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Background: Most reports in the literature on botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) therapy for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) are based on the results of a single injection. Because most patients may require retreatment, the efficacy and safety of multiple injections must be addressed clearly., Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of BoNTA intradetrusorial injections in a group of spinal cord-injured (SCI) patients with refractory detrusor overactivity (DO)., Design, Setting, and Participants: Seventeen SCI patients were prospectively included in the study and followed up to 6 yr., Intervention: All patients received repeat intradetrusorial injections of BoNTA 300 units (Botox, Allergan, Irvine, CA) under cystoscopic control on an inpatient basis., Measurements: The preliminary assessment included voiding diary, urodynamics, kidney and bladder ultrasound, and cystourethrography. Patients also completed a standardised quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaire. Clinical evaluation, urodynamics, urinary tract imaging, and QoL assessment were repeated every year throughout the follow-up., Results and Limitations: Before treatment, all patients complained of urinary incontinence and had DO. Bilateral and monolateral renal pelvis dilatation were detected in six and five patients, respectively, and a monolateral and third-grade vesicoureteral reflux was observed in three. At 6-yr follow-up, a significant decrease in the frequency of daily incontinence episodes (p<0.01), a significant increase in first uninhibited detrusor contraction and in maximum bladder capacity (p<0.001 for both), and a significant decrease in maximum pressure of these contractions (p<0.01) were observed. Fifteen patients (88.2%) were completely continent. Renal pelvis dilatation and vesicoureteral reflux resolved in all cases, and the QoL index significantly increased. Limitations of the study are related to the small number of included patients., Conclusions: In SCI patients with refractory NDO who do not want or are unfit for invasive reconstructive surgery, BoNTA intravesical treatment represents a valid alternative to control DO and urinary incontinence and to preserve upper urinary tract function over a long-term follow-up.

Objective: In a prospective study we analysed the 3-yr results of the effects of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) on detrusor and sphincter function by comparing urodynamic status preoperatively with that during longitudinal follow-up., Methods: Fifty-four consecutive patients underwent urodynamics with pressure flow studies and Valsalva leak point pressure measurements 3-7 d before RRP (baseline), and then 8 mo after surgery. Thirty-two patients were studied again 3 yr later. We analysed bladder compliance, detrusor overactivity (DO), detrusor contractility, and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD)., Results: There was a significant increase in the number of patients with reduced bladder compliance at the 8-mo follow-up. De novo reduced bladder compliance was detected in 32.3% of patients and persisted in 28.1% at the 36-mo follow-up. De novo detrusor hypocontractility was observed in 51% of patients at 8 mo (p<0.05) and persisted in 25% of cases 3 yr later. No patients showed any postvoid residual volume. The associations between detrusor hypocontractility with DO and between detrusor hypocontractility with ISD were detected in 76.2% and 44% of patients, respectively, at 8 mo, and in 25% and in 34% of cases, respectively, at 36 mo of follow-up (p<0.05 and p<0.001)., Conclusions: Following RRP detrusor hypocontractility, decreased bladder compliance, and ISD represent de novo dysfunction probably due to bladder denervation during surgery. They become established conditions over time in about 30% of patients. Nevertheless, they do not produce voiding symptoms because patients develop new voiding behaviours.

Objectives: To analyse the relationship between RRP and urodynamic bladder dysfunction, and compare preoperative and postoperative functional status over long-term follow-up. Hypothesis on the pathophysiologic mechanism underlying urodynamic dysfunction has been reported., Methods: PubMed databank search for original articles followed by review of urodynamic parameters: bladder filling sensation, detrusor overactivity, bladder compliance, cystometric bladder capacity, impaired detrusor contractility, bladder outlet obstruction, urinary incontinence., Results: Detrusor dysfunction was rarely present as the sole diagnosis and was usually coupled with intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Data on bladder filling sensation, cystometric capacity, detrusor overactivity, impaired detrusor contractility, and bladder outlet obstruction were limited and contradictory. Detrusor overactivity was a de novo dysfunction in 2%-77% of patients. Impaired bladder compliance was present in 8%-39% of patients and was de novo in about 50%. Impaired detrusor contractility was found in 29%-61% of patients, was de novo in 47%, and recovered in about 50% of patients. The role of these dysfunctions as etiologic agents of urinary incontinence or voiding symptoms was unevenly assessed., Conclusions: Postoperative decentralization of the bladder, inflammation and/or infection, and geometric bladder wall alteration associated with preexisting hypoxemia with/without neuroplasticity have been posited as causes of detrusor dysfunction. Nevertheless, the lack of consistent preoperative urodynamic investigation makes it difficult to assess the operation's exact role in causing these dysfunctions. Thus, urodynamics performed, at least in selected cases, preoperatively and during follow-up could help arrive at a precise diagnosis of the underlying dysfunction, indicate the appropriate treatment, and prevent the incidence and onset of postoperative urinary incontinence.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of colposacropexy with uterine preservation as therapy for uterovaginal prolapse. Surgical techniques, efficacy and overall results are described., Methods: In this prospective, controlled study, 34 of the 72 consecutive patients with symptomatic uterovaginal prolapse were treated with colposacropexy with uterus conservation (hysterocolposacropexy, HSP) and the other 38 with hysterectomy followed by sacropexy (CSP). Anchorage was achieved with two rectangular meshes in CSP and with one posterior rectangular and one anterior Y-shaped mesh in HSP. Check-ups were scheduled at 3, 6 and 12 months and then yearly. Pre-operative patient characteristics, operative and post-operative events and follow-up results were recorded. Mean follow-up was 51 months (range 12-115)., Results: No significant differences emerged in demographic and clinical characteristics between the HSP and CSP groups. Mean operating times, intra-operative blood loss and hospital stay were significantly less after HSP (p<0.001). At follow-up success rates were similar in the two groups in terms of uterine and upper vaginal support (100%). Recurrent low-grade cystoceles developed in 1/38 (2.6%) in the CSP group and in 5/34 (14.7%) in the HSP group (p=NS), recurrent low-grade rectocele developed in 6/38 (15.8%) and in 3/34 (8.8%) patients respectively (p=NS). No patient required surgery for recurrent vault or uterus prolapse. Urodynamic results showed that pressure/flow parameters improved significantly (p<0.001) in both groups. Thirty-one of the 34 patients (91%) in the HSP group and 33/38 (86.8%) in the CSP group were satisfied and would repeat surgery again., Conclusions: Colposacropexy provides a secure anchorage, restoring an anatomical vaginal axis and a good vaginal length. HSP can be safely offered to women who request uterine preservation. Whether the uterus was preserved or not, patients had similar results in terms of prolapse resolution, urodynamic outcomes, improvements in voiding and sexual dysfunctions. HSP has shorter operating times and less blood loss.

This study reports the experience of 47 Italian urology units together with the urology unit at the University of Perugia concerning open surgery in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Until 20-25 years ago, open surgery was the most common approach. In the late 1970s the development of endoscopes and their methodology has led to a gradual reduction in open surgery operations, which decreased rapidly with the introduction of mini-invasive endoscopic techniques. Therefore, open surgery for BPH is declining, though still performed. Skill in traditional surgery is mandatory because, until an alternative is devised, indications for open surgery still exist and cannot be ignored. The survey shows the indications and contraindications, complications and results of a 10-year nationwide experience. Guidelines for open surgery in patients with BPH have been drawn up.

Objective and Method: This study assessed the involvement of peritumoral renal cell carcinoma tissue and evaluated the efficacy of partial resection versus enucleation by an anatomopathological investigation into the resection margins in 28 cases of partial nephrectomy., Results: Histological findings showed no peritumoral infiltration in 91.6% of elective partial resections (24 patients) and resection margin involvement in 75% of necessary partial resections (4 patients)., Conclusion: Although the debate between organ-preserving and radical surgery remains open, the conservative approach can undoubtedly be recommended in selected patients.

Synchronous bilateral testicular germ cell tumours are rare. We report a case with retroperitoneal node involvement (stage IIb). Testis-sparing surgery, followed by systemic PEB chemotherapy, was performed instead of bilateral radical orchiectomy plus retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. A good quality of life was obtained. Management of the case and review of the literature are presented.

Transrectal linear array transducer makes possible a sagittal view of the bladder base-plate, prostatic urethra, and membranous urethra yielding an image similar to that obtained with voiding cystourethrogram. This permits lack of time limitation, such as imposed by the use of fluoroscopy, and the possibility of visualizing not only the lumen of the bladder neck and urethra but also the surrounding soft tissue. Using ultrasonographic urodynamics in neuromuscular dysfunctions of the bladder and urinary voiding obstructions we obtained excellent results in patients with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia and in those with posterior ledge at the bladder neck. Both conditions are clearly visualized, particularly the existence of the posterior ledge which is responsible for the failure of the sphincterotomy in patients with periurethral striated sphincter spasm.

A case of ureteral endometriosis is reported. This is the first case diagnosed during a ureteropyeloscopic examination.