6 years younger (P = .02) and had a higher pack-year smoking history (P < .01). The presence of an artificial urinary sphincter was associated with a 61% lower bladder neck contracture re-intervention rate (HR 0.39, P < .01, CI 0.30-0.50) at any time when accounting for number of prior bladder neck contracture interventions and bladder neck contracture risk factors. Conclusions: Artificial urinary sphincter placement is associated with a lower rate of bladder neck contracture re-intervention. Artificial urinary sphincter placement should not be delayed or avoided due to the presence of bladder neck contracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We assessed venous thromboembolism (VTE) and associated risk factors following artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) and inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery. Materials and Methods: Using IBM® MarketScan, a commercial claims database, patients undergoing AUS and IPP surgery were identified using CPT® and ICD (International Classification of Diseases)-10 procedure codes between 2008 and 2017. ICD-9 and -10 codes were used to identify health care visits associated with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) within 90 days of surgery. Covariates were assessed using a multivariable model to determine association with outcome of DVT and/or PE. Results: A total of 21,413 men underwent AUS (4,870) or IPP (16,543) surgery between 2008 and 2017 with a median age of 62 years and 68 years, respectively. DVT and PE events following AUS and IPP surgery occurred in 1.54% and 1.04%, respectively. A history of varicose veins (HR 2.76; 95% CI 1.11e6.79), prior history of DVT (HR 13.65; 95% CI 7.4e25.19), or PE (HR 7.65; 95% CI 4.01e14.6) in those undergoing AUS surgery was highly associated with development of postoperative VTE. Likewise, prior history of DVT (HR 12.6; 95% CI 7.99e19.93) and PE (HR 8.9; 95% CI 5.6e14.13) was strongly associated with a VTE event following IPP surgery. Conclusions: In a large cohort of men undergoing AUS and IPP surgery, 1.54% and 1.04% of men experienced a VTE event within 90 days of surgery, respectively. Prior history of varicose veins, DVT, and PE was associated with an increased likelihood of developing a postoperative DVT or PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosthetic urology can substantially enhance the quality of life for patients. However, it is not without challenges. Infections of penile prostheses and artificial urinary sphincters are often difficult to diagnose, manage, and treat. Over time, device improvements, refined surgical methods, better understanding of microbiology, and biofilms in combination with higher sterility standards and protocols, have significantly reduced the rates of infection. Here, the authors offer a comprehensive overview of prosthetic urologic infections and their management in the current era., Competing Interests: Disclosures A.S. Cheema, M.K. Patel, and A.M. El-Arabi have nothing to disclose. C.M. Gonzalez: Aurasense: Investment Interest; Cook Medical: Consultant/Advisor., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy are common first-line treatments for clinically localized prostate cancer. Despite advances in surgical technology and multidisciplinary management, post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) remains a common clinical complication. The incidence and duration of PPI are highly heterogeneous, varying considerably between individuals. Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence may result from a combination of factors, including patient characteristics, lower urinary tract function, and surgical procedures. Physicians often rely on detailed medical history, physical examinations, voiding diaries, pad tests, and questionnaires-based symptoms to identify critical factors and select appropriate treatment options. Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence treatment can be divided into conservative treatment and surgical interventions, depending on the severity and type of incontinence. Pelvic floor muscle training and lifestyle interventions are commonly conservative strategies. When conservative treatment fails, surgery is frequently recommended, and the artificial urethral sphincter remains the "gold standard" surgical intervention for PPI. This review focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of PPI, based on the most recent clinical research and recommendations of guidelines, including epidemiology and risk factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies, aimed at presenting a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in this field and assisting doctors in providing personalized treatment options for patients with PPI., (© 2024. Society of Surgical Oncology.)

Objective: To explore the optimal timing for placing an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) postradiation therapy (RT)., Methods: A bi-institutional retrospective review of all patients who underwent their first (virgin) AUS placement after pelvic RT between January 1, 2011 and July 1, 2023. To determine the optimal timeline for device implantation 2-5years post-RT, we compared hazard ratios for device revision/explantation (Rev/Exp) using Kaplan-Meier curves for each year (earlier vs later than 2/3/4/5 years post-RT). The Pearson correlation coefficient identified trends in Rev/Exp reasons (erosion/infection vs other)., Results: Seventy-two patients met our inclusion criteria with a median age of 65.5years (interquartile range 70-81.25). Fifteen (20.8%) had undergone one or more previous urethral or bladder neck interventions (urethroplasty in 1 [1.4%], internal urethrotomy in 7 [9.7%], and bladder neck incision in 9 [12.5%]). After a median follow-up of 57.5months (interquartile range 13-107), a total of 36 (50%) devices were Rev/Exp, with mechanical failure in 14 (19.4%) and device erosion in 12 (16.7%) being the main reasons. Device survival analysis revealed no significant difference in the risk of device Rev/Exp when implanted earlier vs later than 2, 3, 4, or 5years post-RT, with P-values of .3, .3, .4, and .4, respectively. A constant trend toward higher infection/erosion rates as indication for device Rev/Exp the later the insertion was noticed: R 2 = 0.98., Conclusion: Despite a small sample size, our study indicates that implanting an AUS within 5 years after RT shows comparable device lifespan. However, later insertions may have higher removal rates due to erosion/infection., Clinical Trial Registration: Not applicable., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose of Review: The AMS 800 has dominated the treatment of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) for five decades. A narrative review from June 2022 to June 2024 was conducted using 'artificial urinary sphincter' (AUS) MeSH terms in Embase. We extracted information on innovative AUS, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective studies, and systematic reviews. We evaluated the latest guidelines and consensus and analyzed current trends to discuss options for advancing AUS practices., Recent Findings: Of 465 papers identified, 320 were excluded (irrelevant, duplicates, non-AUS devices, non-English, veterinary), and 145 were reviewed, with 24 selected: seven on novel AUS in development, 7 with higher-level evidence (1 RCT, 1 prospective, 4 systematic reviews, 1 nonsystematic review), and 9 retrospective relevant studies [pressure regulating balloon (PRB), revision strategies, radiotherapy history, manual dexterity/cognition, transscrotal vs. transperineal approach]. The final paper summarized current guidelines from Asia & Pacific on AUS., Summary: In the past 2 years, six novel AUS have emerged, two female RCTs are ongoing, the SATURN study published its 1-year outcomes, and four systematic reviews on female AUS were conducted. These findings enhance evidence levels and position novel AUS to challenge the Gold Standard., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Previous studies suggested better functional outcomes and longer device survival for female artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation compared to male AUS implantation. We hypothesized that the adoption of robotic approaches for female implantation might have influenced these comparisons. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of robotic female AUS and male AUS implantation for non-neurogenic stress urinary incontinence (SUI)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of male patients who had AUS implantation and female patients who underwent robotic AUS implantation for non-neurogenic SUI between 2010 and 2022 at a single center. Prior AUS implantations were exclusion criteria. The primary endpoint was continence status at 3 months, categorized as complete resolution of SUI (0 pad), improved SUI (1pad), or unchanged SUI (>1pad)., Results: After excluding 79 patients, 171 were included: 70 women and 101 men. Operative time was shorter in males (126.9 vs. 165.5 min; p < 0.0001). Postoperative complication rates were similar (17.3% vs. 22.9%; p = 0.38). Continence status at 3 months and last follow-up favored females. The ICIQ-SF decrease at 3 months was greater in females (-7.2 vs. -4.6; p < 0.001). The 5-year estimated explantation-free survival was similar (78.6% vs. 73.7%; p = 0.94) as was the revision-free survival (67.4% vs. 61.7%; p = 0.89). Multivariate analysis showed that female gender was associated with better continence at last follow-up (OR = 4.3; p = 0.03)., Conclusion: Robotic female AUS implantation is associated with better functional outcomes than male AUS implantation, with similar morbidity and survival rates., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Radical prostate cancer treatment is the predominant cause of iatrogenic stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in men, significantly impacting their quality of life (QoL). This prospective single-center study in Portugal aimed to evaluate the outcomes of men with moderate-to-severe SUI treated with a single-component artificial urinary sphincter (AUS)., Materials and Methods: Male patients with iatrogenic moderate-to-severe SUI, determined by a 24-hour pad weight test, were included. The single-component device comprises a cuff linked to a pump unit through a kink-resistant tube. The implantation involved perineal incision for cuff placement and an inguinal incision for pump and tank positioning within the scrotum. Complications, pad usage, perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification), and quality of life assessment using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) questionnaire were documented., Results: Between May 2021 and March 2023, 20 consecutive single-component AUS insertions were conducted at a Portuguese urology department. Follow-up concluded in July 2023, with a mean follow-up duration of 15 months (range: 5-27). Four patients experienced complications necessitating device revision or removal (erosion = 2, infection = 1, mechanical failure = 1). Social continence (0/1 pad/day) was achieved in 70% (14/20 patients), while 30% (6/20 patients) experienced incontinence. Perioperatively, one patient was classified as grade 2, while the remaining were grade 0/1 in the Clavien-Dindo classification. The mean ICIQ-SF score reduction was 10.5 points., Conclusions: The single-component AUS shows promising efficacy in managing moderate-to-severe male SUI, offering a good success rate, acceptable complications, improved QoL, and a straightforward surgical procedure.

Background: The standard artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is an implantable device for the treatment of urinary incontinence by applying a pressure loading around the urethra through an inflatable cuff, often inducing no-physiological stimulation up to tissue degenerative phenomena. A novel in silico approach is proposed to fill the gap of the traditional procedures by providing tools to quantitatively assess AUS reliability and performance based on AUS-urethra interaction., Methods: The approach requires the development of 3D numerical models of AUS and urethra, and experimental investigations to define their mechanical behaviors. Computational analyses are performed to simulate the urethral lumen occlusion by AUS inflation under different pressures, and the lumen opening by applying an intraluminal pressure progressively increased under the AUS action (Abaqus Explicit solver). The AUS reliability is evaluated in terms of tissue stimulation by the mechanical fields potentially responsible for vasoconstriction and tissue damage, while the performance by the intraluminal pressure that causes the lumen opening for a specific occlusive pressure, showing the maximum urethral pressure for which continence is guaranteed., Results: The present study implemented the procedure considering the gold standard AMS 800 and a novel patented AUS. Results provided the comparison between two sphincteric devices and the evaluation of the influence of different building materials and geometrical features on the AUS functionality., Conclusions: The approach was developed for the AUS, but it could be adapted also to artificial sphincters for the treatment of other anatomical dysfunctions, widening the analyzable device configurations and reducing experimental and ethical efforts., (© 2024 International Center for Artificial Organ and Transplantation (ICAOT) and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht.

Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Purpose: This study aims to establish the ability of the Uroflex® external artificial sphincter to reduce the severity of male urinary incontinence and improve the quality of life of patients with male urinary incontinence., Methods: A pre-post pilot study was carried out on a sample of 30 patients with male urinary incontinence. Tolerability and satisfaction were assessed by comparing the results of the Pad test, and EQ-5D and KHQ questionnaires before and after 3 months of using Uroflex®., Results: At 3 months, 76.6% of patients continued using Uroflex®. The median score for overall satisfaction with the device was 8 out of 10. Pad test showed a significant reduction in the severity of male urinary incontinence at 3 months (p < 0.001), with resolution of all symptoms in 31% of patients. The KHQ showed a significant improvement in global quality of life (p = 0.003). This was also significant for five of the nine specific dimensions assessed. There was also an improvement in self-rated health using the EQ-5D questionnaire, although not significant (p = 0.075)., Conclusion: The Uroflex® external urinary sphincter seems to improve the severity of urinary incontinence and quality of life of patients with male urinary incontinence after prostate surgery. These encouraging results will need to be confirmed in larger controlled studies., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

ABSTRACT Purpose: Patient-reported history of pads per day (PPD) is widely recognized as a fundamental element of decision-making for anti-incontinence procedures. We hypothesize that SUI severity is often underestimated among men with moderate SUI. We sought to compare patient history of incontinence severity versus objective in-office physical examination findings. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our single-surgeon male SUI surgical database from 2007-2019. We excluded patients with incomplete preoperative or postoperative data and those who reported either mild or severe SUI, thus having more straightforward surgical counseling. For men reported to have moderate SUI, we determined the frequency of upgrading SUI severity by recording the results of an in-office standing cough test (SCT) using the Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS). The correlation of MSIGS with sling success rate was calculated. Failure was defined as >1 PPD usage or need for additional incontinence procedure. Results: Among 233 patients with reported moderate SUI (2-3 PPD), 89 (38%) had MSIGS 3-4 on SCT, indicating severe SUI. Among patients with 2-3 PPD preoperatively, sling success rates were significantly higher for patients with MSIGS 0-2 (76/116, 64%) compared to MSIGS 3-4 (6/18, 33%) (p

Male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can undoubtedly reduce quality of life and promote personal distress and psychosocial alienation. The frequency of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) counts on the characterization of urinary incontinence and the periods of patient follow-up. Operational therapeutics, for instance, urethral male slings and artificial urinary sphincters, are well-chosen as adequate and secure surgeries for male SUI in men with continual PPI when conservative treatment is ineffective. Over the former 2 decades, surgery has progressed regarding both operative approach and sling architecture. However, there are no guidelines about when surgery should be carried out and which is the most appropriate surgical option. In this review, we summarize recent advances in implantable devices for PPI and also discuss traditional surgical care. When we are planning the male PPI surgery, careful preoperative work-up should be performed and surgical method should be chosen according to the severity of the disease. Male sling is preferred in mild and moderate symptomatic patients with normal detrusor pressure and it is recommended to select traditional artificial urinary sphincter device in those with severe symptoms. It is expected that effective devices without adverse events will be developed with technical advances in near future.

Purpose: Stress urinary incontinence (UI) often develops after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, and in those patients with moderate-to-severe stress UI an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is implanted. Inguinal hernias (IHs) often occur after radical prostatectomy. As the prevalence of AUS implantation increases, it is possible to encounter patients with IHs undergoing AUS implantation (IHA). This study investigated our treatment and discussed an appropriate approach for IHAs., Methods: We retrospectively investigated patients who underwent IH repair with AUS implantation at our hospital from January 2018 to March 2023. We classified IHAs into Types A-D based on the positions of the IHs and AUS devices (the positions of the control pump, pressure-regulating balloon, and connecting tube). The hernia and control pump were ipsilateral in Types A and B, whereas the hernia and pressure-regulating balloon were ipsilateral in Types A and C., Results: This study included 12 IHs of 11 patients. The median patient age was 77 years. We conducted open repair in nine patients with all types and laparoscopic repair in two patients with Type B. The median operation times for unilateral and bilateral repairs were 96 and 182 min, respectively. There were no complications with AUS or hernia surgeries., Conclusion: IHA has its own characteristics, and multidisciplinary knowledge thereof will help surgeons safely perform IH surgery., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a standardized perioperative pain management pathway on postoperative opioid prescribing practices following male perineal reconstructive surgery at our institution., Methods: Patients undergoing perineal reconstructive surgery (urethroplasty, artificial urinary sphincter, urethral sling) by a single surgeon from July 2022 to June 2023 were prospectively followed. A standardized nonopioid pathway was implemented in the perioperative period. Intraoperative local anesthetic included liposomal bupivacaine mixed with 0.25% bupivacaine. Opioids are administered in the recovery room at the discretion of anesthesiology providers. As of July 2022, our standard practice does not include a postoperative opioid prescription unless pain is poorly controlled in the recovery area. Postoperative communication encounters and opioid prescriptions were tracked through the electronic health record (EHR) in order to assess the efficacy of an opioid-free pathway., Results: Sixty-seven patients met the criteria during the study period, 64/67 performed in an outpatient setting. 6/67 (9%) patients were prescribed an opioid postoperatively; 4 related to post-surgical pain, and 2 related to chronic pain. No refills were prescribed. Of the 26 patients who received an opioid in the recovery area, 2 (7.6%) were prescribed an opioid at discharge. 15/67 (22%) patients had a communication encounter related to pain within 30 days, most commonly related to bladder spasm management. Only 2 of these encounters resulted in an electronic opioid prescription., Conclusion: An opioid-free pathway is appropriate for opioid naive men undergoing perineal reconstructive surgery. When necessary, electronic opioid prescribing should be employed following discharge for breakthrough pain., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To compare the lifespan of first transcorporal cuff (TC) placement of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) versus standard placement (SP) in patients with prior radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PCa)., Methods: We reviewed first (virgin) AUS placements from two high-volume care centers between 1/2011 and 1/2021, including PCa patients with RT history. AUS lifespan was assessed via the hazard ratio of device explantation and/or revision within a ten-year timeframe for the TC vs. SP approaches. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and t-tests compared clinicodemographic variables. Kaplan-Meier curve compared TC and SP lifespan., Results: 85/314 men with AUS met inclusion criteria, with 38.8% (33/85) in the TC group and 61.2% (52/85) in the SP group. Median ages were 69.8 (IQR = 65.2-73.6) and 67.1 (61.6-72.9), respectively, p = 0.17. Over a median follow up of 51.9 (15.8-86.1) and 80.4 (28.1-128.3) months for the TC and SP, overall, 12 (36.4%) TC devices were removed (four [12.1%] due to mechanical failures; eight [24.2%] erosions, and two [6.1%] infections) vs. 29 (55.8%) in the SP group (14 [26.9%] mechanical failures; 11 [21.1%] erosions, and five [9.6%] infections). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two approaches, with HR = 0.717, 95% CI 0.37-1.44, p = 0.35. The calculated device survival probabilities for the TC vs. SP at one, five, and 10 years were 78.8% vs. 76.9%, 69.3% vs. 58.7%, and 62.1% vs. 46.7%, respectively., Conclusions: TC cuff insertion for the first AUS implantation in pre-radiated patients showed to be comparable to SP when it comes to device survival, with comparable complication rates. Current guidance for approach selection is primarily based on patient selection and surgeon preference., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Patient perceptions of physician reimbursement commonly differ from actual reimbursement. This study aims to improve health care cost transparency and trust between patients, physicians, and the health care system by evaluating patient perceptions of Medicare reimbursement for artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement., Methods: We identified patients who underwent AUS placement at a single institution from 2014 to 2023. After obtaining informed consent, we administered a telephone survey to ask patients about their perceptions of Medicare reimbursement for AUS surgery and the amount they felt the physician should be compensated., Results: Sixty-four patients were enrolled and completed the survey. On average, patients estimated Medicare physician reimbursement to be $18,920, 25 times the actual average procedure reimbursement. Once informed that the actual amount was $757.52, 97% of respondents felt that the reimbursement was "somewhat lower" (13%) or "much lower" (84%) than what they considered fair. The average amount that patients felt the physician should be paid was $8,844, 12 times the actual average procedure reimbursement. Fifty-four percent of patients estimated their physician's reimbursement to be higher than what they later reported as being "fair," representing a presurvey belief that their physician was overpaid., Conclusions: Patient perceptions of physician reimbursement for AUS are vastly different than the actual amount paid. The discordance between patient perception and actual reimbursement could impact how patients view health care costs and the relationship with their provider.

Incontinence following total prostatectomy for prostate cancer significantly impairs patient's quality of life. In severe cases, implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has shown favorable outcomes, enhancing continence by constricting the bulbous urethra. The AUS system consists of a pressure-maintaining balloon, control pump serving as the operational switch, cuff that constricts the urethra, and tubes and connectors that link these components, maintaining a continuous circuit through an internal pressure medium. Most instances of AUS dysfunction are attributed to circuit leaks leading to a reduction in internal pressure, which is identifiable on imaging by fluid accumulation around the circuit, balloon collapse, control pump deformation, and air within the circuit. When the AUS circuit is uncompromised, dysfunction may arise from issues such as the inability to compress the pump due to pain or displacement outside the scrotum or urinary tract obstruction caused by bladder hemorrhage/hematoma. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the evaluation of urinary tract injuries, hematomas/seromas, and infections associated with AUS placement or replacement. Understanding the function of AUS and its appearance on CT imaging is essential for accurately assessing AUS dysfunction and post-implantation complications, guiding clinical decision-making and improving patient care outcomes., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Radical prostatectomy is the most common cause of urinary stress incontinence in male patients. The exact pathophysiology is not clearly defined but probably due multifactorial. Thorough preoperative diagnostic workup before surgical therapy appears to be crucial for good postoperative results. Various systems are available. The artificial urinary sphincter continues to be considered standard procedure with a high success rate, even in patients with more complex situations and severe urinary incontinence. However, there are also relevant complication and revision rates. Modern alternatives include various sling systems. The adjustable sling systems consist of a cushion that is placed against the urethral bulb and leads to a permanent increase in urethral resistance, which can be readjusted in different ways depending on the system implanted. The adjustable sling systems also seem to be an alternative in patients with a prior history of radiation therapy. The AdVance XP sling (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) is a fixed sling that corrects the postoperative hypermobility of the posterior urethra after radical prostatectomy and, thus, leads to a longer functional urethral length. Good long-term results after AdVance XP implantation are only possible in selected patients., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

The treatment of male severe stress incontinence (MUI) after surgery is the implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). Traditionally you need two incisions: perineal and inguinal. Our objetive is present a series of patients treated with the Zephyr 375 EUA implant through a single perineal incision. We present six men operated on for MUI after Transuretral resection of the prostate (TURP) (1) and radical prostatectomy (5). Preoperatively we perform Pad-Test and cystoscopy. Under epidural anesthesia, a vertical perineal incision was made and dissection up to the bulbospongiosus muscle was divided and we dissected the bulbar urethra. After removing the probe, we place the cuff, checking that it reaches the appropriate pressure, leaving it deactivated. To place the pump-reservoir, we digitally develop a scrotal dartos pocket from the perineum that we close with Vicryl 3/0. After closing the muscle with 3/0 Vicryl, we left a suction drain and a bladder catheter. The mean age was 63 years (55-72). Mean surgical time was 68 minutes (60-85). All were discharged the next day without catheter and drain. All patients comfortably palpated the scrotal reservoir-pump. After activation, all patients were continent without needing additional adjustment, using 3 a safety pad. The degree of satisfaction was very high, all of them affirmed that they would undergo the same intervention again. The Zephyr 375 urinary sphincter allows placement through a single perineal incision, reducing surgical time, simplifying the technique, and reducing morbidity without compromising the functional outcome., Competing Interests: Los autores declararan no tener ningún conflicto de interés., (©2024 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.)

Objective: To determine better in-office measures for artificial urinary sphincter outcomes, we investigated the ability of preoperative timed peg-transfer, pinch strength, grip strength, and Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand Outcome questionnaire in predicting postoperative satisfaction, confidence, and ease of use of artificial urinary sphincter placement for stress urinary incontinence., Materials and Methods: A timed 9-hole peg test, pinch and grip strength assessment, and upper extremity questionnaire were administered during the preoperative visit before sphincter placement. In addition to standard preoperative workup, short-form International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire and physician handshake were recorded. Activation occurred 6 weeks after surgery along with assessment of adequacy of pump placement. Three months from surgery a repeat incontinence questionnaire and a survey measuring satisfaction, difficulty of use, and confidence were given. Correlation between preoperative assessment variables and the postoperative questionnaire was assessed., Results: Thirty-nine patients were included. Average age and body mass index were 68.8 years and 28.8 kg/m 2 , respectively. Prior prostatectomy accounted for 92.3% of patients, and 46.2% had prior pelvic radiation. Postoperatively, 59.0% of patients were very satisfied; 64.1% of patients reported no difficulty of use; 53.8% felt confidence within 1 day; and 66.7% had much better bladder control. Average pad improvement count was 5.3. Pinch test was associated with satisfaction (P = .011) while peg test was associated with confidence (P = .049). Handshake and upper extremity questionnaire were not significant., Conclusion: The pinch and 9-hole peg transfer tests are cost-effective and easily performed adjuncts that could be used during artificial urinary sphincter evaluation for patients with unclear manual functional status., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this article., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the subjective and objective outcomes of Macroplastique® (MPQ) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). Materials and Methods Following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, charts of non-neurogenic women with SUI secondary to ISD who underwent MPQ injection and had 6 months minimum follow-up were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Naïve (Group I), Prior Anti-Incontinence Surgery (Group II), and combined Prior Bulking Agent and Anti-Incontinence Surgery (Group III). Data collected included SUI self-report, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) Question 3, and VAS Quality of Life (QoL) Questionnaire scores at baseline and in follow-up. Three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) evaluated volume/configuration of MPQ. Success was defined after the last MPQ injection as a UDI-6 Question 3 score of 0 (dry) or 1, and no reoperation for SUI. Results From 2011-2017, 106 of 142 women met study criteria. At a median follow-up of 20 months (mean=26 months; range: 6-71), success rate was 41% for Group I, 40% for Group II, and 65% for Group III (p = 0.22). QoL scores were significantly improved over baseline in all groups. There was no significant difference in clinical outcome between the asymmetrical and symmetrical group on 3DUS. The completely dry rate was highest in Group III at 29%, compared to 4% for Group I and 15% for Group II (p = 0.05). Conclusion Macroplastique® improved subjective and objective outcome measures for SUI secondary to ISD as both a primary and secondary treatment option in women.

Objective: To investigate the outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement in patients with post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI) with or without a prior male sling., Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent AUS for PPUI from 2007 to 2022. The primary endpoint was to determine the proportion of patients who achieved social continence, defined as self-reported use of 0-1 pad/day. The secondary endpoints were device failure rates and device failure-free survival., Results: The analysis included 210 patients, with 30 (14.3%) having had prior slings and 180 (85.7%) without prior slings. After AUS insertion, 80.0% of patients with prior slings and 76.7% of those without prior slings achieved continence (0-1 pad/day). There were six (20.0%) and 53 (29.4%) device failures in patients with and without prior slings, respectively. The median device failure-free survival was not reached in patients with prior slings and was 8.9 years in patients without prior slings (P = 0.048). Limitations include retrospective nature and small sample size., Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of AUS in patients with prior slings are similar to those without. Prior sling is associated with a longer device failure-free survival. AUS remains a viable option in patients who have persistent PPI after prior slings., (© 2024 BJU International.)

Purpose To analyze perioperative complications and postoperative explantation rates for selected readjustable male sling systems and the perineal single-cuff artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) in a large, contemporary, multi-institutional patient cohort. Methods Two hundred eighty-two male patients who underwent implantation between 2010 and 2012 in 13 participating institutions were included in the study (n=127 adjustable male sling [n=95 Argus classic, n=32 Argus T], n=155 AUS). Perioperative characteristics and postoperative complications were analyzed. The explantation rates of the respective devices were assessed using the Fisher exact test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. A Kaplan-Meier curve was generated. Potential features associated with device explantation were analyzed using a multiple logistic regression model (P

This step-by-step article demonstrates our approach to robot-assisted laparoscopic revision of a bladder neck sited artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) for a spinal cord injured patient. The bladder neck location of an AUS in the spinal cord injured demographic is ideal to minimise urethral complications and urinary tract infections, whilst the transabdominal approach reduces the risk of wound breakdown that can occur via the typical perineal incision for AUS insertion. The accompanying video will guide viewers as to our minimally invasive technique for cuff revision in the event of secondary surgery for recurrent urinary incontinence., (© 2023 BJU International.)

Background: The artificial anal sphincter (AAS) system has gained significant attention as a solution for treating fecal incontinence (FI). It relies on transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) as its primary energy source. However, changes in posture or biological tissue can cause misalignment of the coil, resulting in unstable power reception. Inadequate power affects charging efficiency, while excessive power leads to excessive heating at the receiver side. Consequently, achieving safe and constant voltage charging for the AAS becomes a complex challenge., Methods: To maintain a consistent charging voltage and overcome the issue of variations in load and coil coupling strength, this article proposes a wireless charging control system that utilizes an LCC-S-type resonant network and phase shift to adjust the transmitting voltage based on feedback charging voltage in real time. In particular, the PI controller and neural network are introduced to change the phase-shift angle swiftly. The dynamic performance is then evaluated under different misalignments and presented with comparative results., Results: The results indicate that the multilayer perceptron control system outperforms the PI. Under the complex misalignment disturbance, the average error of receiver side load voltage is only 0.007 V, with an average settling time of 960 ms. Additionally, the average temperature at the receiver side is 40.4°C., Conclusion: The experiments demonstrate that the proposed system effectively addresses the misalignment issue in TET during the charging, ensuring constant voltage charging at the receiver side and thermal safety., (© 2023 International Center for Artificial Organ and Transplantation (ICAOT) and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objectives: To explore the context in which older men navigate treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following prostate surgery by characterizing lived experience of men with symptomatic SUI., Subjects/patients and Methods: Mixed method study using surveys and semistructured interviews to examine a cohort of men who underwent evaluation for treatment of postprostatectomy SUI., Results: Thirty-six men were interviewed after consultation for SUI and 31 had complete quantitative clinical data. Twenty-six underwent surgery and 10 chose no surgical intervention. In qualitative interviews, respondents experienced substantial decline in quality of life due to incontinence citing concerns associated with use of pads and worrying about incontinence. Most patients reported "workarounds"-efforts to mitigate or manage incontinence including Kegels, physical therapy, and garments. Participants also reported lifestyle changes including less strenuous physical activity, less sexual activity, and/or fewer social gatherings. Patients then described a "breaking point" where incontinence workarounds were no longer sufficient. After seeking evaluation, men described challenges in exploring treatment for SUI, including access to care and provider knowledge of treatment options., Conclusion: In a novel study of patients living with SUI a predictable lived experience was observed that culminated in a desire for change or "breaking point." In all men, this led to treatment-seeking behaviors and for many it led to SUI intervention. Despite effective treatments, patients continue to meet barriers gaining access to SUI evaluation and treatment., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: To characterize and quantify changes in elastic properties and in vivo pressure characteristics of pressure regulating balloons (PRB) over time, we conducted an analysis of the mechanical characteristics of the PRB after removal from patients for revision surgery., Methods: Pressure and elasticity characteristics of new and used 61-70 cm H 2 O PRBs were analyzed. Pressure-volume curves were generated using commercially available urodynamics equipment. PRB pressures were measured at a standard fill volume (23 cc). Elastance was calculated by the slope of the tangent line at the inflection point of the pressure-volume curve. Tests were repeated 5 times per PRB and intraclass correlations were used to gauge test-retest reliability. Regression models were used for continuous variables based on data distribution., Results: Twenty-seven used PRBs were analyzed after excluding 3 for alternative pressure ratings and 2 for occult pinpoint leaks. Time from artificial urinary sphincter placement to removal ranged from 0.02-17.6 years (median 8.4, interquartile range (IQR) 5.7-10.0). The mean pressure of all extracted PRBs: 58.8 cm H=O (± 7.4), 17 (62.9%) below the standard operating range. Each year of use in-vivo was associated with 1.09 cm H 2 O pressure loss on linear regression (P <.01 CI -1.52 to -0.65). PRB pressures were not significantly different according to indication for removal (1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) P = .11). Loss of elastance was non-linear, decreasing by 1.9% per year on Poisson regression (P <.01, CI -0.03 to -0.01). When accounting for PRB age, PRB pressure was independently associated with detrusor overactivity., Conclusion: In PRBs tested for pressure-volume characteristics, increasing PRB age was associated with decreased pressure and elasticity., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Jordan Foreman reports financial support was provided by Boston Scientific Corp. Andrew Peterson reports financial support was provided by Boston Scientific Corp. Boston Scientific Fellowship Grant, Consultant for Boston Scientific., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate longitudinal changes in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) in comparison to those in non-irradiated patients., Methods: This retrospective study included 20 and 51 patients with and without a history of pelvic RT (RT and non-RT group, respectively) who were treated with primary AUS implantation for post-radical prostatectomy incontinence between 2010 and 2020. Longitudinal changes in the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) were calculated with a linear mixed model., Results: In the RT and non-RT group, 18 (90%) and 48 (94%) patients achieved social continence, defined as daily pad use ≤1 at 1 month after activation of AUS, respectively (p = .555). During the mean follow-up of 38 months, ICIQ-SF, IPSS, and OABSS significantly improved after AUS implantation in both the RT and non-RT groups. In the RT group, ICIQ-SF, IPSS, and OABSS subsequently deteriorated with a slope of 0.62/year (p = .010), 0.55/year (p = .025), and 0.30/year (p = .007), respectively. In the non-RT group, no significant longitudinal changes in subsequent IPSS and OABSS were observed, although ICIQ-SF significantly deteriorated (0.43/year, p = .006). Comparing between the groups, the slopes of IPSS and OABSS were significantly greater in the RT group than in the non-RT group (p < .001, and .015, respectively)., Conclusions: Longitudinal deterioration in LUTS that improved immediately after AUS implantation was observed in patients with a history of pelvic RT, but not in patients without a history of pelvic RT., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

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