Bladder exstrophy‐epispadias complex

The bladder exstrophy‐epispadias complex (BEEC) represents an anterior midline defect with variable expression comprising a spectrum of anomalies involving the abdominal wall, pelvis, urinary tract, genitalia, and occasionally the spine and anus. The vast majority of BEEC cases are classified as non‐syndromic and the etiology of this malformation is still unknown. This review presents the current state of knowledge on this multifactorial disorder, including historical retrospect, phenotypic and anatomical characterization, epidemiology, proposed developmental mechanisms, existing animal models, and implicated genetic and environmental components. These published lines of evidence argue strongly that BEEC occurs as a result of strong genetic predisposition that is yet to be deciphered. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

One-stage reconstruction for exstrophy of the bladder in girls.

In an African female infant with exstrophy who was a candidate for complete reconstruction of the urinary tract, pelvis, and abdominal wall, the treatment program was simplified by performing iliac osteotomies at the same time as the other repairs, using a single transverse lumbosacral incision for access. A series of 3 wire loops held the symphysis in apposition. A plaster spica, followed by a plaster girdle, minimized the tension on the pubic wires. We believe that we obtained, by this method, superior strength and a better appearance of the abdominal wall and perineum.     

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.     

Abdominal wall expansion in congenital defects

A method for expanding the skin, fascia, muscle, and peritoneal layers of the abdominal wall is described, and clinical application is demonstrated in two children with cloacal exstrophy and congenital absence of the lower half of the abdominal wall. This technique provides an innervated composite reconstruction of defects in excess of 50 percent of the abdominal surface and is recommended in large secondary defects where peritonealization has been achieved and in congenital defects that do not lend themselves to standard methods of closure. Cadaver dissection confirms that tissue expanders may be placed with preservation of innervation and blood supply to the abdominal wall.     

Pathologic guidelines for orthotopic urinary diversion in women with bladder cancer: a review of the literature

Orthotopic lower urinary tract reconstruction to the native intact urethra following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer was slower to gain clinical acceptance for women than for men. Until the 1990s, little was known about the natural history of urethral involvement by urothelial carcinoma in women with primary bladder cancer. The increasing availability of pathologic data to define the incidence of and risks for urethral involvement in women sparked an increasing interest in orthotopic diversion in female patients. Pathologic guidelines have been suggested to identify women suitable for orthotopic diversion. Preoperative involvement of the bladder neck is a significant risk factor for secondary tumor of the urethra, but is not an absolute contraindication, as long as full-thickness, intraoperative frozen-section analysis demonstrates no tumor involvement of the proximal urethra. Although less common, anterior vaginal wall tumor involvement may be a significant risk factor for urethral tumor involvement. Other pathologic parameters, including tumor multifocality, carcinoma in situ of the bladder, and tumor grade and stage, do not seem to be absolute contraindications. Long-term follow-up is critical for all patients. Women undergoing orthotopic reconstruction, if appropriately selected, should be assured of an oncologically sound operation and good function with their neobladder.     

Urethral closure mechanisms during sneezing-induced stress in anesthetized female cats

During stress-induced increase in abdominal pressure, urinary continence is maintained by urethral closure mechanisms. Active urethral response has been studied in dogs and rats. Such an active urethral response is also believed to occur in humans during stress events. We aimed to investigate urethral closure mechanisms during sneezing in cats. Urethral pressures along the urethra (UP1-UP4), with microtip transducer catheters with UP4 positioned in the distal urethra where the external urethral sphincter (EUS) is located, and intravesical pressure were measured, and abdominal wall, anal sphincter (AS), levator ani (LA), and EUS electromyograms (EMGs) were recorded during sneezing under closed-abdomen and open-abdomen conditions in eight anesthetized adult female cats. Proximal and middle urethral response induced by sneezing was not different from bladder response. Distal urethral response was greater compared with proximal and middle urethral and bladder response. In the open-abdomen bladder, proximal and middle urethral responses were similarly decreased and distal urethral response was unchanged compared with the closed-abdomen bladder. Bladder and urethral responses were positively correlated to sneeze strength. EUS, LA, and AS EMGs increased during sneezing. No urine leakage was observed, regardless of the strength of sneeze. In cats urethral closure mechanisms are partly passive in the proximal and middle urethra and involve an active component in the distal urethra that is believed to result from EUS and possibly LA contractions. Because central serotonin exerts similar effects on the lower urinary tract in cats and humans, the cat may represent a relevant model for pharmacological studies on continence mechanisms.     

Neo-regeneration of urinary bladder: a desired metaplasia of autologous membrane from rectosigmoid colon containing stem cells of intestinal crypts

The current management of diseases of urinary bladder requiring resection is by augmentation cystoplasty or transplantation of ureters. Transplantation of ureters is associated with morbidity and mortality. Ideal management will be by regenerating urinary bladder in vivo. Neo-regeneration of tissues and organs like abdominal wall, aponeurosis etc., has been attempted and patented. After neo-regeneration of mesoderm tissues and organs, regeneration of urinary bladder (developed from endoderm) was. In vivo surgical techniques were developed in dogs. It is known that the embryonic morphogenesis of urinary bladder is from uro-genital sinus of hind gut. A membrane, containing endoderm stem cells in crypts of recto-sigmoid colon, was surgically isolated and colonized with remnant of urinary bladder wall after extensive resection. Experimental study was performed in dogs, for 60 days to one and a half year. Regeneration of all the layers of tissues of the wall of urinary bladder was observed. The neo-regeneration phenomenon has been recognized as "desired metaplasia". The regenerated neo tissue/organ on histological examination and cystometry studies was found compatible with normal urinary bladder. The hypothesis, neo-regeneration and desired metaplasia, is discussed.     

Biofeedback in treatment of urinary incontinence in stroke patients

Urinary incontinence can occur poststroke owing to weakness or incoordination of sphincter muscles, impaired bladder sensation, or hyperreflexic, neurogenic bladder. Four male subjects who had urinary incontinence associated with a stroke that had occurred 8 months to 10 years earlier, and who averaged 1.6 to 7.5 accidental voidings per week, participated in an outpatient study with a 4-week scheduled-voiding baseline, 2 to 5 sessions of biofeedback-assisted bladder retraining, and 6- to 12-month follow-up. Training sessions included stepwise filling of the bladder and manometric feedback display of bladder pressure, abdominal pressure, and external anal sphincter pressure. Training procedures were designed to teach subjects to attend to bladder sensations, inhibit bladder contractions, and improve voluntary sphincter muscle control. All four subjects achieved and maintained continence regardless of substantial differences in subject characteristics, including laterality of stroke, degree of sensory impairment, and independence in daily activities.     

Biofeedback in treatment of urinary incontinence in stroke patients

Urinary incontinence can occur poststroke owing to weakness or incoordination of sphincter muscles, impaired bladder sensation, or hyperreflexic, neurogenic bladder. Four male subjects who had urinary incontinence associated with a stroke that had occurred 8 months to 10 years earlier, and who averaged 1.6 to 7.5 accidental voidings per week, participated in an outpatient study with a 4-week scheduled-voiding baseline, 2 to 5 sessions of biofeedback-assisted bladder retraining, and 6- to 12-month follow-up. Training sessions included stepwise filling of the bladder and manometric feedback display of bladder pressure, abdominal pressure, and external anal sphincter pressure. Training procedures were designed to teach subjects to attend to bladder sensations, inhibit bladder contractions, and improve voluntary sphincter muscle control. All four subjects achieved and maintained continence regardless of substantial differences in subject characteristics, including laterality of stroke, degree of sensory impairment, and independence in daily activities.     

19例直肠癌腹会阴切除股薄肌移植肛门成形术

目的:肛管、直肠癌扩大根治切除的同时,利用股薄肌肛门成形,以取得肛门节制力,避免了腹壁人工肛门。方法:肛管、直肠癌扩大根治切除,将结肠拉至会阴部并将已从右大腿游离好的股薄肌环绕一周并固定于右坐骨结节。肌肉、肠管间断缝合后肠管断端与会阴部皮肤间断缝合。结果:12例术后三个月肛门功能I级(排便如常人);3例功能为II级;2例III级;1例围手术期死亡。结论:肛管、直肠癌扩大根治切除(R3手术),手术彻底,不影响生存期。利用股薄肌移植,于原肛门处形成一有节制力的新肛门,尽管手术有相当的难度,但只要掌握住拉出肠管血循良好、环绕的股薄肌又不致过紧造成远端肠管坏死,而导致手术失败,则不仅保证了患者的生存期,又在原位形成一个有节制力的肛门,应是值得提倡、推广的手术。     

A biomechanical model to assess the contribution of pelvic musculature weakness to the development of stress urinary incontinence

A biomechanical model of the female pelvic support system was developed to explore the contribution of pelvic floor muscle defect to the development of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). From a pool of 135 patients, clinical data of 26 patients with pelvic muscular defect were used in modelling. The model was employed to estimate the parameters that describe the stiffness properties of the vaginal wall and ligament tissues for individual patients. The parameters were then implemented into the model to evaluate for each patient the impact of pelvic muscular defect on the vaginal apex support and the bladder neck support, a factor that relates to the onset of SUI. For the modelling analysis, the compromise of pelvic muscular support was demonstrated to contribute to vaginal apex prolapse and bladder neck prolapse, a condition commonly seen in SUI patients, while simulated conditions of restored muscular support were shown to help re-establish both vaginal apex and bladder neck supports. The findings illustrate the significance of pelvic muscle strength to vaginal support and urinary continence; therefore, the clinical recommendation of pelvic muscle strengthening, such as Kegel exercises, has been shown to be an effective treatment for patients with SUI symptoms.     

Biofeedback for the treatment of anal incontinence in a child with ureterosigmoidostomy

The case of a 7-year-old boy born with exstrophy of the bladder is presented. Biofeedback and behavioral therapy were employed in the treatment of anal incontinence, which occurred following ureterosigmoidostomy diversion. After 19 treatment and follow-up sessions over a period of 12 months, there was significant decrease in fecal/urinary incontinence. The patient was soiled 29% of waking hours over the first 4 weeks of treatment. This figure dropped to 9.7% over the last three sessions. Subjective satisfaction of parent, child, and teachers was high. These gains were maintained over a 12-month follow-up period. Given the design of the present study, it is not possible to determine whether the biofeedback per se had a specific treatment effect. The case demonstrates the usefulness of a broad-based behavior therapy in the management of fecal/urine soiling, which is a frequent, refractory complication of ureterosigmoidostomy.     

Biofeedback for the treatment of anal incontinence in a child with ureterosigmoidostomy

The case of a 7-year-old boy born with exstrophy of the bladder is presented. Biofeedback and behavioral therapy were employed in the treatment of anal incontinence, which occurred following ureterosigmoidostomy diversion. After 19 treatment and follow-up sessions over a period of 12 months, there was significant decrease in fecal/urinary incontinence. The patient was soiled 29% of waking hours over the first 4 weeks of treatment. This figure dropped to 9.7% over the last three sessions. Subjective satisfaction of parent, child, and teachers was high. These gains were maintained over a 12-month follow-up period. Given the design of the present study, it is not possible to determine whether the biofeedback per se had a specific treatment effect. The case demonstrates the usefulness of a broad-based behavior therapy in the management of fecal/urine soiling, which is a frequent, refractory complication of ureterosigmoidostomy.     

Wild Cane Toads (Rhinella marina) Expel Foreign Matter from the Coelom via the Urinary Bladder in Response to Internal Injury,Endoparasites and Disease

Dissections of >1,200 wild-caught cane toads (Rhinella marina) in tropical Australia confirm a laboratory report that anurans can expel foreign objects from the coelom by incorporating them into the urinary bladder. The foreign objects that we found inside bladders included a diverse array of items (e.g., grass seeds, twigs, insect prey, parasites), many of which may have entered the coelom via rupture of the gut wall. In some cases, the urinary bladder was fused to other organs including liver, fat bodies, ovaries, Bidder’s organs, lungs, mesentery, stomach wall, gall bladder, and the abdominal wall. Acanthocephalan parasites (of a range of developmental stages) were identified from the walls of the urinary bladders of three cane toads. This organ may play a significant role in destroying or excreting metazoan parasites, as well as inanimate objects.     

Development of the cloaca and its ulterior transformations in the polypterids (Pisces)]

Generally spoken cloacae have been but little studied. In Polypterus, a brachiopterygian fish, a cloaca only exists during parts of the embryonal and larval life and it gets replaced by structures consisting of an anus and an urinary sinus. In the beginning of embryonal life the posterior opening of the body seems to be nothing else than the original blastoporus. The wall of this opening acquires evaginations; the anlagen of the excretory ducts come in contact with them, establishing in that way a structure, that merits the name of cloaca. During the elongation of the post-vitellin body, the latter gets shifted from the level of metamere XII to that of metamere XXX. Another migration of the cloaca occurs when the digestive system acquires its development. Finally the cloaca may be found under the 47th and 48th muscular segments (at least in the species Polypterus senegalus senegalus Cuvier). During these stages the excretory ducts have build up an urinary sinus that gets separated from the gut. In adults no communication exists any more between the gut and the urinary sinus; the latter is a very destinct organ that may have an impair or pair aspect according to its being filled up. Because of the establishing of a communication with the genital ducts the sinus becomes an uro-genital sinus in the adult.     

New Amniotic Membrane Based Biocomposite for Future Application in Reconstructive Urology

Objective

Due to the capacity of the amniotic membrane (Am) to support re-epithelisation and inhibit scar formation, Am has a potential to become a considerable asset for reconstructive urology i.e., reconstruction of ureters and urethrae. The application of Am in reconstructive urology is limited due to a poor mechanical characteristic. Am reinforcement with electrospun nanofibers offers a new strategy to improve Am mechanical resistance, without affecting its unique bioactivity profile. This study evaluated biocomposite material composed of Am and nanofibers as a graft for urinary bladder augmentation in a rat model.

Material and Methods

Sandwich-structured biocomposite material was constructed from frozen Am and covered on both sides with two-layered membranes prepared from electrospun poly-(L-lactide-co-E-caprolactone) (PLCL). Wistar rats underwent hemicystectomy and bladder augmentation with the biocomposite material.

Results

Immunohistohemical analysis (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E], anti-smoothelin and Masson’s trichrome staining [TRI]) revealed effective regeneration of the urothelial and smooth muscle layers. Anti-smoothelin staining confirmed the presence of contractile smooth muscle within a new bladder wall. Sandwich-structured biocomposite graft material was designed to regenerate the urinary bladder wall, fulfilling the requirements for normal bladder tension, contraction, elasticity and compliance. Mechanical evaluation of regenerated bladder wall conducted based on Young’s elastic modulus reflected changes in the histological remodeling of the augmented part of the bladder. The structure of the biocomposite material made it possible to deliver an intact Am to the area for regeneration. An unmodified Am surface supported regeneration of the urinary bladder wall and the PLCL membranes did not disturb the regeneration process.

Conclusions

Am reinforcement with electrospun nanofibers offers a new strategy to improve Am mechanical resistance without affecting its unique bioactivity profile.     

Hypertrophy changes the muscarinic receptor subtype mediating bladder contraction from M3 toward M2

Major pelvic ganglion electrocautery (MPGE) and spinal cord injury in the rat induce bladder hypertrophy and a change in muscarinic receptor subtypes mediating bladder contraction from predominantly M3 to a combination of M2 and M3. To determine whether this is a result of bladder hypertrophy or denervation, we studied the following groups: sham-operated controls, urinary diversion (DIV), MPGE together with urinary diversion (DIV-DEN), bilateral MPGE (DEN), bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), and MPG decentralization (MPGDEC). The degree of bladder denervation was determined by the maximal carbachol response normalized to the response to electric field stimulation. Receptor subtype density was determined by immunoprecipitation. The affinity of subtype-selective muscarinic antagonists for inhibition of carbachol-induced contractions was used to determine the subtype-mediating contraction. DEN, MPG-DEC, and BOO bladders were hypertrophic whereas DIV bladders were atrophic compared with sham operated. Bladder contraction in sham-operated, DIV, and DIV-DEN was mediated by the M3 receptor subtype, whereas the M2 subtype participated in contraction in the DEN, MPG-DEC, and BOO groups. The hypertrophied bladders had an increase in total and M2 receptor density while all experimental groups showed a reduction in M3 receptor density. Thus bladder hypertrophy, independent from bladder denervation, causes a shift in the muscarinic receptor subtype mediating bladder contraction from M3 toward M2.     

盆底超声评价在妊娠妇女盆底结构、功能以及预后上的价值

为探究盆底超声检查评估分析不同的分娩方式对女性晚期妊娠和产后盆底结构、功能及预后效果的影响,本研究选取收治的100例顺利生产的孕妇作为本实验研究对象,根据分娩方式的不同将其分为自然分娩组与剖宫产组,各组50例。在两组孕妇妊娠晚期和产后分别通过盆底超声检测盆底结构和功能(膀胱旋转角,尿道膀胱后角,肛提肌裂孔面积和肛提肌裂孔周长);以及在产后第6~8周和盆底康复治疗后进行压力性尿失禁发生率调查问卷表填写及护垫实验。研究发现,阴道自然分娩比选择性剖宫产对妊娠晚期和产后孕妇盆底结构和功能造成的损伤更为显著;盆底损伤较严重的孕妇压力性尿失禁程度同样较严重;而盆底康复治疗成功的压力性尿失禁患者,盆底超声检测发现孕妇产后盆底结构和功能得到有效改善。本研究结果说明,盆底超声评价在检测不同分娩方式对妊娠晚期和产后孕妇的盆底结构、功能及预后存在一定的预测和预防作用。     

Quantifying whole bladder biomechanics using the novel pentaplanar reflected image macroscopy system

Optimal bladder compliance is essential to urinary bladder storage and voiding functions. Calculated as the change in filling volume per change in pressure, bladder compliance is used clinically to characterize changes in bladder wall biomechanical properties that associate with lower urinary tract dysfunction. But because this method calculates compliance without regard to wall structure or wall volume, it gives little insight into the mechanical properties of the bladder wall during filling. Thus, we developed Pentaplanar Reflected Image Macroscopy (PRIM): a novel ex vivo imaging method to accurately calculate bladder wall stress and stretch in real time during bladder filling. The PRIM system simultaneously records intravesical pressure, infused volume, and an image of the bladder in five distinct visual planes. Wall thickness and volume were then measured and used to calculate stress and stretch during filling. As predicted, wall stress was nonlinear; only when intravesical pressure exceeded ~ 15 mmHg did bladder wall stress rapidly increase with respect to stretch. This method of calculating compliance as stress vs stretch also showed that the mechanical properties of the bladder wall remain similar in bladders of varying capacity. This study demonstrates how wall tension, stress and stretch can be measured, quantified, and used to accurately define bladder wall biomechanics in terms of actual material properties and not pressure/volume changes. This method is especially useful for determining how changes in bladder biomechanics are altered in pathologies where profound bladder wall remodeling occurs, such as diabetes and spinal cord injury.