Acute graft thrombosis in patients who underwent renal transplant and received anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents. A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Thrombosis is a major cause of early allograft loss in renal transplantation. Herein, we assessed the frequency of acute graft thrombosis in patients who underwent renal transplant and received anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of all available case series studies of anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet prophylaxis of thrombosis in renal transplantation. The data were pooled in a proportional meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-one case series were identified from 7,160 retrieved titles. A total of 3,246 patients were analyzed (1,718 treated with antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant agents and 1,528 non-treated control subjects). Allograft thrombosis occurred in 7.24% (95% CI 3.45 to 12.27%) of the patients receiving no intervention compared with 3.38% (95% CI 1.45 to 6.1%), 1.2% (95% CI 0.6 to 2.1%) and 0.47% (95% CI 0.001 to 1.79%) of the patients in the anticoagulant, aspirin, and aspirin + anticoagulant groups, respectively. The bleeding complication rate for anticoagulants was significantly higher than in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggests that anticoagulants, and aspirin, either alone or in association with an anticoagulant, seem to have a low frequency of acute allograft thrombosis after kidney transplantation. Higher hemorrhagic complication rates might occur when anticoagulants are used.

Fasting and 24-h urine pH in patients with urolithiasis using potassium citrate

PURPOSE

To evaluate the correlation between the pH readings in 24-h urine and the random fasting specimen in patients with urolithiasis using 2 methods.

METHODS

A total of 114 patients with urinary lithiasis using potassium citrate were prospectively analyzed. All patients collected 24-h urine and an additional sample, after nocturnal fasting, collected on the day they brought the 24-h sample at the lab. Two different methods (test strip and digital meter) were used to determine pH values.

RESULTS

The pH analysis using strips in the 24-h urine presented a mean value similar to the one obtained in the fasting sample (6.07 ± 0.74 vs. 6.02 ± 0.82, respectively; P > 0.05). The same behavior was seen considering the readings with a digital pH meter (5.8 ± 0.78 vs. 5.75 ± 0.83; P > 0.05). However, readings conducted in the same specimen with pH meter and test strip were dissonant (P < 0.05), suggesting that the colorimetric method is not reliable in the assessment of urinary pH in this population.

CONCLUSION

pH assessment in a random urinary specimen proved as efficient as the 24-h urine standard method to monitor patients with kidney stones in the use of potassium citrate. Classical test strip analysis is not sensitive enough to evaluate the urine pH in this population and digital pH meter reading is preferred.

Multiple analyses suggests texture features can indicate the presence of tumor in the prostate tissue

Several studies have demonstrated statistical and texture analysis abilities to differentiate cancerous from healthy tissue in magnetic resonance imaging. This study developed a method based on texture analysis and machine learning to differentiate prostate findings. Forty-eight male patients with PI-RADS classification and subsequent radical prostatectomy histopathological analysis were used as gold standard. Experienced radiologists delimited the regions of interest in magnetic resonance images. Six different groups of images were used to perform multiple analyses (seven analyses variations). Those analyses were outlined by specialists in urology as those of most significant importance for the classification. Forty texture features were extracted from each image and processed with Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbors, and Naive Bayes. Those seven analyses variation results were described in terms of area under the ROC curve (AUC), accuracy, F-score, precision and sensitivity. The highest AUC (93.7%) and accuracy (88.8%) were obtained when differentiating the group with both MRI and histopathology positive findings against the group with both negative MRI and histopathology. When differentiating the group with both MRI and histopathology positive findings versus the peripheral image zone group the AUC value was 86.6%. When differentiating the group with negative MRI/positive histopathology versus the group with both negative MRI and histopathology the AUC value was 80.7%. The evaluation of statistical and texture analysis promoted very suggestive indications for future work in prostate cancer suspicious regions. The method is fast for both region of interest selection and classification with machine learning and the result brings original contributions in the classification of different groups of patients. This tool is low-cost, and can be used to assist diagnostic decisions.

Pelvic floor muscle strength is correlated with sexual function

Purpose

Sexual performance is related to proprioception and pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS). The aim of this study was to correlate sexual activity and orgasm with PFMS.

Materials and Methods

A total of 140 healthy continent female were prospectively distributed into 4 groups according to age: Group 1 (G1), 30–40; Group 2 (G2), 41–50; Group 3 (G3), 51–60; Group 4 (G4), over 60 years old. Evaluated parameters were: frequency of sexual activity and orgasm achievement; body mass index (BMI) and objective evaluation of PFMS using perineometer and surface electromyography.

Results

BMI was higher in G4 compared to G1 (p=0.042). Women who reported sexual activity was significantly higher in G1 compared to G3 and G4 (94.1% vs. 66.7% and 37.5%, respectively; p=0.001). Orgasm was more frequently in G1 compared to G3 and G4 (91.2% vs. 63.9% and 28.1%, respectively; p=0.001), demonstrating that sexual activity and orgasm decrease after age 51. The duration of PFM contraction was significantly higher in women who had sexual intercourse (p=0.033) and orgasm (p=0.018).

Conclusions

Although the frequency of sexual intercourse and orgasm may decrease with aging, a relationship between sexual activity and PFMS remains apparent, once both sexually active women and those who have orgasms showed better PFM endurance than non-sexually active ones.

Effects of tadalafil to prevent injury on corpus cavernosum after vascular or nervous peri-prostatic bundle injury. Experimental model in rats

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of tadalafil (TD) in preventing histological alterations of the corpus cavernosum caused by isolated lesions of cavernous nerve (ILCN) and artery (ILCA) in rats.

METHODS

Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned in five groups: G1: control; G2: bilateral ILCN; G3: bilateral ILCA; G4: ILCN+TD; G5: ILCA+TD. The cavernous bodies were submitted to histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis.

RESULTS

Nerve density was significantly higher in G2 and G4 compared to control (22.62±2.84 and 19.53±3.47 vs. 15.72±1.82; respectively, p<0.05). Smooth muscle density was significantly lower in G2 and G3 in comparison to G1 (12.87±1.90 and 18.93±1.51 vs. 21.78±1.81, respectively; p<0.05). A significant decrease in the sinusoidal lumen area was observed in G2 compared to controls (5.01±1.62 vs. 9.88±3.66, respectively; p<0.05) and the blood vessel density was increased in G2 and G3 (29.32±4.13 e 20.80±2.47 vs. 10.13±2.71, p<0.05). Collagen density was higher in G3 compared to G1 (93.76±15.81 vs. 64.59±19.25; p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Histomorphometric alterations caused by ILCN were more intense than those produced by vascular injury, but the collagen analyses showed more fibrosis in animals with ILCA. TD was effective in preventing the majority of the alterations induced by the periprostatic bundle injury.

Artificial sphincter "BR - SL - AS 904" in the treatment of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: efficacy, practicality and safety in a prospective and multicenter study

Purpose:

The objective of the present study is to test the efficiency and practicality of a new artificial sphincter “BR - SL - AS – 904” in the control of urinary incontinence in post - PR patients and to evaluate their complications.

Patients and Methods:

Fifteen patients with incontinence after one year of radical prostatectomy were included prospectively. All patients underwent artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) implant “BR - SL - AS – 904” according to established technique. Independent variables such as free urinary flow, PAD weight test, ICIQ - SF score and urinary symptoms through the IPSS score were compared in different follow-up moments.

Results:

Patients submitted to AUS implantation did not present trans - operative or post - operative complications related to the surgical act such as: infection, hematoma, erosion or urinary retention. Device was inert to the body during the follow-up, showing an excellent adaptation of the patients, besides the easy handling. The mean age was 68.20 years 40% of the patients had systemic arterial hypertension, 6.7% diabetes mellitus, 6.7% were hypertensive and diabetic, 13.4% were hypertensive, had diabetes and hypercholesterolemia and 26.7% patients had no comorbidities. It was evidenced that the urinary flow peak during the follow-up remained stable. Decreased averages and median PAD weight test were 135.19 to 75.72 and 106.00 to 23.50, respectively. The IPSS score decreased and the quality of life increased (12.33 to 3.40 and 2.50 to 3.20 respectively). The ICQF - SF questionnaire score also showed a decrease, ranging from 16, 71 to 7.33.

Conclusion:

The artificial sphincter implant “BR - SL - AS 904” was reproducible, safe and effective in the control of urinary incontinence in post - PR patients.

Pelvic floor muscle training and electrical stimulation as rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy: a randomized controlled trial

[Purpose] To investigate the effect of electrical stimulation and pelvic floor muscle training on muscle strength, urinary incontinence and erectile function in men with prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy. [Subjects and Methods] One hundred twenty-three males were randomized into 3 groups 1 month after RP: (G1, n=40) control; (G2, n=41) guideline: patients were instructed to perform three types of home exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and (G3, n=42) electrical stimulation: patients in this group were also instructed to perform exercises as group G2, and also received anal electro-stimulation therapy, twice a week for 7 weeks. The primary outcome assessment was based on the measurement of the recovery of pelvic floor muscle strength between groups. Secondary outcomes were: 1 hour Pad Test, ICIQ-SF, IIEF-5 and IPSS. Data were obtained preoperatively and at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. [Results] There was no significant difference in the demographic data among groups. Greater urinary leakage and pelvic floor muscle weakness in the first month compared to pre treatment improved after 3 and 6 months postoperative, without difference among groups. [Conclusion] The muscle strength recovery occurs independently of the therapy employed. Pelvic floor exercises or electrical stimulation also did not have an impact on the recovery of urinary continence and erectile function in our study.

Influence of clinical therapy and nutritional counseling on the recurrence of urolithiasis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of combined clinical therapy and nutritional guidance on the recurrence of urolithiasis.

METHODS

From our registry of patients with recurrent urolithiasis we selected 57 who had at least 5-years of follow-up. We collected 24h urine samples in order to analyze Ca, Na, uric acid, citrate, oxalate, and Mg concentrations and to assess urine volume. Patients filled out a clinical questionnaire before treatment, and abdominal radiographs and/or ultrasound were performed both before treatment and during the follow-up period. During follow-up, specific and individualized dietary advice was given based on the individual's metabolic disorders. Patients also received specific pharmacological treatment for their metabolic alterations. Outcome measures were metabolites in urine and the urolith recurrence rate. Pre- and post- intervention values were compared using tests as appropriate.

RESULTS

Fifty six of the patients were male and the majority of patients were overweight. The mean BMI was 27 kg/m(2). Urinary excretion of calcium, uric acid and sodium decreased significantly over the five year follow-up period. The number of uroliths that formed during the 5-year follow-up also decreased significantly compared to pre-treatment values.

CONCLUSION

Individualized dietary advice combined with pharmacological treatment significantly reduces long-term urolithiasis recurrence.

Use of the probability of stone formation (PSF) score to assess stone forming risk and treatment response in a cohort of Brazilian stone formers

INTRODUCTION

The aim was to confirm that PSF (probability of stone formation) changed appropriately following medical therapy on recurrent stone formers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected on 26 Brazilian stone-formers. A baseline 24-hour urine collection was performed prior to treatment. Details of the medical treatment initiated for stone-disease were recorded. A PSF calculation was performed on the 24 hour urine sample using the 7 urinary parameters required: voided volume, oxalate, calcium, urate, pH, citrate and magnesium. A repeat 24-hour urine sample was performed for PSF calculation after treatment. Comparison was made between the PSF scores before and during treatment.

RESULTS

At baseline, 20 of the 26 patients (77%) had a high PSF score (> 0.5). Of the 26 patients, 17 (65%) showed an overall reduction in their PSF profiles with a medical treatment regimen. Eleven patients (42%) changed from a high risk (PSF > 0.5) to a low risk (PSF < 0.5) and 6 patients reduced their risk score but did not change risk category. Six (23%) patients remained in a high risk category (> 0.5) during both assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

The PSF score reduced following medical treatment in the majority of patients in this cohort.

Pelvic floor muscle strength evaluation in different body positions in nulliparous healthy women and its correlation with sexual activity

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength in different body positions in nulliparous healthy women and its correlation with sexual activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty healthy nulliparous women with mean age of 23 years were prospectively studied. Subjective evaluation of PFM was assessed by transvaginal digital palpation (TDP) of anterior and posterior areas regarding the vaginal introitus. A perineometer with inflatable vaginal probe was used to assess the PFM strength in four different positions: supine with extended lower limbs (P1); bent-knee supine (P2); sitting (P3); standing (P4).

RESULTS

Physical activity, 3 times per week, was reported by 58% of volunteers. Sexual activity was observed in 80% of women and 82% of them presented orgasm. The average body mass index (BMI) was 21.76 kg/m2, considered as normal according World Health Organization (WHO). We observed that 68% of volunteers were conscious about the PFM contraction. TDP showed concordance of 76% when anterior and posterior areas were compared (p = 0.00014). There was not correlation between PFM strength and orgasm in subjective evaluation. The PFM strength was significantly higher in standing position when compared with the other positions (p < 0.000). No statistical difference was observed between orgasm and PFM strength when objective evaluations were performed.

CONCLUSIONS

There was concordance between anterior and posterior areas in 76% of cases when subjective PFM strength was assessed. In objective evaluation, higher PFM strength was observed when volunteers were standing. No statistical correlation was observed between PFM strength and orgasm in nulliparous healthy women.

A comparative analysis of pelvic floor muscle strength in women with stress and urge urinary incontinence

AIMS

To assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

51 women were prospectively divided into two groups, according to the symptoms as SUI (G1 = 22) or UUI (G2 = 29). Demographic data, such as number of pads/ 24 hours, number of micturations/ 24 hours and nocturia, delay time of urgent void (i.e., the time period for which an urgent void could be voluntarily postponed), number of parity and vaginal deliveries were obtained using a clinical questionnaire. Objective urine loss was evaluated by 60-min. Pad Test, subjective urine stream interruption test (UST) and visual survey of perineal contraction. Objective evaluations of PFM were performed in all patients (vaginal manometry).

RESULTS

Median of age, mean number of pads / 24 hours, nocturia and warning time were significantly higher in UUI comparing to SUI group. During UST, 45.45% in G1 and 3.44%, in G2, were able to interrupt the urine stream (p < 0.001). The 60-min. Pad Test was significantly higher in G2 compared to G1 women (2.7 ± 2.4 vs 1.5 ± 1.9 respectively, p = 0.049). Objective evaluation of PFM strength was significantly higher in the SUI than in the UUI patients. No statistical difference was observed regarding other studied parameters.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic floor muscle weakness was significantly higher in women with UUI when compared to SUI.

Comparison of pelvic floor muscle strength evaluations in nulliparous and primiparous women: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the pelvic floor muscle strength of nulliparous and primiparous women.

METHODS

A total of 100 women were prospectively distributed into two groups: Group 1 (G1) (n = 50) included healthy nulliparous women, and Group 2 (G2) (n = 50) included healthy primiparous women. Pelvic floor muscle strength was subjectively evaluated using transvaginal digital palpation. Pelvic floor muscle strength was objectively assessed using a portable perineometer. All of the parameters were evaluated simultaneously in G1 and were evaluated in G2 during the 20th and 36th weeks of pregnancy and 45 days after delivery.

RESULTS

In G2, 14 women were excluded because they left the study before the follow-up evaluation. The median age was 23 years in G1 and 22 years in G2; there was no significant difference between the groups. The average body mass index was 21.7 kg/m² in G1 and 25.0 kg/m² in G2; there was a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.0004). In G2, transvaginal digital palpation evaluation showed significant impairments of pelvic floor muscle strength at the 36th week of pregnancy (p = 0.0006) and 45 days after vaginal delivery (p = 0.0001) compared to G1. Objective evaluations of pelvic floor muscle strength in G2 revealed a significant decrease 45 days after vaginal delivery compared to nulliparous patients.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy and vaginal delivery may cause weakness of the pelvic floor muscles.

Cold renal ischemia: comparison of efficacy between two techniques of cooling, in a swine model

OBJECTIVES

In a swine model of renal ischemia, we compared the effectiveness of the transurethral retrograde cold saline perfusion technique to the traditional method of renal cooling with ice slush, in achieving adequate parenchymal temperatures for functional preservation of the organ. Physiological and histological effects were also assessed.

METHODS

Twenty-four domestic male pigs were sampled into four groups to be submitted to a 60-minute ischemia of the left kidney without cooling, with either one of the two cooling techniques (cold saline retrograde perfusion or ice slush), or sham surgery. All of them had also a concomitant right nephrectomy. Renal cortical and medullary temperatures were recorded throughout the experiment. Urinary output was measured, and serum renal function tests were carried on, pre- and postoperatively. After 5 days, the animals were euthanized and their kidneys were submitted to histological analysis.

RESULTS

Mean renal temperature fell in both groups submitted to kidney cooling. With ice slush, a faster drop was observed and a lower minimum temperature was achieved (5.0 degrees C in the cortex and 6.3 degrees C in the medulla, vs. 25.4 degrees C and 24.9 degrees C with retrograde cooling). In the other groups, temperature was unchanged. Urinary output and serum creatinine worsened after the experiment, but without significant differences among groups. The histological analysis showed no differences among the four groups, for the studied ischemia time.

CONCLUSIONS

Ice slush and retrograde perfusion of cold saline are both effective for cooling the kidney during ischemia. Ice slush is faster in doing so, and it allows much lower temperatures to be achieved in the renal parenchyma. With ischemia time of 60 minutes, no significant differences on the occurrence of functional and histological alterations were detected, even for the group without a cooling procedure.

Vaginal weight cone versus assisted pelvic floor muscle training in the treatment of female urinary incontinence. A prospective, single-blind, randomized trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Vaginal weight cone (VWC) versus assisted pelvic floor muscle training (APFMT) in the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in women.

METHODS

One hundred three incontinent women were randomly distributed into two groups: group G1 (n = 51) treated with VWC and G2 (n = 52), APFMT. The following parameters were performed initially and after treatment: (1) clinical questionnaire, (2) visual analogue scale (VAS), (3) 60-min pad test, and (4) subjective and objective assessment of pelvic floor muscle (PFM).

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in nocturia and urine loss after treatment in both groups (p < 0.05). In VAS, there was a significant improvement of all parameters in both groups (p < 0.05). The pad test showed significant decrease in both groups (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase of PFM strength in both groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was no difference between groups treated with VWC and APFMT.

Protective action of intravesical oxybutynin on bladder ultrastructure in rabbits with detrusor overactivity

To evaluate the protective effect of intravesical oxybutynin on the ultrastructure of rabbits with detrusor overactivity (DO). Seventeen North Folk male rabbits were distributed into three groups: GI (n = 5) used as control, GII (n = 5), and GIII (n = 5) with DO. One animal from GII and one from GIII were excluded because they did not develop DO. In GIII, the animals were treated with daily intravesical application of 0.5 mg/Kg of oxybutynin for 30 days. Bladder weight was significantly higher in animals from GII and GIII as compared to GI. After 30 days, cystometric study revealed that vesical capacity was significantly decreased in GII and GIII. Detrusor pressure was significantly higher in GII. Electron microscopy showed increase of intercellular space, cell junctions and caveolae areas asymmetries, mitochondria and cellular degeneration in GII, while in GIII, these alterations have improved after a 30-day treatment. Animals treated with intravesical oxybutynin presented ultrastructural aspect similar to normal.

Laparoscopic management of iatrogenic lesions

PURPOSE

To present our series of patients who underwent laparoscopic correction of iatrogenic lesions and a review of the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated 23 patients who underwent laparoscopic correction of iatrogenic lesions. Thirteen patients had open surgery, 6 had an endoscopic procedure, and 4 had a laparoscopic approach as the first surgical procedure. Vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF) developed in seven patients after open abdominal hysterectomies, and 1 patient presented with a VVF after ureterolithotripsy. A urethral cutaneous fistula developed in one patient after a laparoscopic resection of endometriosis nodules, and 1 patient presented with a ureterovaginal fistula after a perineoplasty. Three patients presented with encrusted ureteral stents after ureterolithotripsy. Ureteral stenosis developed in seven patients: three after open abdominal surgery, three after ureteroscopy, and one after pyeloplasty. One patient had a ureteral injury during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, and two patients had bowel injuries after a tension-free vaginal tape procedure and a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

RESULTS

All patients underwent laparoscopic correction of the iatrogenic injuries. One patient had an early recurrence of a VVF, and one patient had a recurrence of a ureteral stenosis. There was one conversion to open surgery because of technical difficulties and one major bleeding event that necessitated blood transfusion. A lower limb compartmental syndrome developed in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Despite the small number of patients and different types of surgeries performed, laparoscopic management of iatrogenic lesions seems to be feasible and safe in experienced hands. Its precise role in the management of this stressful condition still needs to be determined.

Experimental model of bladder instability in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

Propose a new experimental model of bladder instability in rabbits after partial bladder obstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty North Folk male rabbits, weighting 1,700 to 2,820 g (mean: 2,162 g) were studied. The animals were distributed in 2 experimental groups, formed by 15 rabbits each: Group 1 - clinical control. In this group there was no surgical intervention; Group 2 - bladder outlet obstruction. In this group, after anesthetizing the animal, urethral cannulation with Foley catheter 10F was performed and then an adjustable plastic bracelet was passed around the bladder neck. It was then adjusted in order to not constrict the urethra. The following parameters were studied in M1 - pre-operative period; M2 - 4 weeks post-operatively moments: 1)- urine culture; 2)- cystometric study; 3)- serum creatinine and BUN.

RESULTS

Bladder weight was 2.5 times larger in the group with obstruction than in the control group. Cystometric evaluation showed a significant increase in maximal vesical volume in the final moment at Group G2. However, there was no statistically significant difference among the groups studied. There was no statistically significant difference between maximal detrusor pressure and vesical compliance in the different moments or in the studied groups. There was an absence of uninhibited detrusor contractions in all the animals in group 1, and involuntary contractions were detected in 93% of group 2 animals. There was no significant variation in BUN and serum creatinine either among the groups or in the same group.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed in the group with obstruction a bladder weight 2.5 higher than normal bladders. We detected involuntary contractions in 93% of the animals in group 2, establishing this experimental model as appropriate to secondary bladder instability and partial bladder outlet obstruction.

Effect of intravaginal electrical stimulation on pelvic floor muscle strength

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravaginal electrical stimulation (IES) on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength in patients with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Between January 2001 and February 2002, 40 MUI women (mean age: 48 years) were studied. Urge incontinence was the predominant symptom; 92.5% also presented mild stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Selection criteria were clinical history and urodynamics. Pre-treatment urodynamic study showed no statistical differences between the groups. Ten percent of the women in each group had involuntary detrusor contractions. Patients were randomly distributed, in a double-blind study, into two groups. Group G1 (n=20), effective IES, and group G2 (n=20), sham IES, with follow-up at 1 month. The following parameters were studied: (1) clinical questionnaire, (2) examiner's evaluation of perineal muscle strength, (3) objective evaluation of perineal muscle by perineometry, (4) vaginal weight test, and (5) urodynamic study. The IES protocol consisted of three 20-min sessions per week over a 7-week period using a Dualpex Uro 996 at 4 Hz. There was no statistically significant difference in the demographic data of both groups. The number of micturitions per 24 h after treatment was reduced significantly in both groups. Urge incontinence, present in all patients before treatment, was reduced to 15% in G1 and 31.5% in G2 post-treatment. The subjective evaluation of PFM strength demonstrated a significant improvement in G1. Objective evaluation of PFM force by perineometer showed a significant improvement in maximum peak contraction post-treatment in both groups. In the vaginal weight test, there was a significant increase in average number of cone retentions post-treatment in both groups. With regard to satisfaction level, after treatment, 80% of the patients in G1 and 65% of the patients in G2 were satisfied. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. There was a significant improvement in PFM strength from both effective and sham electrostimulation, questioning the effectiveness of electrostimulation as a monotherapy in treating MUI.

Pelvic floor muscle evaluation in incontinent patients

The aim of this study was to assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and perception and its correlation with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). One hundred and one women were divided into two groups according to the presence (G1=51 patients) or absence (G2=50 patients) of SUI. Subjective [urine stream interruption test (UST), visual survey of perineal contraction and transvaginal digital palpation to assess pelvic muscle contraction] and objective evaluations of pelvic floor muscles in all patients were performed (vaginal manometry). During the UST, 25.5% of G1 patients and 80% of G2 patients were able to interrupt the urine stream (p<0.05). Digital evaluation of pelvic muscular contraction showed higher strength in G2 than in G1 patients (p<0.0001). Perineometer evaluation of PFM strength was significantly higher in the continent group (p<0.001). Pelvic floor muscle weakness in incontinent patients demonstrates the importance of functional and objective evaluation of this group of muscles.

Treatment of urinary stress incontinence by intravaginal electrical stimulation and pelvic floor physiotherapy

Treatment of urinary stress incontinence (USI) by intravaginal electrical stimulation (IES) and pelvic floor physiotherapy represents an alternative to other therapies. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment inpatients with urinary incontinence. From January 1998 to May 2000, 30 women (mean age 54 years) were studied. All patients had USI and 70% urge incontinence; average follow-up was 7 months. Selection criteria were based on clinical history, objective evaluation of perineal musculature by perineometry, and urodynamics. The treatment protocol consisted of three sessions of IES per week for 14 weeks using INNOVA equipment. Physiotherapy was initiated in the fifth week of IES. A significant decrease in the number of micturitions and urgency was observed after treatment ( P<0.01). The pad test showed a reduction in urinary leakage from 13.9 to 5.9 g after treatment ( P<0.01). Objective evaluation of perineal muscle strength showed a significant improvement in all patients after treatment ( P<0.01). A positive correlation was observed between maximum flow rate (Qmax) and all three variables: urethral pressure profile at rest and on straining (stop test), and abdominal leak-point pressure (ALPP). A positive correlation was also observed between ALPP and the stop test. Over 100 different surgical and conservative treatments have been tried to manage USI. The majority of these procedures reveal that despite progress already made in this area, there is no ideal treatment. Satisfactory results can be achieved with this method, especially with patients who are reluctant to undergo surgery because of personal or clinical problems.

[Treatment of hemangioma of the glans penis using Nd:Yag laser. Apropos of a case]

Hemangioma of urinary tract are unusual, being about 2% of all hemangiomas. We present a case of a glans penis hemangioma. There is controversy concerning their treatment and outcome. Our patient was treated with a Neodymium: Yag laser irradiation, with complete morphological recuperation.

Malacoplakia or prostate cancer? Similarities and differences

Malacoplakia is a granulomatous inflammatory disorder clinically and ultrasonographically very similar to prostatic adenocarcinoma. Symptoms and physical findings are similar to prostatism and in half of the patients the differential diagnosis includes malignancy, mainly because of the presence of a hard nodule on digital rectal examination. Additionally, cases of malacoplakia can show hypoechoic nodes on transrectal ultrasound mimicking adenocarcinoma. We report a case of malacoplakia of the prostate with emphasis on its similarities and differences with prostate adenocarcinoma.