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Impact of surgery for stress incontinence on the social lives of women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of collecting disease-specific and generic data on the impact of surgery on the social lives of women with stress incontinence; to describe the social impact of surgery in a representative group; and to determine the effect of timing on the assessment of outcome. DESIGN: Longitudinal study; questionnaires before and three, six, and twelve months after surgery. SETTING: Eighteen hospitals in North Thames region. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred and forty-two women undergoing surgery for stress incontinence between January 1993 and June 1994. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Post-operative recovery time, stress incontinence symptom impact index, activities of daily living, and cost of protection. RESULTS: Post-operative recovery was uneventful for most women, but three months after surgery 24% of those in paid employment beforehand were still on sick or unpaid leave. Most women (75%) reported that stress incontinence had less adverse impact on their lives three months after surgery, though 18% reported no change, and 7% felt life was worse. The likelihood of improvement was similar regardless of whether pre-operative urodynamic studies had been conducted. The extent of improvement was dependent on pre-operative severity. Similar findings were obtained six and twelve months after surgery. After an initial slight but nonsignificant deterioration in their ability to carry out activities of daily living, women gained a slight benefit from surgery (proportion with no or only slight limitation rose from 72% to 82%; P=0.0001). The mean cost of protection (pads and towels) fell from 8.59 pound sterling a month before surgery to 2.99 pound sterling a month one year after surgery, by which time 68% of women were not using protection. In contrast, 11% were still spending over 10 pound sterling a month. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to collect standard data on the impact of surgery on social functioning and, thus, provide women with better information on likely outcomes. The benefits of pre-operative urodynamic investigations need to be assessed. The stability of the outcome measures over the first post-operative year suggest that outcomes need to be assessed only once and at any time from three to twelve months after the operation.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[SAFYRE. A new concept for adjustable minimally invasive sling for female urinary stress incontinence].

INTRODUCTION: SAFYRE is a new readjustable and minimally invasive sling for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Attempts to restore the normal suburethral hammock using an anatomical approach have been made in recent years. The authors report their experience with this device, which associates the efficacy of slings with readjustability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 consecutive patients with clinical and urodynamic diagnosis of SUI underwent SAFYRE sling procedure. The age range was from 40 to 71, mean age 63 years. Seventy-five patients (75%) presented previous failed anti-incontinence procedures. Physical clinical examination, stress test, pad use and a urodynamic study were performed before the surgery. All the patients presented symptoms of SUI and 30% also reported mild urgency. RESULTS: The average follow up period was 14 months (12-30 months). The mean operative time was of 25 minutes. Dystopia repair was performed whenever necessary, during the same procedure. The average hospital stay was 24 hours. In 3% of the implants, bladder perforation occurred. During the postoperative period, 26 patients developed urgency symptoms. During that follow up period, 92% were found to be continent, 3% reported an improvement and 5% were dissatisfied. CONCLUSION: SAFYRE is a safe and quick procedure that allows for postoperative readjustment. This technique may be an attractive alternative if the good result obtained so far proves to be long lasting.

Adult↗

Diagnosis of anal sphincter tears to prevent fecal incontinence: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal anal sphincter tears after vaginal delivery are frequently not diagnosed clinically and are associated with subsequent fecal incontinence. This study examined whether diagnosis of these tears by ultrasonography, followed by immediate surgical repair, reduces the occurrence of incontinence. METHODS: We conducted a randomized trial involving 752 primiparous women without a clinically evident anal sphincter tear to evaluate the benefit of adding endoanal ultrasonography immediately after vaginal delivery to the standard clinical examination of the perineum. When a sphincter tear was diagnosed, the perineum was surgically explored and the sphincter sutured. The main outcome evaluated was fecal incontinence 3 months postpartum graded by the Wexner incontinence scale, which measures incontinence to flatus and liquid or solid stools, need to wear a pad, and lifestyle alterations. RESULTS: Among women assessed by ultrasonography, 5.6% had a sphincter tear. Severe incontinence was reported 3 months after childbirth by 3.3% of women in the intervention group compared with 8.7% in the control group (risk difference -5.4%; 95% confidence interval -8.9 to -2.0; P = .002). The benefit of the intervention persisted 1 year after delivery, with 3.2% severe incontinence in the intervention group compared with 6.7% in the control group (risk difference -3.5%; 95% confidence interval -6.8% to -0.3%; P = .03). Ultrasonography needs to be performed in 29 women to prevent 1 case of severe fecal incontinence. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound examination of the perineum after childbirth improves the diagnosis of anal sphincter tears, and their immediate repair decreases the risk of severe fecal incontinence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Adult↗

Outcome in 104 pubovaginal slings using freeze-dried allograft fascia lata from a single tissue bank.

We describe our experience with the use of allograft fascia lata for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. One hundred and four patients underwent allograft fascia lata pubovaginal slings. Preoperatively, all were evaluated by a detailed urogynecologic evaluation, voiding diary, and pelvic examination. The pubovaginal sling was performed using a 2x15-cm freeze-dried nonirradiated cadaveric fascia lata specimen. Outcome measures were assessed by a urogynecologic questionnaire, pad usage, and disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaires. Eighty-eight percent (91 of 104) responded to a mailed urogynecology and disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaire with an average follow-up period of 19. 4 +/- 10.3 months. The mean preoperative daily pad usage was 4.6 +/- 3.0, postoperatively pad usage was 1.1 +/- 1.4 (P < 0.0001). Urge incontinence resolved in 41% (n = 24) of the 59 patients who complained of this preoperatively. Eighty-seven percent of the responders indicated that urinary incontinence was not substantially affecting their daily life. As in our preliminary report, the use of freeze-dried allograft pubovaginal sling continues to provide good results without adverse outcomes. A prospective, randomized comparison of autologous versus allograft slings and a review of preparation techniques used by tissue banks are needed.

Aged↗

Effective treatment for mixed urinary incontinence with a pubovaginal sling.

PURPOSE: We assessed the results of autologous fascia pubovaginal sling (PVS) in women with mixed incontinence using a validated outcome score and identified risk factors for failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 131 women who received a PVS for sphincteric incontinence (SUI) confirmed by history, physical examination and/or videourodynamic study (VUDS) were identified from a database during the accrual dates 1995 to 2001. Patients with a urethral diverticulum, neoplasm or urinary fistula were excluded. Patients with SUI who also complained of urinary urge incontinence (UUI) and/or had detrusor instability that reproduced incontinence symptoms during VUDS were diagnosed with mixed incontinence (MUI). Patients completed a urological questionnaire, 24-hour voiding diary, pad test, VUDS and cystoscopy preoperatively. The diagnosis of SUI and UUI was further confirmed by physician interview. In patients with MUI detrusor overactivity was classified according to urodynamic criteria. At least 1 year postoperatively the validated Urinary Incontinence Outcome Score (UIOS) was calculated from a 24-hour diary, pad test and questionnaire, and outcomes in patients with SUI and those with MUI were compared. The study was powered a priori to detect a 20% difference in outcome score. Cured patients (UIOS 0) were compared with those who were not cured (UIOS 1 or greater) and univariate analysis was applied to identify the correlates of failed PVS. RESULTS: Of the 131 patients evaluated 33 with a diverticulum or fistula were excluded and 98 underwent PVS. Patient age was 45 to 84 years (median 66). Followup was 1 to 7 years (median 3). A total of 46 patients (48.5%) had simple SUI and 52 (51.5%) had MUI. Two patients were lost to followup (2%) and the procedure was presumed to have failed. There were no differences in age, hormone status, previous surgery or pelvic organ prolapse between patients with SUI and MUI. The cure/improved rate was 97% in 44 SUI cases and 93% in 47 MUI cases, which was a nonsignificant difference (p = 0.33). Analysis of the MUI group showed that patients who were cured and not cured had similar age, parity, urethral angle, bladder capacity, leak point pressure and pad tests. Patients with MUI who were cured had a higher number of voids in 24 hours on preoperative voiding diary (12 vs 8, p = 0.01), while those who were improved or in whom treatment failed had a greater number of urgency (5.6 vs 4.1, p <0.05) and UUI (5.1 vs 3.0, p <0.01) episodes. Univariate analysis of MUI cases showed that an increasing number of preoperative urgency and urge incontinence episodes correlated directly with PVS failure (r = 0.33, p = 0.038 and r = 0.35, p = 0.048, respectively). In contrast, an increasing number of voids correlated with successful PVS (r = 0.4, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Women with SUI and concurrent urge incontinence or detrusor instability have a successful PVS outcome at a rate comparable to that in women with simple SUI, in contrast to our previous findings. Increasing episodes of urgency and urge incontinence on the preoperative voiding diary correlated directly with surgical failure, while voiding frequently was associated with cure.

Aged↗

Early urethral catheter removal following radical prostatectomy: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative urethral catheter drainage after radical prostatectomy is bothersome to patients. A pilot study was initiated to determine if urethral catheter removal prior to hospital discharge is feasible. METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy were prospectively studied and followed for a minimum of 6 months (mean, 8.5). Postoperative cystography was utilized to direct early catheter removal. RESULTS: Of 33 patients, 27 (82%) underwent successful catheter removal at a mean of 4.2 postoperative days. No patient experienced urinary retention, urinoma development, pelvic abscess, or anastomotic stricture. Urinary continence is excellent (no pads required) in 70% and good (stress incontinence requiring 1 to 2 pads/24 hours) in 18% of patients at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Following radical prostatectomy, early catheter removal prior to hospital discharge is feasible. Early results suggest no deleterious consequences. Prospective monitoring of more patients is needed to determine if this practice is widely applicable.

Adult↗

Causes and treatment of residual urine volume after orthotopic bladder replacement in women.

OBJECTIVES: Intact innervation of the female urethra is conditional for normal urination. In the past, urethrectomy was performed as part of cystectomy. After intense anatomical studies of the female pelvis, urethral-function-sparing cystectomy was developed. METHODS: Our clinical group consists of 41 female patients who were operated from 1993 to 1998 for bladder cancer, utilizing cystectomy with orthotopic bladder replacement. RESULTS: In 28 patients, complete daytime continence was restored and in 13 patients, daytime continence was socially satisfactory (1-2 pads were used due to mild stress incontinence). The drawback of orthotopic replacements in females is the frequent development of serious residual volume, which was seen in one third of the 41 patients. The functional results of orthotopic neobladders and therapy of residual urine volume were documented using urodynamic studies. CONCLUSIONS: Postvoiding residual volume may be caused by isolated dysfunction of the urethra and can be treated with clean intermittent self-catheterization or with alpha-blockers, which improve evacuation of the neobladder.

Adult↗

Percutaneous image-guided radiofrequency ablation of painful metastases involving bone: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Few options are available for pain relief in patients with bone metastases who fail standard treatments. We sought to determine the benefit of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in providing pain relief for patients with refractory pain secondary to metastases involving bone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one US and 12 European patients with painful osteolytic metastases involving bone were treated with image-guided RFA using a multitip needle. Treated patients had > or = 4/10 pain and had either failed or were poor candidates for standard treatments such as radiation or opioid analgesics. Using the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form, worst pain intensity was the primary end point, with a 2-unit drop considered clinically significant. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were treated (median follow-up, 16 weeks). Before RFA, the mean score for worst pain was 7.9 (range, 4/10 to 10/10). Four, 12, and 24 weeks following treatment, worst pain decreased to 4.5 (P <.0001), 3.0 (P <.0001), and 1.4 (P =.0005), respectively. Ninety-five percent (41 of 43 patients) experienced a decrease in pain that was considered clinically significant. Opioid usage significantly decreased at weeks 8 and 12. Adverse events were seen in 3 patients and included (1) a second-degree skin burn at the grounding pad site, (2) transient bowel and bladder incontinence following treatment of a metastasis involving the sacrum, and (3) a fracture of the acetabulum following RFA of an acetabular lesion. CONCLUSION: RFA of painful osteolytic metastases provides significant pain relief for cancer patients who have failed standard treatments.

Adult↗

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a relative contraindication to performing restorative proctocolectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the morbidity and functional results after restorative proctocolectomy in obese patients as compared to a matched cohort of non-obese patients. METHODS: 334 patients who had restorative proctocolectomy were reviewed; obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2. 31 obese patients were matched to 31 non-obese patients for age, gender, steroid use, and diagnosis. Operative time, length of hospitalization, and both perioperative (< 6 weeks) and long-term morbidity (> 6 weeks), especially sepsis, were evaluated. RESULTS: The BMI was significantly higher in the obese group (33.7 vs 23.2) (p < 0.0001), and no difference was found between the obese and non-obese groups relative to the matched parameters of age, gender, steroid use and diagnosis. There was no difference in the rate of mucosectomy performed between the obese and non-obese patients (9.6% vs 3.2%, p = NS). 16% of the obese patients underwent one stage restorative proctocolectomies as compared to 10% in the non-obese group. Operative time was longer in the obese group (229 min vs 196 min; p = 0.02), but overall hospital length of stay was similar (9.7 days vs 7.7 days; p = 0.13). Perioperative morbidity was higher in obese patients (32% vs 9.6%, p = 0.058). However, there was no statistical significance in long-term morbidity (23% vs 32%, p = 0.57) at a mean follow-up of 51 months in the obese group and 53 months in the non-obese group. Obese patients had more stomal complications (10 vs 0%) and incisional hernias (13 vs 3%) (p = NS). Overall the pelvic sepsis-rate was significantly higher in the obese group (16 vs 0%; p < 0.05). 60% of the obese patients who developed pelvic sepsis had pouch-anal anastomosis performed without proximal fecal diversion. Mean bowel movements/24 hours, pad use, nocturnal evacuation, accidents/24 hours and incontinence scores were not statistically significant between the groups. CONCLUSION: Obese patients have a higher rate of pelvic sepsis and peri-operative morbidity when compared to a matched non-obese cohort of patients; however, the functional outcome of restorative proctocolectomy in obese patients is not significantly different than in non-obese patients.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Effect of pelvic-floor muscle exercise position on continence and quality-of-life outcomes in women with stress urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pelvic-floor muscle (PFM) exercises are effective in reducing stress urinary incontinence (SUI), but few studies have investigated the effect of specific exercise variables on treatment outcomes. This study explored the effect of exercise position on treatment outcomes in women with SUI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-four women were randomly assigned to exercise in the supine position only or in both supine and upright positions. Bladder diary, pad test, urodynamic test, quality-of-life (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire [IIQ]), and PFM strength outcomes were obtained at baseline and after treatment. RESULTS: Exercise position did not affect outcomes. After data from both groups were collapsed, statistically significant improvements with treatment were observed in bladder diary, IIQ, PFM strength, and urodynamic test results. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Exercise position did not differentially affect treatment outcomes. However, women in this study achieved a mean 67.9% reduction in the frequency of SUI episodes and improvements in other study outcomes.

Adult↗

Biofeedback and pelvic floor exercises for the rehabilitation of urinary stress incontinence.

We investigated the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises or biofeedback for the treatment of urinary stress incontinence (USI). Fifty patients with USI were included in this randomized, controlled, prospective study. Twenty patients were taught PFM exercises via digital palpation and instructed to perform regularly as home program. The second group of 20 patients had PFM exercises via biofeedback three times a week for 2 months. The third group of 10 patients did not have any exercises. The patients were evaluated via pad test, perineometry, digital palpation based PFM strength, incontinence frequency, and visual analog scale based social activity index prior to and 8 weeks after the treatment. The first two groups had significant improvement in USI with respect to the control group (p < 0.001). The rise in PFM strength with perineometry of the biofeedback group was higher than in the digital palpation group after treatment (p < 0.001). PFM exercises are effective for the treatment of USI; the biofeedback method revealed better PFM strength results with respect to digital palpation.

Biofeedback, Psychology↗

A pooled analysis of three phase III studies to investigate the efficacy, tolerability and safety of darifenacin, a muscarinic M3 selective receptor antagonist, in the treatment of overactive bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and safety of darifenacin, a muscarinic M3 selective receptor antagonist (M3 SRA), from an analysis of pooled data from three phase III, multicentre, double-blind clinical trials in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: After a 4-week washout/run-in period, 1059 adults (85% women) with symptoms of OAB (frequency and urgency with urge incontinence) for > or = 6 months were randomized to once-daily oral treatment with darifenacin (7.5 mg, 337; or 15 mg, 334) or matching placebo (388) for 12 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated using electronic patient diaries that recorded incontinence episodes (including those resulting in a change of clothing or pads), frequency and severity of urgency, voiding frequency, and bladder capacity (volume voided). Safety was evaluated by analysis of adverse events (AEs), withdrawal rates and laboratory tests. RESULTS: Relative to baseline, 12 weeks of treatment with darifenacin resulted in a significant reduction in the median (% change, interquartile range) number of incontinence episodes per week; 7.5 mg (-8.8, -68.4%, -15.1 to -4.4); 15 mg; (-10.6, -76.8%, -17.3 to -5.8: both P < 0.01 vs placebo). There was a significant dose-response trend in each study for which darifenacin 7.5 and 15 mg were evaluated (P < 0.01). There were also significant decreases in the frequency and severity of urgency, voiding frequency, and number of significant leaks (incontinence episodes resulting in a change of clothing or pads; both P < or = 0.001 vs placebo), together with an increase in bladder capacity (both P < 0.01 vs placebo). Darifenacin was well tolerated; the most common AEs were dry mouth and constipation, although together these resulted in few discontinuations (darifenacin 7.5 mg 0.6% of patients; 15 mg 2.1%; placebo 0.3%). The incidence of peripheral/central nervous system and cardiovascular AEs were comparable with those on placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Darifenacin (7.5 and 15 mg once daily) is effective in the treatment of patients with OAB. As predicted by its M3 selectivity and associated M1/M2-sparing profile, darifenacin was well tolerated with no central nervous system or cardiovascular safety concerns.

Adult↗

Quality-of-life questionnaire results 2 and 3 years after radiotherapy for prostate cancer in a randomized dose-escalation study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess patient-reported prostate cancer-specific quality of life 2 and 3 years after radiotherapy to the prostate in a randomized dose-escalation trial of 70 versus 78 Gy conducted from 1993 to 1998. METHODS: Two years after completing radiotherapy, a questionnaire that assessed bladder, rectal, and sexual function was sent to 301 patients in the study. Three years after treatment, a second questionnaire was sent to the 175 patients with adequate follow-up. RESULTS: Three years after radiotherapy, urinary incontinence was reported by 35% of patients, but only 6% required the use of a pad or other protective device. Patients reported increased leakage with a full bladder (urge incontinence) between the 2 and 3-year questionnaires (42% versus 50%; P = 0.03). At 3 years, 33% of patients reported rectal bleeding compared with 47% at 2 years (P = 0.006). Patients in the 78-Gy arm reported more frequent bowel movements at 3 years and less change in bowel function at 2 years than patients in the 70-Gy arm. Before radiotherapy, 84% of patients reported erections adequate for intercourse at least a few times during the previous year. After 2 and 3 years, this had decreased to 49% and 41%, respectively (P <0.02). CONCLUSIONS: By patient-reported questionnaire, 78 Gy produced an increase in bowel movement frequency and no increase in bladder or sexual side effects at 3 years compared with 70 Gy. Comparing the results 2 and 3 years after radiotherapy, the symptoms of rectal bleeding had improved, erectile function had decreased, and urinary urge incontinence had increased.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Outcome measures for urinary incontinence.

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVES; To discuss the rudiments of data that need to be collected in order to develop validated, reproducible, well-accepted efficacy instruments for assessing treatment outcomes in urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS: Information is presented from two reports issued by the Urodynamics Society: "Definition and Classification of Urinary Incontinence" and "Standards of Efficacy for Evaluation of Treatment Outcomes in Urinary Incontinence." RESULTS: Instruments to assess the efficacy of treatment should be reliable and valid. Such instruments include structured histories, questionnaires, structured physical examinations, urodynamics, voiding diaries, and pad tests. Recommended primary outcome variables include the number of incontinent episodes, volume of urinary loss, and type of incontinence. Secondary measures include patient satisfaction, quality of life, bladder symptoms, uroflow, postvoid residual urine, and other urodynamic variables. General considerations for the development of clinical trials include 1) using a standard lexicon, 2) consistent timing of follow-up, 3) proper outcome assessment at each follow-up, 4) proper data collection, 5) proper data analysis, and 6) formulating conclusions that are supported by the data. CONCLUSIONS: At the present time, there are no validated, reproducible, well-accepted efficacy instruments for assessing treatment outcomes in UI. Further work directed toward the development of such instruments is warranted.

Female↗

Endoscopic treatment of urinary incontinence in pediatric patients: 2-year experience with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effectiveness of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (dextranomer microspheres in sodium hyaluronan solution) as a treatment for urinary incontinence due to sphincter incompetence in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with urinary incontinence due to neurogenic and structural causes were given a transurethral injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer to increase bladder outlet resistance. Patients were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after injection using a validated questionnaire, 1-hour pad test, ultrasonography, cystography and cystometry. Patients who remained incontinent were offered repeat injections of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer up to a maximum of 3 injections. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients 8 to 22 years old were treated with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer, including 3 with neurogenic bladder, 8 with bladder exstrophy after 3-stage reconstruction, 4 with penopubic epispadias and 1 with urogenital sinus. Mean volume injected was 2.8 ml. (range 1.8 to 4.0) and mean number of injections received was 2.3 per patient. Dry time interval increased by 43 minutes (p <0.05) and functional bladder capacity increased by 34 ml. (p <0.05) at 6 months after treatment compared with pretreatment values. Improvement in both parameters was maintained at 12 months. At 6 and 12 months of followup 12 (75%) and 8 (50%) patients reported improvements in daytime and nighttime dryness, respectively. A slight decrease in continence parameters was observed in the 13 patients who completed the 24-month followup. No adverse events were reported and no upper urinary tract deterioration was observed as a consequence of endoscopic treatment within the 2-year followup period. CONCLUSIONS: Use of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer as a bulking agent to increase bladder outlet resistance improves symptoms in children and adolescents with incontinence of neurogenic and nonneurogenic origin.

Bladder Exstrophy↗

Bladder neck support prosthesis: a nonoperative treatment for stress or mixed urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the usefulness and safety of a bladder neck support prosthesis in patients with stress or mixed incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 57 women with stress and 20 with mixed incontinence completed a 12-week prospective clinical trial of a bladder neck support prosthesis. While indexes of incontinence episodes, leakage amounts and urgency along with a bothersome index were subjectively evaluated, a 60-minute pad test and urinary flow parameters were objectively evaluated. Three patients scheduled to undergo surgery for stress incontinence voluntarily used the device, and provided urodynamic data and cystourethrograms. Two prongs at 1 end of the ring, a type of elastic vaginal pessary, elevate the bladder neck against the pubic bone and facilitate pressure transmission around the bladder neck, resulting in urinary continence. RESULTS: Four subjective indexes significantly improved. There was no urinary flow obstruction. Urine loss decreased from 20.6 to 4.8 gm. per hour (p < 0.001) on the 60-minute pad test. Of the patients 22 (29%) reported complete continence and 39 (51%) had decreased severity of incontinence by more than 50%. Minor adverse effects occurred in 26% of the patients. Taking subjective evaluation, changes in objective parameters and adverse effects into consideration, 62 patients (81%) had some or maximum benefit according to the global usefulness rating. CONCLUSIONS: The bladder neck support prosthesis is safe, well tolerated and clinically effective for the treatment of stress or mixed incontinence.

Adult↗

Managing urinary incontinence with self-care practices.

1. Older people living in the community often describe incontinence as an unpleasant nuisance, something to be managed but seldom talked about. Few of the respondents in this study limited their activities because of incontinence. 2. The respondents managed incontinence using a variety of self-care practices, including commercial and homemade pads, fluid restriction, and toileting routines. 3. Nurses had little, if any, impact on the experience of incontinence for these respondents. It is important for older people to have access to knowledgeable health-care professionals and appropriate strategies and products.

Aged↗

Biofeedback vs verbal feedback as learning tools for pelvic muscle exercises in the early management of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback with verbal instructions as learning tools of pelvic muscle exercises (PMEs) in the early management of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-two consecutive patients (mean age 64 years, sd 4.2), with urinary incontinence after radical retropubic prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer, were randomized to receive biofeedback (group A, 28 men) or verbal feedback (group B, 14 men) as learning tools for PMEs immediately after catheter removal. Group A received 15 sessions of EMG biofeedback (three times weekly, 30 min each) and group B verbal instructions. Evaluation at baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 6 months included the 1-h pad-test and a questionnaire (number of pads/day and incontinence episodes). RESULTS: By the last follow-up, 27 patients had received biofeedback and 15 verbal instructions. Data were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Urine loss as assessed by the 1-h pad-test at baseline, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months was 39, 18, 7, 4 and 3 g for group A and 31, 11, 3, 1 and 0 g for group B, respectively (P > 0.05). The number of pads/day was 3.9, 3.4, 1.2, 0.8 and 0.4 for group A and 3.6, 1.8, 0.9, 0.4 and 0.2 for group B, respectively (P > 0.05). The overall continence rate at 6 months was objectively (urine loss > 1 g) 91% and subjectively (0-1 pad/day) 95%. CONCLUSION: Intensive verbal instructions and biofeedback were both very effective behavioural methods and learning tools for PMEs in the early management of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.

Biofeedback, Psychology↗