SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Continence”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Does posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in patients with high imperforate anus provide superior fecal continence?

The posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) has become the primary surgical procedure for patients with high imperforate anus. Very few careful long-term follow-up studies have established the superiority of the PSARP procedure over other surgical repair techniques. The authors' goal was to evaluate the operation and to identify the factors associated with improved continence. The medical records, operative reports, and radiographs of 53 patients (46 male, 7 female) who underwent PSARP for high imperforate anus at Children's Hospital and Medical Center (CHMC) between 1982 and 1990 were reviewed retrospectively. Subjective follow-up data were collected by telephone questionnaire, assessing habits indicative of stool continence, and a "fecal continence score" (FCS) was calculated for each patient. A prospective, 7-day diary assessing similar patterns of fecal continence was completed by each patient's family. The mean age of the patients studied was 8.0 years, and the mean follow-up period was 6.8 years. The telephone questionnaire was completed for 48 patients (94%). Toilet training for bowel continence was successful in 20 patients (42%) and occasionally successful in another 20 patients (42%), but 8 patients (16%) had no awareness of impending stool. Forty-five (94%) were physically active, but 16 (33%) reported social problems related to offending odor. The mean fecal continence score for all patients was 3.0 +/- 1.4 (5=excellent, completely continent), which was nearly identical to published scores for the other types of surgical repair. The FCS did not improve with age. The parents' responses to the telephone questionnaire matched the results obtained from the prospectively collected continence diary data. The authors' results for PSARP in patients with high imperforate anus do not differ substantially from those achieved by other repair techniques. Previously cited prognostic factors such as fistula anatomy and sacral anomalies did not appear to alter the functional results in the authors' series. Aggressive postoperative bowel management should be anticipated in all patients who have high imperforate anus and may benefit those who otherwise would achieve less satisfactory continence.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Continent urostomy with hydraulic ileal valve in 136 patients: 13 years of experience.

The hydraulic ileal valve, which we developed in 1975, ensures continence by adapting to 5 different urinary reservoirs. The valve is made by isolating a 14 cm. long intestinal loop with the mesentery. The isolated ileal segment then is folded inward on itself throughout its entire length. We performed 136 continent urostomies with this hydraulic valve. An ileocecal reservoir was used in 122 patients, ileum in 8, sigmoid in 1, rectum in 1 and bladder (continent cystostomy) in 4. Indications for continent urostomy were bladder tumor in 55 patients, complex vesicovaginal fistulas in 5, neurogenic bladder in 13, vesical exstrophy in 12 and miscellaneous reasons in 5. Of the patients 103 (75 per cent) were continent immediately. Continence was obtained after repair of the valve in 24 patients (17.6 per cent). Therefore, 127 patients over-all were continent. Mean followup of our patients was 38 months (range 3 to 154 months). Continence remained excellent with self-catheterization performed easily in 88.3 per cent of the patients. Over-all, all of our continent urostomies were well tolerated biologically and radiologically.

Cecum↗

PubMed2000

Fecal continence following partial resection of the anal canal in distal rectal cancer: long-term results after coloanal anastomoses.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of partial excision of the superior portion of the anal canal (AC) when necessary for tumor margin clearance in distal rectal cancer on fecal continence after coloanal anastomoses. METHODS: Between 1977 to 1993, 209 patients with middle and lower third rectal cancers underwent complete rectal excision and coloanal anastomoses. For very low tumors, located at or below 5 cm from the anal verge (AV), varying portions of the superior segment of the AC were excised for tumor margin clearance. The magnitude of resections was inversely proportional to the height of the anastomosis from the AV. The patients were categorized into 3 groups according to their level of anastomoses from AV: group 1, patients with anastomoses from 0.5 to less than 2 cm from AV (1 to 2.5 cm of AC resected, i.e., major resection); group 2, anastomoses at 2 to less than 3 cm from AV (less than 1 cm of AC resected, i.e., minor resection); group 3, with anastomoses at 3 to 3.5 cm from AV (AC completely preserved). A standard questionnaire, physical examination, and anal manometry at intervals of 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months were performed prospectively to assess anal continence. RESULTS: The patients in the 3 categories were matched for age, gender, stage, presence or absence of a colonic J-pouch, preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy and surgical technique. Fourteen patients with postoperative radiotherapy were excluded from the clinical assessment. Mean follow-up was 33.5 months. There were 43 patients in group 1, 75 in group 2, and 73 in group 3 for clinical assessment. In the first year, there was progressive improvement in anal continence in all 3 groups. At 2 years, 50% in group 1, 73% in group 2, and 62% in group 3 were fully continent. The proportion of patients fully continent in group 1 remained unchanged as compared to continued improvement for groups 2 and 3 following the first year. At 4 years, 50% in group 1, 80% in group 2, and 68% in group 3 were completely continent. The difference among the 3 groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: For distal rectal cancer, where tumor margin clearance necessitates partial resection of the superior portion of the AC, when limited to less than 1 cm, the proportion of patients remaining fully continent is similar to those with complete AC preservation. More substantial excisions of the AC can still result in satisfactory anal continence, such that following the fourth year, one half of the patients can expect to be fully continent.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Prevalence and outcomes of continence surgery in community dwelling women.

PURPOSE: Published outcomes of continence surgery are based largely on cohort studies and a smaller number of randomized trials. There is no consensus on the outcomes that should be considered and patient reported outcomes have not always been included. We determined the prevalence of continence surgery as well as patient reported outcomes in community dwelling women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a 2-stage national cross-sectional mailed survey. A short questionnaire used to identify women with a history of continence surgery was sent to 45,000 representative American households. Eligible women with a history of continence surgery received a followup questionnaire to assess patient reported outcomes, including current symptom frequency, bother and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: Of the 24,581 women 967 (4%) had a history of continence surgery, including 73% who currently reported incontinence in the preceding month, 58% who reported incontinence in the preceding week and 53% who reported current use of pads or other absorbent material. Of those who reported incontinence 83% reported current stress incontinence symptoms, including 62% with stress and urge symptoms. A third of the women had been treated with surgery in the last 5 years. The proportion of women satisfied with the results of surgery decreased from 67% who recalled initial satisfaction to 45% who reported current satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Almost 4% of women had undergone continence surgery and continence rates were lower than most published figures. However, some women reported satisfaction with surgery even when they did not achieve continence. Patient satisfaction and other patient reported outcomes might be considered with continence rates when determining surgical success rates.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Outcome of continence procedures in the pediatric patient: a single institutional experience.

PURPOSE: Achieving continence remains a major goal in the treatment of children with neurogenic and/or anatomical voiding dysfunction. We reviewed our experience with continence procedures in pediatric lower urinary tract reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of all pediatric patients who underwent continence procedures at our institution since July 1993. We reviewed the diagnosis, type of primary reconstructive procedure, concomitant procedure(s) and initial success rate. In cases of primary failure we noted the type of secondary continence procedure performed and the ultimate success rate. Success was defined as dry intervals of at least 4 hours when the patient was compliant with a catheterization or voiding regimen. RESULTS: Primary continence procedures were performed in 43 cases and secondary procedures were performed in 6 for a total of 49 continence procedures. The diagnoses included myelomeningocele in 22 patients, exstrophy in 12, epispadias in 3, bilateral single system ureteral ectopia in 3 and spinal cord injury in 3. A total of 32 primary procedures were performed concomitantly with or were preceded by bladder augmentation with creation of a catheterizable stoma. The remaining 11 patients underwent a continence procedure only. The diagnosis in these 11 patients was exstrophy in 5, epispadias in 3, with spinal cord injury in 2 and myelomingocele in 1. Mean followup was 35 months (range 1 to 95). Initial continence procedures included Young-Dees-Leadbetter bladder neck repair in 14 cases, of which 11 (79%) were initially successful, a urethral sling in 9 with 7 initial successes (78%), bladder neck division and closure in 7 with all successful (100%), collagen in 5 with 1 success (20%), other urethral lengthening procedure (eg Pippi Salle or Kropp) in 4 with 3 successes, (75%), combined urethral sling and Young-Dees-Leadbetter in 2 with 1 success (50%), and an artificial sphincter and fascial wrap in 1 each, which were successful. Of the 6 secondary procedures performed for primary failure collagen was injected in 4 and the bladder neck was divided and closed in 2. All were successful. CONCLUSIONS: Various lower urinary tract procedures can be performed to achieve successful continence in the pediatric population. At our institution all procedures had a reasonable success rate except primary collagen injection. Collagen injection and bladder neck division/closure proved to be reliable secondary procedures in cases of primary failure.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Sacral ratio and fecal continence in children with anorectal malformations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sacral ratio (SR) in patients with an anorectal malformation (ARM) and verify whether it has predictive value for fecal continence. PATIENT AND METHODS: From January 1990 to April 2002, 42 patients (aged 3-14 years) with an ARM and having already been operated on were reassessed and enrolled in the study. Patients with solid or paste-like stools but no soiling were deemed continent, those with similar stool and episodes of soiling partially continent, and those with no sphincter control, incontinent. The fecal continence was always analysed by the same observer. Sacral radiographic images were reviewed and the SR calculated from anteroposterior and images in the lateral position. All images were obtained before surgery and analysed by the same observer, while a third analysed the results. Results were considered statistically significant at P < 0.001. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were deemed continent, seven partially continent and 18 incontinent; there was no significant difference in SR among the three groups. When fecal continence was analysed in relation to changes in the findings on computed tomography of the lumbosacral spine, patients with sacral agenesis had a significantly higher frequency of fecal incontinence than the others, and all had a SR below 'normal'. CONCLUSION: Although the SR was different in patients with sacral agenesis it was no different in continent, partially continent or incontinent patients, and thus it is of no practical value in identifying patients likely to have fecal incontinence.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Assessment of early continence recovery after radical prostatectomy: patient reported symptoms and impairment.

PURPOSE: Patients considering radical prostatectomy often inquire as to when they can expect to regain urinary continence. However, there is a paucity of patient self-reported data regarding the recovery of continence during the initial 3 months after surgery. Our objectives were to assess urinary continence changes early in the postoperative period and determine which of 2 commonly used definitions of continence more closely relate to patient reported urinary impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 90 men with clinically localized prostate cancer who selected radical prostatectomy as primary therapy was conducted. Repeated measures of urinary continence as defined by 1) total urinary control, 2) the use of 1 or 0 pads daily, and 3) small or no problem with urinary function were obtained with a brief survey preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: At 56 days after removal of urethral catheters, the actuarial rates of urinary continence recovery based on definitions 1 to 3 were 43%, 84% and 82%, respectively. The use of definition 2 for continence resulted in a 1.9 times higher actuarial rate for continence recovery when compared to definition 1 at 56 days (p <0.001). However, strong agreement was observed between definitions 2 and 3 (kappa = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary control is recovered in a significant proportion of men who undergo radical prostatectomy during the initial 3 months. Continence rates will vary significantly based on the use of alternative definitions. The clinical practice of asking patients how many pads daily they use may be valid, as it corresponds well to the impairment they have.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

General practitioners' opinions of continence care training.

AIMS: To examine general practitioners' confidence in the diagnosis and management of urinary incontinence, to define their unmet continence training and educational needs, and to evaluate the current provision of continence care in general practice, including the role of practice nurses. METHODS: A pre-tested postal questionnaire was sent to 600 general practitioners throughout New Zealand to obtain information about their demography and training in incontinence management, their confidence in diagnosis and treatment, and their perceptions of met and unmet educational needs in continence care. They were also asked about current provision of continence promotion in their practice and their views on the role of practice nurses in caring for incontinent patients. Confidence data were recorded on five point scales and analysed using chi square tests. Cluster analysis was used to describe groups with different opinions on practice nurses' roles. RESULTS: The response rate from eligible contacts was 81.3%. Although most respondents provide continence care, only 2.6% offered special clinics for continence promotion. Fewer than half felt confident to diagnose the causes of incontinence. Confidence in managing incontinence in children was consistently lower than for other incontinence presentations. There was no difference by sex in confidence in caring for incontinent patients although female respondents were more likely to consider management of continence care part of a practice nurse's role (chi 2 = 47.5, p < 0.01) and to routinely ask well women about incontinence (chi 2 = 243.6, p < 0.01). Most respondents (71.9%) could not remember having had any formal training in the management of incontinence at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. Recall of postgraduate education was associated with greater levels of confidence in management of continence problems. There was general agreement that it was appropriate to include training in continence management in vocational and continuing medical education. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of general practitioners perceive a lack of adequate medical training in incontinence care at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. There is a need for improved education for both general practitioners and practice nurses.

Adult↗

PubMed2007

Continent cutaneous urinary diversion in children: experience with Charleston pouch I.

PURPOSE: Complete continent urinary diversion not incorporating the bladder is not commonly used in children. We evaluated the short and long-term outcome of a form of continent cutaneous urinary diversion (Charleston pouch I) in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 17 children underwent Charleston pouch I continent cutaneous urinary diversion between 1988 and 2005. Patient records were reviewed for age, sex, indications for diversion, preoperative and postoperative laboratory and radiological studies, continence, patient and family acceptance, complications and long-term functional status. RESULTS: Patient age ranged from 6 to 16 years. The main indication for diversion was bladder exstrophy in 8 patients (47%), neurogenic bladder in 6 (35%) and cloacal abnormalities in 3 (18%). Mean followup was 87.5 months. One patient was lost to followup. With moderate fluid intake the other patients were dry with a mean catheterizing time of 3.4 hours (range 2 to 6). Catheterization intervals were adjusted for individual patients. Generally, the patients became damp or leaked if they did not catheterize at recommended intervals. Continence was achieved at variable postoperative intervals, with some patients attaining continence soon after and others at 3 to 12 months before pouch maturation. Patients irrigated the pouch a mean of 4 times weekly (range 0 to 14). Three patients (18%) had bladder stones. Ultrasound and/or other upper tract studies revealed no deterioration of the upper urinary system. No patient experienced clinical pyelonephritis or acidosis. Family and patient acceptance was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Continent cutaneous urinary diversion with Charleston pouch I was satisfactory in this group of children. It provided preservation of the upper urinary tract, and achieved acceptable continence rates while allowing leakage when catheterization was not performed at recommended intervals. In addition, patient and parent acceptance was good, and complication rates were acceptable.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

The Indiana pouch continent urinary reservoir.

The right colon reservoir using a stapled plicated ileal efferent limb (Indiana continent urinary reservoir) has been demonstrated to be a reproducible durable form of continent diversion. The overall day and nocturnal continence rate of 94% compares favorably with all other forms of continent cutaneous diversion. Carefully following the technique of stapling and plicating the ileal efferent limb and ileocecal valve as described in this article nearly ensures adequate competence of the outlet valve. In the rare case in which incontinence occurs, it is almost always on the basis of high-pressure unit contractions of the reservoir. On occasion, patients who develop incontinence are observed to have high pressures within the reservoir despite complete detubularization of the right colon segment. When this problem is encountered it can be corrected successfully by adding an ileal patch augmentation to the previously detubularized reservoir. The issue of ureteral implantation in continent urinary diversions is as yet unsettled. Many authors have not used ureteral tenial tunnels and have reported a reflux rate of < 13%. Furthermore, these patients have not developed any long-term sequelae of their reflux. Although favorable results have been obtained without creating tunneled tenial reimplantation, we believe that continent cutaneous reservoirs are almost always colonized with bacteria, and an antireflux mechanism may offer protection against subsequent pyelonephritis. Closure of the reservoir traditionally has been conducted by hand at our institution; however, the development of smaller absorbable gastrointestinal anastomosis stapling devices offers the theoretic advantage of shortening the operative time. We anxiously await follow-up, including larger patient numbers and longer term follow-up of the absorbable staple technique. The use of continent cutaneous urinary diversion clearly has decreased as bladder replacement has become a more viable procedure over the past decade. Despite this, the urologic reconstructive surgeon must maintain the ability to perform continent cutaneous diversion in patients who are unwilling to accept the potential for nocturnal incontinence observed in all forms of bladder replacement as well as the patients who have ineffective sphincter mechanism or who need a urethrectomy due to their primary disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Ileal T-pouch as a urinary continent cutaneous diversion: clinical and urodynamic evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To report the functional results of continent cutaneous urinary diversion with ileum, using the serous-lined extramural valve and Mitrofanoff procedure for the continence mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 1999 to October 2001, 18 patients (mean age 68 years) underwent radical cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer involving the bladder neck, urethra or prostate; they then had an ileal continent cutaneous T pouch constructed. The mean (range) follow-up was 12 (4-20) months. The first five patients had reconstructions using the original orthotopic T-pouch configuration, but in subsequent patients the technique was simplified, reducing the ileal segments. The ureteric-intestinal anastomosis was made using a split-cuff nipple technique. RESULTS: All patients were continent day and night, and there were no late complications. All cutaneous continent T pouches had a good capacity and low pressure, with no urinary reflux. No catheterization difficulties were reported and the evacuation intervals were approximately 4 h. CONCLUSIONS: This ileal cutaneous continent diversion is a versatile technique; the T-valve can be used successfully as a continent mechanism, ensuring continence day and night. The simplified technique maintains a reservoir of good capacity and compliance, thus preserving approximately 13 cm of ileal tract. The ureteric intestinal anastomosis by the split-cuff nipple technique is suitable in undilated and peristaltic ureters.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Comparison of three types of continent urinary diversions in a single center.

The results including the complication and continence rates for 3 types of continent urinary diversion were evaluated. From 1992 to 1998 we performed 58 continent urinary diversions after radical cystectomy for invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder. All three types of continent diversions and ileal loop procedures were discussed and patient preferences were determined. The patient preference rate for continent urinary diversion was 96.6%, and half of these patients wanted to be completely dry. Mean age of the patients was 58.2 years. Of the 58 patients, 9 (15.5%) had a Kock pouch, 15 (25.8%) had a Kock neobladder and 34 (58.6%) had sigmoidorectal pouch (Mainz-II pouch). Early and late complication rates of the three different continent diversions were evaluated. The number of complications, such as urine leakage, pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis, reflux and stone formation, were similar in all three types of diversions. Two (5.9%) Mainz pouch II patients who had stopped oral alkalinization demonstrated severe hyperchloremic acidosis. Spontaneous pouch rupture occurred in 1 of the Kock pouches. Reoperation rates were higher with the Kock pouch and Kock neobladder cases. Daytime continence rates for the Kock pouch, Kock neobladder and Mainz II pouch were 77.7%, 86.7% and 100% respectively. Even though complete dryness may not be achieved in every patient, orthotopic bladder substitution appears to be the best choice after radical cystectomy. Although it carries the risk of life-long oral alkalinization therapy, the Mainz pouch II is associated with an excellent continence rate and may be a good alternative for patients who desire to be dry.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

National audit of continence care for older people: results of a pilot study*.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Bladder and bowel problems are common in the elderly and are associated with a considerable morbidity and impact on quality of life. Inequalities in service provision and access to services have been recognized but there has been no systematic approach to measuring the quality of continence care for older people. This study aimed to develop quality standards, to assess the reliability and utility of the resulting audit package and to report on the standards of care provided in primary care, secondary care and care home setting. METHOD: Fifteen sites in secondary care, primary care and in long-term care settings were randomly selected to pilot the audit package. Data collectors completed audit questionnaires relating to the structure [organization] of care, the outcomes of care, and the process of care for 20 subjects with urinary incontinence and 10 subjects with faecal or double incontinence. RESULTS: The audit tool was reliable (median kappa score of 0.7). Access to integrated continence services, as defined by Good Practice in Continence Services was inadequate. Eighty-five per cent of hospitals had no written policy for continence care. There were deficiencies in obtaining information, in carrying out basic and specialist examinations and investigations and in determining the cause of incontinence. There was a high prevalence of catheter use in secondary care settings. CONCLUSION: The pilot has indicated significant inadequacies in continence care and demonstrates that in many sites the National Service Framework milestone for integrated continence services has not been met. A national audit of continence care is required to determine the extent of inadequate continence care.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

The application of continent urinary stomas to bladder augmentation or replacement in the failed exstrophy reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the application and success of continent urinary stomas in the failed bladder exstrophy reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 35 patients underwent construction of a continent urinary stoma during bladder replacement or bladder augmentation between 1987 and 1993. The continent stoma was constructed with appendix (19 patients), tapered ileum (2), Benchekroun (12), Indiana (1) and Mainz type stoma (1). RESULTS: Three patients required revision of their continent stoma, one for incontinence and two for difficulty in catheterization. Overall, 95% experienced daytime continence on an intermittent catheterization regimen, while 90% were dry at night. The upper tract remained normal in 34 of 35 patients. CONCLUSIONS: While the Benchekroun technique is reliable in producing continence, difficulty with catheterization has been a chronic problem due to stomal stenosis. Our positive experience with using the appendix as a catheterizable conduit into either the bladder template or bowel segment has led us to prefer this method of continent stoma construction in the patient with a failed exstrophy. In the absence of an appendix, our preference is a tapered ileal segment. The failed exstrophy reconstruction can be salvaged with a continent stoma and substitution or augmentation cystoplasty in most patients, thus avoiding urinary diversion.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

The Lahey clinic experience with continent urinary diversion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the morbidity, mortality and clinical outcome of catheterizable continent urinary reservoirs (CUR) with orthotopic neobladders (ONB) at our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 1985 and October 2001, 238 patients (84 women and 154 men) had a continent urinary diversion, including 125 ONBs and 113 CURs. The charts of these patients were reviewed retrospectively and the patients interviewed by telephone when possible (for continence data and overall satisfaction). Over the 16 years the relative frequency of ONB diversion increased steadily and thus the mean follow-up was significantly longer for the CUR (9.4 years) than for the ONB group (5.2 years) (P < 0.001). This bias was addressed by comparing these large groups for the early outcome only. Separately, the long-term outcome was analysed, comparing the 40 most recently constructed CURs with all 113 ONBs; this gave a mean follow-up of 5.2 years for ONB and 5.9 years for CUR (not significant, P = 0.23). RESULTS: Of the 238 continent diversions, 125 were ONBs and 113 CURs; most patients had a diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma before surgery. The mean age at surgery was 59.1 years for the ONB and 54.8 years for the CUR group (P < 0.001). Men were significantly more likely than women to have had an ONB. There were two deaths after surgery in the ONB and none in the CUR group. The hospital stay was significantly longer for the CUR than for the ONB group; the likelihood of an intensive care unit stay, estimated blood loss and reoperation rate were higher in the CUR group. There was no significant difference in the rates of short-term (<30 days) complications. The analysis of the time-controlled groups showed significantly more long-term (>30 days) complications and of reoperation in the CUR group. Fifty-one patients with ONB and 19 with CURs were contacted by telephone; of those with an ONB, 43 (84%) had daytime continence (<1 pad/day) while 13 (25%) were continent at night (<1 pad). Fifteen of 19 with a CUR reported full day and night-time continence. From separate telephone interviews, overall satisfaction was high for both groups (mean 4.5, scale 0-5), expectations were met in 92% for both, and 94% in both would choose the same procedure again if confronted with the same set of circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: Both ONB and CUR offer an excellent functional outcome, as reflected by patient satisfaction and continence rates.

Female↗

PubMed1993

Creation of a pedicle valve unit (PVU) for establishment of enteric continence. Experimental observations.

The aim of this study was to develop a natural tissue valve that could be anastomosed into any area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to act as a fecal "brake" and so establish enteric continence at that site. A 4-cm-long valve created from an intussuscepted small bowel pedicle was anastomosed into the cecum and brought out through the abdominal wall as a stoma in 11 rabbits. The animals were re-explored five weeks later for assessment of valve viability and continence and microscopic appearance. In all cases, the valve was fully continent in vivo. All valves were viable, and there was no anastomotic leakage. Pressure testing of the valve at reoperation revealed that 7 of 10 valves tested withstood pressures of 30 mmHg before and after catheterization and 6 of 10 were fully continent to cecal "blanching" pressure (50 mmHg). Valve failure was due to deintussusception in three cases. In four cases, valves were continent over 50 mmHg and showed no tendency to incontinence to bursting pressure of the cecum. We conclude that a continent pedicle valve unit (PVU) for placement in a variety of locations in the GI tract is feasible. The PVU has implications in the management of short-gut syndrome, incontinent ileostomy, continent cecostomy, and as a continent valve placed in the perineum for restoration of perineal defecation following proctectomy.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed2007

Urethral pressure response patterns induced by squeeze in continent and incontinent women.

Our aim was to compare the urethral pressure response pattern to pelvic floor muscle contractions in 20-27 years old, nulliparous continent women (n = 31) to that of continent (n = 28) and formerly untreated incontinent (n = 59) (53-63 years old) women. These women underwent urethral pressure measurements during rest and repeated pelvic muscle contractions. The response to the contractions was graded 0-4. The young continent women showed a mean urethral pressure response of 2.8, the middle-aged continent women 2.2 (NS vs young continent), and the incontinent women 1.5 (p < 0.05 vs middle-aged continent, p < 0.001 vs young continent). Urethral pressures during rest were significantly higher in the younger women than in both groups of middle-aged women. The decreased ability to increase urethral pressure on demand seen in middle-aged incontinent women compared to continent women of the same age as well as young women seems to be a consequence of a neuromuscular disorder rather than of age.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Do early injections of bulking agents following radical prostatectomy improve early continence?

Bulking agents belong to the treatment options of stress urinary incontinence in both genders for a long time, but early injection of bulking agents following radical prostatectomy to improve early continence is a new treatment modality and the results of the first years will be presented in this study. From 1996 to 2001, 55 incontinent patients, of whom 44 suffered from post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI), have been treated by bulking agents in our clinic and evaluated later on, using a semistandardized questionnaire. Mean age was 65.5 years and the mean follow-up was 32 months. Of 44 patients with PPI, 29 suffered from incontinence of the third, 10 from incontinence of the second and 5 from incontinence of the first degree. We examined the influence of transurethral injection of bulking agents on direct postoperative continence (short-term results) and on continence at the time of follow-up (long-term results) (mean 32 month). An improved early continence (short-term result) was achieved in 30 patients. At follow-up, 19 patients were completely dry, 18 reported an improved continence. Especially the time of treatment, referring to radical prostatectomy, had a significant influence on treatment results with better results in the subgroup of 34 patients that have been treated early (mean 23 days) compared to 10 patients that received delayed treatment (mean 26 months) following radical prostatectomy. The preoperative degree of incontinence had a significant influence on short-term results, and not on long-term results. The amount of bulking material and the number of injections had no significant influence on short-term results, but repeated injections resulted in statistically worse long-term results. In summary, early transurethral injection of bulking agents is an effective and minimal invasive therapy option to improve early continence in patients with PPI. Time to improved continence due to training of the sphincter externus muscle cannot be shortened, but the quality of life during this time can be improved. In case of a severe lesion of the sphincteric muscle, continence cannot be improved for a longer period and the results are poor. In these cases, procedures like implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter may be required.

Adult↗