Does local vaginal estrogen after tension-free transobturator vaginal tape reduce overactive bladder symptoms in postmenopausal women? A prospective randomized, controlled study

Objective:We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical estrogen after transvaginal tension-free vaginal tape-obturator(TVT-O)in the treatment of de novo overactive bladder symptoms that appear after surgery.Methods:This is a prospective randomized controlled study performed in the Urology and Gynecology Departments,Kasr Al Ainy Hospital,Cairo University,Cairo,Egypt.Two hundred and ten postmenopausal females presenting during the period between January 2017 and November 2020 with stress urinary incontinence were included in the study.Patients were divided into two groups,105 patients in Group A(treatment group)and 105 patients in Group B(control group).Patients in Group A underwent transvaginal TVT-O followed by local vaginal estrogen treatment for 6 months,while patients in Group B underwent transvaginal TVT-O only.The study included any postmenopausal female with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence.All patients had to fulfill a 3-day bladder diary,overactive bladder symptoms score,urine analysis,urodynamic study,and post-voiding residual urine measurement by abdominal ultrasound preoperatively and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups.Results:At 6-month follow-up,daytime frequency was reduced to 8%in Group A(increased to 21%in Group B)with a statistically significant difference between both groups(p=0.009).At 6-month follow-up,nocturia was 8%in Group A(11%in Group B)with no statistically significant difference between both groups(p=0.469).There was a statistically significant difference between both groups as regards to urinary urgency at 6-month follow-up(p=0.024).There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative wound healing events as regards to cure,hyperemia,gapping,and wound infection 1 week after intervention between both groups(p=0.008).No local or systemic side-effects were reported from local estrogen use.Conclusion:Local vaginal estrogen treatment given to postmenopausal patients after midurethral sling procedures can reduce the symptoms of daytime frequency and urinary urgency.Long-term follow-up is needed.

Garg incontinence scores: New scoring system on the horizon to evaluate fecal incontinence. Will it make a difference?

The main aim of this opinion review is to comment on the recent article published by Garg et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology 2023;29:4593–4603.The authors in the published article developed a new scoring system,Garg incon-tinence scores(GIS),for fecal incontinence(FI).FI is a chronic debilitating disease that has a severe negative impact on the quality of life of the patients.Rome IV criteria define FI as multiple episodes of solid or liquid stool passed into the clothes at least twice a month.The associated social stigmatization often leads to significant under-reporting of the condition,which further impairs management.An important point is that the complexity and vagueness of the disease make it difficult for the patients to properly define and report the magnitude of the problem to their physicians.Due to this,the management becomes even more difficult.This issue is resolved up to a considerable extent by a scoring ques-tionnaire.There were several scoring systems in use for the last three decades.The prominent of them were the Cleveland Clinic scoring system or the Wexner scoring system,St.Marks Hospital or Vaizey’s scores,and the FI severity index.However,there were several shortcomings in these scoring systems.In the opinion review,we tried to analyze the strength of GIS and compare it to the existing scoring systems.The main pitfalls in the existing scoring systems were that most of them gave equal weightage to different types of FI(solid,liquid,flatus,etc.),were not comprehensive,and took only the surgeon’s perception of FI into view.In GIS,almost all shortcomings of previous scoring systems had been addressed:different weights were assigned to different types of FI by a robust statistical methodology;the scoring system was made comprehensive by including all types of FI that were previously omitted(urge,stress and mucus FI)and gave priority to patients’rather than the physicians’perceptions while developing the scoring system.Due to this,GIS indeed looked like a paradigm shift in the evaluation of FI.However,it is too early to conclude this,as GIS needs to be validated for accuracy and simplicity in future studies.

Diagnostic tools for fecal incontinence: Scoring systems are the crucial first step

The main aim of this editorial is to comment on the recent article published by Garg et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology 2023;29:4593-4603.This original research presents a new scoring system for fecal incontinence.Fecal incontinence is a chronic disease with a severe impact on the quality of life of the patients.Substantial social stigmatization often leads to significant underreporting of the condition even during visits to a specialist and could lead to further misman-agement or non-existent management of the disease.An important fact is that patients are often unable to describe their condition when not asked precisely defined questions.This problem is partially resolved by scoring questionnaires.Several scoring systems are commonly used;however,each of them has their shortcomings.For example,the absence of different kinds of leakage besides flatus and stool could further lead to underscoring the incontinence severity.Therefore,there has long been a call for a more precise scoring system.The correct identification of the presence and severity of fecal incontinence is paramount for further diagnostic approach and for choosing the appropriate therapy option.This editorial describes fecal incontinence,its effect on quality of life in general and further evaluates the diagnostic approach with a particular focus on symptom scoring systems and their implications for clinical practice.

Outcomes and efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging-compatible sacral nerve stimulator for management of fecal incontinence: A multi-institutional study

BACKGROUND Fecal incontinence(FI)is an involuntary passage of fecal matter which can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life.Many modalities of treatment exist for FI.Sacral nerve stimulation is a well-established treatment for FI.Given the increased need of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)for diagnostics,the In-terStim which was previously used in sacral nerve stimulation was limited by MRI incompatibility.Medtronic MRI-compatible InterStim was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in August 2020 and has been widely used.AIM To evaluate the efficacy,outcomes and complications of the MRI-compatible InterStim.METHODS Data of patients who underwent MRI-compatible Medtronic InterStim placement at UPMC Williamsport,University of Minnesota,Advocate Lutheran General Hospital,and University of Wisconsin-Madison was pooled and analyzed.Patient demographics,clinical features,surgical techniques,complications,and outcomes were analyzed.Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology(STROBE)cross-sectional reporting guidelines were used.RESULTS Seventy-three patients had the InterStim implanted.The mean age was 63.29±12.2 years.Fifty-seven(78.1%)patients were females and forty-two(57.5%)patients had diabetes.In addition to incontinence,overlapping symptoms included diarrhea(23.3%),fecal urgency(58.9%),and urinary incontinence(28.8%).Fifteen(20.5%)patients underwent Peripheral Nerve Evaluation before proceeding to definite implant placement.Thirty-two(43.8%)patients underwent rechargeable InterStim placement.Three(4.1%)patients needed removal of the implant.Migration of the external lead connection was observed in 7(9.6%)patients after the stage I procedure.The explanation for one patient was due to infection.Seven(9.6%)patients had other complications like nerve pain,hematoma,infection,lead fracture,and bleeding.The mean follow-up was 6.62±3.5 mo.Sixty-eight(93.2%)patients reported significant improvement of symptoms on follow-up evaluation.CONCLUSION This study shows promising results with significant symptom improvement,good efficacy and good patient outcomes with low complication rates while using MRI compatible InterStim for FI.Further long-term follow-up and future studies with a larger patient population is recommended.

Radical Prostatectomy by Laparotomy: Retrospective Study Comparing Separate and Continuous Stitches in the Performance of Vesicourethral Anastomosis at a Single Center in the Public Health Network

Background: Prostate cancer ranks as the second most prevalent malignancy in men, with treatment strategies ranging from observation to various interventions. Radical prostatectomy is a common approach, aiming for a cure, and the technique for vesico-urethral anastomosis varies, employing separate or continuous stitches. However, a consensus on the optimal technique is lacking. This study aims to compare vesico-urethral anastomosis techniques (separate vs. continuous stitches) in laparotomy-based radical prostatectomies, evaluating peri and postoperative outcomes. Materials and Method: A retrospective analysis of 140 patients’ medical records yielded 86 eligible cases, divided into two groups based on anastomosis technique. Both groups underwent surgery at the same urology center between 2016 and 2019, with a follow-up period exceeding 12 months. Pre-operative characteristics were statistically similar between groups. Results: Perioperative complication rates did not significantly differ between the two techniques (p > 0.99). However, the continuous stitch group experienced a 20-minute longer procedure time (p 0.05), patients with continuous stitches had 2.5 times higher diaper usage at twelve months (p Conclusion: This research suggests that vesico-urethral anastomosis with separate stitches yields superior results in laparotomy-based radical prostatectomies compared to continuous stitches, demonstrating benefits in surgical time, hospital stay, sentinel drain duration, stenosis rates, and long-term urinary incontinence outcomes.

New objective scoring system to clinically assess fecal incontinence

BACKGROUND Several scoring systems are used to assess fecal incontinence(FI),among which,the most commonly used are Wexner and Vaizey’s scoring systems.However,there are significant lacunae in these scoring systems,due to which they are neither accurate nor comprehensive.AIM To develop a new scoring system for FI that is accurate,comprehensive,and easy to use.METHODS A pro forma was made in which six types of FI were included:solid,liquid,flatus,mucous,stress,and urge.The weight for each FI was determined by asking a group of patients and laypersons to give a disability score to each type of FI from 0 to 100(0-least,100-maximum disability).The disability was assessed on a modified EQ-5D+(EuroQol)description system,4D3L(4 dimensions and 3 levels)for each FI.The average score of each FI was calculated,divided by 10,and rounded off to determine the weight of each FI type.The scores for the three levels of frequency of each FI were assigned as never=0(No episode of FI ever),occasional=1(≤1 episode of FI/wk),and common=2(>1 episode of FI/wk),and was termed as frequency score.The score for each FI would be derived by multiplying the frequency score and the weight for that FI type.In the second phase of the study,a group of colorectal surgeons was asked to rank the six FI types in order of severity,and their ranking was compared with the patient and laypersons’rankings.RESULTS Fifty patients and 50 laypersons participated in the study.The weight was assigned to each FI(solid-8,liquid-8,urge-7,flatus-6,mucus-6,and stress-5),and an new scoring system was formulated.The maximum possible score was 80(total incontinence),and the least 0(no incontinence).The surgeons’ranking of FI severity did not correlate well with patients’and laypersons’rankings of FI,highlighting that surgeons and patients may perceive the severity of FI differently.CONCLUSION A new scoring system for FI was formulated,which was simple,logical,comprehensive,and easy to use,and eliminated previous shortcomings.Patients’and surgeons’perceptions of FI severity of FI did not correlate well.

Small Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Peri-urethral Tissues Regulate Fibroblast Function and Contribute to the Pathogenesis of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

Objective:This study aimed to explore the existence of small extracellular vesicles(sEVs)in peri-urethral tissues and the role of abnormal expression of sEVs in the pathogenesis of female stress urinary incontinence(SUI).Methods:sEVs were extracted from peri-urethral vaginal wall tissues using differential centrifugation and were observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The number of sEVs and their protein contents were compared between SUI and control groups using nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA)and bicinchoninic acid(BCA)protein assay.Fibroblasts were cultured separately with SUI(SsEVs group)and normal tissue sEVs(NsEVs group).Proliferation and migration of fibroblasts were compared between groups using CCK-8 and wound healing assays,respectively.Expression levels of collagenⅠandⅢwere compared among blank control(BC),NsEVs,and SsEVs groups using real-time PCR.Protein mass spectrometry was used to test the differentially expressed proteins contained in sEVs between groups.Results:sEVs were extracted and found under the electron microscope.There were significantly more sEVs extracted from the SUI group compared to the normal group.Fibroblasts showed increased proliferative and decreased migratory abilities,and expressed more collagen in the SsEVs group compared to the NsEVs and BC groups.Protein spectrum analysis demonstrated several differentially expressed targets,including components of microfibrils,elastin polymer,and anti-inflammatory factors.Conclusion:sEVs were detected in the peri-urethral tissues.SUI tissues expressed more sEVs than control.The abnormal expression of sEVs and their protein contents may contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of SUI.

Current diagnostic tools and treatment modalities for rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse is a circumferential,full-thickness protrusion of the rectum through the anus.It is a rare condition,and only affects 0.5%of the general population.Multiple treatment modalities have been described,which have changed significantly over time.Particularly in the last decade,laparoscopic and robotic surgical approaches with different mobilization techniques,combined with medical therapies,have been widely implemented.Because patients have presented with a wide range of complaints(ranging from abdominal discomfort to incomplete bowel evacuation,mucus discharge,constipation,diarrhea,and fecal incontinence),understanding the extent of complaints and ruling out differential diagnoses are essential for choosing a tailored surgical procedure.It is crucial to assess these additional symptoms and their severities using preoperative scoring systems.Additionally,radiological and physiological evaluations may explain some vague symptoms and reveal concomitant pelvic disorders.However,there is no consensus on or standardization of the optimal extent of dissection,type of procedure,and materials used for rectal fixation;this makes providing maximum benefits to patients with minimal complications difficult.Even recent publications and systematic reviews have not recommended the most appropriate treatment options.This review explains the appropriate diagnostic tools for different conditions and summarizes the current treatment approaches based on existing literature and expert opinions.

A national survey of lower urinary tract symptoms in Jordan

Objective To determine the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms(LUTS)and their severity population in Jordan.Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted using a paper-based survey between August and September in 2019.The study was carried out in the health care centers or hospitals in three different regions of Jordan:North(Irbid and Jarash),Middle(Amman,Madaba,Salt,and Zarqa),and South(Karak and Aqaba).Results To estimate the prevalence of LUTS,two definitions were used,including the first definition(presence of any LUTS regardless of the degree of severity)and the second definition(presence of any LUTS that occurs half the time or more).According to the first definition,1038(89.9%)reported LUTS(male:47.3%,female:52.7%),while 763(66.1%)reported LUTS according to the second definition(male:45.6%,female:54.4%).According to the International Prostate Symptom Score characterization,73.9%had nocturia and 62.9%reported daytime increased frequency.Conclusion LUTS are highly prevalent among the Jordanian population,and more than half of them have nocturia or daytime increased frequency as most frequently reported symptoms.

The prevalence,associated factors,and impact of urinary incontinence in pregnant and postpartum women in Nanjing,China:A cross-sectional study

Objective:Urinary incontinence(UI)is highly prevalent in antenatal and postnatal women while the prevalence of UI varied largely from 3.84%to 38.65%.This study was to assess the prevalence of UI,the associated factors,and the impact of UI on daily life in pregnant and postpartum women in Nanjing,China.Methods:The prevalence of UI and the impact of UI on life were assessed by the validated Chinese version of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-urinary incontinence-short form and the validated Chinese version of urinary incontinence quality of life.The associated factors were estimated by using logistic regression analysis.Results:UI affected 37.80%of pregnant women and 16.41%of postpartum women of the study population.Among the pregnant participants,the prevalence rates of stress UI,urge UI,and mixed UI were 25.77%,4.47%,and 7.10%,respectively.Among the postpartum women,the prevalence rates of stress UI,urge UI,and mixed UI were 11.15%,1.92%,and 2.69%,respectively.In both pregnant women and postpartum women,vaginal delivery had significantly increased the odds of reporting UI(p=0.007,p=0.003,respectively).The impact of UI on daily life was significantly greater in postpartum women compared to pregnant women especially in social embarrassment(p=0.000).Conclusion:The prevalence rates of UI were high in pregnant women in Nanjing,China.Vaginal delivery significantly increased odds of reporting UI.UI has a great impact on pregnant and postpartum women’s life,especially in social embarrassment.

Non-Ablative Transvaginal Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence: Review of the Literature

Background: Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine, which can affect up to 45% of women after menopause. Radiofrequency is a non-invasive procedure that involves the application of an electromagnetic wave that through heat generation promotes neocollagenesis and neoeslatinogenesis in the vaginal epithelium. This energy-based technology has been studied as a potential alternative for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause and urinary incontinence. Objective: To review the recent literature (from 2020 to June 2022) on the use of transvaginal radiofrequency in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, by searching articles at databases of Capes, PubMed Cochrane and Scielo. Methods: The descriptor terms “Urinary Incontinence/therapy” [Majr] AND “Urinary Incontinence, Stress/therapy” [Majr] AND RADIOFREQUENCY-Search Results-PubMed, [“woman” OR “women”] AND [“urinary incontinence” OR “stress urinary incontinence”] AND Radiofrequency were used, with a filter for the period 2020 to 2022. Conclusion: The studies evaluated in this review demonstrated significant results of radiofrequency in the resolution or reduction of complaints of women with urinary incontinence, especially stress urinary incontinence, but most of these studies presented a low methodological quality. There is, therefore, a lack of studies with longer follow-ups, evaluation of cost-effectiveness, randomized clinical trials with objective outcomes and the use of validated questionnaires with international acceptance.

Is There Any Relationship between Total Hip Arthroplasty and Urinary Incontinent?

Introduction: In my daily practice as a hip surgeon, I have observed some circumstances where urinary incontinence (UI) improves after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We investigated UI symptoms before and after THA at our facility and considered the factors that influence UI. Patients and Method: The subjects were 113 female patients who underwent primary THA in our facility. An anterior lateral approach was used in all cases. Using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), we conducted an investigation into the presence of UI before and 2 weeks after THA. An improvement in UI was defined as a decrease of 1 point or more, a worsening is defined as an increase of 1 point or more. Results: The responses from the 113 subjects were analyzed. Of the 113 patients, prior to THA, UI was prevalent among 59 patients and was absent among 54 patients. In the group where UI was prevalent, it improved after THA in 50 patients (85%), remained unchanged in 5 (8%) and worsened in 4 (7%). In the group where UI was absent, 49 patients (91%) remained unchanged and UI appeared in 5 (9%). Compared with the non-prevalence group (62 patients), the prevalence group (50 patients) had a noticeable improvement rate of internal rotation of the surgical hip side (P Conclusion: UI greatly reduces the quality of life (QOL). In this study, there is a possibility that THA improves UI.

Urinary Sphincter Disorders of Neurological Origin: Prognostic Aspects in the Neurology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital

Introduction: Complications of Urinary sphincter disorders of neurological origin can be life threatening. The objective of this study was to describe the prognosis of urinary sphincter disorders during neurological conditions. Methods: This was a six-month analytical study conducted at the neurological unit of the Hôpital national Ignace Deen. Including patients with urinary sphincter disorders following a neurological condition;Chi-square, Fischer, and Student’s t-tests were used for variables with a p value less than 0.10 and then included in a logistic model with a significance level set at 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval. Results: We collected 1081 patients among whom, 324 presented, that is to say a frequency of 30%, which concerned subjects aged 57.3 ± 16.4 years with a slight female predominance 50.3%. Urinary incontinence (80.6%) was associated with complications such as urinary tract infection with a high proportion of cerebral damage (92.3%). HIV infection (P = 0.015), bedsores (P = 0.049), and inhalation pneumonia (P = 0.001) were the main poor prognostic factors. Conclusion: Urinary sphincter disorders are elements of poor prognosis, both vital and functional, concerning elderly subjects with a predominance of urinary incontinence. HIV infection, bedsores, pneumopathy are poor prognostic factors.

Stone accumulation overlying vaginal mesh exposure:A case report

BACKGROUND Vaginal stones are rare with current literature limited to case reports.Vaginal stones are classified as primary or secondary stones.Primary stones form in the vagina when there is urinary stasis.Secondary stones form in the presence of a vaginal foreign body that acts as a nidus for the deposition of urinary salts.Foreign bodies,such as surgical mesh,make vaginal stone formation more likely,particularly in patients with urinary incontinence and conditions that predispose them to urinary calculi formation.CASE SUMMARY A 71-year-old female with a history of sacrocolpopexy,hyperaldosteronism,and urgency urinary incontinence presented with vaginal stone accumulation overlying two areas of vaginal sacrocolpopexy mesh exposure.The vaginal stones were initially removed to permit examination,but the stones reaccumulated at the site of the exposed mesh,later requiring definitive surgical management.CONCLUSION Patients with vaginal mesh exposure and conditions that predispose them to kidney stones are not ideal candidates for expectant management of mesh exposure,particularly if they have coexisting urinary incontinence.These individuals should be counseled about possible vaginal stone accumulation,and surgical management should be considered.

Effect of Comprehensive Nursing Intervention in Patients with Urinary Incontinence After Radical Prostatectomy

Objective:To explore and analyze the clinical effect of comprehensive nursing intervention in patients with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.Methods:84 patients with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy admitted to the Urology Department between May 2021 and May 2023 were included in this study.The patients were divided into a comprehensive group and a control group,with 42 cases in each group through a double-blind mechanism.The comprehensive group received comprehensive nursing care,and the control group received primary nursing care.The duration of indwelling urinary catheters and urinary incontinence;psychological performance and living conditions were compared between the two groups.Results:The duration of the indwelling urinary catheter and urinary incontinence of the patients in the comprehensive group were significantly shorter than that in the control group(P<0.05).Before nursing,there was no statistically significant difference in the anxiety,depression,and other psychological manifestations between the two groups(P>0.05);after nursing,the comprehensive group’s anxiety,depression,and other psychological manifestations of the comprehensive group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Before nursing,there was no statistically significant difference in the physical function,mental state,emotional state,and physical recovery of the patients between both groups(P>0.05);after nursing,the physical function,mental state,emotional state,physical recovery of the patients in the comprehensive group were significantly better than those of the control group.Besides,the living conditions of the patients in the comprehensive group were also significantly better than the control group’s(P<0.05).Conclusion:Comprehensive nursing intervention can effectively improve symptoms of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy,reduce inner pressure,and improve living standards.

中医治疗产后压力性尿失禁的临床经验分析

压力性尿失禁（stress urinary incontinence,SUI）是指腹压突然增加时尿道口尿液的不自主流出,临床以咳嗽、打喷嚏、大笑、提重物、运动等腹压增加时漏尿为主要表现,严重影响了患者的身心健康和生活质量。产后SUI是指发生在特殊时期的由妊娠和分娩所诱发的腹压增加时出现的漏尿现象[1],中医学称其为＂产后遗尿＂＂产后小便不禁＂。本病的病因及病理生理机制较复杂,

双料喉风散联合3M液体敷料治疗失禁性皮炎的疗效观察

失禁性皮炎（incontinence-associated dermatitis,IAD）是大小便失禁患者的一种常见并发症[1]。据报道[2],住院中的大小便失禁患者发生IAD的概率在42%左右,而在ICU则高达83%。IAD除给患者带来疼痛外,还增加住院时间和医疗费用,同时给医护人员的工作增加了难度和工作量。

造口袋联合液体敷料在大便失禁危重症患者中的应用

失禁在老年人、急症和危重症患者中的发生率较高,已成为社区和各种医疗机构普遍存在的问题,且女性患者的发生率高于男性（[1]）。失禁性皮炎（incontinence associated dermatitis,IAD）是指大小便失禁患者由于其刺激性的排泄物导致其会阴部、腹股沟处、

神经电刺激疗法治疗粪失禁现状与展望

1前言 一般认为,粪失禁（fecal incontinence,FI）是指不能随意控制排大便和排气。2001年美国粪失禁治疗共识会议报告定义为＂年龄至少4岁且反复出现的不能控制排大便至少1个月＂,并提出不带有粪质的气体溢出不构成失禁。粪失禁是一个在普通人群中被隐瞒的常见问题,国外文献报告人群中发病率差异较大,为1.4%～18%,在养老院人群中发病率可高达50%。粪失禁可能严重影响患者的日常生活，如改变进食及生活习惯、回避社会活动、丧失工作机会等。

新型电纺聚偏二氟乙烯吊带治疗女性压力性尿失禁1例报告

女性压力性尿失禁（stress urinary incontinence,SUI）的手术治疗多采用经阴道尿道中段悬吊术。目前,使用的吊带材料主要有聚丙稀吊带（polypropylene,PP）、聚乙烯对苯二酸酯吊带和聚四氯乙烯吊带等[1]。聚偏二氟乙烯（polyvinylidene fluoride,PVDF）材质在理化性质上比PP稳定。