Introduction This study compared percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) versus electrical stimulation with pelvic floor muscle training (ES + PFMT) in women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).Materials and Methods 60 women with OAB were enrolled. Patients were randomized into two groups. In group A, women underwent ES with PFMT, in group B women underwent PTNS.Results A statistically significant reduction in the number of daily micturitions, episodes of nocturia and urge incontinence was found in the two groups but the difference was more substantial in women treated with PTNS; voided volume increased in both groups. Quality of life improved in both groups, whereas patient perception of urgency improved only in women treated with PTNS. Global impression of improvement revealed a greater satisfaction in patients treated with PTNS.Conclusion This study demonstrates the effectiveness of PTNS and ES with PFMT in women with OAB, but greater improvements were found with PTNS.

Introduction: The study evaluates the impact of three different sized (4.5-, 6- and 7-Fr) catheters on pressure-flow studies in women undergoing urodynamic evaluation for lower urinary tract symptoms. Material and Methods: 60 women referred for the evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms were enrolled in this randomized controlled study. Patients were divided into two groups (A and B) of 30 women each. The patients underwent non-invasive free-flow uroflowmetry with determination of post-void residual urine volume (PVR) and two consecutive pressure-flow studies using two different transurethral catheters. In group A the two consecutive pressure-flow studies were performed using a 4.5-Fr catheter once and a 6-Fr catheter once; in group B the two consecutive pressure-flow studies were performed using a 4.5-Fr catheter once and a 7-Fr catheter once. Patients were also randomized for the consecutive order in which the two different transurethral catheters were used. Results: The pressure-flow parameters were significantly different from the equivalent free-flow findings. The maximum and average flow rate in all pressure-flow studies performed were significantly lower than the equivalent free-flow parameters and the flow time was significantly longer for all pressure-flow versus free-flow studies. Furthermore, there was a significantly larger PVR for pressure-flow than for free-flow measurements. There was no significant difference in maximum flow rate, average flow rate and flow time between 4.5- and 6-Fr pressure-flow studies (group A). However, there was a statistically significant difference between 4.5- and 7-Fr pressure-flow studies (group B) in those uroflowmetry parameters. Detrusor pressure at maximum flow (P_det.Q_max) and maximum detrusor pressure (P_{det. max}) in group A did not show statistically significant differences between 4.5- and 6-Fr pressure-flow studies whereas in group B P_det.Q_max and P_{det. max} were significantly different between 4.5- and 7-Fr pressure-flow studies. Conclusions: A 4.5-, 6- or 7-Fr transurethral catheter may obstruct micturition changing uroflowmetry parameters. A statistically significant difference was found in all but PVR parameters particularly in all detrusor parameters between 4.5- vs. 7-Fr whereas no statistically significant difference was found in all but PVR parameters between 4.5- vs. 6-Fr. We can thus state that pressure-flow findings may be influenced by different sized transurethral catheters. A misinterpretation of pressure-flow findings may have clinical implications on establishing an accurate diagnosis.

Introduction: We assessed clinical and urodynamic effects of solifenacin versus mirabegron in women with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome. Material and Methods: Eighty women with OAB were randomized into 2 groups. In group A, the patients received solifenacin 5 mg once a day for 12 weeks; in group B, the patients received mirabegron 50 mg once a day for 12 weeks. Symptoms were assessed with OAB Symptom Score (OABSS). Patients underwent urodynamic investigation with pressure flow study. OABSS and urodynamic study were performed before and after treatment. Results: Both solifenacin and mirabegron were effective in improving OAB symptoms. Mirabegron showed greater tolerability with fewer patients discontinuing therapy because of side effects. Both solifenacin and mirabegron were effective in improving the storage function in the pressure flow study, but solifenacin showed a significant reduction of the detrusor pressure in the voiding phase with an increase in the postvoid residual urine volume. Conclusions: Mirabegron has shown to be a drug with the better balance between efficacy and tolerability in women with OAB.

The video-laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, although a not yet codified and standardized technique for the treatment of organ-confined prostate cancer, did show oncological and functional results basically l similar to open-sky technique. But compared to this, it has certainly demonstrated a lower blood loss and a reduction of morbidity. The non ligation of Santorini's venous plexus, always necessary during open prostatectomy, in our experience is not necessary in video-laparoscopy.

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