ICS 2016 was held in the amazing city of Tokyo, Japan. If you didn't attend and want to know more about what to expect at an ICS annual meeting then the following should give you an overview of the topics and sessions that are presented. The unique thing about the ICS meetings is that it hosts multidisciplinary delegates and sessions in urology, gynaecology, colorectal surgery, physiotherapy, nursing, medical, and basic scientific disciplines. This international audience makes for great networking and improves your daily practice.
In Tokyo there were multiple State of the Art Lectures, Podium and Abstract presentation, 26 workshops and educational courses, round table discussions and expert panel sessions chaired by ICS members and world renowned specialists in their field.
State of the Art Lectures, available to view on ICS TV, included Metabolic Syndrome and lower urinary tract symptoms (Osamu Yokoyama), central nervous system mechanisms in voiding dysfunction (Bertil F.M. Blok), and The Genetics of Lower Urinary Tract Disease the Promise of Stratified Medicine (Rufus Cartwright).
The International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI) presented a series of lectures on the updated findings of the 6th consultation containing evidence informed guidelines on the management of urinary and faecal incontinence. The book will be available later this year and ICS members have the ability to pre-order at a reduced rate.
OAB
Amundsen et al (# 1) presented The Refractory Overactive Bladder: Sacral Neuromodulation versus Botulinum Toxin Assessment (ROSETTA), a randomised trial of SNS versus 200U BoNTA in a select group of women with refractory urgency incontinence. At 24 weeks there was greater improvement in the number of incontinence episodes and higher levels of satisfaction in the BoNTA arm. Self-catheterization was required in 8% and 2% of the onabotulinumtoxinA group at one and six months, respectively and neuromodulation device revisions or removals occurred in 3%.
Elneil et al (# 16) presented a multi-centre prospective study of a new implantable percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation device in the treatment of refractory overactive bladder. This wireless device can improve urgency, frequency, urge incontinence and quality of life. (Funding: BlueWind Medical Ltd.)
Pain
Lemos et al (# 553) presented an interesting concept in pelvic congestion syndrome. Vascular entrapment of the sacral plexus can be released via laparoscopic decompression, avoiding the scarring associated with embolization, with good results (77% success, 13/17 patients, defined as > 50% improvement in VAS).
Infection
Wu et al (# 560) presented a review of the literature on the definition of recurrent urinary tract infections, highlighting a lack of consensus and making a plea to the ICS to embark upon a standardisation of terms in this area of research.
Imaging
Morris et al (# 349) demonstrated that incorrect positioning of the endovaginal probe during ultrasound can overestimate the presence of levator plate injury.
Ueda et al (# 555) investigated narrow band imaging of Hunner lesions and neovascular mucosal lesions in patients with Interstitial Cystitis.
Neurourology
Klarkov et al (# 182) presented data suggesting that renal deterioration after spinal cord injury is associated with the duration of detrusor contractions during cystometry (45-year follow-up study).
Peyronnet et al (#461) compared intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin A in adult patients with spina bifida and in patients with spinal cord injury, finding that poor bladder compliance in patients with spina bifida portends lower success rates with Botox.
Physiotherapy:
Dr. Eva Samuelsson chaired a workshop on e-health in pelvic floor disorders. The data support efficacy of online interactive instruction in conjunction with appropriate evaluation and management. In the physiotherapy round table there was an informative discussion by Dr. Kari Bø, recipient of the ICS Lifetime achievement award, regarding the multidisciplinary nature of pelvic floor disorders.
Nursing Forum:
Dr. Kathleen Hunter provided an overview of the scope and comprehensive nature of advanced practiced continence nursing in several countries, including regulatory policies and contributions of advanced practice nurses in practice and research for incontinent patients. Dr. Kaoru Nishimura provided an interesting history of continence nursing in Japan for which she has been a pioneer in establishing, and updated delegates about the development of the advance practice continence nurse role in Japan. Dr. Jo Booth provided an update about the status of an ICS Nursing committee project developing a practice guide for bladder and bowel training based on available evidence. The Committee also organised a workshop on conservative management of incontinence, featuring international speakers, Dr. Wakako Satoh (co-chair of the Nursing Workshop and Forum), Karen Logan and Jaclyn Lee. The workshop focused on addressing continence care of the elderly in long-term care in Japan, management of postpartum incontinence and urinary retention, and interpreting urodynamic data to guide nursing practice, respectively.
The meeting was praised for its innovative scientific content and novel methods of delivery in a newer, more integrated programme. ICS 2017 promises more of the same and is being held in the birth place of the Renaissance, Florence . The renowned members of the local organising committee are backed by the superb Scientific and Education committee who make sure that the quality and variety of the meeting remains high. But don't let the stringent review process put you off making a abstract submission. Your abstracts make the meeting. So Join Me at ICS 2017.
Additional Information
ICS 2016 Programme
ICS 2017
Article by Elise De, Education Committee Chair, on behalf of the ICS Education Committee.