Female bladder outlet obstruction: Common symptoms masking an uncommon cause

Female ventral-onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty supported with martius labial fat pad flap: early results

PURPOSE

There is a growing interest in reconstructive urology and female urethroplasty. We aimed to report our experience in ventral-onlay buccal mucosa graft (BMG) urethroplasty supported with Martius flap (MF) in treating female urethral stricture disease.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated data of 18 female patients (ages 35-78) who were diagnosed with urethral stricture disease and underwent ventral-onlay BMG urethroplasty supported with MF by single surgeon in a tertiary referral centre between February 2019 and October 2022. Detailed history, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), pelvic examination, urine flow rate (rate and pattern), post void residual (PVR), storage and voiding phase urodynamic study, and voiding cystourethrography were recorded. At the last visit; the number of urethral dilatations before urethroplasty, time from urethral dilation to urethroplasty, hospital stay, urethral catheterization time, postoperative IPSS, PVR and uroflowmetry values were recorded.

RESULTS

The presenting symptoms were obstructive voiding symptoms in 16 patients. While the mean number of urethral dilatation was 2.11 ± 1.93 (1-7), the mean time from dilatation to urethroplasty was 5.83 ± 5.00 (1-19 months) months. Maximum flow rate increased from 8.36 ± 3.26 ml/sec in preoperative uroflowmetry to 21.45 ± 5.27 ml/sec at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). Post-void residual urine (PVR) decreased from preoperative mean 116.66 ± 105.88 cc to 26.94 ± 22.69 cc postoperatively (p < 0.004). None of the patients developed stricture recurrence, incontinence or vaginal fistula until the last follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 17.28 ± 11.65 (1-35) months.

CONCLUSIONS

A ventral-onlay BMG urethroplasty supported with MF represents an effective and reproducible treatment option for FUS in the present study.

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in taxi drivers: a cross-sectional web-based survey

PURPOSE

Aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of LUTS in taxi drivers.

METHODS

Between February 24th 2021 and March 26th 2021 a web based survey was administered to Taxi drivers in the city of Florence. Taxi drivers were evaluated with baseline characteristics such as: age, BMI, smoking, career length, comorbidities, and treatment. LUTS were evaluated using the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and the overactive bladder (OAB) score. As well sexual function was evaluated using the international index erectile function (IIEF) and female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaires. Risk factors for LUTS were evaluated using regression analysis.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 64.6% (537/830 taxi drivers filled the questionnaires). Among them, 449 (83.6%) were men and 88 (16.4%) females. Overall, median IPSS was 5 (2/9) and median OAB score was 10 (7/14). On multivariate binary regression analysis age > 50 (OR:1.60; p < 0,05), Smoking (OR:1.57; p < 0,05), chronic treatment (OR:1.57; p < 0,05), recurrent cystitis (OR: 2.66; p < 0,05) and chronic pelvic pain (OR:4.94; p < 0,05) were independent risk factors for moderate/severe LUTS. On multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, risk factors for erectile dysfunction were age older than 50 years (OR = 3.64; p < 0.05) and urinary incontinence (OR = 5.53; p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our web-based survey, Taxi drivers in the metropolitan city of Florence had non-negligible symptomatic LUTS and even sexual dysfunction. Our data suggest as LUTS are particular influenced by several life-style and behavioural factors as type and duration of work.

Bladder outflow obstruction in women: Clinical and basic evaluation

AIM

Female bladder outflow obstruction is an underdiagnosed and undermanaged condition. This review article aims to illustrate the basic and clinical evaluation of patients who might have this condition.

REVIEW

Clinical evaluation includes clinical history, examination, and basic investigations, including uroflowmetry and postvoid residual, urinalysis and culture, renal function assessment, ultrasound of kidneys and bladder, voiding cystourethrography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Based on the initial evaluation, if the concern of obstruction is high, the clinician might undergo further advanced evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Basic evaluation is the initial step in the diagnosis of female bladder outflow obstruction, the clinician need to have a high index of suspicion and often further advanced evaluation is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Bladder outlet obstruction in women: Scope of the problem and differential diagnosis

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence, formal definition, and diagnostic criteria of bladder outlet obstruction in owmen have not been clearly defined.

METHODS

This is a literature review of the definition of BOO in women, its prevalence, as well as its differential diagnosis.

RESULTS

The main causes of BOO in women are divided into functional and anatomic conditions. Functional etiologies include detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia, dysfunctional voiding, Fowler's syndrome, and primary bladder neck obstruction. Anatomic causes can be further divided into extrinsinc and intrinsic conditions. Intrinsic etiologies include urethral stricture and urethral diverticula, whereas extrinsic causes comprise pelvic organ prolapse, post anti-incontinence surgery, and Skene's gland cyst or abscess.

CONCLUSIONS

There are multiple etiologies to BOO in women, and this condition is most probably underdiagnosed, owing to a lack of consensus for a standard definition.

Recurrent urethral obstruction secondary to large vulval inclusion cyst: a remote complication of female genital mutilation: a case report

BACKGROUND

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a major public health problem, particularly in developing countries.

CASE PRESENTATION

The authors reported a case of 48-year old multiparous woman presented to Kassala Hospital, east Sudan, with recurrent urine retention resulting from urethral obstruction, which was caused by large vulval inclusion cyst. A traditional birth attendant circumcised her when she was 5 year old. Five years before her presentation the patient observed a painless swelling in her vulva, which was gradually increasing in size. She presented to the hospital with urine retention seeking medical care. Local examination showed a large cystic swelling originating in the circumcision line and covering the introitus. A diagnosis of inclusion cyst at the site of circumcision was made. The cyst was large enough causing bladder outlet obstruction and when the patient advised to tilt it away from the urethral orifice she passed urine without difficulties. The cyst was surgically removed by dissection along the lines of cleavage, which measured 10 × 9.2 cm and weighed 1.2 kg.

CONCLUSION

This case report indicates that FGM is a serious public health problem and there should an urgent intervention such as planned health education campaigns to end FGM practice.

Circadian Rhythm of Voided Volume, Maximum Flow Rate, and Voiding Time Evaluated by Toilet Uroflowmetry in Hospitalized Women With Nocturia

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the circadian rhythm of urination in hospitalized women with nocturia measured by toilet uroflowmetry and its age-related change.

METHODS

We evaluated 2602 urinations of 58 female patients (age, 68.4 ± 15.2 years) who were hospitalized in our institution for urological disease. We assessed voided volume (VV) as averages of every hour by generalized linear mixed models with an identity link function to adjust for personal bias and age. Maximum flow rate and voiding time were analyzed by the same method after adjustment for age, personal bias, and VV. We also compared these circadian rhythms between women <70 and ≥70 years.

RESULTS

VVs in the nighttime were significantly higher than that from 06:00-07:00 (205.6 ± 11.7 ml). Maximum flow rates in the afternoon were significantly higher than that from 06:00-07:00 (18.8 ± 0.93 ml/sec). Voiding time showed no statistically significant difference between the values at any time of day and that from 06:00-07:00. We also showed that the circadian rhythm of VV becomes less clear in the elderly women (P interaction = .0057). However, no significant difference was found in the maximum flow rate and voiding time regarding the pattern of the circadian rhythm between women <70 and ≥70 years old.

CONCLUSION

The present study clearly showed a circadian rhythm of VV and maximum flow rate in hospitalized women with nocturia. In addition, the pattern of the circadian rhythm of VV was attenuated in women ≥70 years old.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Depression: A Review

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) are frequently present in the general population as patients age with approximately a third of individuals experiencing LUTS during their lifetime. LUTS can be further defined as having any of the following symptoms: urinary hesitancy, straining, nocturia, increased urination frequency, and dysuria. LUTS has the potential for patients to contribute their symptoms to what can normally occur as we age. This can lead to a decrease in patients seeking care and could negatively impact patients' health-related quality of life (HRQL). In conjunction with LUTS, we obtained from our analysis that LUTS and depression are closely related and worsening depressive symptoms may increase the severity of LUTS. We also discerned three categories of factors that can yield major depression namely adversity, internalizing, and externalizing factors. Within these categories, trauma, social support, genetic factors, and minimal education appeared to increase the risk of depression in patients. With the recent increase in mental health awareness and more access to mental health care amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, further screening, and collaboration between providers to treat both urological and psychiatric symptoms could improve patient outcomes. It is important for providers to have an increased understanding of the mental and physical impact both LUTS and depression can have on patients' wellbeing. This has the potential to help patients be more open about their symptoms with the aim of better addressing LUTS and depression to positively impact their HRQL.

Defining bladder outlet obstruction and detrusor underactivity in females with overactive bladder: Are we forgetting about the free uroflowmetry?

INTRODUCTION

Both detrusor underactivity (DU) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) can coexist in patients with overactive bladder. Definitions of both DU and BOO are based on pressure-flow study (PFS) data. However, invasive urodynamics study can differ from a natural micturition, in fact, discrepancies between free uroflowmetry (UFM) and PFS have been largely described. Our goal is to assess the correlation of free-flowmetry and PFS among patients with OAB and to evaluate how different definitions of DU/BOO are able to discriminate patients with different free UFMs.

METHODS

A retrospective review of urodynamics performed at a single institution was conducted. Females with OAB who voided more than 150 mL in both UFM and PFS were included. Parameters from both voiding episodes were compared with nonparametric test. Two definitions of DU were applied; PIP1: Pdet@Qmax+Qmax < 30 and Gammie: Pdet@Qmax < 20 cmH₂ O, Qmax < 15 mL/s, and BVE < 90% (Bladder voiding efficiency). Also, two definitions of obstruction were chosen; Defretias: Pdet@Qmax ≥25 cmH₂ O and Qmax ≤ 12 mL/s and Solomon-Greenwell female BOO index ≥ 18. Patients who matched with each definition were compared to those who did not, to assess if any definitions were able to discriminate different noninvasive uroflowmetries.

RESULTS

A total of 195 patients were included. Overall, mean age was 55 ± 12 years, 90.8% had mixed urinary incontinence, and 39% complained of at least one voiding symptom. Globally, Qmax and BVE correlated poorly between UFM and PFS, showing that most of the variation corresponded to a systematic error. Twenty-two individuals were found to have DU, they had a difference of 13 mL/s on both maximum flows. Fifty-four patients showed BOO, with a difference between their Qmax of 19 mL/s. Among the four definitions analyzed, only PIP1 and Defreitas were able to discriminate patients with actually a lower Qmax on the free UFM.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with overactive bladder seem to have a systematic discordance between the urine flow of the free and invasive studies. Current definitions of DU and BOO, which are based on the PFS parameters, are not consistently able to discriminate patients who actually void deficiently on the free UFM.

Systematic review of urinary biomarkers of female bladder outlet obstruction (fBOO)

Objective: Diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in females is often challenging, not only because of the overlap in storage and voiding symptoms in women with various etiologies of lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction but also due to the lack of standardized urodynamic criteria to define the condition. There is an unmet need of biologic markers to evaluate BOO in females as an adjunct to other clinical criteria. We sought to elucidate the role of urinary biomarkers in female BOO. Material and methods: We performed a systematic review of studies involving urinary biomarkers in female BOO. The search was performed in PubMed. A total of 58 papers were retrieved and 2 were included for final analysis.Results: Currently, there are no validated biologic markers for female BOO available. Having a biomarker that can be obtained through a urine sample will be an invaluable tool to evaluate and counsel patients with LUT symptoms and possible BOO. The use of NGF as an indicator of BOO in female patients seems to be promising: NGF levels are elevated in women with BOO when compared with normal controls. Conclusions: We found that NGF levels may be applied as a useful biomarker in the diagnosis and evaluation of female patients with BOO symptoms. It will not completely replace other clinical diagnostic tools such as formal urodynamic testing but play a role as a supplement to it. Nevertheless, further studies should be conducted to establish NGF levels as a female BOO biomarker and a routine testing modality.

Benefits and Harms of Conservative, Pharmacological, and Surgical Management Options for Women with Bladder Outlet Obstruction: A Systematic Review from the European Association of Urology Non-neurogenic Female LUTS Guidelines Panel

CONTEXT

While the management of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in men has been a topic of several systematic reviews and meta-analyses, no such evidence base exists for female BOO.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the benefits and harms of therapeutic interventions for the management of BOO in women.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020183839). A systematic literature search was performed and updated by a research librarian in May 2021. The study population consisted of adult female patients diagnosed with BOO, who underwent treatment.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Out of 6344 records, we identified 33 studies enrolling 1222 participants, of which only six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found. One placebo-controlled crossover randomized trial assessed the role of baclofen in 60 female patients with dysfunctional voiding. The trial met its primary endpoint with a significantly greater decrease in the number of voids per day in the baclofen group (-5.53 vs -2.70; p = 0.001). The adverse events were mild and comparable in both groups (25% vs 20%). One placebo-controlled crossover randomized trial assessed the role of sildenafil in 20 women with Fowler's syndrome. There were significant improvements from baseline in maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and postvoid residual (PVR), but with no statistically significant difference when compared with placebo. In a large RCT including 197 female patients with functional BOO, the alpha-blocker alfuzosin significantly improved IPSS, Qmax, and PVR compared with baseline, but the differences were not statistically significant compared with the placebo group. Several small single-arm prospective series reported improvement of BOO-related symptoms and voiding parameters with urethroplasty, sling revision, urethral dilation, vaginal pessary, and pelvic organ prolapse repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence to support the use of conservative, pharmacological, and surgical treatments for BOO is scarce.

PATIENT SUMMARY

According to the present systematic review of the literature, evidence to support the use of conservative, pharmacological, and surgical treatments for either anatomical or functional bladder outlet obstruction is scarce.

Bladder Dysfunction in Older Adults: The Botulinum Toxin Option

Bladder dysfunction, which involves inadequacies of urine storage or emptying, increases with age. Conventional medications may have insufficient efficacy for patients with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms, and their concomitant adverse events (AEs) may be intolerable for the older adult population. For decades, the botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection has been an option for managing urine frequency, urge incontinence, and voiding dysfunction in the general population refractory to conventional management. This review focuses on studies of BoNT-A application in the management of bladder dysfunction in older adult patients aged ≥ 65 years. In this target population, intravesical BoNT-A injections provide similar efficacy in idiopathic overactive bladder to that in younger adults. Good clinical response has also been demonstrated in older adult patients presenting with storage dysfunction and with various concomitant underlying neurological diseases. However, caution must be taken for the AEs that occur after intravesical BoNT-A injection, including increased post-void residual urine, acute urine retention, and urinary tract infection. Most evidence shows that age is not a major determinant of AEs after adjusting for other factors. In contrast to its application in storage dysfunction, evidence for voiding dysfunction in older adults is scarce. In general, BoNT-A may be a reasonable option for older adult patients with refractory storage dysfunction because of its promising clinical response without significant systemic AEs. Overall, clinicians should be aware of the balance between the therapeutic efficacy of BoNT-A and local AEs in vulnerable members of this population.

Identifying occult bladder outlet obstruction in women with detrusor-underactivity-like urodynamic profiles

Voiding dysfunction can result from detrusor underactivity (DU), bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), or both. Conceptually, women with high-pressure low-flow urodynamic profiles are diagnosed with BOO without DU. However, the possibility of BOO is often neglected in women with DU-like (low-pressure low-flow) urodynamic (UDS) profiles. By reviewing the videourodynamic studies (VUDS) of 1678 women, our study identified the key factors suggesting urodynamic BOO (determined by radiographic evidence of obstruction) in women with DU-like UDS profiles (Pdet.Qmax < 20 cmH2O and Qmax < 15 mL/s). In 355 women with DU-like UDS profiles, there were 70 (19.7%) with BOO and 285 (80.3%) without BOO. The BOO group had predominantly obstructive symptoms. The BOO group showed significantly decreased bladder sensation, lower detrusor pressure (Pdet.Qmax), lower flow rate (Qmax), smaller voided volume, and larger post-voiding residual (PVR) compared to the non-BOO group. In multivariate analysis, volume at first sensation, Qmax, PVR, and detrusor overactivity (DO) remained independent factors for BOO. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) areas for the parameters were largest for PVR (area = 0.786) and Qmax (area = 0.742). The best cut-off points were 220 mL for PVR and 4 mL/s for Qmax. Our findings provide simple indicators for BOO in women with DU.

Overactive bladder syndrome is associated with detrusor overactivity and abnormal voiding pattern in nulliparous women

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy and childbirth are frequently associated with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). However, the role of parous effects in OAB among nulliparous (NP) women remains controversial.

METHODS

This study investigated abnormal voiding patterns and detrusor overactivity (DO) among NP women with OAB in comparison with parous women. From August 2011 to December 2018, 906 patients met the inclusion criteria for participation and were divided into three groups: 221 patients in the NP group, 571 patients in the normal spontaneous delivery (NSD) group, and 114 patients in the cesarean section (CS) group. Urodynamic study examinations were performed, and the presence of DO, abnormal voiding patterns, and maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) was recorded. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, χ2 tests, and independent t tests.

RESULTS

Compared with parous women in the NSD and CS groups, patients in the NP group had a significantly higher prevalence of abnormal voiding patterns, DO, and MUCP. Furthermore, abnormal voiding patterns were significantly associated with DO and MUCP, respectively, especially in the NP group.

CONCLUSION

We hypothesized that hypertonicity or poor relaxation of the pelvic muscle in NP women may cause functional BOO, which is related to their OAB.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Urethral Sphincteric Botulinum Toxin Injections for Female Sphincter Dysfunctions and a Search for Predictive Factors

External urethral sphincter (EUS) dysfunction is a common, bothersome female voiding dysfunction. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of different types of female EUS dysfunction, as well as to determine the outcome predictors of sphincteric botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection. Women receiving sphincteric BoNT-A injections for refractory EUS dysfunction were retrospectively reviewed. A comparison of the baseline clinical, urodynamic parameters and the treatment responses were made for patients with different EUS dysfunctions. A total of 106 females were included. Significantly increased detrusor overactivity, detrusor contracting pressure and the bladder outlet obstruction index with decreased urge sensation were noted in patients diagnosed with dysfunctional voiding or detrusor sphincter dyssynergia comparing to those diagnosed with poor relaxation of the external urethral sphincter. The average subjective improvement rate was 67% for the injection. The therapeutic effect was not affected by the type of EUS dysfunction. The multivariate analysis revealed that bladder neck narrowing and catheterization history were predictive of negative outcomes. There is a distinct urodynamic presentation for each type of female EUS dysfunction. Sphincteric BoNT-A injection provides a good therapeutic outcome for refractory EUS dysfunction. A narrowing bladder neck and a history of catheterization suggest poor therapeutic outcomes.

Urodynamic and clinical features in women with overactive bladder: When to suspect concomitant voiding dysfunction?

AIM

The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence and type of female voiding dysfunction (FVD) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) who were studied by urodynamics and its relationship with voiding symptoms.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of female adult patients with OAB syndrome who underwent UDS in a University Hospital in Chile between January 2015 and April 2020. FVD was defined either as bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) or detrusor underactivity (DU). BOO was established if the Solomon-Greenwell BOO index was higher than 18. DU was diagnosed when the invasive maximum flow rate (Qmax) was ≤15 ml/sec, detrusor pressure at Qmax (Pdet@Qmax) was ≤20 cmH₂ O and postvoid residual (PVR) was greater than 10%. Urodynamic data and clinical features were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety-nine UDS were selected and analyzed. Bladder outlet obstruction was diagnosed in 59 patients (19.7%), whereas DU was found in 10 patients (3.3%). In the multivariate analysis, the logistic regression to predict BOO demonstrated that night-time frequency, the presence of detrusor overactivity and a higher PVR were independent predictors of BOO. Instead, for DU, the only independent predictor was a smaller voided volume in the pressure-flow study.

CONCLUSION

Female voiding dysfunction was found in 23% of patients with overactive bladder. BOO is more frequent than DU, and should be suspected in patients with higher night-time frequency, presence of detrusor overactivity and a high PVR. Instead, DU should be suspected in patients with a smaller voided volume.

Critical Analysis of Outcome Between Ventral and Dorsal Onlay Urethroplasty In Female Urethral Stricture

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare the 2 surgical approaches of urethral reconstruction for management of refractory female urethral strictures (FUS) in a prospective randomized setting. Early surgical reconstruction is becoming the preferred management strategy for recurrent FUS. Reconstructive techniques have been described as using either dorsal (12-o'clock) or ventral approach (6-o'clock), each with their own advantages. To our best knowledge, a direct comparison between the 2 techniques to prospectively compare outcomes hasn't been made.

METHODS

We performed a prospective randomized study in a single tertiary care center on a total of 24 patients, randomizing them into 2 groups of 12 patients each. One group underwent dorsal onlay and other underwent ventral onlay urethroplasty. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were evaluated and compared for the 2 approaches.

RESULTS

There was high success rate (91%) with significant but comparable improvements in flow rates, post void residue and symptomatic outcomes without any major complication. There was 1 recurrence of stricture each in both groups. Important technical differences were noted with easier meatus preservation, lesser bleeding and wider operative field in the ventral approach, while the dorsal approach proving better in distal urethral strictures requiring meatal reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Both approaches of urethroplasty present a very promising modality of management of FUS with comparable outcomes but with important technical differences which must be considered to best tailor the approach for each patient.

The Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) Bladder-Urodynamic Findings

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the urodynamics (UDS) of patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS).

METHODS

Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PoTS referred by the department of neuro-cardiology to the neuro-urology were identified and their UDS were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

In total, 50 patients (47 = 94.0% female) with confirmed PoTS and available UDS were identified. Mean age of females and males was 32.4 and 28.2 years, P = .15. Intermittent self-catheterisation was being used by 15/47 (31.9%) females at assessment. Detrusor overactivity was observed in 6 females (12.8%) (all at end fill and associated with urgency). In total, 14 (29.8%) females had no sensation of filling. No patients had an "unsafe" bladder. In total, 15/47 (31.9%) of women were unable to void with UDS catheters. Straining was reported in 22/35 (68.8%) of females. The female bladder outflow obstruction index = P_DetQ_max - 2.2(Q_max) was over 5 in 10/28 (35.7%) and over 18 in 5 (17.9%). The bladder contractility index = P_DetQ_max + 5Q_max was under 100 in 18/28 (28.6%) women.

CONCLUSION

The UDS of patients with "PoTS bladder" often demonstrate a poorly sensate but stable and safe bladder with functional obstruction and impaired bladder contractility that may necessitate straining or intermittent self-catheterisation.

Deciphering the enigma of female urethral strictures: A systematic review and meta-analysis of management modalities

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the management methods of female urethral stricture (FUS) and analyze the outcomes of surgical treatments. A meta-analysis was done in an attempt to identify the best approach of urethroplasty and the graft-of-choice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of Pubmed/Medline and Embase databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis statement, for articles reporting on FUS management in the last decade. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of 28 included non-randomized studies. The data on FUS management was summarized and pooled success rates (taken as symptom improvement and no need for further instrumentation) were compared. The secondary outcome was to establish a diagnostic modality of choice and define a "successful-outcome" of repair.

RESULTS

The outcome was separately reported for 554 women undergoing surgical intervention for FUS in the literature. The criteria defining FUS were varied. A combination of tests was used for diagnosis as none was singularly conclusive. A total of 301 patients had previous urethral instrumentations. The pooled success rate of urethral dilatation (234 women) was 49% at a mean follow-up of 32 months; flap urethroplasty (108 cases) was 92% at a mean follow-up of 42 months; buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty (133 cases) was 89% at a mean follow-up of 19 months; vaginal graft augmentation (44 cases) was 87% at a mean follow-up of 15 months; and labial graft reconstruction (19 cases) was 89% at a mean follow-up of 18.4 months. The dorsal approach of graft augmentation met with 88% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79-0.95) success compared with 95% (95% CI 0.86-1) for the ventral approach.

CONCLUSION

FUS is a rare condition requiring a meticulous diagnostic workup using multiple tests. All urethroplasties have shown better pooled success rates (86%-93%) compared with dilatation (49%). BMG is equally effective as vaginal graft urethroplasty.

Bladder outlet obstruction is associated with bladder oversensitivity in women

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women might be associated with significant lower urinary tract storage symptoms such as increased frequency, urgency, and incontinence. This prospective study was designed to assess whether there is an objective association between BOO and abnormal parameters during filling cystometry in women.

METHODS

A total of 169 consecutive women (mean age 56 ± 14 years) who were referred for urodynamic investigation were prospectively recruited. Comprehensive medical, obstetric, and gynecological histories were recorded. All patients underwent physical examination, renal and bladder ultrasound, and filled out the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) questionnaire. The cohort was divided into obstructed and un-obstructed groups based on pressure flow results (Obstruction: Q_max <12 ml/s and P_det @ Q_max >25 cmH₂O).

RESULT

There was no significant difference in the frequency of detrusor overactivity between the obstructed and non-obstructed group (37% vs 32%, p = 0.71). All bladder sensation volumes were significantly lower in obstructed women than non-obstructed women in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Of the sensation parameters, first desire to void (FDV) had the highest area under the curve (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.672-0.837, p < 0.001) for predicting BOO. FDV < 105 ml showed a strong association with BOO with OR = 9.84 (95% CI 4.122-23.508, p < 0.0001). On univariate and multivariate analyses adjusted to 50 cc reduction in sensation volume, all sensation parameters, were associated with bladder outlet obstruction.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that there might be a strong association between bladder oversensitivity and BOO in women. This may shed light on the pathophysiological connection between obstruction and enhanced afferent signaling from the bladder.

The role of clean intermittent catheterization in the treatment for detrusor underactivity

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) on the lower urinary tract function in patients with urinary retention (UR) due to detrusor underactivity (DU).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A longitudinal study was carried out on 49 patients (28 men, 21 women) of mean age 55years, who underwent CIC for UR secondary to DU. The mean CIC frequency was 3.15 times/day. Patients' clinical data were collected, and they underwent urodynamic study before and after CIC, with a mean interval of 4years. Fisher's exact test was used for the analysis of categorical variables and Student's t test for parametric variables. The level of significance was set at 0.05 for a two-tailed test.

RESULTS

The second urodynamic study showed a significantly increased bladder compliance, the Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index (BOOI) and the Bladder Contractility Index (BCI) also increased but without reaching statistical significance. There was a significantly higher percentage of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and acontractile detrusor cases among the group of patients whose BCI improved after CIC, with significantly lower CIC time.

CONCLUSIONS

CIC improved bladder compliance in the patients of our series. The BCI improved in BPH patients and in patients with acontractile detrusor.

Treatment validation of the Solomon-Greenwell nomogram for female bladder outlet obstruction

AIM

Bladder outflow in women (bladder outlet obstruction [BOO]) has no well-accepted defining diagnostic criteria. Various nomograms exist based on flow rates, pressure-flow data, and fluoroscopy. We have prospectively evaluated the Solomon-Greenwell bladder outflow obstruction nomogram (SG BOO nomogram) as a measurement of BOO resolution following targeted surgical intervention.

METHODS

The routine posttreatment urodynamics of 21 unselected women with an original urodynamic diagnosis of BOO on fluoroscopy and the SG BOO nomogram (BOO boundary defined as Qmax > 2.2 Pdet.Qmax + 5) were reviewed. All women had symptomatic BOO secondary to anterior pelvic organ prolapse (aPOP), urethrovaginal fistula (UVF), previous stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery, urethral stricture (US), or urethral diverticulum (U Div). Following treatment, all presenting symptoms resolved and simple urodynamics were performed as part of routine follow-up.

RESULTS

The urodynamic findings preoperatively and postoperatively showed statistically significant changes posttreatment in mean flow rate which increased from 9.38 to 14.71 mL/s, mean Pdet.Qmax which decreased from 38 to 18.38 cmH₂ O, and mean SG BOO nomogram probability (PBOO) which reduced from PBOO = 0.68 to 0.08. Mean SG BOO nomogram PBOO was significantly reduced posttreatment in all individual categories except UVF where a nonsignificant reduction from PBOO = 0.55 to 0.05 occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

All urodynamic parameters significantly improve in women who become asymptomatic following surgical treatment of BOO. This improvement is best demonstrated by the change in probability of BOO according to the Solomon-Greenwell nomogram. These findings underline the validity of the Solomon-Greenwell female BOO nomogram for diagnosing and monitoring BOO in women.