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An open, multicentre study of NASHA/Dx Gel (Zuidex) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: The Zuidex system facilitates non-endoscopic urethral injection for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). It comprises four pre-filled syringes of non-animal stabilised hyaluronic acid/dextranomer (NASHA/Dx) gel and an Implacer device. This open, 12-month study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this system in women with SUI. METHODS: Patients were aged > or =18 years with a history of SUI for > or =12 months (hypermobility and/or intrinsic sphincter deficiency), had failed prior non-invasive therapy and were invasive-therapy naïve. Up to two treatments with NASHA/Dx gel were permissible (re-treatment was offered at week 8). Positive response to treatment was defined as a reduction in provocation test leakage of > or =50% compared with baseline. Efficacy was also measured by 24-hour pad weight test leakage, and number of incontinence episodes/24 hours. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 55.7 years. The response rate was 78% at week 12, and 77% at month 12. Significant reductions in median provocation test leakage, 24-hour pad-weight test leakage and number of incontinence episodes/24 hours were observed at all time-points. At month 12, the median decreases from baseline in these three variables were 93%, 89% and 67%, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events were of a nature expected with urethral injection - most were transient, and of mild or moderate intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with NASHA/Dx gel produced large, statistically significant reductions in urinary leakage sustained over 12 months and was well tolerated. These findings suggest that NASHA/Dx gel could be considered as an early intervention in treatment-naïve cases of SUI.

Adult↗

Urodynamic classification of patients with symptoms of overactive bladder.

PURPOSE: We describe a new classification of patients with overactive bladder symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The office records of 132 patients who presented for evaluation of symptoms of urinary frequency, urinary urgency and/or urge incontinence, and who underwent videourodynamics were identified. All patients completed a 24-hour voiding diary and 24-hour pad test. Data collection included age, sex, hormone status, number of voids and incontinence episodes per 24 hours, functional bladder capacity, pad weight and associated genitourinary conditions. Videourodynamics were reviewed and patients were divided into 4 clinical categories, including type 1-no evidence of involuntary detrusor contractions on videourodynamics, type 2-involuntary detrusor contractions present, and patient aware and able to abort them, type 3-contractions present, patient aware and able to contract the sphincter but not abort contractions and type 4-contractions present and patient unaware but unable to contract the sphincter or abort contractions. RESULTS: Average patient age +/- SD was 64 years +/- 13. There were an average of 13 +/- 5 voids and 3 +/- 5 incontinence episodes per 24 hours. Average functional bladder capacity was 306 +/- 146 cc and average pad weight was 94 +/- 165 gm. Associated diagnoses included benign prostatic hypertrophy in 28% of cases, sphincteric incontinence in 17%, idiopathic urge incontinence in 29% and uterovaginal or bladder prolapse in 17%. Another 11% of patients had bladder outlet obstruction, impaired detrusor contractility or neurogenic bladder conditions. Of the cases 72 (55%), 32 (25%), 23 (17%) and 5 (4%) were categorized as classes 1 to 4, respectively. ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences in the number of voids or incontinence episodes, functional bladder capacity or pad test when individual categories were compared to each other. CONCLUSIONS: This overactive bladder classification stratifies patients according to degrees of awareness, and control of bladder and sphincter function. It may prove useful as a guide for prognosis and therapy. Patients can be stratified into clinical groups based on the presence or absence of involuntary detrusor contractions, the ability to abort contractions and the ability to contract the urinary sphincter in response to contractions. Limiting the definition of overactive bladder to apply only to patients with no proved infection or other pathological condition would have eliminated more than 75% of those in this sample with symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency and/or urge incontinence.

Humans↗

Urge incontinence: the patient's perspective.

Urge incontinence has a profound effect on the day-to-day lives of women. The purpose of this study was to identify specific aspects of functioning and well-being affected by urge incontinence or mixed incontinence with a primary urge component. We conducted six focus groups of 65 racially and age diverse, community-dwelling women with urge incontinence. Transcripts of the focus groups were quantitatively analyzed for word use frequency with QSR NUD*IST software. Demographics, symptomatology, and the impact of incontinence on daily activities and feelings were assessed by questionnaire. Participants in the focus groups were on average 62 years of age; 52% were nonwhite, and 26% had a high school or less education. In the three identified broad domains, 52% of domain-related words were associated with feelings, 40% with activities, and 8% with relationships. Frequently identified references were bathroom availability (24%), loss of control (14%), anxiety (11%), and sleep disturbance (10%). Women under the age of 70 compared with older women more commonly identified feeling unattractive and low self-esteem (12% versus 2%, p < 0.007) and adverse effects on dating and sexual activity (45% versus 0%, p < 0.02). The effect of incontinence on quality of life correlated with frequency, nocturia, and pad use (Kendall's tau beta 0.02-0.32, p < 0.05). Urge incontinence affects many quality of life issues and contributes to limitation of activities, loss of control, and negative self-perception. Focus groups of diverse women with urge incontinence symptomatology are useful in understanding these effects.

Activities of Daily Living↗

A new intravaginal device for stress incontinence in women.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two versions of the same type of disposable intravaginal device (the Conveen Continence Guard, CCG, and the Contrelle Continence Tampon, CCT, Coloplast a/s, Humlebaek, Denmark) for treating stress incontinence in women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women with the predominant symptom of stress incontinence were recruited from four centres in Denmark, Australia and the UK. The women were assessed using a 24-h pad-test, uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume and a voiding diary before treatment, and after 5 weeks using each of the two devices. Vaginal swabs and specimens of urine were sent for culture, and a questionnaire about the subjective effect and adverse events completed at each visit. In all, 94 women were recruited, of whom 62 (66%) completed the study. RESULTS: Both devices reduced the amount of leakage significantly, but the CCT reduced urine loss significantly more than the CCG. Uroflowmetry values and residual urine volume were unchanged when using the two devices. Vaginal culture showed no abnormality during the study period, and only one woman was treated for a urinary tract infection. Side-effects were few and not serious. The women found both devices easy to prepare, insert and use; two-thirds preferred the CCT to the CCG. CONCLUSION: The new intravaginal device (CCT) is more effective for treating stress incontinence than the currently available version (CCG), and patient acceptability of the new device seems to be superior.

Adult↗

[Results and conclusions from 328 radical operations of rectal carcinoma by one surgeon. Comparative anatomic studies with Brachydanio rerio and Latimeria chalumnae].

The continence preserving procedures, even with small margins, have better curative results than amputation of the rectum. Nevertheless marginal continent resections have to take a defective continence into account. In clinical practice this is tolerated. A reason for the reduction of continence is the loss of the corpus cavernosum recti. Comparative anatomical investigations in Brachydanio, a fish species that is transparent in its larva stage, lead to the conclusion, that the rectum remains an abdominal organ even though it is situated in the lesser pelvis. Thus it is strictly separated from the totally differently developed pelvic organ of the urogenital system. This is also proven by the separate anlages of the lymph nodes, lymph and blood vessels. Concerning the continence organ it is referred to the formal sex difference. The female closure mechanism is weaker and more primitive. We could follow this principle back to the Latimeria. For this reason, after deep continent resections, women always are more subject to incontinence, and have to wear nightly pads, at times. We have operated on 328 patients during 1-1-1978 to 2-22-1989. Their curative rates relate to these considerations.

Animals↗

Relationship between clinical symptoms of anal incontinence and the results of anorectal manometry.

The aim of this work was to analyze clinical symptoms in light of anorectal manometry results. We compared the frequency of clinical symptoms in relation with the presence or absence of functional anomalies. Using this methodology, the following relationships may be suggested: the need to wear a pad, with a decreased resting pressure at the upper part of the anal canal; the inability to delay rectal evacuation, with decreased anal voluntary contraction; interference of incontinence with social activities, with decreased duration of anal voluntary contraction; urinary symptoms, with an increased threshold volume of rectal distention needed to elicit the rectoanal inhibitory reflex; and complete rectal prolapse, with reduced length of the anal canal.

Adult↗

Urodynamic findings in postprostatectomy incontinence.

Due to the large variability in the reported contribution of bladder dysfunction to postprostatectomy incontinence and the impact this dysfunction may have on the outcome of selected treatment, we retrospectively reviewed the videourodynamic findings of bladder and sphincteric function in patients with postprostatectomy incontinence. The contributions of bladder and sphincteric causes of incontinence are determined. Ninety-two patients had multichannel videourdynamic testing performed as part of a comprehensive evaluation for incontinence at least 1 year after prostatectomy. Using a 6-French double-lumen catheter in the bladder and a 10-French catheter in the rectum, all pressures were recorded continuously while in the upright position. Valsalva leak point pressures (VLPP) were measured in the absence of a bladder contraction at a 150-ml volume and at 50-ml increments thereafter until maximum functional capacity was reached. Bladder compliance and bladder capacity were determined and the presence of detrusor instability (DI) was documented. Sixty-five patients (71%) presented after radical prostatectomy (RP) and 27 patients (29%) after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The predominant urodynamic finding was sphincteric incompetence as VLPP were obtained in 85 patients (92%) and ranged from 12 to 120 cm water. DI was a common finding, occurring in 34 patients (37%), and classified as follows: a) phasic instability in 22/34, b) tonic instability in 3/34, and c) mixed phasic and tonic instability in 9/34. However, we found DI to be the sole cause of incontinence in only 3/92 patients (3.3%). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of sphincteric incompetence after RP or TURP; however, TURP patients had a higher incidence of DI, which was statistically significant (P=0.019). There was no correlation of incontinence severity and VLPP when comparing preoperative pad usage to VLPP < or =70 or > or =71 cm water. Although bladder dysfunction may be contributing problem in patients with postprostatectomy incontinence, it is rarely the only mechanism for this disorder. VLPP does not correlate with incontinence severity. Although sphincteric incompetence is the most common mechanism contributing to incontinence after prostatectomy, bladder dysfunction may coexist or be an isolated cause of postprostatectomy incontinence. Therefore, urodynamic studies are important to illustrate the exact cause(s) of incontinence in each individual patient after prostatectomy.

Aged↗

Relevance of postcatheter removal incontinence to postoperative urinary function after radical prostatectomy.

AIM: We examined whether postoperative urinary function after radical prostatectomy is associated with immediate incontinence just after catheter removal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The current study included 80 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer, who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy between January 2002 and May 2004. The amount of immediate incontinence was measured with a 24-h pad test just after catheter removal. The patients were categorized into the three groups based on the stratified grade of immediate urinary incontinence: groups I (0 g; 47 patients), II (1-99 g; 23 patients) and III (100 g and above; 10 patients), respectively. Urinary function and bother were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire using the University of California Los Angeles, Prostate Cancer Index at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The differences in scores of urinary function, bother and clinicopathological parameters were assessed in the three groups with one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the clinicopathological parameters in the three groups. Preoperatively significant difference of urinary function scores was not evident and that of urinary bother scores was not observed in the three groups. Postoperatively urinary function scores were significantly different throughout the postoperative periods investigated, whereas difference in urinary bother scores observed at 3 months tended to disappear with time. CONCLUSION: Postcatheter removal incontinence might be related to postoperative urinary function after radical prostatectomy, although further investigation is necessary regarding the criteria for categorization because of a small number of the patients.

Aged↗

Effectiveness of ultrasonographic parameters for documenting the severity of anatomic stress incontinence.

BACKGROUND: To assess the correlation between the severity of incontinence and some ultrasonographic parameters used to document the mobility of bladder neck. METHODS: The severity of the incontinence and mobility the bladder neck were evaluated by pad test and perineal ultrasonography respectively in 74 patients with pure anatomic stress incontinence. During perineal ultrasonography, distances from the bladder neck to the lower tip (A) and to the posterior midpoint of symphysis pubis (B) were measured at rest and during stress. The first bladder neck mobility was obtained by two caliper method (Mu). After superimposing the symphysis pubis of the frozen images, the bladder neck positions at rest and during stress were plotted on an x-y coordinate system by using computer programs and the corresponding X and Y values were calculated. The second bladder neck mobility was measured on this x-y coordinate system (Mc). Paired t-test and correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: The mean Mc was significantly higher than the mean Mu (p<0.01). Compared to the values at rest, the mean distance A did not change significantly; however, the mean distance B increased, and X and Y values decreased significantly during stress (p<0.01). The amount of urine leaked per hour had significant positive correlation with distance B-stress and Mc and significant negative correlation with Y-rest, X-stress and Y-stress (p<0.05-0.001). CONCLUSION: These data suggested that the bladder neck mobility was underestimated when it was measured by two caliper method and the absolute positions or mobility of the bladder neck measured by computer on an x-y coordinate system could effectively document the severity of the decreased support of bladder neck.

Adult↗

Biofeedback treatment of fecal incontinence incorporating a mental variable without instrumentation: a prospective pilot study in Hispanic population.

UNLABELLED: The long-established approaches utilized to treat fecal incontinence always require instrumentation with some type of electronic equipment. This equipment is not always available in every institutions. In addition, no studied protocol principally used as coordination, sensory, or strength training has reached the level of gold standard. The purpose of this study was to describe a simple biofeedback technique that incorporating a mental variable and not requiring electronic equipment with prior adequate training could be used at any medical institution. METHODS: A particular modality of an operant conditioning technique was given once and a home trainer program was established. Forty-eight patients (mean age 37.1 +/- 3.7 years) were recruited. Patients had suffered from total incontinence for a period of 55 +/- 7.5 months, all used two to three pads per day and suffered 2.4 +/- 0.2 episodes of incontinence per day. Patients underwent clinical history recording, laboratory tests, recto-sigmoidoscopy, and double-contrast barium enema. Manometry and rectal sensitivity were performed in 7 and 27 patients, respectively. For physiologic comparisons, 21 healthy volunteers were used. RESULTS: A total of 79.1% of patients became continent in a median period of 3.9 +/- 0.5 months. An average of 3.85 +/- 0.55 sessions was required. Follow-up continued for 3-11 years. Patients with incontinence showed lower basal mean resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure and rectal sensitivity (p <0. 01) and spontaneous rectoanal inhibitory reflex was absent in 57%. CONCLUSIONS: This biofeedback approach does not employ any type of electronic equipment and can be easily reproduced in any type of medical center. Additionally, this is the first report in which a methodology for biofeedback therapy successfully incorporates a mental variable in addition to sensory and strength training.

Adult↗

Inventing urine incontinence devices for women.

Nurses have long been aware of the devastating effects of urinary incontinence on women. Although women may find diapers, pads and protective clothing valuable protection, there are few options for a continuous wear, external urine incontinence device (EUID). Inventors have attempted to develop an EUID since ancient times; the first United States patent for an EUID was awarded in 1949. The purpose of this paper is to review technological considerations for development of an external urinary incontinence device for women. Patents and products illustrate the considerations.

Equipment Design↗

Treatment of urge incontinence in Veterans Affairs medical centers.

Urinary incontinence has far-reaching medical, psychological, social, and economic effects. The objectives of this descriptive study were to examine utilization patterns and discontinuation rates of various pharmacologic agents used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, primarily urge incontinence (UI), and to estimate the prevalence of urinary incontinence in the study population. Patient-level data regarding specific drugs used to treat UI and the use of diapers or pads over a 9-month period from October 1995 to May 1996 were retrospectively extracted from the medication databases of 9 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. A total of 2233 male patients were included in the analyses. Most patients were receiving oxybutynin chloride (39.8%), dicyclomine hydrochloride (16.0%), or imipramine hydrochloride (13.9%), and the remaining 30.3% were using flavoxate hydrochloride, propantheline bromide, hyoscyamine sulfate, and adult diapers or pads. Overall, 72.1% of patients had been prescribed daily dosages within the recommended dosing ranges for these medications. The majority (91.3%) of patients had not switched to another UI medication during the study period. Based on a chronic disease index, 47.6% of patients had 2 or fewer chronic diseases. Using pooled prevalence estimates, the estimated percentage of patients who had ever experienced UI in this population ranged from 7.4% to 20.8%; however, a considerably smaller percentage were taking medications for the treatment of UI. The results of this study suggest that oxybutynin, dicyclomine, and imipramine are the agents most commonly used to treat urinary incontinence within Veterans Affairs medical centers. The majority of patients who received a prescription for one of these drugs did not routinely refill the medication over the course of the study. There are many reasons for patients not to refill a prescription (eg, ineffectiveness, side effects, complications, obtaining the drug from another source), but the present study did not address the causes.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic versus open colposuspension--results of a prospective randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of open and laparoscopic colposuspension in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial. Women were randomised between March 1999 and February 2002 and were seen for assessment at 6, 12 and 24 months, postoperatively. SETTING: Women were recruited from six gynaecology units in the UK. POPULATION: Women with proven stress urinary incontinence requiring surgery. METHODS: Open abdominal retropubic colposuspension or laparoscopic colposuspension. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were subjective (satisfaction with outcome) and objective (negative 1-hour pad test). Secondary outcomes were operative and postoperative morbidity and quality of life. The study was powered to demonstrate noninferiority, i.e. that the absolute cure rate of laparoscopic colposuspension was no more than 15% below that of open colposuspension. RESULTS: A total of 291 women were randomised, with 24-month data on subjective and objective outcomes in 88 and 82.5%, respectively. The intention-to-treat analysis indicated no significant difference in cure rates between open and laparoscopic surgery. The objective cure rates for open and laparoscopic were 70.1 and 79.7%, respectively. Subjective cure rates by satisfaction were lower than objective cure; 54.6 and 54.9%, respectively, and there was considerable nonconcordance both ways. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic colposuspension is not inferior to open colposuspension in terms of curing stress urinary incontinence.

Female↗

Bone anchored sling for the treatment of post-prostatectomy incontinence.

PURPOSE: This ongoing study evaluates the safety and efficacy of a new minimally invasive sling procedure for treating post-prostatectomy incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 16 men 56 to 74 years old (mean age 67) underwent the procedure using the Straight-In bone anchoring system. Time after prostatectomy was 1.5 to 5 years (mean 2.5). Of the 16 patients 14 had urodynamically confirmed stress urinary incontinence, while 2 had mixed incontinence with stress incontinence and detrusor instability. The procedure is performed with the patient in the lithotomy position using a perineal approach. Four miniature bone screws with pre-attached pairs of No. 1 polypropylene sutures are placed directly into the medial aspect of the inferior rami of the pubic bone. A pair of bone anchors is placed just below the symphysis on each side, and the second pair is inserted 3 to 4 cm. lower. To support the bulbar urethra a gelatin coated polyethylene terephthalate trapezoid shaped sling or cadaveric fascia lata is tied to the pubic bone using the 4 pairs of sutures attached to the bone anchors. Urethral resistance is increased to 30 to 50 cm. water above baseline pressure. RESULTS: Followup was 4 to 20 months (mean 12.2). Of the 14 men with the preoperative urodynamic diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence 12 were cured of incontinence, defined as subjectively dry with no or only 1 pad used daily for security without any episode of leakage, while 2 were improved subjectively with a decrease of 50% or more in pads daily. Two other patients with the preoperative diagnosis of mixed urinary incontinence were improved. Postoperatively urodynamic study in these patients revealed resolved stress incontinence but persistent urge urinary incontinence. They responded to anticholinergics and are completely dry. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were minimal with no erosion, infection or osseous complications. CONCLUSIONS: This new minimally invasive male sling procedure is safe and efficacious. Adjusting sling tension by measuring urethral resistance results in a low rate of over correction and failure. Further experience is needed to establish this procedure as treatment for post-prostatectomy incontinence.

Aged↗

Treatment of female stress urinary incontinence with a new anatomically shaped vaginal device (Conveen Continence Guard).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new vaginal device for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multicentre study comprised 90 women with stress incontinence (mean age 47.5 years, range 31-65). The diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence was based on the result of a quantitative provocation test. The device was used daily for 4 weeks. Urinary leakage with and without the device was assessed using a 24 h pad-test at home. The patient's subjective opinion concerning their urinary leakage and the efficacy and function of the device were assessed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Eighty-five women completed the study and successfully performed the pad test on both occasions. The mean (SEM) urinary leakage at the end of the study period whilst using the device was 13.9 (3.2) mL, which was less than the 41.6 (7.6) mL mean leakage measured before treatment (P < 0.001). Of the 85 women, 39 (46%) were completely dry during the pad test with the device in situ, 29% had a smaller leakage, 17% had the same leakage and 8% had a greater leakage. Accordingly, the overall objective improvement was 75%; 72% of the women considered the product to function satisfactorily and 60% expressed a wish to continue with the treatment. The vaginal device caused some local discomfort in 62% of the patients, but 72% of these women wished to continue with the device despite the reported discomfort. CONCLUSION: The new vaginal device reduced urinary leakage in stress incontinent women and 46% became continent. Even women with severe leakage had some improvement when using the device.

Adult↗

The use of polydimethylsiloxane in the treatment of incontinence after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of transurethral submucosal injection therapy of polydimethylsiloxane (PDS) to treat incontinence after radical prostatectomy (RP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since 1993, about 80 retropubic RPs have been carried out at our institution each year. Severe post-operative incontinence occurred in six patients, with a mean duration of incontinence after RP of 28 months. The pre-operative evaluation consisted of cysto-urethroscopy and urodynamics. Because we have no experience with artificial sphincter implantation, transurethral injection therapy was used to treat the post-operative incontinence, using PDS (vulcanized silicone rubber particles). This material has a mean particle size of 188 microns, providing stability of the material at the injection site. The six patients with severe post-operative incontinence were treated using injection therapy with PDS. RESULTS: After a mean follow up of 15.5 months, five patients, who suffered from day and night incontinence and required at least five pads per day, were dry after injection therapy. One patient improved significantly but still required two pads during the day, but was continent during the night; three patients required a second injection. A mean of 7.5 mL of PDS was used per patient and the side-effects of therapy (dysuria and urinary retention) were minimal. CONCLUSION: Because PDS has excellent biocompatibility, few side-effects or complications, transurethral injection therapy using silicone particles is a justifiable procedure for treating incontinence after RP.

Dimethylpolysiloxanes↗

Measurement of urinary loss in elderly incontinent patients. A simple and accurate method.

A simple method which uses beam balance scales, a portable timer, a large plastic-backed absorbent pad, and tight fitting pants has been developed to measure urinary loss in incontinent patients. Complete collection of all the urine lost was achieved in 220 (94%) of 234 incontinent episodes in patients from three long-term-care wards. The attendant's subjective assessment of "wetness", as used in other methods, was shown to be an extremely crude indicator of the degree of incontinence since the weight-gain in pads judged subjectively as being "wet" was anything from 0.7 to 341 g and there was considerable overlap between the weights of pads judged to be "dry", "damp", or "wet". In 6 healthy volunteers the mean weight-gain per pad caused by perspiration was 1.2 g/2 h and the mean change due to evaporation/leakage, determined by means of pre-wetted pads, was 1.0 g.

Aged↗

Transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter cuff placement in cases requiring revision for erosion and urethral atrophy.

PURPOSE: A distal cuff location is often required in patients undergoing artificial urinary sphincter reimplantation after previous erosion or in those requiring revision because of urethral atrophy at the original cuff site. Dissecting the urethra at a more distal site increases the risk of urethral injury and erosion, and often the urethral circumference is so small that a 4 cm. cuff is too large. We present a novel technique for distal cuff placement using transcorporal dissection that leaves corporal tunica albuginea on the dorsal surface of the urethra, allowing for its safer mobilization and adding to its bulk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 31 men who underwent this technique and contacted 26 by telephone. The indications for distal transcorporal cuff placement varied. In 7 men with inadequate urethral coaptation with a 4 cm. proximal cuff at initial implantation a primary transcorporal tandem cuff was implanted distal. In 8 men persistent or recurrent incontinence despite a 4 cm. proximal cuff led to secondary distal reimplantation. Previous artificial urinary sphincter erosion and/or infection in 10 cases, previous urethral surgery at the optimal cuff site in 5 and radiation changes at the optimal cuff site in 1 led to selection of the more distal site and technique. Of the transcorporally placed cuffs 18 were 4 cm. and 13 were 4.5 cm. Preoperatively 5.2 pads were used daily. Of the 31 patients 27 were impotent preoperatively, 1 had normal erections, 1 had partial erections with the MUSE drug delivery system (Vivus, Inc., Menlo Park, California) and 2 had a previously placed penile prosthesis. RESULTS: At a mean followup of 17 months 26 of the 31 patients (84%) had occasional or no stress incontinence requiring 0 to 1 pad daily, 2 with pure urge incontinence used 1 to 2 pads daily and 3 had mixed incontinence requiring 0 to 3 pads daily. Of the 26 men surveyed 25 were very satisfied with the postoperative level of incontinence. Postoperatively erectile function deteriorated in 1 patient and was unchanged in the remainder. There was no erosion or infection of the transcorporally placed cuffs, although 3 were replaced for malfunction. CONCLUSIONS: This technique offers significant advantages in cases of revision. The technique protects the urethra from intraoperative dissection injury and decreases the risk of erosion because the urethra is buttressed at its vulnerable location. In addition, bulk is added to the urethra, allowing for better cuff sizing, which is usually a problem at this location where the urethra is small, thereby, improving continence in revised cases. Our success has recently led us to abandon tandem cuff placement altogether. There is a potential for deteriorating erectile function in potent men who undergo implantation in this fashion.

Atrophy↗