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Urethral Trauma is a discontinuity of urethra which caused by external stress (pelvic fracture or straddle injury) or internal stress (catheter placement, urological procedures). There are several suitable techniques, including immediate exploration or urine diversion. The treatment used depend on the cause of the rupture, rupture length, as well as anatomical position of the rupture. A 46-year-old male suddenly presented with swollen penile and testicle after 1 day of hospitalization. One day before, patient suffers in high-speed motorcycle accident and sustains blunt trauma to the perineal area, hitting the handle bar of the motorcycle and brought to the emergency department. There was a palpable bladder distension during physical exam, with penis and scrotum enlargement. Laboratory findings show elevated WBC and elevated creatinine level. Urinalization test was within normal limit. Partial laceration found during urethroscopy approximately <1cm in size. Scrotal drainage and exploration are conducted due to scrotum being swollen progressively. There is uncertainty regarding these symptoms to be interpreted as a urethral injury because some of the classical symptoms are missing, although patient showed with palpable bladder distension. Due to the swollen penis and scrotum which are enlarged progressively, urethroscopy and scrotal exploration was performed. Small laceration on the bulbar area of the urethra is found, indicating anterior urethral rupture, the laceration is treated conservatively with the placement of transurethral catheter. Scrotal exploration then performed which pus and extravasation of urine is found within the scrotum. The precision on determining anterior urethral rupture as a diagnosis decides the management, prognosis and complication rate of anterior urethral rupture. Although, the initial urethral trauma management remains disputed, a bulbous urethral rupture with a complication of extravasation of urine into the penis and scrotum can be treated effectively with urine diversion and scrotal exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction To investigate the role of trans-labial ultrasound study in detection of female urethral stenosis (FUS) compared to former cysto-urethroscopy as the currently available definitive diagnostic modality. Material and methods In this cross-sectional study, 60 consecutive patients with bladder outlet obstruction diagnosed by clinical symptoms and urodynamic study, were included from 2019 to 2022. For additional assessment, all these patients underwent gel-Infused trans-labial ultrasound (GITLUS) and cystourethroscopy. Trans-labial real-time ultrasonography was performed following the insertion of 20 ml steady stream viscous jelly into the urethral meatus to assess the length of the urethra and exact location and length of the probable narrowing, as well as the presence of peri-urethral fibrosis (PUF). Results In GITLUS evaluation, urethral stricture was found in 27 patients. Mean urethral length and stricture length were 35.63 ±4.78 and 17.04 ±10.59, respectively. All these stenosis were confirmed via cysto-urethroscopy. PUF was found in 20 of 27 patients. In cysto-urethroscopy, urethral stricture was confirmed in 40 patients: 13 in urethral meatus and 27 in other parts or pan-urethra. GITLUS could not reveal urethral stricture in 13 patients with meatal stenosis, confirmed with cystoscopy. GITLUS detected FUS less accurately when it involves pure distal urethra compared to other parts of urethra or pan-urethral stenosis (p value = 0.002). Conclusions GITLUS is a safe, non-invasive, and valuable technique for detecting FUS. The location and the length of the stricture and probable peri-urethral fibrosis can be identified by this method. However, in meatal or pure short-length distal urethral strictures, this method should be used with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic procedures in urology are safe although simple and impossible. We report a rare catastrophic complication of cystolitholapaxy in a patient with severe urethral stenosis. Despite laparotomy one day after cystolitholapaxy because of peritonitis and loop colostomy, the patient died. Hence, the principles of prevention and extra-care and time especially in the abnormal urethra are emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The incidence of urethral recurrence (UR) following radical cystectomy (RC) for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder varies between 1.5 and 6%. There is debate over the timing of urethrectomy for patients undergoing RC. We evaluated the requirement for a formal surveillance programme for UR in patients after RC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of patients who underwent RC between 2006 and 2019. Females, non-TCC cases and patients with neo-bladder diversions were excluded. Histological prostatic urethral involvement at the time of RC was deemed high risk for UR. Carcinoma in-situ, multifocal tumours and bladder neck involvement were deemed intermediate risk and the absence of the above features was considered low risk. Results: 417 patients underwent RC, 300 cases remained after exclusion criteria were applied. 42 patients were high-risk for UR, 102 patients were intermediate risk and 156 were low risk. Of the 300, 24 urethrectomy cases were recorded. Six cases of UR occurred. Of these, 5 presented with symptoms and only 1 case was detected by surveillance. Only 1 low-risk patient developed UR, 7 years post RC. Using our risk stratification, UR rates for high, intermediate and low-risk cohorts were 25%, 10.5% and 0.8%, respectively. Conclusions: In our cohort, routine surveillance for all patients with annual urethroscopy was of limited value in detecting UR post RC. Staged Urethrectomy for high and intermediate-risk patients, and patient counselling in self-identification of recurrence symptoms for low-risk patients will improve the early detection of UR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a video abstract from the Central European Journal of Urology titled "Penile urethrostomy for recurrent long-segment strictures of the penile urethra: step-by-step surgical technique." The video presents a surgical technique for performing a penile urethrostomy as an alternative to augmentation urethroplasty for patients with recurrent long-segment urethral strictures. The procedure involves creating an opening in the penile urethra to allow for urination while standing. The video provides a detailed description of the surgical steps involved in performing a penile urethrostomy and highlights its aesthetic outcome. The authors suggest that penile urethrostomy can be considered as an equivalent alternative to perineal urethrostomy for patients who prefer to urinate while standing. [Extracted from the article]

Midurethral slings are the mainstay of treatment for stress urinary incontinence. The role of cystourethroscopy to detect lower urinary tract injury following retropubic midurethral slings is well-established; however, its role following transobturator or single-incision sling placement remains controversial. Some advocate “routine” whereas others advocate for “selective” cystourethroscopy. This paper reviews the arguments for and against cystourethroscopy to detect lower urinary tract injury following transobturator and single-incision slings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cystoscopy is a basic urologic skill necessary for the endoscopic evaluation of the urethra and bladder. Presented is a step-by-step guide for flexible cystoscopy of the male and female patient. Materials/Methods: Routine flexible cystoscopy was performed on a male patient with a history of upper tract urothelial carcinoma and a female patient as part of a hematuria evaluation. The male patient was positioned supine, and the female patient frog-leg supine. Preoperative equipment included a flexible cystoscope (Storz 11272 VP; Karl Storz, Inc., Germany), irrigant, lubricating gel, sterile gloves, and towels/drapes. A typical cystoscopy room layout is shown. Results: This guide outlines the indications, preoperative preparation, and procedural steps for each gender, postoperative care, and troubleshooting recommendations. The video depicts the author's (R.V.C.) typical office cystoscopy procedure. In both cases, the cystoscopies were within normal limits. Conclusion: A simple, standardized manner for performing office-based flexible cystoscopy is essential to the practice of all urologists. By following the outlined steps, the urethra and the entire bladder, including the bladder neck area, can be thoroughly evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopy and laparoscopy are used for the assessment of disorders of sex development (DSD) and therapeutic interventions. Endoscopy (urethra-cystoscopy, vaginoscopy) is especially useful when vaginal or urethral surgery is planned. It is also valuable for the assessment of complications. Laparoscopy is used to identify sex ducts and gonads and to perform minimally invasive abdominal and pelvic surgery. This article reviews clinical indications, limitations, findings, and their reporting. It further discusses the impact of these findings on care in typical clinical situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term and flexible cystourethroscopy results of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and to compare them with those of plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP). Methods: In the long-term follow-up, variables, including the international prostatic symptomatic score, quality of life scores, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and international index of erectile function (IIEF), and the adverse events, including the need for retreatment, were specifically assessed. One hundred twenty-two HoLEP and 119 PKRP of the initial 280 patients included in this study were available, with 10 deceased and 29 lost to follow-up. Results: We found that none of the assessable patients required reoperation for recurrent benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) in the HoLEP group, whereas two required reoperation in the PKRP group. There were no significant differences in most variables between the two groups in the long-term results. But in terms of Qmax, transrectal ultrasound prostate volume, prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, IIEF-5 score, and long-term posttrial follow-up of flexible cystourethroscopy, the HoLEP group showed better results. Conclusion: The long-term follow-up data of this randomized trial confirm that HoLEP and PKRP are both effective and durable surgical interventions for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPE. Given the clinically relevant advantages associated with HoLEP, the alternation of PSA level, sexual function, and urination can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress urinary incontinence is a common medical problem among women. The urethral closure complex and/or the supportive mechanisms are responsible for incontinence in the majority of patients. Several surgical procedures with different degrees of invasiveness and outcomes have been reported to treat the problem. Although most of these procedures are reasonably effective, a general trend towards the study of natural and biocompatible tissues is emerging over popular synthetic materials. Here we report our experience of autologous adipose-derived stem cells transplantation into the periurethral region as a new method of stress urinary incontinence treatment. Ten women with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence were treated by injections of autologous adipose-derived stem cells into the periurethral region via transurethral and transvaginal approach under urethroscopic observation. This report presents the short-term outcome of the patients. The outcome measured by pad test results, ICIQ-SF scores, and Qmax. The mean age of the participants was 45.8±8.7 years. Urinary incontinence significantly decreased through the first two, 6 and 24 weeks after the injection therapy. The difference was significant in pad test results (P<0.001) and ICIQ-SF scores (P<0.001), especially comparing results between 2 and 6 weeks and among 6 and 24 weeks, but not for 2 and 6 weeks compared to each other. Surprisingly, Qmax showed improvement after the study period (means 32.6 vs. 35.7; P=0.002). This study showed that injection of the autologous adipose-derived stem cells to the periurethral region is a safe, yet short-term effective treatment option for stress urinary incontinence. Further studies with longer follow up are needed to confirm its long term efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To assess the clinical significance of flexible endoscopic realignment in the treatment of posterior urethral disruption in comparison to the traditional open realignment method. Methods: A total of 58 patients suffering posterior urethral disruption were enrolled into the current study from January 2003 to May 2009. Of them, 23 patients (Group A) were treated with modified technique of urethral realignment under flexible urethroscopy and 35 patients (Group B) received conventional open realignment.Results:Either procedure was successfully performed in both groups. However, the operation time was significantly shorter in Group A (29.1 ± 9.5 min) than that in Group B (58.1 ± 11.2 min,p< 0.001). Also, patients in Group A had a significantly decreased incidence of stricture (4 of 23 cases in Group A versus 15 of 35 cases in Group B,p= 0.043) and formation of false urethra (0 of 23 cases in Group A versus 7 of 35 cases in Group B,p= 0.035). Prevalence of secondary urethroplasty was less in Group A (1/23) compared to Group B (8/35), but there was no statistical difference (p= 0.057). In addition, there was no significant difference in morbidity of urinary infection, incidence of incontinence, and impotence between the two groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Compared to the traditional open realignment, the new technique of urethral realignment under flexible endoscope has the advantage of short operation time, minimally invasive and less complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The objective was to report our long-term experience of luminal urethral stricture (LUS) in women treated with dilation under general anesthesia. Methods: Following institutional review board approval, charts of women who underwent urethral dilation (UD) under general anesthesia for LUS and had over 6 months' follow-up were reviewed. LUS was confirmed by urethroscopy. UD was performed using female dilators with guidewire and Heyman dilators when required. Outcome measures included the number of UD procedures and the duration and frequency of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Success was defined as the ability to void without repeat UD and with no need for CIC 1 year after UD. Possible predictive variables were analyzed. Results: Between 2000 and 2013, a total of 30 out of the 32 women who underwent UD for LUS met the inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 59 (range: 7 to 151) months. Thirteen women in the success group showed improvement in the mean maximum flow rate (pre 11 ml/s to post 27.8 ml/s) and post-void residual (pre 85 ml to post 43 ml). In the failure group of 17 patients, 2 required chronic CIC 1 year after a single UD. Fifteen opted for repeat UD. After second ( n = 5), third ( n = 2), and fourth ( n = 2) UD, 9 patients came off CIC and reported durable satisfaction. Four women remained on regular CIC. Two required a permanent suprapubic catheter. Conclusion: At a mean follow-up of 5 years, UD for LUS produced durable resolution in 43 % of our patients. Another 30 % fully benefited from repeat UDs. Shorter duration of symptoms before presentation was significantly associated with success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloidosis is characterized by the deposition of fibrillar proteins by either plasma cells or derived from circulating proteins, the former especially involved in pathogenesis of localised amyloidosis. We describe a case of primary localised amyloidosis involving the urethra, in a 54-year-old diabetic patient, presenting with symptoms of stricture. Though a rare cause, in a patient with clinical diagnosis of urethral stricture, one of the differential diagnosis to be ruled out is primary urethral amyloidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi is the property of University of Kafkas, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To describe the safety, feasibility and outcome of redo buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty in patients presenting with recurrent anterior urethral stricture following previous failed BMG urethroplasty. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of 21 patients with recurrent anterior urethral stricture after buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty, who underwent redo urethroplasty at our institute between January 2008 to January 2014. All patients underwent preoperative evaluation in the form of uroflowmetry, RGU, sonourethrogram and urethroscopy. Among patients with isolated bulbar urethral stricture, who had previously undergone ventral onlay, redo dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty was done and vice versa (9+8 patients). Three patients, who had previously undergone Kulkarni-Barbagli urethroplasty, underwent dorsal free graft urethroplasty by ventral sagittal urethrotomy approach. One patient who had previously undergone urethroplasty by ASOPA technique underwent 2-stage Bracka repair. Catheter removal was done on 21st postoperative day. Follow-up consisted of uroflow, PVR and AUA-SS. Failure was defined as requirement of any post operative procedure. Results: Idiopathic urethral strictures constituted the predominant etiology. Eleven patients presented with stricture recurrence involving the entire grafted area, while the remaining 10 patients had fibrotic ring like strictures at the proximal/distal graft-urethral anastomotic sites. The success rate of redo surgery was 85.7% at a mean follow-up of 41.8 months (range: 1 yr-6 yrs). Among the 18 patients who required no intervention during the follow-up period, the graft survival was longer compared to their initial time to failure. Conclusion: Redo buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty is safe and feasible with good intermediate term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quiz concerning an eighteen kilogram Bangkeaw dog, citing a complains of stranguria after the operation of scrotal urethrostomy is presented.

Purpose: To examine the value of surveillance urethro-cystoscopy in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in regard to the conflicting literature as it is generally agreed that patients with NLUTD are at increased risk for bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a consecutive series of 129 patients (50 females, 79 males, mean age 51, range 18–88) suffering from NLUTD for at least 5 years was prospectively investigated using urethro-cystoscopy and bladder washing cytology at a single university spinal cord injury (SCI) center. Results: Due to suspicious urethro-cystoscopy and/or bladder washing cytology findings, 13 (10%) of 129 patients underwent transurethral resection of the bladder lesion and/or random bladder biopsies. Overall, 9 relevant histological findings were found in 5% (7/129) of our patients: bladder melanosis (n = 1), nephrogenic adenoma (n = 3), keratinizing squamous metaplasia (n = 1), intestinal metaplasia (n = 3), and muscle-invasive adenocarcinoma of the bladder (n = 1). Conclusions: Using surveillance urethro-cystoscopy, we found relevant histological findings in 5% of our patients suffering from NLUTD for at least 5 years. Thus, surveillance urethro-cystoscopy might be warranted, although the ideal starting point and frequency remain to be determined in further prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), also known as the Abrams-Griffiths (AG) number, is the most widely used index for predicting BOO. However, the obstructed prostatic urethra determined by the BOOI is often inconsistent with endoscopically-proven obstruction. We assessed abdominal straining pattern as a novel parameter for improving the prediction of BOO. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the pressure-flow studies (PFS) and cystourethroscopy in 176 BPH/LUTS patients who were unresponsive to medical therapy. During PFS, some groups of patients tried to urinate with abdominal straining, which can increases intravesical pressure and underestimate BOOI theoretically. Accordingly, the modified BOOI was defined as (PdetQmax+ΔPabd)-2Qmax. Results: Ultimately, 130 patients were eligible for the analysis. In PFS, ΔPabd (PabdQmax-initial Pabd) was 11.81±13.04 cmH2O, and it was 0–9 cmH2O in 75 (57.7%), 10–19 cmH2O in 23 (17.7%) and ≥20 cmH2O in 32 (24.6%) patients. An endoscopically obstructed prostatic urethra in 92 patients was correctly determined in 47 patients (51.1%) by the original BOOI versus 72 patients (78.3%) based on the modified BOOI. Meanwhile, an “unobstructed” urethra according to the original BOOI was present in 11 patients (12.0%), whereas according to the modified BOOI, only 2 (2.1%) would be labeled as “unobstructed”. In receiver operating characteristic curves, the area under the curve was 0.906 using the modified BOOI number versus 0.849 in the original BOOI (p<0.05). Conclusions: The change in abdominal pressure was correlated with endoscopically-proven obstruction. Our simple modification of the BOOI on the basis of this finding better predicted bladder outlet obstruction and, therefore, should be considered when evaluating BOO in patients with LUTS/BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of mitomycin C in reducing the recurrence of anterior urethral stricture after internal optical urethrotomy (IOU). Materials and Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted in the Department of Urology at the Institute of Kidney Diseases Peshawar from March 2011 to December 2013. A total of 151 patients who completed the study were divided into two groups by the lottery method. Group A (cases) comprised 78 patients in whom mitomycin C 0.1% was injected submucosally in the stricture after conventional IOU. Group B (controls) comprised 73 patients in whom IOU only was performed. Self-clean intermittent catheterization was not offered in either group. All patients were regularly followed up for 18 months. Recurrence was diagnosed by use of retrograde urethrogram in all patients and flexible urethroscopy in selected cases. Data were collected on a structured pro forma sheet and were analyzed by SPSS. Results: The mean age of the patients in group A was 37.31±10.1 years and that in group B was 40.1±11.4 years. Recurrence of urethral stricture was recorded in 11 patients (14.1%) in group A and in 27 patients (36.9%) in group B (p=0.002). The mitomycin group also showed a delay in recurrence compared with the control group (p=0.002). Conclusions: Recurrence of urethral stricture is high after optical urethrotomy. Mitomycin C was found to be highly effective in preventing the recurrence of urethral stricture after IOU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To measure the effects of real-time visualisation during urethrocystoscopy on pain in patients who underwent ambulatory urethrocystoscopy. Methods: An observational study was designed. From June 2012 to June 2013 patients who had ambulatory urethrocystoscopy participated in the study. In order to measure pain perception we used a numeric rating scale (NRS) 0 to 10. Additional data was collected including gender, reason for intervention, use of a rigid or a flexible instrument and whether the patient had had urethrocystoscopy before. Results: 185 patients were evaluated. 125 patients preferred to watch their urethrocystoscopy on a real-time video screen, 60 patients did not. There was no statistically relevant difference in pain perception between those patients who watched their urethrocystoscopy on a real-time video screen and those who did not (p = 0.063). However, men who were allowed to watch their flexible urethrocystoscopy experienced significantly less pain, than those who did not (p = 0.007). No such effects could be measured for rigid urethrocystoscopy (p = 0.317). Furthermore, women experienced significantly higher levels of pain during the urethrocystoscopy than men (p = 0.032). Conclusions: Visualisation during urethrocystoscopy procedures in general does not significantly decrease pain in patients. Nevertheless, men who undergo flexible urethrocystoscopy should be offered to watch their procedure in real-time on a video screen. To make urethrocystoscopy less painful for both genders, especially for women, should be subject to further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urinary tract tumours represent only 0.5-1% of neoplasms in dogs, and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common. It is most common to find TCCs in the trigone region. Diagnosis can be made with image analysis, cytology or histology. With non-infiltrative lesions in the early stages, it is possible to obtain a biopsy by endoscopy. Surgical resection is the treatment option of choice for this tumour. Dogs with poor response to chemotherapy or at an advanced stage of the disease are candidates for palliative treatment. This paper reports an special case of TCC located in the distal urethra of a female dog, obtaining the diagnosis through endoscopy, cytology and immunohistochemistry. Case: A nine-year old, female, neutered Golden Retriever was referred for examination after suffering vaginal bleeding. Vaginal palpation revealed an apparent mass on the vaginal floor. Cytology by imprinting the mass revealed a carcinoma. A vaginoscopy was performed on the patient. An endoscopic examination showed normal vaginal mucosa, but, through the urethra, a mass was observed in the urethral lumen, with thickening and dilatation of the urinary meatus. A tissue biopsy was obtained. Episiotomy was performed to remove the tumour. Histopathological studies diagnosed the mass as transitional cell carcinoma with incomplete surgical margins. An immunohistochemistry analysis of the tumour was performed. Discussion: The location of the tumour in the distal urethra makes this case unusual, as this rarely occurs. There are few reports of this location in bitch dogs and they are usually diagnosed at necropsy. This shows the great advantages of endoscopy for the diagnosis of tumours in the urinary tract. There are few cases of this type of tumour being described at this site, and they are usually diagnosed at necropsy. This report shows the great advantages of urethroscopy for the diagnosis of neoplasias of the urinary tract. In this report, owing to the location of the tumour, cytologic diagnosis (carcinoma) could be made quickly by an impression smear. However, we were unable to determine the precise tumour type, because there were no cells with vacuolated basophilic cytoplasm or signet-ring-shaped cells. Distinguishing TCC from other malignant tumours by cytology is complicated, as they are caused by immaturity and there is a lack of differentiation; so, biopsy is suggested. Endoscopy is the most effective method to obtain biopsies of TCC in the urinary tract. An endoscopic examination can be performed with a rigid or flexible endoscope. In the present case, a videoendoscope with a diameter of 9.2 mm was used, owing to the large dilatation of the urinary meatus. The majority of vesical tumours are diagnosed by contrast and negative double-contrast cystography; however, in this case, they did not reveal the presence of a tumour in the bladder. Immunohistochemistry was positive for monoclonal antibodies for TAG-72 in the present case; this is a common finding in 53% of reported cases. Conventional surgery was performed to resect the tumour, because electrosurgical transurethral resection of TCCs in females can cause some surgical complications. This animal had a favourable response after administering NSAIDs (piroxicam). Treatment was still challenging, owing to the difficulties in surgical resection and the poor response to conventional chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Vaginal stones may form in the setting of mesh exposure with urinary incontinence. This report serves to help understand the presentation, evaluation, and management of vaginal urinary stones. Case. A 68-year-old female presented with a vaginal calculus. She had a history of anterior and posterior polypropylene mesh placement for prolapse 7 years earlier and urinary incontinence. The stone was identified on a portion of exposed mesh and removed in office. Pathology confirmed urinary etiology. The exposed mesh resolved with topical estrogen. Cystourethroscopy excluded urinary fistula and bladder mesh erosion. Conclusions. When identified, a vaginal calculus should be removed and evaluated for composition. Cystourethroscopy should be performed to assess potential urinary tract fistulas and mesh erosion. Additional imaging should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Synthetic mid-urethral mesh slings are the most common primary surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and have been designated as the standard of care by the American Urogynecologic Society. In recent years, synthetic mesh has come under increased scrutiny by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) due to concerns over patient safety. This has led to more surgeons and patients preferring Burch colposuspension to treat SUI. Case. We discuss two cases of suture erosion into the urethra and bladder. They presented with irritative voiding symptoms and recurrent urinary tract infections. Both were discovered years after a Burch colposuspension. Conclusion. As reported in the literature as early as 1999, erosion is a complication associated with many types of incontinence surgery and not unique to mesh based sling operations. Burch colposuspension should not be favored solely to avoid erosion and patients should be counseled accordingly. Teaching Point. Cystourethroscopy performed intraoperatively or postoperatively is essential for early diagnosis and treatment of complications related to incontinence surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two patients with acquired posterior urethral diverticulum that is a complication of laparoscopic assisted anorectoplasty underwent urethroscopic holmium: YAG laser ablation. After the ablation therapies, the size of the diverticulum markedly decreased in both patients. Holmium: YAG laser is safe and easy to handle in the small pediatric urethra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of preoperative CT voiding cystourethrography (CT-VCUG) using 16-multidetector computed tomography for female urethral diverticula. Materials and Methods: Preoperative CT-VCUG was performed in 15 consecutive patients who underwent urethral diverticulectomy from May 2004 to December 2012. The result of preoperative cystourethroscopy and surgical findings were recorded by a single surgeon and CT-VCUG findings including the location of osita were retrospectively reviewed by another urologist who was blinded to the surgical finding. The location of the ostium detected on CT-VCUG was compared descriptively with the intraoperative surgical and preoperative cystourethroscopic findings. Results: A total of 14 consecutive patients who underwent preoperative CT-VCUG and urethral diverticulectomy were included in the analysis. Ostia were detected on CT-VCUG in all cases, whereas ostia were identified in 10 patients (71.4%) by cystourethroscopy. Ostia were located between the 4 and 8 o’clock direction. Mean distance from the bladder neck to the ostium was 24.2 mm. Circumferential and horseshoe shaped diverticula were observed in 6 and 4 patients, respectively. The surgical findings correlated well with the CT findings. Conclusions: Preoperative CT-VCUG can be useful in identifying the ostia of urethral diverticula in patients scheduled for urethral diverticulectomy and can provide structural information, useful to establish surgical strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish an experimental rabbit model of urethral stricture using holmium laser under direct urethroscopic visualization. Methods: Sixteen adult male New Zealand rabbits were divided into equally-sized control and experimental groups. All rabbits underwent retrograde urethrography and transurethral endoscopy with a 7.5 F urethroscope after intramuscular anesthetic injection. We used a holmium:YAG laser to injure the distal urethra in all rabbits in the experimental group under direct visualization. Thirty days after surgery, all animals were evaluated with retrograde urethrography and urethroscopy. The flow rate of the isolated urethras was measured to evaluate urethral stricture formation. Results: One rabbit in the experimental group (12.5%) died of infection 4 days after surgery. Thirty days after surgery, retrograde urethrography and urethroscopy revealed strictures in all seven surviving rabbits (87.5%) in the experimental group. The mean flow rate of the isolated urethras was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion: A rabbit model of urethral stricture can be successfully established using holmium laser under direct urethroscopic visualization, providing an ideal object for research concerning the pathogenesis and molecular biology of urethral strictures. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Urethral metastatic adenocarcinoma is extremely rare. Moreover, only 9 previous cases with metastases from colorectal cancer have been reported to date, and not much information on urethral metastases from colorectum is available so far. Case presentation We report our experience in the diagnosis and the management of the case with urethral metastasis from a sigmoid colon cancer. A 68-year-old man, who underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon carcinoma four years ago, presented gross hematuria with pain. Urethroscopy identified a papillo-nodular tumor 7 mm in diameter in the bulbar urethra. CT-scan imaging revealed the small mass of bulbous portion of urethra and solitary lung metastasis. Histological examination of the tumor obtained by transurethral resection showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, which was diagnosed as a metastasis of a sigmoid colon carcinoma pathologically by morphological examination. Immunohistochemical analysis of the urethral tumor revealed the positive for cytokertin 20 and CDX2, whereas negative for cytokertin 7. These features were consistent with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon cancer. As the management of this case with urethral and lung metastasis, 6-cycle of chemotherapy with fluorouracil with leucovorin plus oxaliplatin was administered to the patient, and these metastases were disappeared with no recurrence of disease for 34 months. Conclusion Urethral metastasis from colorectal cancer is a very rare occurrence. However, in the presence of urinary symptoms, the possibility of the urethral metastasis should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hem-o-lok clips are widely used during robot-assisted and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy to control the lateral pedicles. There are a few reports of hem-o-lok clip migration into the bladder or vesico-urethral anastomosis and only four cases of hem-o-lok clip migration resulting into bladder neck contracture. Herein, we describe the first case, to our knowledge, of hem-o-lok clip migration leading to severe bladder neck contracture and subsequent stress urinary incontinence. Case presentation A 62-year-old Caucasian man underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for a T1c Gleason 8 prostate cancer. One month after surgery the patient was fully continent; however, three months later, he presented with acute urinary retention requiring suprapubic drainage. Urethroscopy showed a hem-o-lok clip strongly attached to the area between the vesico-urethral anastomosis and the urethral sphincter and a severe bladder neck contracture behind it. Following cold-knife urethral incision and clip removal, the bladder neck contracture was widely resected. At 3-month follow-up, the patient voided spontaneously with a peak flow rate of 9.5 ml/sec and absence of post-void residual urine, but leaked 240 ml urine at the 24-hour pad test. To date, at 1-year follow-up, his voiding situation remains unchanged. Conclusions The present report provides further evidence for the risk of hem-o-lok clip migration causing bladder neck contracture, and is the first to demonstrate the potential of such complication to result into stress urinary incontinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction and hypothesis: Our purpose was to assess the accuracy of history and physical, cystourethroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preoperative diagnosis of urethral diverticula. Methods: This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgical excision of periurethral masses between 1998 and 2009. Presenting symptoms and examination and cystourethroscopic findings were noted. A single pathologist reviewed all cases and provided the reference standard for the diagnosis of a diverticulum. A single radiologist reviewed all preoperative MRI studies. Sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were determined. Results: Diverticula were diagnosed in 36/60 (60 %) patients. Transurethral fluid expression on palpation and recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) had high PPV. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV, respectively, for cystourethroscopy were 33 %, 100 %, 100 %, and 42 %; for MRI, these were 100 %, 83 %, 92 %, and 100 %. Conclusion: These data reinforce the utility of transurethral fluid expression for preoperative evaluation of urethral diverticula. Additionally, MRI is an excellent adjunctive diagnostic tool and may assist in establishing the diagnosis when there is high clinical suspicion of a urethral diverticulum but nonconfirmatory findings on cystourethroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Bladder cancer is frequently diagnosed during a workup for hematuria. However, most patients with microscopic hematuria and many with gross hematuria are not appropriately referred to urologists. We hypothesized that in patients presenting with asymptomatic hematuria the risk of having bladder cancer can be predicted with high accuracy. Toward this end, we analyzed risk factors in patients with asymptomatic hematuria and developed a nomogram for the prediction of bladder cancer presence. Methods: Data from 1,182 consecutive subjects without a history of bladder cancer undergoing initial evaluation for asymptomatic hematuria were collected at three centers. Clinical risk factors including age, gender, smoking status, and degree of hematuria were recorded. All subjects underwent standard workup including voided cytology, upper tract imaging, and cystourethroscopy. Factors associated with the presence of bladder cancer were evaluated by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. The multivariable analysis was used to construct a nomogram. Internal validation was performed using 200 bootstrap samples. Results: Of the 1,182 subjects who presented with asymptomatic hematuria, 245 (20.7 %) had bladder cancer. Increasing age (OR = 1.03, p < 0.0001), smoking history (OR = 3.72, p < 0.0001), gross hematuria (OR = 1.71, p = 0.002), and positive cytology (OR = 14.71, p < 0.0001) were independent predictors of bladder cancer presence. The multivariable model achieved 83.1 % accuracy for predicting the presence of bladder cancer. Conclusions: Bladder cancer presence can be predicted with high accuracy in patients who present with asymptomatic hematuria. We developed a nomogram to help optimize referral patterns (i.e., timing and prioritization) of patients with asymptomatic hematuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the long-term effects on hypospadias repair with cultured autologous urothelial cells. Methods: From 2000 to 2002, six patients with scrotal or perineal hypospadias and pronounced chordee were treated surgically with cultured autologous urothelial cell transplants. All patients were evaluated at 6-8 years postoperatively, that is, in the prepubertal period. The outcome was assessed with respect to cosmetic appearance, voiding function, urinary flow, artificial erection, urethroscopy and biopsies. Results: Median follow-up time was 7.25 years. Up to date, all patients present with a good cosmetic appearance. One of the boys prefers a sitting voiding position. Urinary flow curves are bell-shaped in all but one. All have straight erections, urethroscopy reveals an even, non-hair-bearing surface on the transplanted side and 2/6 present with urothelial cells in biopsies. Limitations of this follow-up study include a small group of patients and lack of controls. However, patients with severe hypospadias have high complication rates, and our results are equal or better than expected for the phenotype. Conclusion: Tissue engineering for severe hypospadias repair can be performed in a safe manner. The method is feasible for treatment of a selected group of hypospadias, where pronounced chordee and shortage of preputial and penile skin complicates the creation of a neourethra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular reorganization of secretory epitheliocytes in the main, intermediate, and periurethral prostatic glands was studied in chronic prostatitis under conditions of sexually-transmitted infections. The destructive and autophagic processes in the secretory epitheliocytes were stimulated by persistence of microorganisms, Mycoplasmataceae (mainly mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas) and Chlamydia trachomatis, in the prostatic terminal compartments, epithelial layer, and epitheliocytes. Significant intracellular reorganization of smooth-muscle cells was found: focal destruction of ultrastructures (mainly in the perinuclear zone) and lythic changes in the myofilaments (focal and diffuse). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the development of panurethral stricture disease and other lower urinary tract abnormalities as a complication of photovaporization of the prostate (PVP). Patients and Methods: We evaluated three patients who were referred for the treatment of urethral stricture disease after PVP. Evaluation included antegrade cystoscopy, urethroscopy, retrograde urethrography, and cystourethrography. Results: All three patients had panurethral stricture disease, and a low capacity bladder with bilateral vesicoureteral reflux had developed in one patient as a complication of PVP. Conclusions: Although not previously reported, a potential complication of PVP is devastating panurethral stricture disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the case of a patient who presented with ocular symptoms (chemosis, proptosis, increased intra-ocular pressure, impaired visual acuity) eight months after the transvenous coil occlusion of an ipsilateral sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF). Digital substraction angiography revealed a partial occlusion of the left sigmoid sinus with coils Since the connection from the sigmoid sinus to the internal jugular vein was obliterated by coils without interrupting the arteriovenous shunt, the venous drainage was redirected into the inferior petrosal sinus, the cavernous sinus and the superior ophthalmic vein. The transjugular access to the inferior petrosal sinus was obstructed by a large coil mass in the jugular bulb. Several attempts to remove these coils with an Alligator retrieval device and a goose neck snare failed. The coil mass was withdrawn via a direct access to the internal jugular vein using flexible cysto-urethroscopy grasping forceps, an urological device designed for the removal of kidney `stones After establishing anterograde drainage, the now accessible inferior petrosal sinus was occluded with fibered coils and the dAVF was completely obliterated. The ocular symptoms resolved within ten days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the feasibility and the effect of a new biodegradable drug-eluting urethral stents for the treatment of urethral stricture in a rabbit model were evaluated, and the biocompatibility properties of the new biodegradable drug-eluting urethral stents in the rabbit urethral assessed. A total of 34 male New Zealand White rabbits with urethral strictures were used, and equally divided into two groups: with drug stents and drug-free stents. The urethral strictures were made by using a self-control explosion device as the control. Stents were surgically implanted into the stenotic urethras of rabbits under direct vision. Reparative effects, including biocompatibility assessment, were evaluated by urethroscopy, retrograde urethrography, and histology at different intervals at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Although retrograde urethrography and urodynamic results at 12 weeks showed no comparable differences among the three groups, urethroscopic and histological follow-up indicated that the drug stents had minimized the stent-related inflammatory responses, urothelial hyperplasia, and scar formation compared with the drug-free stents. The new biodegradable paclitaxel-eluting stents were more biocompatible and effective for treating urethral strictures in the rabbit model than the drug-free stents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1b OBJECTIVE To assess whether real-time cysto-urethroscopy (CUS) performance improves by simulator-based training (criterion or predictive validity), addressing the research question ‘Does practical skills training on the URO Mentor (UM, Simbionix USA Corp., Cleveland, OH, USA) virtual-reality simulator improve the performance of flexible CUS in patients’. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Participants (71 interns from Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, CHE, and 29 from University Medical Centre Groningen, UMCG) were randomized to carry out CUS in a patient after training on the UM (UM-trained, 50) or without training on UM (control, 50). The assessment of real-time performance consisted of scoring on a Global Rating Scale (GRS) by supervisors unaware of training status. Data were analysed using stepwise multiple linear regression. The effect size (ES) indication for correlations was used to interpret the magnitude of a standard regression coefficient (β); an ES of 0.10, 0.30 and 0.50 were considered small, moderate and large, respectively. The study was approved by the Medical Review Ethics Committees of the participating hospitals. RESULTS Overall, the group that received training performed significantly better than the controls ( P ≤ 0.003, β range 0.30–0.47). There was no effect of training for participants with a specific preference for a surgical speciality in two of five GRS scores. Participants from CHE obtained higher GRS 3 scores than those from UMCG. Significantly more UMCG trainees indicated having had stress than those from CHE ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results showed that interns who had trained on UM outperformed controls for a CUS procedure in a patient. Training for CUS on the UM is to be recommended for learning to respect tissue, procedural knowledge, flow of procedure and forward planning. Use of the UM to train interns with a specific interest in a surgical speciality in handling instruments, and time and motion, seems to be of limited value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surgical treatment of severe hypospadias can be very challenging. In selected cases with severe lack of tissue, cultured autologous urothelial cells can be used to create a transplanted neourethra. The algorithm for using tissue-engineering techniques for the surgical repair of the male urethra includes 3 main steps. First, the autologous urothelial cells are harvested from the patient, e.g. by bladder washing through a catheter with sterile saline. Second, the cells are propagated and expanded in the laboratory environment. Finally, the cells are transplanted back to the patient in the final surgical repair. We have used this technique in a clinical setting in severe hypospadias. Transplants for creation of the neourethra were used ventrally in an on-lay fashion with remaining skin dorsally in the urethra. Our follow-up shows a good clinical result including data concerning voiding position, urinary flow, artificial erection, cosmetic appearance, urethroscopy and biopsies. Tissue-engineering techniques can, however, benefit from further improvement and, thus, be developed for additional applications. We conclude that in hypospadias repair with cultured autologous urothelial cells is an option for the surgical treatment when there is a lack of local tissue for the repair. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Type – Therapy (case control) Level of Evidence 3b OBJECTIVE To assess the construct validity of the URO MentorTM (Simbionix Corp., Cleveland, OH, USA) virtual reality training model for several variables of skills training in cysto-urethroscopy, addressing two research questions: (i) Does training on the URO Mentor significantly improve novices’ performance in terms of time, trauma, areas inspected and Global Rating Scale (GRS) score?; (ii) is discrimination between different levels of expertise possible using the URO Mentor? METHODS Thirty experts and 50 novices performed seven tasks on the URO Mentor during one training session. The first, fourth and seventh tasks were ‘test tasks’ to evaluate participants’ performance. The simulator recorded procedure time and trauma; a supervisor scored which areas were inspected and gave scores on the GRS. A two-way analysis of variance with repeated-measures test was used to analyse experts’ and novices’ performances, with P < 0.05 considered to indicate statistical significance. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated to quantify the practical significance of the results; ES of 0.10, 0.30, and 0.50 were considered small, medium and large, respectively. RESULTS Novices’ performances showed a significant improvement with large ES in time (linear trend of learning curve P < 0.001, ES 0.66) and mean GRS score (linear trend P < 0.001, ES 0.84, quadratic trend P = 0.018, ES 0.24). There was a medium improvement for trauma (linear trend P < 0.001, ES 0.40) and a small improvement in areas inspected (linear trend P = 0.032, ES 0.21). That the 95% confidence intervals of the measures on the first task of experts and novices did not coincide indicates that differentiation between experts and novices on the four variables measured can be achieved using the URO Mentor. CONCLUSIONS Training on the URO Mentor appears to result in a medium to large improvement of novices’ performances for time, trauma, areas inspected and GRS scores. Moreover, discrimination between different levels of expertise is possible using this simulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ureteral stents are widely used to ensure good urinary drainage and to relieve obstruction, pain and infection during urologic procedures. However, long-term indwelling ureteral stents can cause various complications, such as encrustation, hematuria and infection. Here, the case of an 88-year-old man who had undergone simultaneous radical resection of sigmoid colon cancer and partial resection of the bladder 6 years prior is presented. The patient complained of urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria and intermittent fever. A kidney ureter bladder X-ray examination revealed the presence of an entire coiled double-J stent with calculi from the kidney to the bladder. A computed tomography scan revealed mild hydronephrosis of the left kidney and one J end of the stent in the bladder. The stent was removed successfully by cystourethroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy. This report describes the clinical experience of the removal of a long-term stent by endoscopic manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A 34-year-old, captive-born, vasectomized male chimpanzee ( Pan troglodytes) presented with lethargy and scrotal swelling. Methods Urethral obstruction was diagnosed via urethroscopy. Results Removal of the grass stem foreign body resolved the obstruction. Scrotal and preputial ulceration developed from urine scald, which was managed with surgical debridement and antibiotics. Conclusions After 7 weeks, the animal was reintroduced to its troup and has been healthy for 11 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the efficacy of tunica albuginea urethroplasty (TAU) for anterior urethral strictures. Methods: We assessed 206 patients with anterior urethral strictures who underwent TAU. The procedure involves mobilization of strictured urethra and laying it open with a dorsal slit. Edges of the slit-open urethra are sutured to edges of the urethral groove with a silicon catheter in situ. Thus in neourethra, the roof is formed by tunica albuginea of the urethral groove. Results were assessed at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months by comparative analysis of patient satisfaction along with retrograde urethrogram, urethrosonogram, uroflowmetry, and were categorized as good, fair and poor. Good and fair results were considered as successful. Thirty patients were taken for postoperative urethroscopic analysis to allow better understanding of both successful and failed cases. Results: Postoperative evaluation at 6 months showed a 96.6% success rate, which decreased to 94.7% at 1 year, 93.2% at 2 years and over 90% at the end of 3 years. The overall failure rate was 9.2%, which required revision surgery. Urethroscopic visualization of the reconstruction site showed wide, patent and distensible neourethra uniformly lined by urothelium over roof formed by tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa in successful cases. Failure cases showed diffuse fibrotic narrowing or circumferential scarring. Conclusion: Tunica albuginea is a locally available distensible tissue, sufficient to maintain the patency of the neourethra, without any graft or flap. TAU is easier and useful when patients have unhealthy oral mucosa due to tobacco chewing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracorporeal treatment of urolithiasis is characterized by continuous technological evolution. In this review we present updated data upon the use of ureteroscopy for the management of urolithiasis. Novel digital flexible ureteroscopes are used in clinical practice. Ureteroscopic working tools are revolutionized resulting in safer and more efficient procedures. Special categories of stone patients such as pregnant women, children and patients on anticoagulation medication can now undergo uneventful ureteroscopy. Routine insertion of stents and access sheaths as well as bilateral ureteroscopy is still a controversial issue. Future perspectives include smaller and better instruments to visualize and treat a stone, while robotic ureteroscopy is becoming a fascinating reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and evaluate risk factors in patients just diagnosed with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMI UC), who have the prospect of an intensive surveillance scheme by cysto-urethroscopy to detect tumour recurrences. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey on 150 patients just diagnosed with primary or recurrent NMI UC. Patients were participating in a randomized clinical multicentre trial (CEFuB), comparing two surveillance schemes. Patients were asked to complete questionnaires at study entry 3 months before the start of the study-surveillance scheme (demographic characteristics, a validated visual analogue scale, and validated subset of questions on sexual function and performance derived from QLQ-BLS-24). The results were compared with those from an age-and gender-matched healthy population. RESULTS The response rate was 95% (142/150); 61% (87/142) of the respondents were sexually active in the previous 4 weeks after diagnosis, 66% (70/105) of men and 46% (17/37) of women. Although libido was not negatively affected, 54% (47/87) of the patients had a sexual dysfunction, and 23% (17/73) were afraid to inflict harm on their partner by sexual contact. Sexually active patients perceived a higher state of general health ( P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with NMI UC is very high (54%) compared with an age- and gender-matched healthy population (20–45%). No predictors for sexual dysfunction were found. These patients and partners would benefit from proper sexual information in the outpatient clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Urethral erosion (UE) is an uncommon but potentially severe complication after suburethral synthetic slings. We aimed to identify the risk factors and diagnostic modalities of UE and also functional outcome after UE surgical management. We retrospectively analyzed eight cases of UE managed in our department between 1997 and 2007. The main presumptive risk factors of UE were excessive sling tensioning (six of eight) and postoperative urethral dilation (four of eight). The most frequent symptoms included voiding difficulties (five of eight), storage symptoms (three of eight), pain (three of eight), and recurrent stress incontinence (three of eight). UE diagnosis was accessible to introital ultrasound (five of five) and confirmed by urethroscopy (eight of eight). Surgical management was performed in seven cases and included transvaginal sling removal with urethral repair (two of seven), endoscopic transurethral sling resection (four of seven), and combined approach (one of seven). All the approaches provided good functional outcomes. Transurethral endoscopy is a mini-invasive treatment of UE and should be tried first in selected cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We searched to review experimental and clinical trials concerning the capabilities of impacting on the ureteric and pelvic activity by means of pharmacological stimulation. Ureteropyeloscopy may cause high renal pelvic pressure. The normal pressure is in the range of 5–15 mmHg whereas pressure of 410 mmHg has been measured during endoscopy. The threshold pressure for intrarenal reflux is about 35 mmHg. Studies in animals have revealed that high renal pelvic pressures may cause permanent damage to the renal parenchyma. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that elevated pressures may entail an increased risk of several complications related to endourological procedures including bleeding, perforation and infection. In other words, means by which intrarenal pressure could be lowered during endourological procedures might be beneficial with respect to clinical outcomes. In vitro experiments support the existence of different receptors in the ureter and renal pelvis. The ureteric and pelvic responses to the corresponding neurotransmitters have been determined. It seems that α-adrenergic and cholinergic agents are stimulating whereas β-adrenergic agents inhibit ureteric activity. The effect may depend on the mode of administration. Drugs exerting advantageous effects in the pyeloureter may cause undesirable systemic side effects when administered intravenously. In animal studies, renal pelvic pressure can be significantly lowered by topical administration of β-adrenergic agonists without systemic side effects. In vivo human studies are necessary to clarify the exact dose–response relationship and the degree of urothelial absorption of a drug before clinical use may be adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a new generation of flexible ureterorenoscopes, a new area in stone management is emerging. Limitation of vision with these new instruments is often caused by insufficient irrigation flow, especially when using instruments like stone baskets, resulting from partial obstruction of the working and irrigation channel with these instruments. Empirically, new available smaller stone baskets seem to dramatically improve irrigation and therefore vision in clinical use. The goal of this study was to show objective differences in basket diameters and flow rates in an in vitro setting. Diameters and irrigation flows in flexible ureterorenoscopes depending on different sizes of stone baskets (Fr. 1.5–1.7–1.9–2.2–2.4–3.0) and different deflections were measured. The measured diameter of the baskets varied within the first 20 cm and the true measured size varied from the manufacturer’s specified size to a different extent. The new generation of 1.5 and 1.7 Fr. baskets improved irrigation flow, even compared to the smallest commonly used baskets, up to 68%. Interestingly, deflection did not influence irrigation flow. This study confirmed the subjective impression of inadequate description of relevant basket diameters as well as that of a significant improvement of irrigation flow with the newest generation of stone baskets with smaller diameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective analysis was done to determine the efficacy of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy in the treatment of paediatric ureteral calculi. We reviewed the records of 67 (35 boys, 32 girls) children (71 ureters) admitted to our clinic for treatment of ureteral calculi during 1990–2005. The initial treatment method was SWL in 80.3% (57 ureters), ureteroscopy in 11.3% (eight ureters) and open surgery in 8.5% (six ureters) of the renal units. The mean age of the patients was 10.67 ± 4.4(1–16) years. The stone-free rates after SWL for upper, middle and lower ureteral calculi were 74.1, 100 and 75.9%, respectively. Increased stone diameter ( P = 0.014) and/or burden ( P = 0.002) were found to be significant factors that had an adverse affect on the stone-free rate after SWL while the success rates of SWL were independent of location. Including six patients (seven ureters) with failed SWL, a total of 14 patients (15 renal units) subjected to ureteroscopy for lower ureteral calculi yielded a stone-free rate of 93.3%. Thus, the overall stone-free rates after SWL, ureteroscopy and open surgery were found to be 75.4, 93.3 and 100%, respectively. Depending on the stone burden, SWL might be a good option for initial treatment of most ureteral calculi in children. Ureteroscopy offers a high success rate for lower ureteral calculi, including SWL failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bladder neck fascial sling may become a more popular procedure if surgical modifications could ensure more rapid postoperative voiding, yet not compromising the 85% long-term cure rate. In a study of 80 women, we found that increasing the distance from the Prolene knot to the rectus fascia, while simultaneously observing the closure of the bladder neck with a cystoscope, resulted in 92% of women voiding the same day and 93% experiencing no stress incontinence at 1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To report and describe the diagnosis and treatment of female paraurethral cysts. Twenty-five cases of cysts of the external female genitalia were diagnosed over a 7-year period, using a physical examination, routine blood tests, urine analysis, abdominal ultrasonography and cysto-urethroscopy in all. The cysts were incised, drained and marsupialized; no attempt was made to excise or remove the internal wall of the cyst and it remained in situ. All patients responded to simple marsupialization, with no recurrence of the cyst. Cysto-urethroscopy and a limited laboratory and imaging evaluation were enough for the diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]