Outcome of continence procedures after failed endoscopic treatment with dextranomer-based implants (DEFLUX®)

PurposeTo evaluate outcome of further continence procedures after failure of endoscopic injections of dextranomer-based bulking agent.Materials and methodsFrom 1997, 89 children (3–18 years) and one young adult were treated for incontinence with 145 endoscopic injections of dextranomer. On evaluation, each patient was classified as: dry, significantly improved, or treatment failure. Eighty-five patients had at least 12 months of follow up. Out of 34 (40%) treatment failures, 24 patients had a subsequent bladder neck procedure: artificial urinary sphincter (7), bladder neck plasty (9), bladder neck closure (1), fascial sling (3). Six patients had further endoscopic treatment (including 2 after bladder neck plasty).ResultsAt surgery, Deflux® paste was easily identified with minimal surrounding tissue inflammatory reaction. Artificial urinary sphincter: all 7 dry; bladder neck plasty: 7 dry, 1 improved and 1 still incontinent; 1 bladder neck closure patient dry; fascial sling: 1 significantly improved and 2 dry. Repeated endoscopic treatment: 1 dry, 1 improved and 4 failed. Eleven of the 21 (52%) patients who are either dry or improved have voiding abilities.ConclusionEndoscopic injections with dextranomer do not adversely affect the outcome of further surgical procedures. Repeated injections after a previous endoscopic treatment failure have a low success rate.