Augmentation colocystoplasty in bladder exstrophy

Anthocran® Phytosome®: Prevention of Recurring Urinary Infections and Symptoms after Catheterization

In this preliminary pilot registry study, we investigated the effects of the oral supplementation of a standardized cranberry extract (Anthocran® Phytosome®, Indena) delivered by a lecithin-based system, for the prophylactic management of recurrent-urinary tract infections (R-UTIs). We included 64 otherwise healthy subjects who underwent a surgical procedure and required post-surgical urinary catheterization for high-risk UTIs or a previous history of R-UTIs. Patients were given supplementation with the standardized cranberry extract at the dose of either 120 mg/day (n = 12) or 240 mg/day (n = 12) or assigned to a control group consisting of standard management (SM; n = 18) or nitrofurantoin administration (n = 22) for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, patients receiving the standardized cranberry supplementation reported to have a more effective reduction in UTI symptoms, as assessed on the visual analogue scale, compared with patients in the SM or nitrofurantoin groups. The occurrence of hematuria and urine bacterial contamination were decreased among patients treated with the supplement compared with controls (p < 0.05). The cranberry extract was also superior to the control management in terms of recurrence of signs/symptoms, with none of the patients in this group suffering from a R-UTI in the 3 months following the study end (p < 0.05). The supplementation showed an optimal safety profile, with no significant adverse events and no drop-outs in the supplement group. This registry shows that this cranberry extract is effective as a supplementary, preventive management in preventing post-operative, post-catheter UTIs; the product has a good tolerability profile.

Factors Predicting Renal Function Outcome after Augmentation Cystoplasty

We determined the cause of renal deterioration after augmentation cystoplasty (AC). Twenty-nine adult patients with refractory bladder dysfunction and who underwent ileocystoplasty from 2004 to 2015 were studied. Patients with a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after augmentation were reviewed. The primary outcome was to determine the factors that might lead to deterioration of estimated GFR. Median follow-up was 7.0 ± 2.6 years. Significant bladder capacity, end filling pressure, and bladder compliance were achieved from median 114 ± 53.6 to 342.1 ± 68.3 ml (p = .0001), 68.5 ± 19.9 to 28.2 ± 6.9 cm H₂O (p = .0001), and 3.0 ± 2.1 to 12.8 ± 3.9 (p = .0001), respectively. Renal function remained stable and improved in 22 (76%) patients from median eGFR 135 ± 81.98 to 142.82 ± 94.4 ml/min/1.73 m² (p = .160). Significant deterioration was found in 7 (24%) patients from median eGFR 68.25 ± 42 to 36.57 ± 35.33 (p = .001). The causes of renal deterioration were noncompliance to self-catheterization (2 patients), posterior urethral valve/dysplastic kidneys (2 patients), and reflux/infection (2 patients). On multivariate analysis, recurrent pyelonephritis (OR 3.87, p = 0.0155) and noncompliance (OR 30.78, p = 0.0156) were significant. We concluded that AC is not the cause of progression to end-stage renal disease in patients with renal insufficiency.

Indications for Augmentation Cystoplasty in the Era of OnabotulinumtoxinA

Overactive bladder (OAB) with or without a neurogenic etiology that is refractory to conventional first-, second-, and third-line therapies is a challenging condition that typically leaves the physician and the patient with few options. Historically, treatment for patients who did not respond to any of the few pharmacologic choices focused on more invasive surgical options--specifically, augmentation cystoplasty (AC). In 2011 and 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved intradetrusor injection of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO), respectively. Since then, a dramatic decline in the use of AC has called into question its utility in the treatment algorithm of this difficult patient population. The purpose of this paper is to review the current body of literature in order to outline the circumstances in which AC is still a relevant therapeutic option.

The role of imaging in pediatric bladder augmentation

Bladder augmentation (also called augmentation cystoplasty) refers to a number of surgical methods that increase the capacity and compliance of the urinary bladder. Imaging has an important role in the postoperative evaluation of bladder augmentation. The most common augmentation procedures utilize enteric segments to augment the bladder. The various types of bladder augmentation have characteristic appearances on different imaging modalities. Spontaneous bladder perforation is a complication that is seen in both early and late post-operative periods and it is one of the most important complications for radiologists to be aware of as it is life-threatening. We review the indications for bladder augmentation in children, the surgical techniques employed, the normal postoperative appearances on imaging studies and the role of imaging complications of bladder augmentation including delayed spontaneous bladder rupture, which is life-threatening.

Bladder calculi in the augmented bladder: a follow-up study of 160 children and adolescents

INTRODUCTION

Bladder augmentation (BA) has been used for various congenital and acquired conditions to create a low pressure, continent catheterizable reservoir. The prevalence of calculi within the BA have been reported to be from 3 to 52.5%. The present study reports the prevalence and risk factors of bladder calculi in patients with BA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 160 patients was performed from January 1997 through December 2012. The various risk factors for the formation of bladder calculi such as the nature of the anatomical defect, presence of preoperative urinary calculi, type of bowel augmentation, addition of a mitrofanoff and/or bladder neck procedure, prevalence of post-operative urinary tract infections (UTIs), need for mitrofanoff revision due to stenosis/difficulty catheterization, postoperative significant hydronephrosis and bladder calculi were recorded for analysis. The children underwent open removal or endoscopic cystolithotripsy. One hundred and eight males and 52 females (average age 6.3 years) were followed up for a median of 70.5 months. All patients performed daily bladder irrigation with tap or drinking water.

RESULTS

Post-operative bladder calculi were noted in 14 (8.8%) of 160 patients following BA. Median time to stone formation was 37.5 months (11-120 months). Recurrent febrile UTIs were noted in 16 of the 160 patients following BA. The various risk factors and their outcomes are summarized in table. Eight patients underwent open cystolithotomy and four patients were treated by cystolithotripsy. Post-operative recurrent bladder calculi were noted in 2 patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that exstrophy/epispadias (OR 17.2) and recurrent UTI (OR 55.4) were independent risk factors for developing postoperative calculi in bladder augmentations. All other risk factors did not achieve statistical significance.

DISCUSSION

There seemed to be no difference in the prevalence of calculi in the ileal or colonic augmentations. Mucus secreted by the bowel segment blocks catheters leading to incomplete drainage, stagnation and UTIs. Our protocol consists of daily bladder irrigation till the effluents are clear of mucus. This is probably the key to the low prevalence of postoperative calculi (8.8%) in our patients.

CONCLUSION

Bladder exstrophy/epispadias and UTIs are independent statistically significant risk factors for the formation of bladder calculi in BA patients. Other risk factors such as preoperative calculi, bladder neck procedures and the use of mitrofanoff though not statistically significant, may contribute to the overall risk. The performance of daily bladder irrigation is an important part of our management of mucus.

Retropubic bulbourethral sling in incontinence post-exstrophy repair: 2-year minimal follow up of a salvage procedure

AIMS

Post-exstrophy incontinence is a challenge because continence is difficult to achieve and more difficult to maintain. Feasibility and outcomes of a bulbourethral sling to treat post-exstrophy incontinence is shown in this report.

METHODS

A retropubic bulbourethral sling was applied to male patients with incontinence post-exstrophy-epispadius repair. The study included children with total (continuous) incontinence who underwent multiple previous anti-incontinence procedures, ranging from bladder neck injection to bladder neck reconstruction. Preoperative assessment includes urinalysis, renal US, VCUG, 1-hr pad test and urodynamics. The bulbourethral sling applied is made of polypropylene and is suspended by 4 pairs of nylon sutures, to support the bulbar urethra within its covering muscles with the sutures tied on the rectus muscles. Continence was evaluated as well as adverse events.

RESULTS

Seventeen children, (median age 8.7 years) completed 24-month of follow up. All had CPRE. Five children (29.27%) were dry. Four micturated through the urethra and one by catheterizing his cutaneous stoma every 3-4 hr. In none, PVR exceeded 10% of expected capacity. Four children underwent re-tightening 1-4 weeks after removal of urethral catheter. Perineal wound dehiscence occurred in one, perineal/suprapubic pain in seven and epididymo-orchitis in one child.

CONCLUSION

The current technique is promising for difficult cases of incontinence after CPRE. It is safe, as no serious adverse events occurred during follow up period. It is economic and re-tightening is easy to perform. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:497-502, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Augmentation cystoplasty: Contemporary indications, techniques and complications

Augmentation cystoplasty (AC) has traditionally been used in the treatment of the low capacity, poorly compliant or refractory overactive bladder (OAB). The use of intravesical botulinum toxin and sacral neuromodulation in detrusor overactivity has reduced the number of AC performed for this indication. However, AC remains important in the pediatric and renal transplant setting and still remains a viable option for refractory OAB. Advances in surgical technique have seen the development of both laparoscopic and robotic augmentation cystoplasty. A variety of intestinal segments can be used although ileocystoplasty remains the most common performed procedure. Early complications include thromboembolism and mortality, whereas long-term problems include metabolic disturbance, bacteriuria, urinary tract stones, incontinence, perforation, the need for intermittent self-catheterization and carcinoma. This article examines the contemporary indications, published results and possible future directions for augmentation cystoplasty.

Exstrophy epispadias complex- Issues beyond the initial repair

Despite advances in the management of exstrophy epispadias complex (EEC), the quality of life of these patients is far from good. The post-operative period is complicated by numerous and variable events - infection, dehiscence, upper tract dilatation with deterioration, fistulas, stone formation and incontinence to name a few of the major complications. Redo surgery for bladder closure, bladder neck reconstruction, epispadias repair and closure of fistulas are frequently required. The current focus is on limiting the frequency and morbidity of the reconstructive procedures. A successful initial closure and early satisfactory cosmetic and functional results are gratifying for the family and the health care team, but this is only the beginning of the lifelong care necessary for bladder exstrophy (BE) patients. In this article, the long-term outcome of various treatment options and the continent procedures in BE has been reviewed, tracing the journey of these patients into adolescence and adulthood.

Delayed ileal-ileocystoplasty fistula formation: an unusual complication of augmentation enterocystoplasty

Augmentation enterocystoplasty is a successful treatment for patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Delayed spontaneous bladder rupture is a serious recognised complication of the procedure; however, to our knowledge, delayed fistula formation between the neobladder and the gastrointestinal tract has not been reported in the literature. We report the case of a 21-year-old male who presented with chronic diarrhoea resulting from an ileal-ileocystoplasty fistula 10 years following a successful augmentation enterocystoplasty. Fistula formation is a possible complication of this procedure, and a high index of suspicion is required for patients presenting with diarrhoea who have previously undergone bladder augmentation surgery.

Bladder augmentation and continent urinary diversion in boys with posterior urethral valves

Posterior urethral valve (PUV) is a condition that leads to characteristic changes in the bladder and upper urinary tract. Dysfunction of the bladder such as a hyperreflective, hypertonic, and small capacity bladder as well as sphincter incompetence and/or myogenic failure should be adequately treated. Poor compliance/small bladder could be treated with anticholinergics, but bladder augmentation will probably be indicated. Although bladder reconstruction with gastrointestinal segments can be associated with multiple complications, including metabolic disorders, calculus formation, mucus production, enteric fistulas, and malignancy formation, enterocystoplasty is still the gold standard. In contrast to a neuropathic or exstrophic bladder, augmentation of the valve bladder allows spontaneous voiding without significant residual urine in the majority of cases, but some require CIC (clean intermittent cathterization). Augmentation cystoplasty is also an efficient approach in those children who will require kidney transplantation in the future.

The past, present and future of augmentation cystoplasty

What's known on the subject? And what does the study add? There is a wealth of evidence on the development, indications, outcomes and complications of augmentation cystoplasty (AC). Over the last decade, new evidence has been emerging to influence our clinical practice and application of this technique. AC is indicated as part of the treatment pathway for both neurogenic and idiopathic detrusor overactivity, usually where other interventions have failed or are inappropriate. The most commonly used technique remains augmentation with a detubularised patch of ileum (ileocystoplasty). Controversy persists over the role of routine surveillance following ileocystoplasty for the detection of subsequent bladder carcinoma; however the indication for surveillance after gastrocystoplasty is clearer due to a rising incidence of malignancy in this group. Despite a reduction in the overall numbers of AC operations being performed, it clearly still has a role to play, which we re-examine with contemporary studies from the last decade.

Bladder exstrophy: An overview of the surgical management

BACKGROUND

The surgical management of urinary bladder exstrophy is challenging. This paper describes the personal experience in a tertiary care hospital over a period exceeding a quarter of a century.

METHODS

During the period 1984-2010, 248 patients of the epispadias-exstrophy complex have been treated. The cases of classical bladder exstrophy (n = 210) form the basis of this paper. The stages/procedures used in the surgical reconstruction of bladder exstrophy included bladder closure with anterior abdominal wall reconstruction, bladder neck repair, ureteric reimplantation, epispadias repair and augmentation colocystoplasty in various combinations. Some of these patients had their initial operations done prior to 1984 or in other hospitals. Evaluation methods included, amongst others, clinical evaluation and urodynamic assessment. Eight patients opted out of treatment; 15 patients underwent permanent urinary diversion by either ureterosigmoidostomy or colon conduit. The remaining 187 patients were treated with bladder reconstruction, and of these, 132 patients have had at least one attempt at bladder neck reconstruction with 56 of these patients having undergone an augmentation colocystoplasty.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients had socially acceptable continence: 57 from the bladder neck reconstruction group and 48 from the bladder augmentation group. Further attempts at continence surgery have been offered to the inadequately continent patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical management of bladder exstrophy demands patience and perseverance. It is possible to provide all patients with socially acceptable continence with bladder neck division and catheterizable continent stoma as the last resort. Urodynamic assessment has emerged as an essential tool in the follow-up evaluation of these patients. Anticholinergic medication with imipramine or oxybutinin is a useful adjunct in the overall management.

Erosion of repaired exstrophy bladder by a large vesical calculus

Formation of stones in repaired exstrophy bladder is common; however, erosion of stone through the repaired bladder and anterior abdominal wall has never been reported. We report one such case of erosion after three years of repair.

Urogynaecological and obstetric issues in women with the exstrophy-epispadias complex

OBJECTIVE

To review of the sexual and urogynaecological issues faced by a large cohort of women with the exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 83 women and girls with EEC; a confidential survey was mailed to identify their social and sexual concerns. Fifty-six women had classical bladder exstrophy (CBE), 13 had female epispadias (FE) and 14 had cloacal exstrophy (CE). Data on the initial method of reconstruction and urogynaecological problems were obtained from a review of the hospital records. Information on continence, infection and sexual function was obtained from 34 completed surveys.

RESULTS

The bladder was closed in 51 patients with CBE and 13 with CE. Urinary calculi developed in 10 patients with CBE, two with FE and three with CE. Vaginal and uterine prolapse occurred an earlier age in patients with EEC. Eight women had 13 pregnancies, eight of which resulted in normal healthy children. Overall continence was achieved in 85% of the women surveyed. Urinary tract infections remained a frequent problem for women with EEC; only 27% of respondents indicated that they were infection-free. Women aged > 18 years (24) who responded indicated that they had appropriate sexual desire; 16 were sexually active and the mean age for commencing sexual activity was 19.9 years. Six patients had dyspareunia and 10 indicated that they had orgasms. However, five additional patients indicated that they had restricted intercourse, as they were dissatisfied with the cosmesis of their external genitalia.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual and gynaecological issues become increasingly important in patients with EEC as they become adults. Understanding these issues faced by patients with EEC as they mature will permit better counselling of future patients.