[Pelvic floor reconstruction-update 2024: prolapse-associated symptoms and their treatment]

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and associated symptoms of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, obstructive micturition, defecation, and pain are frequent and a widespread disease with relevant reduction of quality of life and high costs. New insights into functional anatomy and pathophysiology of these pelvic floor dysfunctions let us recognize how ligamentous laxities/defects lead to these dysfunctions. Results of the PROpel study (ClinicalTrials.gov-Identifier: NCT00638235) are shown in which a detailed observation of symptoms (patient-related outcome measures) pre- and postoperatively was performed. Ligamentous vaginal repair of POP enables symptom cure in high percentages for urinary urge incontinence (up to 82%), nocturia (up to 92%), obstructive micturition (up to 87%), fecal incontinence (58-72%), obstructive defecation (71-84%), and pain (53-90%), if caused by POP. Women with POP‑Q stage 2 have similar symptom frequencies as women with POP‑Q stage 3-4, and also similar cure rates of their symptoms. If good anatomical prolapse repair (in responders) was achieved, the cure rates for obstructive micturition, urinary urgency incontinence, and nocturia were significantly higher than in those women with less effective surgical repair. In the future, pelvic floor surgery should have symptom cure as the primary objective and should lead to improved quality of life. The different, currently performed techniques for POP repair have to be investigated concerning this matter.

Evaluation of sexual function and vaginal prolapse after radical cystectomy in women: a study to explore an under-evaluated problem

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to evaluate sexual function, vaginal prolapse, and quality of life (QoL) in women after radical cystectomy (RC) using validated questionnaires and pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) measurement.

METHODS

Female bladder cancer patients who underwent RC at our tertiary care center were included (January 2008 to March 2022). Patients received three validated questionnaires (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Vaginal Symptoms [ICIQ-VS] Part A, Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire IUGA revised [PISQ], European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire [EORTC] C30/BLM30). Patients who consented were examined with vaginal POP-Q measurement.

RESULTS

Out of 322 patients, 193 were still alive, 54 patients were lost to follow-up, and 43 were excluded, resulting in 96 patients who received the questionnaire. Finally, 35 patients were included, of whom 17 patients consented to vaginal examination. Complaints due to vaginal symptoms were low (ICIQ-VS 6.17 + 5.37). Sexual activity was reported by 12 patients (34.3%); 23 patients (65.71%) were not sexually active. No apical prolapse was found in POP-Q measurement; 6 patients (35.3%) had anterior, and 14 patients (82.4%) posterior prolapse; the highest prolapse stage was 2. No significant differences were found regarding POP stages, sexual function, and QoL (all p > 0.05) when comparing continent and incontinent urinary diversions. Comparing the vaginal approach (no sparing vs sparing), significant differences were found in only two PISQ subscales (significantly higher scores after vagina sparing, p = 0.01 and p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The type of urinary diversion, POP-Q stages, and tumor stages did not show significant differences regarding sexual function, QoL, and prolapse complaints in women after RC, whereas a vagina- sparing approach showed significant differences only in two subscales without clinical relevance.

[Gender affirmation female to male-metaidoioplasty]

BACKGROUND

Description of an improved technique of metaidoioplasty (clitoris penoid) and presentation of the follow-up of our own patients in comparison to results in the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To reduce the complication rate of urethral strictures and urethrocutaneous fistula, the technique of metaidoioplasty was modified: After elongation of clitoris by incision of chorda the urethra-including the clitoral hood-was reconstructed by distally, broadly based flap of labia minora. In a retrospective follow-up study over 4 years, 75 patients completed questionnaires to assess complications and satisfaction/quality of life and urinary symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS questionnaire). The same questionnaires were completed by 25 patients pre- and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

In the retrospective study, urethral strictures were detected in 1.4% of patients and urethrocutaneous fistulas in 9.4% of patients, which could be repaired in all cases. Furthermore, 39.5% of patients did not decide for phalloplasty and were satisfied with the appearance of the clitoris penoid in 85% and with their function in 88%. A small proportion of the patients developed urinary symptoms, which were mainly of minor severity and significantly dependent on age. In the prospective study, postoperative-versus preoperative-symptoms of urinary incontinence, nocturia, and obstructive micturition were slightly elevated, but mainly of minor severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The improved technique of metaidoioplasty using distally broadly based labia-minora flaps resulted in high satisfaction with low urethral complication rates.

Micro-endoscopy of the human vas deferens: a feasibility study of a novel device in several ex vivo models

The aim of this study was to show limitation as well as potential of micro-endoscopy techniques as an innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approach in andrology. Two kinds of custom-made micro-endoscopes (ME) were tested in ex vivo vas deferens specimen and in post-mortem whole body. The semi-rigid ME included a micro-optic (0.9 mm outer diameter [OD], 10.000 pixels, 120° vision angle [VE], 3-20 mm field depth [FD]) and an integrated fibre-optic light source. The flexible ME was composed of a micro-optic (OD = 0.6 mm, 6.000 pixels, 120° VE, 3-20 mm FD). The ex vivo study included retrograde investigation of the vas deferens (surgical specimen n = 9, radical prostatectomy n = 3). The post-mortem investigation (n = 4) included the inspection of the vas deferens via both approaches. The results showed that antegrade and retrograde rigid endoscopy of the vas deferens were achieved as a diagnostic tool. The working channel enabled therapeutic use including biopsies or baskets. Using the flexible ME, the orifices of the ejaculatory ducts were identified. In vivo cadaveric retrograde cannulation of the orifices was successful. Post-mortem changes of verumontanum hindered the examinations beyond. Orifices were identified shaded behind a thin transparent membrane. Antegrade vasoscopy using flexible ME was possible up to the internal inguinal ring. Further advancement was impossible because of anatomical angle and lack adequate vision guidance. The vas deferens interior was clearly visible and was documented by pictures and movies. Altogether, the described ME techniques were feasible and effective, offering the potential of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for use in the genital tract. Several innovative indications could be expected.

[Female urethral obstruction and bladder neck stenosis - fact or myth - how to proceed]

The female urethra is probably the most neglected organ in women. Female urethral stricture and primary bladder neck obstruction are rare clinical entities. Traditional and new surgical techniques have been described for the treatment of female urethral stricture. However, they are based on limited data. There is no consensus on best management. The techniques of urethroplasty all have a higher mean success rate (80-94%) than urethral dilatation (< 50%), albeit with shorter mean follow-up. Urethroplasty performed by experienced surgeons appears to be a feasible option in women who have failed urethral dilatation, although there is a lack of high-level evidence to recommend one technique over another.Primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) is a condition in which the bladder neck fails to open adequately during voiding. This leads to increased striated sphincter activity or obstruction of urinary flow without another anatomic cause being present, for example an obstruction caused by genitourinary prolapse in women. Watchful waiting, pharmacotherapy and surgical intervention are possible treatments.

[Functional aspects of pelvic floor surgery]

Pelvic floor dysfunctions are frequently seen in females. The human pelvic floor is a complex structure and heavily stressed throughout female life. Recent findings in the functional anatomy of the pelvic floor have led to a much better understand-ing, on the basis of which enormous improvements in the therapeutic options have arisen. The pelvic floor activity is regulated by three main muscular forces that are responsible for vaginal tension and suspension of the pelvic floor -organs, bladder and rectum. For different reasons laxity in the vagina or its supporting ligaments as a result of altered connective tissue can distort this functional anatomy. A variety of symptoms can derive from these pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as urinary urge and stress incontinence, abnormal bladder emptying, faecal incontinence, obstructive bowel disease syndrome and pelvic pain. Pelvic floor reconstruction is nowadays driven by the concept that in the case of pelvic floor symptoms restoration of the anatomy will translate into restoration of the physiology and ultimately improve the patients' symptoms. The exact surgical reconstruction of the anatomy is there-fore almost exclusively focused on the restoration of the lax pelvic floor ligaments. An exact identification of the anatomic lesions preoperatively is eminently necessary, to allow for an exact anatomic reconstruction with respect to the muscular forces of the pelvic floor.

[Treatment of urinary incontinence in the elderly woman]

In the treatment of urinary incontinence in women account needs to be taken of a variety of factors. reversible causes in particular must be painstakingly identified and treated. for the various different forms of urinary incontinence well-evaluated therapeutic concepts are available, with the aid of which elderly patients are enabled to continue to function in their usual social environment while enjoying a good quality of life.

Fortentwickelte Konzepte zur weiblichen (In-)Kontinenz

The integral theory postulates that defect ligaments and fascias, which impair the supporting function of the vaginal wall, can cause stress urinary incontinence as well as urgency and voiding dysfunction. The anatomical and pathophysiologic basis for these dysfunctions are presented. Voiding dysfunctions can be treated by the substitution of defect structures using the principle of "restoration of structure leads to restoration of function". Essential elements of this therapeutic algorithm are suburethral vaginal slings (retropubic or transobturatoric), further a posterior sling, which runs through the fossa ischiorectalis and suspends the vaginal vault near the sacrospinal ligaments, thus reconstructing defect uterosacral ligaments. In cystoceles, lateral and medial defects can be restored by ventral meshes, which are fixed at the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis by lateral transobturatoric slings. The use of polypropylene slings and meshes is well-founded because they are well tolerated in the tissues and through the development of scar tissue lead to neoligaments with long-lasting therapeutic effects.

[Management of urinary incontinence in the aging man]

The increasing prevalence and incidence of male urinary incontinence in senium-necessitate a specific as well as symptom and etiologically-oriented therapy. In addition to the conservative care with absorbent products, catheterization methods are available. Moreover, the problem can be successfully controlled in the majority of the patients through very specific drug and surgical therapeutic concepts.

[Urinary stress incontinence in women]

The integral theory of Petros and Ulmsten has profoundly changed our understanding of the female pelvic floor. Anatomic laxity of the vaginal wall caused by pelvic floor defects induced at different damage zones is frequently not only responsible for stress urinary incontinence but also for pollakisuria, urgency, post-void residual and pelvic pain. A number of minimally invasive techniques have been developed to correct these defects. Applying a tension-free polypropylene tape around the mid-urethra has become an established method to correct the anterior ligaments. The infra-coccygeal sacropexy can achieve dorsal stabilization of the vaginal wall. Currently, polypropylene meshes are increasingly used for repairing supporting pelvic fasciae. The most recommended conservative methods are exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Duloxetine increases the rhabdosphincter contractility during the filling phases, but not during voiding, and therefore is a promising drug for clinical use.

[European Association of Urology guidelines on urinary and male genital tract infections]

Today, the classical bacteria that cause venereal diseases, e.g. gonorrhea, syphilis, chancroid and inguinal granuloma, only account for a small proportion of all known sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Other bacteria and viruses as well as yeasts, protozoa and epizoa must also be regarded as causative organisms of STD. Taken together, all sexually transmitted infections comprise more than 30 relevant STD pathogens. However, not all pathogens that can be sexually transmitted manifest diseases in the genitals and not all infections of the genitals are exclusively sexually transmitted. Concise information and tables summarising the diagnostic and therapeutic management of STDs in the field of urology allow a synoptic overview, and are in agreement with the recent international guidelines of other specialist areas. Special considerations (i.e. HIV infection, pregnancy, infants, allergy) and recommended regimens are presented.

[Urogenital infections in the elderly]

The increasing incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and symptomatic urinary tract infections in the elderly requires a detailed consideration of this problem including age-specific medical and social risk factors. The increasing need for care, age- and gender-related complicating factors such as subvesical obstruction, adnexal infections, and incontinence, and the need for catheterization are predominant. Specific age-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus, pharmacodynamic alterations of antimicrobial substances, and changes in the vaginal colonization make increased demands on therapeutic strategies. Urologic implications resulting from this set of difficulties have not yet been investigated sufficiently and need further evidence-based work-up.

Simultaneous microsurgical spermatic vein ligation and sclerotherapy. a combined procedure for the treatment of recurrent or persistent varicocele

OBJECTIVES

Microsurgical ligation as well as antegrade sclerotherapy have been established in varicocele treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a combination of microsurgery and sclerotherapy can provide a safe and effective treatment of varicocele recurrence or persistence.

METHODS

Nine patients with recurrent or persistent varicoceles were operated by means of the combination method. Under microscopic control varix veins were ligated selectively preserving lymphatics and arteries. Ectopic veins as a possible source for varicocele persistence or recurrence were also ligated. Finally, an intraoperative venography with subsequent sclerotherapy was performed through one of the dissected veins.

RESULTS

Despite difficult anatomical situations after previous surgical interventions, the operations were performed successfully without any complications. Clinical controls showed varicocele disappearance without damage of the testis. No varicocele recurrence or persistence was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This method combines the advantages of both methods. Precision of the microsurgical technique is combined with velocity of sclerotherapy. Thus, it may represent an interesting alternative to conventional operation methods especially in the treatment of recurrent or persistent varicoceles.

[Fluorescence cytology of the urinary bladder]

5-aminolevulinic acid induced fluorescence cystoscopy is invaluable for diagnosing urinary bladder carcinoma and its precursors. Because neoplastic cells of the urinary bladder possess striking fluorescent properties due to protoporphyrin IX, we initiated a study to evaluate the use of fluorescence microscopy in urinary sediments. In 27 patients suspected of having bladder carcinomas, we instilled 5-aminolevulinic acid into their urinary bladders before transurethral therapy and compared thereafter our studies of standard cytological sediments with those made under fluorescence microscopy. The results of fluorescence cystoscopy and those using urinary sediments for neoplastic cells under fluorescence microscopy correlated extremely well. In this pilot study using fluorescence microscopy, we found that we could diagnose with precision urinary neoplasms of different grades of differentiation. Accordingly, we regard fluorescence microscopy as a valuable complement for standard urinary cytology, especially since with fluorescence microscopy we can readily recognize fluorescing cells of highly differentiated urinary tumors and flat premalignant dysplasias.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections

In the past few years it has been clearly demonstrated that the concept of bacterial biofilm production permits an understanding and provides some explanation of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. This concept describes the colonization of catheter surfaces and the movement of bacteria against the urinary flow. It explains the antibacterial resistance of these matrix-enclosed sessile populations of bacteria. The catheter encrustation can be observed as mineralizing bacterial biofilm. The differentiation in swarming cells exposing a much higher activity of the enzyme urease is responsible for the predominant role of Proteus mirabilis in obstructing encrustations. The guidelines for the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections were developed over the past decades by clinicians and are still valid. They can now be better understood taking into consideration these new theories. As overuse of urethral catheters and non-compliance of their recommended use are still apparent, educational and surveillance programmes are needed to help maintain good standards of care.

Large de novo renal cell carcinoma in a 10-year-old transplanted kidney: successful organ-preserving therapy

BACKGROUND

A recent review of the Cincinnati Transplant Tumor Registry recorded 24 de novo renal cell carcinomas developing in renal allografts. However, late development of these tumors after transplantation is very rare. Only four reports exist regarding conservative surgery on kidney transplant tumors.

METHODS

This is a report on a case of a large 6-cm de novo renal cell carcinoma in a 10-year-old transplanted kidney. Optimal therapy by transplant nephrectomy or tumor enucleation was discussed.

RESULTS

Partial resections or enucleations of renal cell carcinoma are still less than ideal in carcinomas larger than 3 cm considering the higher risk of local recurrence. But the recipient in this case had done so well and had had such a high quality of life after transplantation that partial nephrectomy as therapy of choice was selected. Now the patient is 2 years tumor free.

CONCLUSION

The case report demonstrates that in certain select cases of large tumors, organ-preserving surgery could be an alternative approach in combining complete tumor removal with preservation of graft function.

[Sex-adjusting surgery in transsexualism]

Surgery for sex reassignment is an established procedure in both female-to-male and male-to-female transsexuals. While good cosmetic and functional results can be achieved in most patients of the former group in 2 sessions, in the latter the best possible results necessitate numerous interventions and scarring is inevitable. Our own preferred surgical techniques are described in detail and illustrated. Such complex interventions should be done only in specialized centres in cooperation between urologists, gynecologists and plastic surgeons.

[Laser lithotripsy of ureteral calculi]

A total of 149 patients with 152 ureteral stones were treated with intraureteral lithotripsy by Dye-laser (83.55%), Alexandrite-laser (41.27%), electrohydraulic lithotripsy adapted for use in the ureter (25.16%) or neodymium: YAG laser with optomechanic coupling (3.2%). The Dye-laser has an automatic pulse shut-off mechanism with spectral analysis of the reflected laser beam, so that effective laser pulses can only be released by contact with a stone. Most (127 of 83.5%) of the stones could be completely fragmented, so that no further treatment was necessary. In 16 cases (10.5%) the stone was too hard for fragmentation and had to be removed by alternative techniques. Intraureteral lithotripsy is a save and effective method of treating ureteral stones that cannot be reached or have not been treated successfully by shockwave lithotripsy. No significant differences in outcome were found between the different lasers or electrohydraulic lithotripsy. In selected cases endoscopic treatment may be recommended as treatment of first choice.

[Renal cell carcinoma--diagnosis, differential diagnosis and prognosis]

OBJECTIVES

Consideration of the approach to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma and the criteria needed for an assessment of prognosis.

MAJOR POINTS

Thanks to the comprehensive use of ultrasonography and abdominal CT, asymptomatic renal cell carcinomas confined within the renal capsule are now more often being discovered and treated by curative surgery. With the aid of ultrasonography, abdominal CT and NMR imaging, pre-operative visualization of tumor spread is now better, although, with the exception of angiomyolipoma, it is still not possible to adequately differentiate the rare benign tumors of the kidney, for example oncocytoma, from renal cell carcinomas with these procedures. The TNM classification permits a highly differentiated prognostic classification of the renal cell carcinomas. The additional prognostic parameters, triploidy and hypertetraploidy determinable by flow cytophotometry, are also considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Early detection of renal cell carcinomas in an asymptomatic stage decisively influences the further prognosis, so that for all upper abdominal ultrasonographic explorations, performed for whatever reason, attention should be paid to such incidental findings.

[NMR tomography of vena cava thrombi: clinical significance in the differential diagnosis and therapy]

31 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma underwent abdominal MRI which were examined by an independent experienced radiologist and compared with the intraoperative findings. 12 of 13 vena caval tumor thrombi were diagnosed correctly, 1 small tumor thrombus in a case with large retroperitoneal lymph nodes compressing the vena cava could not be detected. The extension of the tumor in the vena cava could exactly be described in topographic relation to liver, diaphragm and right atrium which is important for planning the operative procedure.

[Laser lithotripsy with automatic shut-off on tissue contact]

A group of 88 patients with 89 ureteral calculi were treated with the pulsed dye-laser. Visual control was carried out through 8.5-F or 9.5-F ureteroscopes. The laser has automatic shut-off via spectrum analysis of back-scatter laser light. Effective laser pulses can therefore only be induced in the case of contact with the stone. Of the 89 stones 58 (65.2%) were completely fragmented by laser lithotripsy, 15 (16.8%) by laser lithotripsy in combination with ESWL and 9 (10.1%) by other ureteroscopic techniques. Ureterolithotomy was necessary only in 1 case (1%). There were 5 calculi (5.6%) that were too hard for fragmentation. The pulsed dye-laser is a safe and effective treatment modality for ureteral calculi that are not accessible for ESWL or in which ESWL has been unsuccessful. Further experimental and clinical trials will have to show whether miniature probes for electrohydraulic lithotripsy, dye-laser with automatic shut-off, or alexandrite laser will be the method of choice for lithotripsy of ureteral calculi.

[The clinical value of NMR tomography for retroperitoneal diagnosis]

NMR-tomography is a noninvasive diagnostic alternative to conventional imaging modalities. For clinical purpose there is no significant improvement in staging of kidney tumors and lymphnode metastases. The diagnostic value for complicated cysts and adrenal tumors is superior to all alternative imaging modalities as CT and sonography. Tumors of vena cava could be staged with an accuracy rate of 100%.

[Prevalence and incidence of arterial hypertension in patients with kidney calculi treated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy]

Follow-up studies were conducted on 806 patients to investigate the question of whether or not arterial hypertension can develop subsequent to ESWL. First of all, it was determined that 509 of 518 patients who were subjected to ESWL treatment from December 1985 to December 1986 still had normotension (n = 410) or hypertension (RR greater than or equal to, 160/95, n = 99) prior to and on an average of 9.3 months after ESWL. Six hypertensive patients became normotensive subsequent to ESWL. Only 1 patient developed hypertension following ESWL. Secondly, the 288 patients who were subjected to ESWL treatment from May 1982 to May 1984 revealed a 3.1% incidence of arterial hypertension within a period of 3.6 years following ESWL. This incidence, however, only illustrates that there was a pronounced age-related increase in the prevalence of hypertension (0.8% per year) in these study groups.

[Long-term experiences following extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in patients with urinary calculi]

A report is given on the experience we have had over a period of up to 7 years following ESWL treatment in urinary stone patients. 131I-hippuran clearance studies were conducted on 19 patients prior to and 6.6 years subsequent to ESWL. There was no evidence of any degree of deterioration in total renal function or of any form of dysfunction in the kidney treated. Follow-up examinations on 247 patients showed a 7% recurrent stone rate within a period of 3.6 years following ESWL. In 16% of the cases, residual concretions were found 6 months after ESWL, only 4% of which were larger than 5 mm in diameter. In 22%, concretions were discovered 3.6 years after ESWL 36% of which were larger than 5 mm. This size increase in the fragments accounts for the stone growth.

[Causes, prevention and therapy of complications of lymphadenectomy following tumor nephrectomy]

In our series of 295 patients who had to undergo a radical nephrectomy. 34% had postoperative wound drainage for longer than 6 days. In 7 patients (2.4%) lymphocele developed, which was cured by percutaneous puncture and drainage in most cases.

[Kidney cancer with invasion of the vena cava: classification, surgical strategy and results of treatment]

A new classification of vena caval tumor thrombi is recommended from our experience with 37 cases. For advanced tumor thrombi a surgical technique with routinely performed thoracotomy, inserting a Sarns-catheter and preparing the cardiopulmonary bypass is mandatory. If metastases are absent the prognosis of the renal carcinoma is nearly as good as in cases without tumor extension into the vena cava. The total 2-year-survival rate in our series is 47%, for the cases without metastases it is 65%. The total 5-year-survival rate is 25% and for patients without metastases 57%.

[Expansion of extracorporeal shock were lithotripsy by auxiliary methods]

With the introduction of the ESWL, this non-invasive form of treatment has proved itself to be an alternative to surgical renal stone therapy. The increasing application of auxiliary methods has results in a vast extention of the indications for ESWL-monotherapy. Therefore, presently, practically all patients with urolithiasis can be treated non-invasively, where previously, surgery had to be performed.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for treatment of urolithiasis

We present our experience with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and the new therapeutic aspects it has generated. The current state of technology also will be discussed.