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OBJECTIVE: To assist urologists in the management of andrological and sexual medicine pathologies during the COVID-19 crisis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Use of the formalized consensus method. RESULTS: The medical and surgical management of patients in andrology and sexual medicine must be adapted. Consultations should, as far as possible, be carried out by tele-consultation. For operative procedures, the delay between the operative decision and the date of (re)scheduling of the procedure will depend on: (1) the level of criticality of the clinical situation; (2) the type of intervention; (3) the functional and psychological repercussions, including quality of life while waiting for the procedure; (4) the notion of losing the chance of having an optimal outcome; (5) the risk of potential complications from delaying a procedure for too long; and (6) taking into account the patient's risk factors for severe forms of COVID-19. The protection of urologists from COVID-19 should be considered. Each urologist must make the best decision for the patient, taking into account the acceptable time frame and quality of life impact before surgical management, the COVID risk parameters, the technical and anesthetic feasibility and the structural possibility of the health care institution to ensure a specific dedicated pathway during the COVID-19 health crisis. CONCLUSION: The management of andrological and sexual medicine pathologies must be adapted to the COVID-19 crisis context. Some patients may require surgery, including in emergency. These recommendations are transitional and will end with the COVID-19 crisis.

To analyze patients' views with regards to local consultations given by specialists in urology and to an offer of pre- and postoperative visits in the local general hospital with surgical interventions taking place at the university hospital.An opinion survey by mail questionnaire was carried out in all 473 patients who had had a consultation with a specialist in two local general hospitals between November 2009 and April 2010.Response rate was 74%. Mean patient age was 65.5 ± 12 years [range, 20-90]. The reason for the consultation was cancer-related in 31.2% of patients. The majority (89%) made the journey to hospital under their own steam and would have had to travel a 4 times greater distance if the consultation with the specialist had taken place at the university hospital. Overall, 54.6% of patients were willing to travel 20 km further to see a specialist and 76.5% were willing to travel 20 km further for a surgical intervention. Virtually all of the patients (99%) saw benefits to local consultations given by specialists. The offer of a consultation at the general hospital and intervention at the university hospital met with the approval of 60.8% patients and 56.3% had already experimented this offer.Local consultations by specialists might be an answer to demographic issues in France, that is, to the small number of urologists practicing in general hospitals.

Androgen deprivation therapy represents an important part of the management of prostate cancer. However, epidemiological data have shown that it is a well-established cause of osteoporosis and increased risk of fracture. So far no consensus guidelines have been published regarding the screening and treatment of osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer. Here we report the design of a new questionnaire, derived from the FRAX(®) ("Fracture Risk Assessment Tool") algorithm, to evaluate the risk of fracture in those patients. In accordance with recent reviews and on the basis of their experience, our French board of experts recommends systematic screening for osteoporosis with dual energy x- ray absorptiometry scans, practice of exercise and calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and selective treatment with bisphosphonates in men at greatest osteoporotic risk.

Androgen deficiency of the aging male is a pathological syndrome and should not be viewed simply as a stage in physiological aging. It is often overlooked despite evidence for a deleterious impact on many physiological processes and on quality of life. Its identification should be part of the routine practice of physicians in charge of this population, in particular general practitioners and specialists treating associated comorbidities (e.g. metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders) or sexual dysfunction. The consultant urologist has a key role to play in prostate surveillance before and during treatment. Treatment is often simple with few side-effects. However, long-term benefits and side effects need to be investigated in prospective studies.

Intravesical instillations of BCG remains the gold standard for intermediate and high risk NMIBC management. Maintenance treatment is recommended, however, the frequency of side effects responsible for the discontinuation of maintenance therapy over four out of five patients before the third year suggest a reduction or even spacing instillations. The objective of the study URO-BCG-4 was the evaluation of a new maintenance schedule by intravesical instillations of BCG combined reduced dose (third dose) and a decrease number of instillations per cycle (two or three).Multicenter study of the French Association Oncologic Committee (12 university hospital centers), randomized, prospective, comparing reference diagram of BCG maintenance therapy one third of usual dose (group I) to a regimen combining third dose and decrease the number of instillations per cycle (two instead of three) (group II). We present the preliminary results at 1year of this Program of Clinical Research (CHU Rouen Promoter 2003-081).The rate of recurrence was respectively 9 and 7% (P=0.678) in groups I and II. The rate of tumor progression are 3 and 2.8% in groups I and II (P=1). Tolerance of intravesical instillations of BCG scored according to the WHO classification (Geneva 1979) was similar in the two groups.The decrease in the BCG dose (third dose) and the changes in the number and rate of instillations did not alter free tumor recurrence survival. The toxicity of intravesical instillations of BCG was identical in both groups. The use of the WHO classification has shown its limitations in the study of side effects of BCG as too complex and often not exhaustive. The rate of increase muscle was comparable in the two groups; however, a larger clinical experience is required.

Pathological endothelin axis is known to be involved in prostate cancer progression. Our study evaluates immunohistochemical expression of ET-1 and ET-AR on prostate biopsy specimen and the predictive value for biochemical relapse on patients with advanced and metastatic cancer. We also evaluated the impact of ET-1 and ET-AR expression on local progression and metastatic bone progression for these patients.From 1992 to June 2009, 44 patients with clinical T3 stage and metastatic lymph nodes were included. PSA levels, Gleason score in biopsy cores, number of invaded lymph nodes, the existence of nodular capsule transgression and hormonal treatment given to the patient, were analyzed. Biopsy cores were submitted to immunohistochemical study of the expression of ET-1 and ET-AR. Semi-quantitative ET-1 and ET-AR staining assessment was always realised by the same pathologist.The average age of the cohort was 65.6 (standard deviation 6.3), median PSA level was 52.8 ng /ml (3-227), median time of follow-up was 70 months (6-144). Biochemical relapse was observed in 62.8%. Statistically significant stronger ET-1 expression was observed in biopsies of patients with a biochemical relapse (p=0.014). Eighty percent of patients with a biochemical relapse had a high level of ET-AR expression, but no statistical significance has been shown (p=0.109). The relative risk for progression under hormonal therapy was 1.9 in case of high level of ET-1 expression and biochemical relapse was confirmed 8 months earlier in average. High level of ET-AR expression on biopsy cores may indicate earlier local progression and metastatic bone progression but there were no statistical proof.In our study, the strength of ET-1 expression in prostate cancer biopsy cores is a prognostic factor of biochemical relapse for cT3 stage patients with metastatic lymph nodes. We have not been able to prove that ET-1 is an independent prognostic factor. A high level of ET-AR expression on prostate biopsy cores is not, in our study, a prognosis factor for predicting the biochemical relapse.

Active surveillance as an alternative approach to immediate curative treatment is demonstrated for an increasing number of patients with low risk prostate cancer. Optimization of selection and surveillance criteria to guarantee a low risk issue to patients are discussed in this review. They lead to consider active surveillance as an option rather than a standard of care for patients ideally included in clinical research protocols.

In case of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy, hormonal treatments are equally efficient. Early hormonal treatment after biochemical recurrence reduces specific mortality, local and metastatic progression. In locally advanced prostate cancer, adjuvant radiation therapy after biochemical recurrence reduces local and metastatic recurrence. Withdrawal of the steroid hormone should be the first maneuver after primary hormonal therapy failure. Second generation anti-androgens (abiraterone and MDV 3100) should be released soon. These new hormonal agents are in clinical trials and show promising activity in patients with CRPC.

The aging of the population has resulted in an increase in the number of elderly patients with prostate cancer. Among the curative treatment options in the elderly subject, external radiotherapy is the most frequently chosen option. Combined treatment including radiotherapy and hormone therapy should be preferred to hormonal therapy alone, including in elderly patients, whenever life expectancy surpasses 4-5 years. The indications for this radiotherapy should be defined in an attempt to prevent excessive or insufficient treatment, to adapt the treatment modalities to the patient's age by assessing its potential toxicity, and to discuss the possible alternatives. In cases of localized prostate cancer in men who are aging well, a standard treatment should be proposed, preferring radiotherapy possibly associated with hormone therapy in cases with negative prognostic factors. Patients with a reversible health problems can also receive standard treatment, notably in cases with aggressive prognostic factors.

Prostate cancer (PaC) is a significant health problem. Elderly have the highest incidence of the disease as age is its strongest risk factor. Despite its complications, the use of androgen suppression in aging patients with prostate cancer has become extremely frequent with probable excess. However, some of these complications carry specific mortality and all of them have a negative impact on quality of life. It is critical to perform a geriatric assessment, concerning physical, mental and social items, before to consider androgen suppression in this population. Indications of androgen suppression for the treatment of prostate cancer follow the guidelines of CCAFU. Delayed treatment deserves a special attention when possible. Treatment modalities are no specific to the elderly, but complications have to be anticipated with preventive measures. Intermittent androgen suppression should be considered with caution. Close follow up will focus on the diagnosis of adverse effects of androgen suppression.

Only few studies have been published regarding the results of radical Prostatectomy (RP) in elderly patients. The available data suggest that advanced age does not increase the postoperative mortality and morbidity rates, as far as reasonable selection is performed. Similarly, oncological results of RP are similar in patients aged70 years and in younger patients. Only the risk of incontinence may be increased, with a potential impact on quality of life. There are no studies comparing the various curative treatments of Prostate cancer (RP, radiation therapy, brachytherapy, active surveillance) in the elderly population.

Background Renal allograft vascular thrombosis is a complication that often results in graft loss. Since there are no guidelines on immediate postoperative thromboprophylaxis, we performed a telephone survey of clinical practice in all renal transplantation centers in France. Methods Each center considered 4 cases relating to renal transplant candidates on dialysis with an increasing risk of thrombosis: Case 1: patient with no identified risk factors; Case 2: patient with an earlier incidence of deep vein thrombosis; Case 3: patient with ischemic heart disease on antiplatelet therapy; Case 4: patient with atrial fibrillation taking a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) with lupus nephritis syndrome. Results The treatments proposed by the centers (%) were: Case 1: No anticoagulation therapy (57.1%), calcium heparin at prophylactic doses (P-dose) (40%), or unfractionated heparin (UFH); (P-dose; 2.9%). Case 2: No anticoagulation therapy (34.3%), calcium heparin (P-dose; 51.4%), or UFH (P-dose; 5.7%). Case 3: (A) Interruption of aspirin (65.7%), and either no anticoagulation therapy (21.7%) or substitution of aspirin by calcium heparin (P-dose; 56.6%) or by UFH (P-dose; 8.7%). (B) No interruption of aspirin (34.3%), and either no additional prophylaxis (58.3%) or calcium heparin (P-dose; 33.3%). Case 4: Interruption of VKA (100%), and UFH at a curative dose (68.6%), UFH (P-dose; 14.3%), or calcium heparin (P-dose; 11.4%). Conclusions Practices varied widely in the absence of studies of sufficiently high power. There is a need for a preoperative classification of thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk among renal transplant candidates and for consensus guidelines.

The identification of fusion genes provides new insights into the initial mechanisms of molecular events implicated in the prostate cancer tumorigenesis. The presence of TEMPRSS2-ETS fusion in up to half of all human prostate cancer makes it perhaps the most common genetic rearrangement in human epithelial tumors. Some data suggest that TMPRSS2-ERG fusion prostate cancers have a more aggressive phenotype, which may affect cancer progression and outcome in localized tumors treated with prostatectomy. This discovery should pave the way towards future targeted therapies.

To assess the impact of RP on patients' sexual desire and orgasm.Prospective, cross-sectional survey using a 16-item self-administered questionnaire. We assessed relevant domains of male sexual function (erectile function, sexual desire, and orgasm), psychological impact and treatment of ED.A total of 63 consecutive patients after RP were included (mean age: 63.9). Median time between questionnaire and RP was 26.8 months (range 6-67). After RP, 74.6 % of patients used ED treatments. Lower sexual desire and intercourse frequency were reported in respectively 52.4 and 79.4 %. Orgasm was modified in most patients: 39.7 % described loss of orgasm and 38.1 % reported decreased intensity. Involuntary loss of urine at orgasm (climacturia) was reported in 25.4 %. Negative psychological impact was reported in 68.3 % (loss of self-esteem, loss of masculinity, anxiety).RP adversely affected erectile and orgasmic functions but also sexual desire, self-esteem and masculinity despite treatments. Candidates for RP should be aware of ED but also of other postoperative sexual dysfunctions.

To evaluate the recommended erectile dysfunction treatment algorithm for men over age 65.Between 2004 and 2006, 334 men were treated for ED at our institution, of whom 64 were greater than 65 years old (19.2%). Medical history, ED treatments and patients' satisfaction were reported. The first line therapy was PDE 5 inhibitors except after radical prostatectomy, followed by intracavernous injections (ICI). When conservative treatments failed, penile prosthesis was proposed. Mean follow up was 23.7 months.Mean age was 69.2 years (65-81). Aetiology of ED was organic in 85.9% (39.1% after radical pelvic surgery) and partially drug induced in 45.8%. With PDE 5 inhibitors, the mean success rate was 26.5 and 7.1% after radical pelvic surgery. Because of cost, 30.8 % of satisfied patients stopped PDE 5 inhibitors. Mean ICI success rate was 60.4% but 34.5% of satisfied men interrupted them. Finally, 14% of patients were successfully treated by PDE 5 inhibitors and 29.7% by ICI. Penile prosthesis was implanted in 12 patients (18.7%) with a mean success rate of 83.3%. No successful ED treatment was found in a third of patients.PDE 5 inhibitors after 65 were found to be less successful as envisaged. This study points out the probable inadequacy between the patients' expectations and the therapeutic options, including socioeconomic terms.

Graft thrombosis is a major complication of transplantation. However, there are no recommendation on immediate postoperative thromboprophylaxis after kidney transplantation. We recorded clinical practices in France.In 29 transplantation centres, four case studies were submitted to the medical kidney transplantation referent (compatible graft from cadaveric donor, without perioperative complication). N(o) 1: Man, 27-years-old, IgA glomerulonephritis, without history of hypercoagulability or cardiovascular risk factor. Hemodialysis since 12months. N(o) 2: Man, 53-years-old, with history of deep venous thrombosis after cholecystectomy 15years before. Membranous nephropathy. Hemodialysis since 10months. N(o) 3: Man, 58-years-old, with history of myocardial infarction. On aspirin therapy. Nephroangiosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy. Peritoneal dialysis since 6months. N(o) 4: Woman, 63-years-old. Atrial fibrillation on vitamin K antagonists therapy. Lupus nephritis without antiphospholipid syndrome. Hemodialysis since 12months.N(o) 1: No anticoagulation therapy (62%), calcium heparin at prophylactic doses (34.5%). N(o) 2: No anticoagulation therapy (38%), calcium heparin at prophylactic doses (44.8%). N(o) 3: 62% interrupted aspirin of whom 22% without any immediate anticoagulation and 55% replaced aspirin with calcium heparin at prophylactic doses. Thirty-eight percent carried on with aspirin of whom 63.6% without other prophylaxis and 27.3% in association with calcium heparin at prophylactic doses. N(o) 4: Unfractionned heparin at curative dose (62%), unfractionned heparin at prophylactic doses (17.2%), calcium heparin at prophylactic doses (13.8%).Postoperative anticoagulation after renal transplantation is established as a local dogma rather than evidence-based medicine. Guideline recommendations and standardized protocols for the use of anticoagulation after kidney transplantation should be developed.

Male infertility is present in 50% of couple infertility. Diagnosis of infertility requires methodical and rigorous approach based upon knowledge of the pathophysiology and the causes of infertility.

Although the objective of the urologist is to correct the factors of male infertility and to favour natural procreation, the strategy must consider also the couple and the female aspects of infertility. Some types of male infertility require specific treatment. In severe cases, recent advances in medical assistance to procreation have changed the prognosis of male infertility. Pregnancy can be obtained by the means of gamet manipulation and spermatozoid selection. Nevertheless, such techniques expose to genetic disorders transmission. Subsequently, genetic assessment is required during male infertility management, especially for difficult cases.

The diagnosis of male infertility requires methodical approach which is primarily clinical, aimed at identifying all potential factors. Biological and radiological assessments allow diagnosis confirmation, and evaluation of both prognosis and therapeutic strategy.

This study was carried out to evaluate the ultrasonographic findings on patients with voiding disorders after the tension-free vaginal tape procedure (TVT).Fifty-four women had ultrasonographic evaluation 3 months after TVT procedure. The prolene tape position was evaluated with a complete sagittal view and the width of the tape and the distance between the bladder neck and the tape were measured. In the same time, patients completely cured by TVT (group 1), postoperative dysuria (group 2), de novo urge incontinence (group 3) and ineffective treatment were evaluated with a self-questionnaire and physical examination. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA test.The distance between the tape and the bladder neck shows a significant difference between group 1 and 2 (13.2 mm compared to 7.6 mm) and between group 1 and 3 (13.2 mm compared to 17.7 mm). The width of the tape is significantly different between group 1 and 2 (8.8 mm compared to 6.6 mm) and between group 1 and 3 (8.8 mm compared to 6.5 mm). The distance between the tape and the bladder neck in group 2, compared with group 3, is significantly shorter (7.6 mm compared to 17.7 mm). There is no difference between the width of the tape between groups 2 and 3 (6.6 mm compared to 6.5 mm).These results show a correlation between voiding disorders after TVT procedure and transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of the distance between the prolene tape and the bladder neck.

Midodrine hydrochloride (Gutron) is proposed to induce ejaculation in spinal injury patients desiring paternity as an alternative to vibromassage, electrostimulated ejaculation and surgical collection of spermatozoa. The authors report their experience in 10 spinal injury patients.14 trials of pharmacologically-induced ejaculation were performed in a context of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) in 10 spinal injury patients (7 with paraplegiaT11; 1 with paraplegiaor = T11; 2 with quadriplegia) an average of 4.5 years after the injury. Patients had a mean age of 28.5 years (range: 18 to 36 years). Nine had persistent reflex erections. After IC injection of prostglandin E, 10 to 30 mg of Gutron was administered by slow i.v. infusion. Spermatozoa were collected during antegrade ejaculation and/or in previously alkalinised urine.Ejaculation was obtained in 10 cases (71.4%), either antegrade (7 cases), or retrograde (3 cases). The 4 failures corresponded to ejaculation failure in 3 cases and adverse effects of Gutron (hypertension) in 1 case. However, storage of spermatozoa could be performed in only 4 cases (40%), as pyospermia or severe necrospermia were observed in 6 cases.Midodrine hydrochloride gives good results in terms of ejaculation in spinal injury patients. However, the quality of semen collected is often poor due to the long interval since the initial trauma. Midodrine hydrochloride, ideally used after antibiotic treatment, can nevertheless constitute an alternative to other techniques.

We report a case of nested cell carcinoma, an uncommon transitional tumor. These tumors are composed of regular cuboidal transitional cells forming small nests with minimal cytologic atypia. Despite the benign course, this tumor resembling proliferation of Brunn's nests or inverted papilloma, must be considered as an aggressive transitional tumor. Thus, morphologic criteria are needed to make the diagnosis. Because of its aggressive behaviour, the surgical therapy depends on the tumor's infiltration.

Endothelial P2y purinoceptor stimulation is known to induce vasodilatation mediated by NO release from endothelial cells. We examined the effect of a potent P2y agonist, adenosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADPbetaS), on human corporal cavernosal strips and its dependence on a functional endothelial lining.The preparations mounted in isometric conditions were precontracted by noradrenaline (NA) at a concentration of 0.1 microM. Increasing concentrations of ADPbetaS from 1 microM to 100 microM were added in the presence and absence of a functional endothelium or in the presence and absence of an NO synthase inhibitor and a selective P2y antagonist. Acetylcholine (Ach)-induced relaxation was used in each experiment for control.In human precontracted corporal cavernosal strips with a functional endothelium (relaxed by acetylcholine) ADPbetaS induces a dose-dependent relaxation with maximal relaxation of 45.5+/-5.0% and an EC50 of 11.7 microM. The relaxant effect of ADPbetaS was reduced by 77.1+/-7.0% by reactive blue 2 (20 microM)(a P2y antagonist). L-NAME (L-Nitro Arginin Methyl Ester), an NO synthase inhibitor (100 microM), reduced Ach- and ADPbetaS- induced relaxations by 86.59+/-3.24% and 86.83+/-0.5% respectively. Ach- and ADPbetaS- induced relaxations were significantly inhibited after dislodging of the endothelial lining of the corporal cavernosal strips, 90.11+/-6.2% and 87.1+/-5% respectively.Human corporal cavernosal strips can be relaxed by stimulation of P2y purinoceptors via NO release. This relaxation is an endothelium-dependent mechanism. Purines may be implicated in physiological erection in man.

The etiology of impotence in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is difficult to assess due to the possibility of normal nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) recording despite neurologic involvement. Sixteen patients with MS and impotence were studied with Rigiscan, cavernous artery doppler, neurophysiological tests and intracavernous injection of PGE1. When more restrictive criteria of normality than usual are used for Rigiscan (rigidityor = 80% and/or duration30 minutes), an inverse relationship between NPTR recording and sexuality score or PGE1 dose is reported. No significant difference is noted for neurophysiological tests. With such criteria, Rigiscan alone or combined with intracavernous PGE1 is a valuable means to differentiate neurogenic from psychogenic impotence in MS patients. Neurophysiological tests are of limited clinical value.

Androgen deprivation is currently the standard treatment for patients with metastatic prostate carcinoma. Few reliable prognostic markers are able to select, at diagnosis, patients who will respond favorably and durably to hormone ablation. Circulating polyamines, markers of cell proliferation that are elevated in prostate carcinoma, have been evaluated as a prognostic tool.Eighty-eight patients with untreated, M1 classified prostate carcinoma who received endocrine therapy between 1988 and 1993 were included in this study. Performance status, hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatases, prostate specific antigen, Gleason tumor grade, extent of disease by bone scan, and circulating erythrocyte spermidine and spermine were correlated with observed progression free and cause-specific survivals. Multiple correspondence analysis and ascending hierarchical classification were performed to determine significant pretreatment prognostic factors.Pretreatment performance status, alkaline phosphatase, hemoglobin, and erythrocyte spermine levels were correlated with progression, with hemoglobin and erythrocyte spermine level being the most significant independent variables (P0.00001 and P0.0001, respectively). With regard to cause specific survival, only hemoglobin and spermine erythrocyte levels were significant independent variables (P0.0001 and P0.0005, respectively). Patients with spermine levels of less than 9 nmol/8.10(9) had a statistically better outcome than patients with 9 nmol/8.10(9) or more erythrocytes. Erythrocyte spermine was the best sole determinant of progression. A test combining spermine with performance status or hemoglobin improved each variable's predictive values.Circulating erythrocyte spermine levels, extracted from a blood sample, can discriminate, at diagnosis, patients with hormone-refractory from those with hormone-responsive metastatic prostate carcinoma.

With the ongoing evaluation of laparoscopic techniques in urology, the transperitoneal access used initially has been progressively replaced by the much simpler retroperitoneal route. The applicability of these new techniques has now been proven though their application still requires a delicate procedure. A long training period is usually required to be able to perform safe operations of reasonable duration. We present a different technique using a modified vaginal speculum and a laparoscopic optic positioned between the valves of the speculum to give a good visualization and expose the operative field. Several retroperitoneal procedures can be performed with this technique using the video-assisted pelviscope, including nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, lymphadenectomy in the pelvis... This video-assisted surgical technique is an interesting compromise between classical surgery and laparoscopic surgery. It is both simple and safe causing little tissue damage and has the advantage of a short postoperative recovery period.

Female stress incontinence can always be treated by a transvaginal approach. It is often associated with genital prolapse which must be treated at the same time as the incontinence. Patients can be classified into 4 groups according to the position of the bladder neck, the degree of sphincter function and the associated genital prolapse. Operative techniques designed to simultaneously control incontinence and genital prolapse are indicated for each of these groups. Urologists should be just as familiar with the transvaginal treatment of female stress incontinence and disorders of pelvic tone as gynaecologists now are with urodynamics and cystoscopy.

Testicular microlithiasis corresponds to calcifications in the lumen of seminiferous tubules. This rare condition, primarily diagnosed histologically, is usually discovered on scrotal ultrasonography. The characteristic appearance combines multiple microscopic hyperechoic areas disseminated bilaterally throughout the testicular parenchyma. The coexistence of microlithiasis and testicular neoplasms has been described and raises the problem of the therapeutic approach following incidental discovery on scrotal ultrasonography performed for other reasons. The authors report a case of testicular microlithiasis discovered on ultrasonography performed after testicular trauma.

Urinary bladder synchronous metastases from renal cell carcinoma are rare, three cases were reported in the literature and we present the fourth. In these four published cases, the bladder metastases followed a left kidney tumor and in three, a brain metastases was also found. A possible retrograde metastatic dissemination through the left genital and vertebral veins has to be taken in consideration. The short survival after the extirpation of the tumor and the bladder metastases implies a less aggressive approach in the presence of a bladder metastases.

The NOVA apparatus is an electrohydraulic lithotriptor not yet available in France. The authors present an evaluation of the first 150 patients treated with this machine. 92.2% of the 185 stones treated were fragmented. 141 patients were reviewed at 1 month and, if necessary, 3 months after the first session; 4/24 patients and 1/3 patients were not reviewed after their second and third treatment session, respectively. Evaluation of the 177 sessions performed (16% of second sessions and 2% of third sessions), 69.11% of patients did not have any residual stones. The success rate was 52% for renal stones; 96% for stones of the lumbar ureter and 50% for pelvic stones. The morbidity was low (10% of renal colic, 5% of obstructive stone) but in combination with second treatment sessions, it generated a risk of being rehospitalised after the first session of 26%. When the procedures performed under anaesthesia before and after ECL (apart from repeated sessions) are added, the risk of this supplementary anaesthetic for a given patient is 18.66%. Lastly, the risk of undergoing another anaesthetic after the 1st ECL was 33%. These data indicate the limits of the "noninvasive" nature of a modern and effective lithotriptor.

Percutaneous endoscopic treatment of the kidney retains a place in the treatment of renal stones (percutaneous nephrolithotomy--PCNL) and ureteropelvic junction abnormalities (endopyeloplasty). It requires anaesthesia ensuring surgical comfort and safety for the patients despite changes in position and the prolonged ventral supine position. The operation carries certain iatrogenic risks related to caliceal irrigation in patients with more or less documented episodes of infection and carries risks of haemorrhage and effraction of adjacent organs. 282 patients treated by PCNL between 1984 and 1991 were reviewed in order to define the respective indications for general anaesthesia and peridural anaesthesia and to determine the modalities, to evaluate the risk and severity of absorption of irrigation fluid and to assess the risk of infection by defining the indications for prophylactic antibiotics. General anaesthesia, using etomidate and propofol via an infusion pump, ensures surgical comfort, anaesthetic safety and better control of intraoperative complications. The renewed interest in this technique must be counterbalanced by the growing incidence of anaphylactic reactions related to anaesthetic drugs. Operations lasting more than 2 hours, raised intracaliceal pressure, the initially exclusive use of glycine for irrigation induce haemodilution complications, possibly aggravated by glycine intoxication. Repeated surgery is preferable with the use of an Amplatz tube as often as possible and physiological saline, except when required by the operation. Patients with a history of urinary tract infection or infected stones should receive prolonged and effective antibiotics before, during and after the operation. Prophylactic antibiotics are reserved for those patients with no history of infection. These principles equally apply to percutaneous nephrolithotomy and endopyeloplasty.

Camey in the seventies promoted bladder replacement. In 1987, the French Association of Urology gave us the opportunity to review 729 Tubularized Ileocystoplasty (Camey operation) [1]. The day time continence was excellent or acceptable (mild stress incontinence) on 91% of the patients, the night time continence was excellent (no pads, no leakage) or acceptable (one pad or less than 3 wakes at night) for 44% of the patients (56% had to use a device). Since 1985, the detubularization attempted to improve the continence rate. Today, the review of the literature shows that day time continence has not changed and the night time continence improved less than 20% arising from 44% to 60%. Bladder replacement after prostatocystectomy has been proved to be superior to continent urinary diversion in patients whose urethral and external sphincter can be preserved. Day time continence is excellent in tubularized and detubularized bowel reservoirs. Night time continence, in 30 to 50% of patients, remains an unresolved problem also in detubularized low pressure reservoirs, even if they are of great capacity. The literature is therefore too optimistic when describing night time continence in 85% of the patients. These results are stated in spite of the absence of sensitivity in the neobladder, the loss of reflexic increase in sphincteric activity during bladder filling, and the low sphincteric tonus during sleeping. These optimistic results are due to lack of unanimous criteria for evaluating continence after bladder replacement and not taking into consideration as continence failure the abundant although not frequent nighttime incontinence. In order to improve continence, muscle reeducation and artificial sphincter implantation are the most adequate solutions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Surgery is considered to be the reference treatment for obstructive benign prostatic hypertrophy (NPH). Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and suprapubic prostatectomy are the operations most frequently performed by urologists. However, little information is available concerning the long-term results of this surgery. In order to assess the long-term efficacy, we recalled 618 consecutive patients operated for benign prostatic hypertrophy between 1979 and 1982 (390 by TURP and 228 by suprapubic prostatectomy (SP). 167 patients were reviewed and investigated, 150 had died and 301 were lost to follow-up. Ten years after the operation, 85% of the patients reviewed had good or satisfactory micturition and 72% of them were satisfied, regardless of the technique used. In 80% of patients, no complementary procedure was required to ensure urinary comfort. However, the effects of this surgery on sexual function were considerable, as one half of patients reporting sexual intercourse before the operation reported a deterioration of sexual function after the operation. Lastly, long-term morbidity affected 10 to 41% of patients and 9 to 12% of them were reoperated. Although, overall, surgery gave excellent results at 10 years, 15% of patients did not derive any benefit from the procedure. It is therefore important, in the future, to more clearly define the indications for surgery and the place of noninvasive treatments. At the present time, young subjects wishing to preserve their sex life may benefit from noninvasive first-line treatments, provided their quality of life is sufficiently altered by the severity of the urinary symptoms.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has radically changed the treatment of renal stones. The indications for this technique have been modified by the development and refinement of extracorporeal lithotripsy (ECL). The authors present their experience of 390 PCNL performed between 1984 and 1991, for solitary stones in 75% of cases. There were only 11 cases of failed puncture (3.8%). The overall morbidity was 18% with only 4.4% of major complications, i.e. life threatening or requiring reoperation. There were two deaths (0.5%). Stones were completely eliminated in 80.25% of patients, after a second operation (PCNL or other technique) in 32 cases (11%). 45 staghorn calculi were treated with 11% of complications and a 51% complete cure rate. The mean hospital stay was 6 days (2 to 30). PCNL is a safe and reliable technique. Its indications have decreased (6.5% of our patients treated for renal stones), but it still retains a place in the therapeutic approach to patients with renal stones.

A cyst of Gartner's duct with a bicornuate, unicervical uterus and ipsilateral renal agenesis were seen in a 13-month-old girl. Left renal agenesis had been suggested by antenatal ultrasound findings. After birth, there were no symptoms but ultrasonography demonstrated a multicystic mass in the pelvis. Diagnosis was confirmed by histological study of the mass which had been completely removed during surgery. This infrequent genitourinary malformation is due to a developmental abnormality of the wolffian duct early in fetal life. This case is the eighth report in the literature. Course can be complicated by abscess formation and malignant transformation but most patients remain symptom-free. Treatment is discussed.

34 patients treated by endoscopic injection of Teflon for vesico-ureteric reflux were reviewed with a follow-up of 2 to 5 years. 45 of the 48 treated ureters showed no signs of reflux, i.e. 93.7% medium-term success rate. 3 cases of reflux recurred after two years and 2 of them were successfully reinjected. There were no upper urinary tract complications. Endoscopic injection of Teflon appears to be a reliable alternative to open surgery.

A one stage urethroplasty using a tubulated and reversed flap was carried out by the authors in 74 cases of hypospadias with chordee between 1978 and 1988. The procedure is derived from the technic of Mustarde and the flip flap of Devine and Horton. The experience led to limit its indication to the patients who have a sufficient length of ventral skin of good quality between the hypospadic meatus and the peno scrotal junction to build the urethra up to the apex of the glans after correction of the chordee. This technic is simple and reliable: complications have been encountered in only two of the last forty cases (one fistula and one urethral stenosis) since the design of the flap was simplified.

Puigvert's operation for male urinary incontinence was performed in 9 patients. In 8 cases the incontinence was secondary to prostate surgery. Results on continence were evaluated at follow-up during the immediate postoperative period and after 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months and two years. (Table: see text). Results indicate that this technique is simple and safe but unsatisfactory.

365 patients (mean age: 59 years) surviving isolated aortic valve replacement performed between 1971 and 1978 by means of a standard flat disk Bjork-Shiley prosthesis, underwent regular and complete follow-up (100% survival rate) representing 3,248 patient-years with a maximum follow-up of 15.4 years (mean: 8.9 years). All of these patients received anticoagulant treatment, which was considered to be well-controlled in 90.5% of cases. 121 secondary deaths (33.1%) were observed. Cardiac causes were the most frequent (35/121, i.e., 28.9%). Four deaths were directly related to the prosthesis (2 infections, 1 thrombosis, 1 dysfunction). Twenty deaths (16.5%) were related to cerebral vascular accidents and 2 (1.6%) to haemorrhagic complications. In 24 cases, the cause of death could not be determined (19.8%). Overall, 1 out of 5 deaths (21.4%) was directly or indirectly related to the prosthesis. The actuarial survival rate was 85.5% at 5 years and 67.9% at 10 years. Seventeen thromboembolic complications (7 lethal, 10 non-lethal) were observed and represented a linear incidence of 0.5% per patient-year. Fourty-one haemorrhagic complications were observed in 28 patients, i.e. a linear incidence of 1.26% per patient-year. Nine reoperations were necessary, responsible for 3 deaths. No cases of mechanical failure of the prosthesis were observed. All of the lethal and non lethal complications related to the prosthesis represented a linear incidence of 2.6% per patient-year. AT 5 and 10 years after the operation, 89.2% and 79.6% of the patients were free of any valve-related complications. The functional results was considered to be good or excellent in the very great majority of surviving patients (97.8%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)