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Context Urethral stricture management guidelines are an important tool for guiding evidence-based clinical practice. Objective To present a summary of the 2021 version of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on management of urethral strictures in females and transgender patients. Evidence acquisition The panel performed a literature review on these topics covering a time frame between 2008 and 2018 and used predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for study selection. Key papers beyond this time period could be included as per panel consensus. A strength rating for each recommendation was added based on the review of the available literature and after panel discussion. Evidence synthesis Management of urethral strictures in females and transgender patients has been described in a few case series in the literature. Endoluminal treatments can be used for short, nonobliterative strictures in the first line. Repetitive endoluminal treatments are not curative. Urethroplasty encompasses a multitude of techniques and adaptation of the technique to the local conditions of the stricture is crucial to obtain durable patency rates. Conclusions Management of urethral strictures in females and transgender patients is complex and a multitude of techniques are available. Selection of the appropriate technique is crucial and these guidelines provide relevant recommendations. Patient summary Although different techniques are available to manage narrowing of the urethra (called a stricture), not every technique is appropriate for every type of stricture. These guidelines, developed on the basis of an extensive literature review, aim to guide physicians in selecting the appropriate technique(s) to treat a specific type of urethral stricture in females and transgender patients. Take Home Message Although different techniques are available to manage urethral strictures, not every technique is appropriate for every type of stricture. Management of urethral strictures in females and transgender patients is complex and a multitude of techniques are available. Selection of the appropriate technique is crucial and these guidelines provide relevant recommendations.

The benefits and harms of the available types of surgical management for lichen sclerosus-related (LS) strictures remain unclear and, thus, clear and robust clinical practice recommendations cannot be given. To assess the role of single-stage OMGU in the management of LS strictures and explore how its benefits and harms compare with the alternative management options. Medline, Embase and Cochrane controlled trial databases (CENTRAL, CDSR) were systematically searched. Randomized (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies (NRCSs) comparing single-stage OMGU with other surgical management options for LS strictures and single-arm studies on single-stage OMGU were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed. Of the 1912 abstracts identified, 15 studies (1 NRCS and 14 single-arm studies) were included, recruiting in total 649 patients. All studies were at high RoB. In the only NRCS available, stricture-free rate (SFR) for single-stage and staged OMGU was 88% vs 60%, respectively (p = 0.05), at a mean follow-up of 66.5 months. SFR range for single-stage OMGU in single-arm studies was 65–100% (mean/median follow-up, 12–59 months). Single-stage OMGU had low complication rates and beneficial impact on LUTS and QoL. The present SR highlights the methodological limitations of the available literature. In the absence of adverse local tissue conditions, and taking into consideration benefit–harm balance and surgeon’s skills and expertise, single-stage OMGU can be justified in patients with LS strictures.

Aims To determine the bleeding risk in patients taking anticoagulants (AC) and antiplatelets (AP) before onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) injections and improve peri-operative decision making and counseling. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients having intravesical BoNT-A in three teaching hospitals from January 2016 to July 2018. Demographic data, indication for intravesical BoNT-A injection, and side-effects of significant bleeding requiring intervention were recorded. Results Five hundred and thirty-two patients had intravesical BoNT-A injections during this time. Sixty-three patients of mean age 69 years (range 19-89) had a total of 114 separate rounds of BoNT-A injections whilst on treatment dose AC/AP therapy. Of the 63, there were 33 males, with 46 having idiopatic detrusor overactivity and 17 with neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Each patient had between 1 and 7 repeat injections during the studied period. AC/AP use across the 114 episodes included; aspirin 44, clopidogrel 37, warfarin 19, and NOAC (novel/non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant) 14. Patients on warfarin who had point of care testing all had international normalized ratio less than 3. BoNT-A dose varied from 100U to 300U-modal dosage was 200U.1/114(0.88%) injection episodes resulted in postinjection hematuria requiring overnight admission. This resolved spontaneously, with an overnight catheter. This patient was on rivaroxaban and had 300U of BoNT-A injected through 20 sites, on a background of previous prostate radiotherapy and self-catheterization. Conclusions Continuation of AP/AC therapy during intravesical BoNT-A injection treatment appears to be safe-with a 0.88% rate of spontaneously resolving hematuria.

Objective To present a summary of the 2021 version of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on management of male urethral stricture disease. Evidence acquisition The panel performed a literature review on these topics covering a time frame between 2008 and 2018, and used predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for the literature to be selected. Key papers beyond this time period could be included as per panel consensus. A strength rating for each recommendation was added based on a review of the available literature and after panel discussion. Evidence synthesis Management of male urethral strictures has extensively been described in literature. Nevertheless, few well-designed studies providing high level of evidence are available. In well-resourced countries, iatrogenic injury to the urethra is one of the most common causes of strictures. Asymptomatic strictures do not always need active treatment. Endoluminal treatments can be used for short, nonobliterative strictures at the bulbar and posterior urethra as first-line treatment. Repetitive endoluminal treatments are not curative. Urethroplasty encompasses a multitude of techniques, and adaptation of the technique to the local conditions of the stricture is crucial to obtain durable patency rates. Conclusions Management of male urethral strictures is complex, and a multitude of techniques are available. Selection of the appropriate technique is crucial, and these guidelines provide relevant recommendations. Patient summary Injury to the urethra by medical interventions is one of the most common reasons of male urethral stricture disease in well-resourced countries. Although different techniques are available to manage urethral strictures, not every technique is appropriate for every type of stricture. These guidelines, developed based on an extensive literature review, aim to guide physicians in the selection of the appropriate technique(s) to treat a specific type of urethral stricture.

Urethral stricture management guidelines are an important tool for guiding evidence-based clinical practice.To present a summary of the 2021 European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on diagnosis, classification, perioperative management, and follow-up of male urethral stricture disease.The panel performed a literature review on the topics covering a time frame between 2008 and 2018, and using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for the literature. Key papers beyond this time period could be included if panel consensus was reached. A strength rating for each recommendation was added based on a review of the available literature after panel discussion.Routine diagnostic evaluation encompasses history, patient-reported outcome measures, examination, uroflowmetry, postvoid residual measurement, endoscopy, and urethrography. Ancillary techniques that provide a three-dimensional assessment and may demonstrate associated abnormalities include sonourethrography and magnetic resonance urethrogram, although these are not utilised routinely. The classification of strictures should include stricture location and calibre. Urethral rest after urethral manipulations is advised prior to offering urethroplasty. An assessment for urinary extravasation after urethroplasty is beneficial before catheter removal. The optimal time of catheterisation after urethrotomy is72 h, but is unclear following urethroplasty and depends on various factors. Patients undergoing urethroplasty should be followed up for at least 1 yr. Objective and subjective outcomes should be assessed after urethral surgeries, including patient satisfaction and sexual function.Accurate diagnosis and categorisation is important in determining management. Adequate perioperative care and follow-up is essential for achieving successful outcomes. The EAU guidelines provide relevant evidence-based recommendations to optimise patient work-up and follow-up.Urethral strictures have to be assessed adequately before planning treatment. Before surgery, urethral rest and infection prevention are advised. After urethral surgery, x-ray dye tests are advised before removing catheters to ensure that healing has occurred. Routine follow-up is required, including patient-reported outcomes. These guidelines aim to guide doctors in the diagnosis, care, and follow-up of patients with urethral stricture.

Context Four techniques for graft placement in one-stage bulbar urethroplasty have been reported: dorsal onlay (DO), ventral onlay (VO), dorsolateral onlay (DLO), and dorsal inlay (DI). There is currently no systematic review in the literature comparing these techniques. Objective To assess if stricture recurrence and secondary outcomes vary between the four techniques and to assess if one technique is superior to any other. Evidence acquisition The EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Systematic Reviews—Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Cochrane HTA, DARE, HEED) databases and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for publications in English from 1996 onwards. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomised comparative studies (NRCSs), observational studies (cohort, case-control/comparative, single-arm), and case series with ≥20 adult male participants were included. Evidence synthesis A total of 41 studies were included involving 3683 patients from one RCT, four NRCSs, and 36 case series. Owing to the overall low quality of the evidence, a narrative synthesis was performed. Conclusions No single technique appears to be superior to another for bulbar free graft urethroplasty. Both DO and VO are suitable for bulbar augmentation urethroplasty, with a ≤20% recurrence rate over medium-term follow-up. No recommendations can be made regarding DI or DLO techniques owing to the paucity of evidence. Secondary outcomes including sexual function, and complications are infrequently reported. Recurrence rates deteriorate in the long term for both DO and VO procedures. Patient summary We reviewed the evidence for four different skin-graft techniques used to repair narrowing of a section of the urethra (bulbar urethra, under the scrotum and perineum) in men. Two of the techniques seem to give consistent results, with recurrence rates lower than 20%. Recurrence rates increase over time, so patients should continue to monitor their symptoms. There is poorer reporting of other outcomes such as sexual function, urinary symptoms, and complications, and it is possible that these occur more frequently than the current data suggest.

We aim to determine the presentation of and immediate and longer-term outcomes of vaginal surgical excision of urethral extrusion of mid-urethral tape (MUT). We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with urethral extrusion of MUT having vaginal surgical excision between 2007 and 2018. The MUT was removed either partially (via vaginal approach) or completely (via combined vaginal and laparoscopic approach). Functional outcomes and any re-interventions are described. Thirty-four patients of median age 53 (range 34–82) years were identified. Preoperative symptomatic recurrent/persistent urinary incontinence was present in 29/34(85%) with 24/34(71%) women having recurrent/persistent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or stress predominant mixed urinary incontinence (s-MUI) on urodynamics. Vaginal surgical excision was performed alone in 33/34(97%) women and in combination with laparoscopic removal of abdominopelvic MUT in 1/34(3%) woman. In the longer term vaginal/urethral pain resolved or improved in all 15/15(100%) patients presenting with this complaint whilst patient reported poor flow resolved in 8/9 (89%) women. Twenty-eight of 34 women (82%) had persistent/recurrent SUI or s-MUI following MUT excision. Twenty-four of 34 women (71%) had further SUI surgery with cure or improvement of SUI in 20/24 (83%) patients. The outcome of vaginal surgical excision of the MUT was cure or improvement of pain in 100% and resolution of poor flow in 89% women. Recurrent/persistent SUI or s-MUI was present in 82% following removal as compared to 71% women prior to removal. Of the 71% of women electing to have further surgery for recurrent/persistent SUI/s-MUI, 83% were dry or improved afterwards.

Objective: Post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) is relatively common and of variable degree. Treatment of small-volume persistent PPI with a male sling or an artificial urinary sphincter is overly invasive, and the concept of intraurethral injection is very appealing in this situation. Bulkamid® is a nanoparticulate polyacrylamide and water polymer gel which is being used successfully in female stress urinary incontinence. We assessed the feasibility and effects of a four-point intraurethral technique on maximum urethral pressure (MUP) in male cadavers. Methods: Urethral pressure profile (UPP) was measured twice on two male fresh-frozen cadaver models before and after a four-point injection of 2 mL of Bulkamid® intraurethrally at the level of the sphincter in 0.5 mL aliquots using a 21Ch cystoscope with a 12° telescope and a 23G needle. Results: A clear UPP trace was recordable in both cadavers. The mean MUP at baseline was 38 cm H2O, and the mean MUP following Bulkamid® intraurethral injection increased to 55 cm H2O. Conclusions: Bulkamid® intraurethral injection in male cadavers is a simple technique that increases MUP. This increase in MUP may allow for treatment of low-volume PPI in men following prostate cancer treatment and warrants further study in the clinical situation. Level of evidence: Level 4.

AIMS To investigate typical pad weight gain (PWG) in asymptomatic women who have never reported any episodes of urinary incontinence. METHODS An observational study was performed by measuring the increase in weight of small sanitary pads worn by 35 healthy, female volunteers of a median age 36 (range, 23-56) years. Each pad was worn for a minimum of 5 h which is the typical maximum duration of an ambulatory urodynamics study. RESULTS The median duration of pad wear was 6 h (interquartile range [IQR], 5-8). The median PWG was 0.111 g (IQR, 0.047-0.255). The maximum recorded PWG was 0.621 g and the minimum was 0.012 g. PWG was not significantly affected by age, parity, years since last delivery, body mass index, or menopausal status. CONCLUSIONS PWG over a median duration of 6 h (IQR, 5-8) is typically

Urinary tract infections are highly prevalent and result in significant patient morbidity as well as large financial costs to healthcare systems. Recurrent urinary tract infections can be challenging for many healthcare professionals, and the repeated use of antibiotics in this patient cohort inevitably contributes to the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance and superbugs. It is essential that these patients are appropriately diagnosed and managed to ensure rapid resolution of symptoms and the prevention of chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections. There are several antibiotic-based options available for the prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections however, in the current era of rising antimicrobial resistance, an awareness of antibiotic stewardship and the use of non-antibiotic alternatives for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections is of critical importance. We present a case-based multidisciplinary team discussion to highlight how women with recurrent urinary tract infections should be managed, encouraging the use of non-antibiotic prophylactic measures when suitable. Level of evidence: Level 5

Aims To investigate the role of onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) injections in patients with failed augmentation cystoplasty for neuropathic or idiopathic detrusor overactivity (NDO or IDO). Methods A retrospective review of all cystoplasty patients who underwent onabotulinumtoxinA injection at a tertiary center between 2008 and 2019 was performed. Details including indications and time from cystoplasty, video-urodynamic parameters, onabotulinumtoxinA dose, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Telephone interview was performed for patients that requested repeat onabotulinumtoxinA injections. The interview included a modified PGIC7 and UDI6 questionnaires. A positive clinical response was considered improvement of overactive symptoms sufficient to merit repeat onabotulinumtoxinA injection and a modified PGIC7 of four or above. Results Thirty patients were identified (11 men and 19 women). The indications for augmentation were IDO (n = 18) or NDO (n = 12). Mean age at the time of cystoplasty was 42 years (range, 10-61). Interval between cystoplasty and initial onabotulinumtoxinA was 98 months (range, 3-271). Video-urodynamics before onabotulinumtoxinA revealed low compliance in 13 patients, DO in 22 patients, and combined low compliance/DO in 10. The median maximum cystometric bladder capacity was 338 mL (range, 77-570 mL). Thirteen patients responded to onabotulinumtoxinA injections. Higher peak DO pressure was associated with a significantly higher chance that the patient would experience benefit from the injections P = .026). The patients that responded to onabotulinumtoxin A underwent a total of 115 procedures (mean, 8.8 injections) over a mean 88 months (range, 20-157 months). Conclusions Forty-three percent of patients responded well to intra-detrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections. This avoided the need for more invasive surgery and had a positive impact on their quality of life.

Vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF) repair success rates for simple surgical fistulae are high, but constitute a significantly greater challenge when occurring in a radiotherapy field. We aim to evaluate the causes, assessment, closure rates and functional outcomes of VVF surgery in patients with previous radiotherapy. Data on all VVF repairs were collected prospectively. A retrospective review of outcomes in those with VVF performed between 2009 and 2018 was carried out. Details including time from radiotherapy, pre-operative assessments, approach to surgery and functional outcome were analysed. Twenty women with VVFs were identified. The mean age was 59 (range 25–88) years. Primary malignancy was cervical in 16 women, with the remaining 4 women having ovarian, urethral, endometrial and rectal cancer respectively. All women had external beam radiotherapy with 6 (30%) undergoing boosted brachytherapy. Mean interval between radiotherapy and fistula repair was 19 (range 0–40) years. Fistulae arose spontaneously in 14 patients, whereas 6 occurred following a further surgical intervention.Closure was attempted vaginally in 7 women and abdominally in 1, whereas 12 had a primary diversion owing to significant bladder contracture and ureteric involvement. The closure rate in those attempted was 62.5%, 40% in those with spontaneous fistulae compared with 100% for post-surgical fistulae, but only 20% for the total cohort. Closure of VVF is a significant challenge, with an initial success rate of 20% and an overall success rate of only 25%. Seventy percent required primary or secondary urinary diversion. Vaginal surgery was utilised in the majority to try to avoid a hostile pelvis, but the surgical approach should be tailored to individual circumstances.

AIMS: Lower urinary tract (LUT) function can be investigated by urodynamic studies (UDS) to establish underlying functional abnormalities in the LUT. A multicentre registry could present an opportunity to improve the scientific evidence base for UDS. During the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society (ICI-RS) meeting in Bristol, United Kingdom 2019, an expert panel discussed the potential of a multicentre urodynamic registry to improve the quality of urodynamic output.METHODS: the potential importance of a multicentre urodynamic registry, parameter inclusion, quality control, and pitfalls during a registry roll-out were reviewed and discussed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The clinical utility, evaluation, and effectiveness of UDS remain poorly defined due to a lack of high quality evidence and large study populations. Therefore, the ICI-RS proposes formation of a urodynamic panel for future roll-out of a registry. The inclusion of basic parameters was discussed and the essential parameters were defined as well as the potential pitfalls of a registry roll-out. The discussion and recommendations in this paper form the base for future urodynamic registry development.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Urethroplasty for female urethral stricture (FUS) is becoming increasingly popular however there is little to guide choice of technique as all series to date contain smal...

Aims An updated literature review on outcomes in men treated with currently commercially available bulking agents was performed to determine whether this is a reasonable option in selected patients. Methods The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework of systematic reviews. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, and Embase was undertaken. Abstracts were independently screened by two investigators to include men with stress urinary incontinence treated with a peri-urethral injection of bulking agents currently available in the market. Results Only eight original articles met the inclusion criteria. The bulking agents used were Macroplastique in five studies (total 123 patients), Opsys, Durasphere, and Urolastic in one study each (10, 7, and 2 patients, respectively). Only one study was randomized; Macroplastique vs AUS in men with mild or total incontinence. The included populations were heterogeneous and encompassed endoscopic, perineal, abdominal and laparoscopic prostate surgery as well as spinal cord injuries and urethral sphincter insufficiency. Significant dissimilarity was evident for the duration of incontinence (9-108 months), mean volume of bulking agent used (2.3-13.5 mL), number of cushions (1-5), depth and position of the cushions. The outcomes varied significantly, with reported dry rates between 0% and 83%. Outcomes were limited by relatively short follow-up in most studies. Conclusion Following initial enthusiasm and then dismay with collagen-based compounds, sparse and heterogeneous literature data were produced on newer non-migrating and nonabsorbable bulking agents. Some studies have suggested encouraging, if short term outcomes, however, future studies are needed in this field to support recommendations for widespread use.

AIMS To assess the incidence and management of urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (USUI) in women undergoing transvaginal excision of a urethral diverticulum (UD) at our institution. METHODS A prospective database, capturing patients undergoing urethral diverticulectomy over a 9-year period (May 2007 to August 2016), was reviewed focusing on USUI and subsequent management. RESULTS One hundred patients underwent UD excision (with modified Martius labial fat-pad flap interposition). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging data, available in 90 patients, demonstrated that 80% had complex diverticula. Complete urodynamic data were available for 93 patients. Preoperatively, 27 patients (29%) had USUI of which 16 patients resolved with either UD excision alone (n = 8) or 3 months of pelvic floor muscle therapy (PFMT) (n = 8). All 11 with persistent postoperative USUI had video urodynamics (VUDs) confirming Blaivas type 3 USUI. Six patients had a rectus fascial pubovaginal sling (RFPVS) with success in five (83.3%) while five had a mid-urethral obturator tape (MUT-O) with 100% success. Sixteen patients developed de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) postoperatively, with resolution after PFMT in 12 (75%). VUDS identified USUI (Blaivas type 3) in two (of the remaining four) patients, managed successfully with MUT-O (n = 1) and RFPVS (n = 1). CONCLUSION Preoperative USUI is present in 29% with UD. Postoperatively, 35.5% (n = 33) have pre-existing (19) or de novo (14) SUI, of which 60.6% (n = 20) resolves after 12 months of conservative management. Surgery for USUI is required in 13 (13.9%), with cure in 92.3%. This supports our practice to excise UD primarily and delay USUI surgery, therefore, avoiding overtreatment for the majority.

Introduction and hypothesis The objective was to assess the comparative provider costs of vaginal and open abdominal repair of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and to determine the most cost-effective means of managing VVF. Methods A prospectively acquired database of all women undergoing VVF repair by a single surgeon between 2007 and 2015 was retrospectively reviewed to determine operating time, perioperative complications, inpatient stay and 30-day readmissions. The success and cost of the VVF repair were identified. Statistical analysis was by unpaired t test, Chi-squared test and Mann–Whitney U test. Results Forty-seven consecutive women of mean age 51 years (range 21–88) undergoing a first attempt at VVF repair at our institution were included; 32(68%) had vaginal repair with Martius fat pad interposition and 15 (32%) had open abdominal repair with omental interposition. There were no perioperative complications or 30-day readmissions in either group. Mean operative time was longer for open abdominal (223.4 min) than vaginal repair (196.9 min). Median inpatient stay was longer for an open abdominal (8 days) than for a vaginal approach (4 days). Successful anatomical closure was achieved in 91% of vaginal and 86% of open abdominal repairs at first attempt, and in 100% after second repair, where required. Mean/median costs for an abdominal repair were significantly higher, at £4,608.69/£4,169.20 than for vaginal repair at £3,381.50/£3,009.24 (P

Objectives To evaluate functional outcomes of surgery in patients with ectopic ureters diagnosed in adulthood; to review the world literature. Patients and methods Patients were referred over 10 years. Data including surgical history, presenting symptoms, diagnostic modalities, interventions and functional outcomes were collected; and the world literature reviewed. Results 9 women and 1 man had a mean age of 37 (range 20-58). All women were referred with lifelong leakage. The man was referred with storage LUTS. Three women had heminephrectomy/nephrectomy with the distal ureter left in-situ prior to referral. MRI was the predominant diagnostic tool but often took senior review to confirm the diagnosis. Excision of the ectopic ureter was performed with bladder neck reconstruction in 6 women, with concomitant rectus fascial sling in one patient. 4 of 6 (67%) women were cured of their stress incontinence with the bladder neck reconstruction alone, whilst two required further intervention. Three women had nephroureterectomy alone as primary treatment of which two were cured. The single male had heminephrectomy and excision of seminal vesicle. Conclusions Ectopic ureter is a rare diagnosis in adults but should be considered in patients who describe lifelong incontinence. Fine slice MRI is the imaging of choice. Excision of the ureter with bladder neck reconstruction alone was successful in two-thirds of patients, whilst further stress urinary incontinence surgery was required in one-third. Malignancy in ureteric remnants is described in 8% of the world literature. Patients should be counselled of this risk if the ureter is left in-situ.

Iatrogenic urological injuries during gynaecological surgery can have devastating consequences and significant long-term sequelae . Timely recognition of injury and appropriate investigation and treatment, whether in the acute or delayed setting, are vital in reducing the potential impact of subsequent complications to both patient and doctor. In this review, we will describe the aetiology, diagnosis and management of ureteric, bladder and urethral injuries in both the acute and delayed setting, with a special focus on urogenital fistulas in women in order to facilitate a better understanding of what can be done to minimize iatrogenic injury to the urinary tract and the optimal management of these complications when they do occur.

Introduction: About 40% of women suffer pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in a lifetime. The current standard intervention for vault prolapse is a mesh sacrocolpopexy or sacrohysteropexy. However, patients and surgeons are increasingly hesitant to use mesh given recent the UK and Food and Drug Administration warnings and litigation. A possible alternative is to use autologous tissue to support the vault, as a mesh-free solution. We report the outcomes from an initial series of autologous rectus fascia sheath (RFS) sacrocolpopexy and sacrohysteropexy in patients with complex pelvic floor dysfunction. Patients and Methods: All patients had previous, multiple urological/gynecological surgery and declined standard mesh repairs. All had preoperative videourodynamics and defecating magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. The autologous POP repair was performed using 10–18 cm of rectus sheath with a similar technique to that employing mesh to support the anterior-posterior vaginal walls or encircle the cervix and secured to the sacral promontory. Results: Seven patients with a mean age of 52 (33–64) years underwent autologous RFS POP repair between 2014 and 2017. Mean follow-up is 16 (range 2–33) months. All patients have durable result at last follow-up. No significant complications are reported. Conclusions: This is the first report of patients with complex pelvic floor dysfunction and apical POP being managed with autologous RFS sacrocolpopexy/sacrohysteropexy, and only the second report of a free graft being utilized with success. Autologous RFS sacrocolpopexy/sacrohysteropexy avoids the 10%–15% risks of mesh-related complications. Further studies of long-term durability are needed.

Purpose To investigate pre-operative urodynamic parameters in male sling patients to ascertain whether this might better predict surgical outcomes and facilitate patient selection. Methods We performed a retrospective, case notes and video-urodynamics, review of men who underwent AdVanceXP male sling in three London hospitals between 2012 and 2019. Urodynamics were performed in all centres, while retrograde leak point pressure (RLPP) was performed in one centre. Results Successful outcome was seen in 99/130 (76%) of men who required one pad or less per day. The dry rate was 51%. Pad usage was linked to worse surgical outcomes, mean 2.6 (range 1–6.5) for success vs 3.6 (range 1–10) although the ranges were wide (p = 0.002). 24 h pad weight also reached statistical significance (p = 0.05), with a mean of 181 g for success group versus 475 g for the non-successful group. The incidence of DO in the non-successful group was significantly higher than in successful group (55% versus 29%, p = 0.0009). Bladder capacity less than 250 ml was also associated with worse outcomes (p = 0.003). Reduced compliance was not correlated with outcomes (31% for success groups vs 45% for non-successful group, p = 0.15). Preoperative RLPP was performed in 60/130 patients but did not independently reach statistical significance (p = 0.25). Conclusion Urodynamic parameters related to bladder function—detrusor overactivity and reduced maximum cystometric capacity predict male sling outcomes and may help in patient selection for male sling (or sphincter) surgery; whereas urodynamic parameters of sphincter incompetency (RLPP) were not predictive. Further larger scale studies are required to confirm these findings.

While urethral strictures do occur in women, fortunately, complete obliteration of the urethral lumen is unusual. This dramatic situation is typically a result of severe trauma to the urethra such as that which may occur due to urethral or pelvic floor surgery, endoscopy or instrumentation, radiation of the tissues or, in third world countries, obstructed childbirth. The condition often requires extensive reconstruction, including the harvesting and application of sophisticated grafts, and therefore necessitates the involvement of a surgeon with special expertise in complex urethral reconstructive techniques. This chapter provides an overview of the aetiology, evaluation, surgical approaches and often protracted and challenging courses encountered by those who provide care for severe urethral stenosis and complete luminal obliteration.

Background Two million non-emergency surgeries are being cancelled globally every week due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will have a major impact on patients and healthcare systems. Methods During the peak of the pandemic in the United Kingdom, we set up a multicentre cancer network amongst 14 National Health Service institutions, performing urological, thoracic, gynaecological and general surgical urgent and cancer operations at a central COVID-19 cold site. This is a cohort study of 500 consecutive patients undergoing surgery in this network. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality from COVID-19. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality and post-operative complications at 30-days. Results 500 patients underwent surgery with median age 62.5 (IQR 51–71). 65% were male, 60% had a known diagnosis of cancer and 61% of surgeries were considered complex or major. No patient died from COVID-19 at 30-days. 30-day all-cause mortality was 3/500 (1%). 10 (2%) patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, 4 (1%) with confirmed laboratory diagnosis and 6 (1%) with probable COVID-19. 33/500 (7%) of patients developed Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher complications, with 1/33 (3%) occurring in a patient with COVID-19. Conclusion It is safe to continue cancer and urgent surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic with appropriate service reconfiguration., Highlights • Priority surgeries are being cancelled every week due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • A multicentre surgical referral network was set up as part of an NHS England approach to continuing safe surgery • The referral network consisted of 14 NHS trusts and surgery was performed at a single COVID-19 ‘cold site’. • After 500 surgeries performed, there was a 0% 30-day mortality from COVID-19. • It is safe to continue cancer and priority surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic with appropriate service reconfiguration.

Evidence is lacking on the best treatment for women presenting with recurrent stress urinary incontinence. PURSUIT is a randomised trial of urethral bulking agent injection versus surgical intervention. It will provide high-quality evidence to aid counselling and inform choice.

Purpose of Review The aim of the present report was to review the recent evidences regarding the use of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) in adult females. Recent Findings While the excellent functional outcomes of AUS in female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) have been reported for decades, its use has remained confidential in most countries likely due to its challenging implantation and inherent morbidity. Over the past few years, laparoscopic and, more recently, robotic techniques of AUS implantation in female patients have been described with promising perioperative outcomes. As a result, the use of AUS has increased in several countries. The indications are mostly recurrent or persistent SUI after previous anti-incontinence procedures and neurogenic SUI. Owing to its unique potential to restore continence while maintaining low outlet resistance during the voiding phase, AUS may be of special interest in female patients with detrusor underactivity. High level of evidence data from trials which are underway, along with developments in robotic surgery and technological refinements of the device, may well, almost 50 years after its introduction, give to the AUS its momentum as a major contributor in the female SUI armamentarium. While the use of AUS in female patients has been restricted to some countries and a few high-volume centers, it has started spreading again over the past few years, thanks to the rise of minimally invasive approaches which facilitate its implantation, and this is yielding promising outcomes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Video urodynamics (VUDS) enables delineation of site and cause of bladder outlet obstruction and/or incontinence as well as additional findings such as vesico-ureteric re...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Patients who fail all minimally invasive therapies for idiopathic (IDO) or neuropathic detrusor overactivity (NDO) undergo augmentation cystoplasty as a last resort. Whil...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:The surgical options for post prostatectomy incontinence are implantation of an artificial sphincter or male sling. Outcomes for artificial sphincters, and predictive val...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Overnight ambulatory urodynamics (aUDS) is performed in patients with isolated nocturnal symptoms in whom conventional urodynamics have been non-diagnostic. We aimed to d...

Aim Bladder outflow in women (bladder outlet obstruction [BOO]) has no well-accepted defining diagnostic criteria. Various nomograms exist based on flow rates, pressure-flow data, and fluoroscopy. We have prospectively evaluated the Solomon-Greenwell bladder outflow obstruction nomogram (SG BOO nomogram) as a measurement of BOO resolution following targeted surgical intervention. Methods The routine posttreatment urodynamics of 21 unselected women with an original urodynamic diagnosis of BOO on fluoroscopy and the SG BOO nomogram (BOO boundary defined as Qmax > 2.2 Pdet.Qmax + 5) were reviewed. All women had symptomatic BOO secondary to anterior pelvic organ prolapse (aPOP), urethrovaginal fistula (UVF), previous stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery, urethral stricture (US), or urethral diverticulum (U Div). Following treatment, all presenting symptoms resolved and simple urodynamics were performed as part of routine follow-up. Results The urodynamic findings preoperatively and postoperatively showed statistically significant changes posttreatment in mean flow rate which increased from 9.38 to 14.71 mL/s, mean Pdet.Qmax which decreased from 38 to 18.38 cmH2 O, and mean SG BOO nomogram probability (PBOO) which reduced from PBOO = 0.68 to 0.08. Mean SG BOO nomogram PBOO was significantly reduced posttreatment in all individual categories except UVF where a nonsignificant reduction from PBOO = 0.55 to 0.05 occurred. Conclusions All urodynamic parameters significantly improve in women who become asymptomatic following surgical treatment of BOO. This improvement is best demonstrated by the change in probability of BOO according to the Solomon-Greenwell nomogram. These findings underline the validity of the Solomon-Greenwell female BOO nomogram for diagnosing and monitoring BOO in women.

Aims This article reviews the clinical outcomes and basic science related to negative effects of radiotherapy (RT) on the lower urinary tract (LUT) when used to treat pelvic malignancies. Methods The topic was discussed at the 2019 meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence―Research Society during a “think tank” session and is summarized in the present article. Results RT is associated with adverse effects on the LUT, which may occur during treatment or which can develop over decades posttreatment. Here, we summarize the incidence and extent of clinical symptoms associated with several modes of delivery of RT. RT impact on normal tissues including urethra, bladder, and ureters is discussed, and the underlying biology is examined. We discuss innovative in vivo methodologies to mimic RT in the laboratory and their potential use in the elucidation of mechanisms underlying radiation‐associated pathophysiology. Finally, emerging questions that need to be addressed through further research are proposed. Conclusions We conclude that RT‐induced negative effects on the LUT represent a significant clinical problem. Although this has been reduced with improved methods of delivery to spare normal tissue, we need to (a) discover better approaches to protect normal tissue and (b) develop effective treatments to reverse radiation damage.

Aims The complexity of urethral diverticulectomy depends on location, size, and degree of circumferential involvement. MRI features were examined to predict functional outcome after surgery for urethral diverticulum (UD). Methods A prospectively acquired database was of all patients who have had surgical excision of UD at a tertiary center since 2004 was reviewed. Particular focus was pre- and post-operative urodynamically proven stress urinary incontinence (USUI), and pre-operative MRI features. MRI parameters included diverticular volume, degree of circumferential involvement around the urethra, distance of the Os of UD to bladder neck and urethral length. Students t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare rates of de novo USUI. Results There were 100 patients (mean age 45.8 yrs), who had excision of UD since 2004, with a minimum follow-up of 10 months (range 10-112 months). Full MRI data was available for 83 patients. Fourteen were of simple configuration (16.8%), 32 were horseshoe (38.6%), and 37 (44.6%) were circumferential. Twenty-five (25%) patients had pre-operative USUI, while 12 (12%) patients developed de novo USUI post-excision. While, the majority of patients with de novo USUI (67%) had >270° circumferential involvement of urethra, the pre-operative diverticular volume did not predict the likelihood of USUI developing (P = 0.3). A shorter urethral length was associated with pre-operative USUI. Conclusions 25% of all patients had pre-op USUI, and diverticular volume and urethral length was significantly smaller in this group. The majority of patients with de novo USUI had complex diverticula configuration with higher baseline circumferential angle around urethra, with 67% of angle's between 270 and 360°.

Objectives To analyse the results of the stress urinary incontinence (SUI) audit conducted by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), and to present UK urologists' contemporary management of SUI. Patients and methods The BAUS audit tool is an online resource, to which all UK urologists performing procedures for SUI are invited to submit data. The data entries for procedures performed during 2014-2016 were collated and analysed. Results Over the 3-year period analysed, 2917 procedures were reported by 109 surgeons, with a median of 20 procedures reported per surgeon. A total of 2 366 procedures (81.1%) were recorded as a primary surgery, with 548 procedures (18.8%) performed for recurrent SUI. Within the time period analysed, changes were noted in the frequency of all procedures performed, with a trend towards a reduction in the use of synthetic mid-urethral tapes, and a commensurate increase in the use of urethral bulking agents and autologous fascial slings. A total of 107 (3.9% of patients) peri-operative complications were recorded, with no association identified with patient age, BMI or surgeon volume. Follow-up data were available on 1832 patients (62.8%) at a median of 100 days postoperatively. Reduced pad use was reported in 1311 of patients (84.5%) with follow-up data available and 86.3% reported a pad use of one or less per day. In all, 375 patients (85%) reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of their procedure at follow-up, although data entry for this domain was poor. De novo overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms were reported by 15.2% of patients (263/1727), and this was the most commonly reported postoperative complication. For those reporting pre-existing OAB prior to their SUI surgery, 28.7% (307/1069) of patients reported they got better after their procedure, whilst 61.9% (662/1069) of patients reported no change and 9.4% of patients (100/1 069) got worse. Conclusions This review identified that, despite urological surgeons undertaking a relatively low volume of procedures per year, SUI surgery by UK urologists is associated with excellent short-term surgeon- and patient-reported outcomes and low numbers of low grade complications. Complications do not appear to be associated with surgeon volume, nor do they appear higher in those undergoing mesh surgery. Shortfalls in data collection have been identified, and a longer follow-up period is required to comment adequately on long-term complications, such as chronic pain and tape extrusion/erosion rates.

Patients affected by a urethral stricture account for a considerable cost to all healthcare systems. The estimated prevalence of all urethral stricture in the UK is 10/100,000 men during youth, increasing to about 40/100,000 by age 65 years and to more than 100/100,000 thereafter. A penile urethral stricture is a narrowing of the lumen of the urethra due to ischaemic fibrosis of the urethral epithelium and/or spongiofibrosis of the corpus spongiosum occurring within the penile urethra. Its aetiology is largely idiopathic but other important causes are failed hypospadias repair and lichen sclerosus, which account for 60% of all cases. Strictures of the anterior urethra account for 92% of cases: bulbar strictures are more frequent (46.9%), followed by penile (30.5%) and combined bulbar/penile (9.9%), that is, 40.4% of all men presenting with stricture will have a penile urethral stricture alone or in combination with a bulbar urethral stricture. There are several options for the treatment of penile urethral strictures ranging from less invasive treatments, including urethral dilatation and direct vision internal urethrotomy, to more complex augmentation graft and flap urethroplasty. The aim of the present review is to describe the aetiology and epidemiology of anterior urethral strictures and the available options reported in literature for their treatment. Level of evidence: 1a

In this review we examine the incidence, aetiology, pathology and classification of vesico vaginal fistulae (VVF) in the resource poor setting. We compare the diagnosis, management and outcomes of VVF repair in resource-poor countries to current practice in the well-resourced setting, finally looking ahead to the future and the changes we need to make on a global scale in order to prevent this debilitating condition. There is a clear need for more accurate data collection and classification systems appropriate to the setting. Lack of facilities such as radiology limit diagnostic capabilities and options for repair, however outcome data from resource poor countries is promising. Most importantly, a holistic approach, which examines not just the physical aspects of the condition but the social and cultural factors predisposing women to VVF, needs to be adopted when considering prevention and management of this injury. Level of evidence: Not applicable as this is a review article.

Objective: The objective of this paper is to identify the similarities and key differences between the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on the management of urinary incontinence (UI) in women. Methods: We reviewed the most recent iterations of both full guidelines to identify all key recommendations and their associated level/grade of evidence. Guidance on the management of urinary incontinence in men and neuropathic patients was excluded. Results: There is a significant overlap in the recommendations of both guidelines. Key differences include the indications for performing urodynamics, pharmacological agents in stress UI, the dose of botulinum toxin A (200 units by NICE, 100 units by EAU), the hierarchy of surgical options for primary stress UI and the role of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). Conclusion: This review provides the various stakeholders involved in the management of female UI with a summary of the strength of evidence supporting the recommendations by these two key guidelines. We have provided an evidence-based framework to support clinical experience from which to base management decisions.

Urinary incontinence remains one of the most significant complications of radical prostatectomy, known as post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI), can have profound effects on quality of life. The correct diagnosis is critical, and the urodynamic cause of incontinence established as either stress urinary incontinence or detrusor overactivity. Patient evaluation should also include the use of quality of life questionnaires to assess severity of symptoms and a quantitative pad weight or pad usage assessment. Treatment regimes should incorporate conservative measures pelvic floor exercises, and then failing this, a discussion of the more invasive therapies, including bulking injections, the artificial urinary sphincter or the male suburethral sling. All of these options should be discussed carefully with the patient, including success rates of outcomes and potential adverse effects of treatment. Key words: Radical prostatectomy, urinary incontinence, post-prostatectomy incontinence, assessment, stress urinary incontinence, detrusor overactivity, management

Pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) management in male adults and children is controversial. The jury is still out on the best way to manage these injuries in the short and long-term to minimise complications and optimise outcomes. There is also little in the urological literature about pelvic fractures themselves, their causes, grading systems, associated injuries and the mechanism of PFUI. A review of pelvic fracture and male PFUI literature since 1757 was performed to determine pelvic fracture classification, associated injuries and, PFUI classification and management. The outcomes of; suprapubic catheter (SPC) insertion alone, primary open surgical repair (POSR), delayed primary open surgical repair (DPOSR), primary open realignment (POR), primary endoscopic realignment (PER), delayed endoscopic treatment (DET) and delayed urethroplasty (DU) in male adults and children in all major series have been reviewed and collated for rates of restricture (RS), erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence (UI). For SPC, POSR, DPOSR, POR, PER, DET and DU; (I) mean RS rate was 97.9%, 53.9%, 18%, 58.3%, 62.0%, 80.2%, 14.4%; (II) mean ED rate was 25.6%, 22.5%, 71%, 37.2%, 23.6%, 31.9%, 12.7%; (III) mean UI rate was 6.7%, 13.6%, 0%, 14.5%, 4.1%, 4.1%, 6.8%; (IV) mean FU in months was 46.3, 29.4, 12, 61, 31.4, 31.8, 54.9. For males with PFUI restricture and new onset ED is lowest following DU whilst UI is lowest following DPOSR. On balance DU offers the best overall outcomes and should be the treatment of choice for PFUI.

Introduction: In the UK, 10,000 refractory overactive bladder patients per year receive intravesical onabotulinum toxin A treatment and 300 receive sacral nerve stimulation implants. Current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines propose using onabotulinum toxin A before sacral nerve stimulation whilst the European Association of Urology (EAU) and American Urological Association (AUA) suggests both be offered with equipoise. The aim of this study was to ascertain both patients and clinician views regarding these two treatments. Subjects/methods: Fifty consecutive overactive bladder patients who were refractory to behavioural and medical therapy anonymously completed a structured questionnaire about their treatment preferences. Additionally, 100 UK consultant urologists anonymously completed a separate questionnaire about their treatment preferences and which treatment modalities they had available for use in their Trusts. Results: Of patients, 60% preferred sacral nerve stimulation over onabotulinum toxin A, of whom 80% would happily randomise into a trial between the two treatments. Ninety-seven per cent of 100 consultant urologists in the UK have access to onabotulinum toxin A in their hospitals, but only 39% have access to sacral nerve stimulation. Of clinicians given access to all available options, 71% would use onabotulinum toxin A as their first choice treatment for refractory overactive bladder. Conclusion: There appears to be a significant disparity between current UK overactive bladder guidance, National Health Service accessibility to onabotulinum toxin A and sacral nerve stimulation therapies, the views of clinicians, and patient preferences for treatment. Level of evidence: 5