Current status of the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMSTM) for male stress urinary incontinence

Male stress urinary incontinence is a debilitating condition, which can occur after prostate surgery. In persistent cases, surgery is indicated and a number of options are available. This includes one of the male slings, Adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMSTM, A.M.I, Austria). There are now an increasing number of studies published. This review provides an overview of the current status of this implant device including technical considerations, surgical outcomes and potential advantages and disadvantages compared to alternatives such as the artificial urinary sphincter.

Adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) for stress urinary incontinence: the evidence is mounting

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the New Zealand clinical experience with the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS), a novel continence device in the management of all degrees of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), focusing on efficacy and safety outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of all ATOMS devices placed between May 2015 and November 2020 was conducted. Severity of SUI was assessed (pad usage) before and after surgery. SUI was defined as mild (1-<3 pads/day), moderate (≥3-5 pads/day) or severe (>5 pads/day). The primary outcome measures considered were the overall success rate (improvement in pad use) and the dry rate (with dry defined as either no or 1 safety pad/day). The number of outpatient adjustments and total filling volumes were also documented in each case. Additionally, we documented incidence and severity of device complications and an analysis of treatment failures.

RESULTS

A total of 140 patients were reviewed, with the most common indication for ATOMS placement being SUI after radical prostatectomy (82.8%). Of the patients included, 53 (37.9%) had previous radiotherapy, with 26 (18.6%) patients having had a previous continence procedure performed. No intraoperative complications were noted. The median preoperative pad usage was 4 pads/day. After a median follow-up of 11 months, median postoperative pad usage reduced to 1 pad/day. In our cohort, 116 patients (82.9%) reported an improvement in their pad usage and were considered successful with 107 (76.4%) patients reporting themselves to be dry. Complications within the first 90-days after surgery occurred in 20 (14.3%) of patients.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of SUI with the ATOMS is safe and effective. The option of long-term, minimally invasive adjustment to respond to patient needs is a significant advantage.

Age at surgery is not a prognostic factor for the AdVance-XP male sling efficacy: A post-hoc analysis of a prospective 7-year multicentric study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the factor age at the surgery on long-term postoperative outcomes in patients with postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI) after AdVance XP transobturator male sling implantation.

METHODS

A total of 115 male patients with PPI, who had undergone AdVance XP sling implantation, were included. Patients had PPI with endoscopically confirmed good sphincteric-contractility and a positive coaptive response. Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn post-hoc tests were used to analyze the postoperative outcome differences between the patient groups aged less than 66, 66-75, and over greater than 75 years. Outcome measures were the 24 h pad test, the number of daily pads used, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire short form (ICIQ-SF), International Quality of Life Score (IQOL), Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Visual Analog Scale scores. Observation time points were 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 84 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Between the age groups, there was no difference in the success rate of the procedure (defined as 0 pads/24 h and less than 5 g in the 24-h pad test) at any point in time. Subjective parameters measures using the ICIQ-SF, PGI-I, IQOL, and IPSS scores showed no differences between the two cohorts. Only erectile function (IIEF-5 score) was lower in older patients in comparison to the cohort aged less than 66 years (p < 0.05 at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study complements the European multicentre AdVance XP follow-up study. Here, we show that age at surgery does not affect the objective success, subjective success, or the complication rate. Thus, we do not recommend factoring in chronological age into surgical selection criteria for the AdVance XP implantation.

Remeex® System Effectiveness in Male Patients with Stress Urinary Incontinence

Background: When conservative management fails, patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are considered for surgical treatment. Simpler, more economical and less invasive surgical techniques, such as the Remeex^® system, have been developed. Objectives: To analyze the objective effectiveness of the Remeex^® system in the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence. To study survival and complication rates of the Remeex^® system in male SUI patients. Materials and methods: Prospective observational study between July 2015 and May 2020. Group A (n = 7; GA) patients with mild SUI. Group B (n = 22; GB) patients with moderate SUI. Group C (n = 18; GC) patients with severe SUI. Effectiveness was assessed by the number of patients achieving complete and partial dryness. Complete dryness was defined as patients using 0–1 safety pads per day; partial dryness as a >50% reduction in the number of pads used. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test. Chi2, Fisher’s exact test, ANOVA, and multivariate analysis. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Mean age 69.76 years, mean follow-up 33.52 months. Objective effectiveness was observed in 89.36% of patients with incontinence. The effectiveness was 85.71% in GA, 90.91% in GB and 88.89% in GC. There were no significant differences among groups (p = 1.0000). 34.04% of patients with an implant required at least one readjustment, while 66.00% did not require any. There were no significant differences among groups (p = 0.113) Chi2 = 4.352. 95.74% of implants remained in place by the end of follow-up. We observed complications in 17.02% of patients. Conclusions: Remeex^® system is an effective and safe method for male stress urinary incontinence treatment, regardless of the severity of the incontinence, with high survival and low complication and removal rates. System readjustments are required in one-third of the cases.

A novel tool to predict functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and the value of additional surgery for incontinence

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate a model to predict 12-month continence status after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) from preoperative and 3-month postoperative data; this model could help in informing patients on their individualised risk of urinary incontinence (UI) after RP in order to choose the best treatment option.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data on 9421 patients in 25 Belgian centres were prospectively collected (2009-2016) in a compulsory regional database. The primary outcome was the prediction of continence status, using the International Consultation on Incontinence Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) at 12-months after RARP. Linear regression shrinkage was used to assess the association between preoperative 3-month postoperative characteristics and 12-month continence status. This association was visualised using nomograms and an online tool.

RESULTS

At 12 months, the mean (sd) score of the ICIQ-UI-SF questionnaire was 4.3 (4.7), threefold higher than the mean preoperative score of 1.4. For the preoperative model, high European Association of Urology risk classification for biochemical recurrence (estimate [Est.] 0.606, se 0.165), postoperative radiotherapy (Est. 1.563, se 0.641), lower preoperative European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire 30-item core (EORCT QLQ-C30)/quality of life (QoL) score (Est. -0.011, se 0.003), higher preoperative ICIQ-UI-SF score (Est 0.214, se 0.018), and older age (Est. 0.058, se 0.009), were associated with a higher 12-month ICIQ-UI-SF score. For the 3-month model, higher preoperative ICIQ-UI-SF score (Est. 0.083, se 0.014), older age (Est. 0.024, se 0.007), lower 3-month EORCT QLQ-C30/QoL score (Est. -0.010, se 0.002) and higher 3-month ICIQ-UI-SF score (Est. 0.562, se 0.009) were associated with a higher 12-month ICIQ-UI-SF score.

CONCLUSIONS

Our models set the stage for a more accurate counselling of patients. In particular, our preoperative model assesses the risk of UI according to preoperative and early postoperative variables. Our postoperative model can identify patients who most likely would not benefit from conservative treatment and should be counselled on continence surgery.

Development of Male External Urethral Sphincter and Tissue-Resident Stem/Progenitor Cells in Rats

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after prostate surgery is primarily caused by urethral sphincter damage. There are few effective therapeutic approaches for male SUI due to both insufficient study of the structure of the external urethral sphincter (EUS) and incomplete understanding of the resident EUS stem/progenitor cells. The goals of this study were to localize and to determine the distribution of tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells in the male EUS throughout EUS development and to understand the anatomic temporal patterns of the EUS. Newborn Sprague Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with the thymidine analogue, 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU), and the EUS was harvested at five time points (1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 weeks postinjection). The tissue was then processed for EdU staining and immunofluorescence staining for stem cell markers Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. We counted the EdU+ label-retaining cells (LRCs) at each time point and colocalized with each stem cell marker, also we isolated and cultured the cells in vitro. The results revealed that the number of EdU+ LRCs in each EUS cross-section decreased over time and that the LRCs were located immediately under the basal membrane of laminin, densely adherent to the muscle fibers. In addition, the thickness of the striated muscle layer developed much faster than the smooth muscle layer during EUS development. By 4 weeks, the structure of the EUS layers was well differentiated. The EUS resident stem/progenitor cells were isolated with MACS® MicroBeads system, and myogenesis was confirmed. In this study, we defined both the time-course development of the EUS and the distribution of resident stem/progenitor cells. This information is crucial for forthcoming studies regarding male micturition and for development of novel therapeutic approaches for postoperative male SUI.

Extended follow-up of the AdVance XP male sling in the treatment of male urinary stress incontinence after 48 months: Results of a prospective and multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the AdVance XP male sling in a midterm follow-up for the treatment of male urinary incontinence in a selected patient cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all, 115 patients with postprostatectomy incontinence were prospectively enrolled. A previous endoscopic evaluation of a sufficient coaptive zone in the repositioning test was mandatory. Patients with urine leakage in supine position or previous incontinence surgery were excluded. Postoperatively a standardized 24-hour pad test and pad usage were evaluated. To compare pre- and postoperative continence status nonparametric t test was used. A P-value of <.05 was seen as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Median preoperative urine loss in the 24-hour pad test was 272 g (min. 42-max. 1600) and was significantly improved at any point in follow-up. Success was defined as 0 pads per day and a maximum of 5 g in the 24-hour pad test. After a follow-up of 48 months, 71.7% of the patients were cured, whereas 15.0% of patients had an improved continence situation and 13.3% were classified as failed. Mean urine loss decreased significantly to 24.4 g (P ≤ .001). No severe intra- or postoperative complications are to be reported. Median follow-up was 4.2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

A stable effectiveness in a selected patient cohort can also be demonstrated in an extended follow-up. The complication rates are low and no late postoperative complications occurred, indicating the safety of the procedure.

Urethral pressure profile assessment after artificial urinary sphincter implantation (FlowSecure™ and AMS-800™): A case series

The AMS-800^™ artificial urinary sphincter has become the 'gold standard' in the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence. In 2006, the novel artificial urinary sphincter FlowSecure^™ containing a stress relief balloon providing low cuff pressures at rest with conditional pressure elevation during periods of stress has been launched. We assessed the intraurethral pressure in the cuff area of the AMS-800 and the FlowSecure by urethral pressure profile in four patients each. Urethral pressure profile was performed at rest and during coughing. In addition, continence situation and patient satisfaction after artificial urinary sphincter implantation was assessed. At rest, median pressure in the cuff region was 74 (38-117, FlowSecure) cm H₂O and 102 (95-110, AMS-800) cm H₂O. During coughing, pressure peaks rose to 135 (54-162, FlowSecure) cm H₂O and 202 (128-216, AMS-800) cm H₂O. Median pad usage before artificial urinary sphincter implantation in the FlowSecure and the AMS-800 group was 4 (3-4) and 4.5 (2-6) pads/24 h, respectively. At the time of urodynamic investigation, median pad usage declined to 1.5 (0-4) pads/24 h in the FlowSecure and to 1 (1-2) pads/24 h in the AMS-800 group. Seven of eight patients reported on a satisfactory quality of life, and one patient remained unhappy after FlowSecure implantation. It remains unclear if the trade-off in favour of lower cuff pressures, and consecutively lower intraurethral pressures, holds truly long-term benefits regarding device revision, explantation and patient satisfaction.

Efficacy and safety of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS): Results of a large multi-institutional cohort of patients with mid-term follow-up

AIMS

To assess efficacy and safety as well as predictive factors of dry rate and freedom from surgical revision in patients underwent AUS placement. The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is still considered the standard for the treatment of moderate to severe post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, data reporting efficacy and safety from large series are lacking.

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in 16 centers in Europe and USA. Only primary cases of AUS implantation in non-neurogenic SUI after prostate surgery, with a follow-up of at least 1 year were included. Efficacy data (continence rate, based on pad usage) and safety data (revision rate in case of infection and erosion, as well as atrophy or mechanical failure) were collected. Multivariable analyses were performed in order to investigate possible predictors of the aforementioned outcomes.

RESULTS

Eight hundred ninety-two men had primary AUS implantation. At 32 months mean follow-up overall dry rate and surgical revision were 58% and 30.7%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that patients without previous incontinence surgery had a higher probability to be dry after AUS implantation (OR: 0.51, P = 0.03). Moreover institutional case-load was positively associated with dry rate (OR: 1.18; P = 0.005) and freedom from revision (OR: 1.51; P = 0.00).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that AUS is an effective option for the treatment of SUI after prostate surgery. Moreover previous incontinence surgery and low institutional case-load are negatively associated to efficacy and safety outcomes.

Refined nomogram incorporating standing cough test improves prediction of male transobturator sling success

AIMS

To develop a decision aid in predicting sling success, incorporating the Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS) into existing treatment algorithms.

METHODS

We reviewed men undergoing first-time transobturator sling for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) from 2007 to 2016 at our institution. Patient demographics, reported pads per day (PPD), and Standing Cough Test (SCT) results graded 0-4, according to MSIGS, were assessed. Treatment failure was defined as subsequent need for >1 PPD or further procedures. Parameters associated with failure were included in multivariable logistic models, compared by area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves. A nomogram was generated from the model with greatest AUC and internally validated.

RESULTS

Overall 203 men (median age 67 years, IQR 63-72) were evaluated with median follow-up of 45 months (IQR 11-75 months). A total of 185 men (91%) were status-post radical prostatectomy and 29 (14%) had pelvic radiation history. Median PPD and SCT grade were both two. Eighty men (39%) failed treatment (use of ≥1 PPD or subsequent anti-incontinence procedures) at a median of 9 months. History of radiation (P = 0.03), increasing MSIGS (P < 0.0001) and increasing preoperative PPD (P < 0.0001) were associated with failure on univariate analysis. In a multivariable model with AUC 0.81, MSIGS, and PPD remained associated (P = 0.002 and <0.0001 respectively, and radiation history P = 0.06), and was superior to models incorporating PPD and radiation alone (AUC 0.77, P = 0.02), PPD alone (AUC 0.76, P = 0.02), and a cutpoint of >2 PPD alone (AUC 0.71, P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

MSIGS adds prognostic value to PPD in assessing success of transobturator sling for treatment of SUI.

Long-term outcome of the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS): results of a European multicentre study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS^® , Agency for Medical Innovations A.M.I., Feldkirch, Austria) in a European-wide multicentre setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 287 men with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were treated with the ATOMS device between June 2009 and March 2016. Continence parameters (daily pad test/pad use), urodynamics (maximum urinary flow rate, voiding volume, residual urine), and pain/quality of life (QoL) ratings (visual analogue scale/Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form [ICIQ-SF]/Patient Global Impression of Improvement [PGI-I]) were compared preoperatively and after intermediate (12 months) as well as after individual maximum follow-up. Overall success rate, dry rate (<10 mL/day and 0-1 pad/day), device durability, treatment failure, and device complications were recorded. Nonparametric tests were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

After a median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up of 31 (10-54) months and a median (IQR) of 3 (2-4) adjustments, the overall success rate was 90% (258 men) and the dry rate was 64% (184). Daily pad test and pad use decreased from a median of 400 mL/day and 4 pads/day to a median of 18 mL/day and 1 pad/day (both P < 0.001), concomitantly QoL ratings significantly improved and changed to a high level of satisfaction (PGI-I 4 to 2, ICIQ-SF 17 to 5; both P < 0.001). The UI results at 12 months were comparable to those at final follow-up. Chronic pain and intraoperative complications did not occur. Most of the postoperative complications were Clavien-Dindo grade I-III (no grade IV or V). At present, 231 (80%) of all the ATOMS devices are still functioning; 56 (20%) were removed, the most common reason being local titanium intolerance (41%) and leak/dysfunction (30%). The operating time and continence outcome varied between port generations. In this regard the latest port generation (silicone-covered scrotal port) was superior to its predecessors. Primary implantation (P = 0.002), good physical health (P = 0.001), and no history of radiotherapy (P < 0.001) were prognostic factors for beneficial treatment outcome.

CONCLUSION

The ATOMS device is safe and shows high treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction in the largest cohort study to date. The latest generation, with its pre-attached silicone-covered scrotal port, is superior to its predecessors. Significantly better results were achieved with primary implantation and in those without a history of radiotherapy.

Mid-term outcomes after AdVanceXP male sling implantation

OBJECTIVE

To describe efficacy and safety of the AdVanceXP (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) retrourethral transobturator male sling after a mean follow-up of almost 3 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 41 patients underwent AdVanceXP implantation between July 2010 and March 2012 by a single surgeon. Patients were prospectively evaluated at baseline, after a mean follow-up of 12months and after an individual maximum follow-up. Efficacy was evaluated by daily pad usage, 24-h pad testing, and validated questionnaires (International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire [ICIQ]). Patient satisfaction was determined using the Patient's Global Impression of Improvement score; quality of life was evaluated using the International Quality of Life (IQOL) score. Patients needing 0 or 1 safety pad with a daily urine loss <8 g were classified as cured. To assess the changes in outcome over time, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used. A P value <0.05 was taken to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

The mean ± sd follow-up was 33.1 ± 8.1 months. A total of four patients (9.8%) were lost to follow-up. At follow-up, 56.1% of patients used 0 or 1 dry safety pad, 17.1% used 1 pad, and 17.1% used 2 pads. Mean pad use was 0.6 pads per day (P < 0.001 vs baseline) with a mean urine loss of 14 g per day. After nearly 3 years, 46.3% of the patients could be classified as cured and 29.3% could be classified as improved. When comparing respective outcomes after 1 and 3 years, no significant changes in mean daily pad use (0.8 at 1 year; P = 1.000), in ICIQ score (5.0 at 3 years vs 5.2 at 1 year; P = 0.500), or in IQOL score (89.2 at 3 years vs 86.8 at 1 year; P = 0.500) were observed. Patients lost less urine based on 24-h pad testing after nearly 3 years (14 g at 3 years vs 28 g at 1 year; P = 0.106). Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in efficacy in patients who had previously received radiotherapy or in patients with mild preoperative incontinence. Between 1 and 3 years postoperatively, no complications were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study had the longest follow-up for AdVanceXP to date and is the first to show a high efficacy even after a mean follow-up of almost 3 years. The results indicate that late-onset complications are rare after AdVanceXP implantation.

AB036. Evolution and advances in the field of male urinary incontinence: a review of urological prosthesis surgery

Objective

To provide a review of the various advances in the development of male continence therapy.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify published literature relevant to male continence treatment and urological prosthesis.

Results

Over the last decade, significant advances have been made in terms of designs and technology for male continence therapy. Over the last decade, synthetic slings for PPI have gained considerable popularity because of cost and its non-mechanical action, and has a role in mild to moderate stress incontinence. Artificial urinary sphincters and other urinary sphincteric-like devices remains the standard of care for severe incontinence, radiation-induced stress incontinence and in salvage surgery.

Conclusions

While the current urinary continence devices are largely effective in the carefully selected patient group, they treat the symptoms but do not address the underlying pathophysiology of stress incontinence. Until the emergence of a better engineered continence surgical device, and/or further success in stem cell or tissue engineering, significant challenges remain in the search for an ideal urinary continence device.

Artificial urinary sphincter for post-prostatectomy incontinence: a review

The artificial urinary sphincter remains the gold standard for treatment of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence. The AMS 800 (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN, USA) is the most commonly implanted artificial urinary sphincter. Having been on the market for almost 40 years, there is an abundance of literature regarding its use, but no recent review has been published. We reviewed the current literature regarding the indications, surgical principles, outcomes and complications of artificial urinary sphincter implantation for stress urinary incontinence after prostatectomy. A PubMed search was carried out for articles on the artificial urinary sphincter from 1995 to present. The review was centered on articles related to the use of the AMS 800 for stress urinary incontinence in males after prostatectomy. Relevant articles were reviewed. The majority of patients will achieve social continence (1 pad per day) after artificial urinary sphincter implantation; however, rates of total continence (no pad usage) are significantly lower. Patient satisfaction outcomes average greater than 80% in most series. Potential complications requiring reoperation include infection (0.5-10.6%) and urethral erosion (2.9-12%). Revision surgeries are most commonly as a result of urethral atrophy, which ranges from 1.6 to 11.4%. The 5-year Kaplan-Meier freedom from reoperation ranges from 50 to 79%, while the 10-year Kaplan-Meier freedom from mechanical failure is 64%. The artificial urinary sphincter is a reliable device with good outcomes. As expected with any prosthetic device, complications including mechanical failure, infection, erosion and recurrent incontinence remain significant concerns. Despite known complications, the patient satisfaction rates after artificial urinary sphincter implantation remain high. Appropriate patient counseling and adherence to surgical principles are imperative.