A therapeutic strategy starting with SNM may be considered cost effective in the midterm and cost saving in the long-term treatment of idiopathic OAB from the INHS perspective.

Introduction and hypothesis The main objective of the study is to assess the efficacy and safety of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) during pregnancy. Methods We retrospectively enrolled patients who underwent SNM implantation in our center and subsequently became pregnant. The indication for SNM, timing of device de-activation (if performed), course of pregnancy and urological complications, duration of labor, childbirth term, delivery mode, congenital abnormalities and SNM dysfunctions after delivery were recorded. Results Fourteen pregnancies were recorded among 11 women undergoing SNM. Indications for device implantation were urinary retention (7 cases) and dysfunctional voiding (4 cases). Two patients carried on two and three pregnancies, respectively, with the device turned off since the first trimester. They both had to return to self-catheterization and developed recurring urinary tract infections. No major urological complications were recorded among the remaining nine women that kept the device on during pregnancy. A cesarean section was performed in four cases for obstetric reasons, and in seven cases it was planned by the urologist and gynecologist to avoid lead damage/displacement. Three pregnancies resulted in a vaginal delivery, and no association with term of delivery or duration of labor was observed. No congenital abnormalities related to SNM or lead displacement are reported, and only one patient required device removal because of significant loss of efficacy after childbirth. Conclusions The use of SNM during pregnancy appears to be safe, without morbidity for the fetus. Moreover, risks associated with switching the device off may be greater than benefits and justify maintaining the electrical stimulation throughout pregnancy.

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The urinary excretion of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was evaluated in 264 patients with bladder cancer. Cut-off levels were established using a pool of healthy blood donors. The combined determination of CA 19-9 and TPA had a sensitivity of 74% in pTa and 83% in pT1 tumours, and 62% in grade 1, well differentiated tumours. Absence of disease at follow-up was related to a significant decrease in CA 19-9 and TPA in 129 patients with superficial (pTa or pT1) bladder carcinoma, followed up for at least 3 years. Recurrences, defined as new tumours at the same site or elsewhere in the bladder, were associated with an increase in the mean values but this was not statistically significant. A poor prognosis was indicated in patients with infiltrating tumours and the following pre-operative levels: TPA > 1500 u/l or CA 19-9 > 300 u/ml or CEA > 50 ng/ml.

Introduction and hypothesis Voiding symptoms/dysfunctions (VS/Ds) after surgery for deep-infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) are frequent (20% of patients) and, together with bowel dysfunctions, may represent a de novo disorder due to surgical damage of the pelvic plexus or a worsening of pre-existent functional damage. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) might improve voiding symptoms by treating dysfunctional voiding. The aim of this study is to report our experience with SNM in patients treated with surgery for DIE. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 13 patients with VS/Ds after surgery for DIE. All patients were investigated with urodynamic studies (UDS) and agreed to undergo SNM. Pre-existing VS/Ds, bowel disorders and pelvic pain, DIE surgical procedures, UDS and SNM test results were recorded. Results After surgery for DIE, functional bladder outflow obstruction and detrusor acontractility were observed in nine and four patients, respectively. Chronic pelvic pain was present in seven cases. Twelve patients developed constipation, whilst one patient had de novo faecal incontinence. After the SNM testing period, nine patients (69.2%) experienced a significant improvement of symptoms that led to definitive implant. Four patients (30.8%) had no symptom relief and the system was removed. Conclusions Functional bladder outflow obstruction and urinary retention are the most common VS/Ds after surgery for DIE. SNM may be an effective option for these patients, probably due to its action in improving the dysfunctional voiding, which was likely to be already present as part of the "endometriotic syndrome" and got worse after pelvic surgery. Results for pelvic pain control and gastrointestinal disorders should not be underestimated.