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Purpose: To analyze the functional outcomes over time of ACT balloon in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD)., Method: All patients with SUI secondary to ISD who underwent bilateral ACT balloon implantation between September 2008 and November 2015 and regularly monitored for a period of at least 24 months were eligible. The results were studied at 6, 12 and 24 months. Efficacy was defined as: Success - maximum 1 safety pad per day and visual analogue scale (VAS) rating≥9/10. Improvement - decrease in the number of pads used per day and VAS≥5/10. Failure - increase or stability of the number of pads used per day and/or VAS<5/10. Failure was considered as primary when it occurred without any success or improvement. It was considered as secondary when it occurred after an initial period of success or improvement., Results: 18 patients were monitored during 24 months. The success rate was respectively 17 %, 33 % and 33 % at 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. The improvement rate was respectively 61 %, 39 % and 17 % at 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. The primary failure rate was 22 %. The secondary failure rate was 6 % at 12 months and 33 % at 24 months of follow-up., Conclusion: ACT balloon efficacy tends to decrease with time requiring a long-term follow-up of implanted patients., Level of Evidence: 4., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The reported sperm retrieval rate (SRR) in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) due to spermatogenic arrest (SA) is highly variable in the literature. This discrepancy could be explained by the heterogeneity of testicular tissues. Surprisingly, even though inhibin B levels reflect directly Sertoli cell function; no studies have evaluated this parameter in SA. We aimed to clarify the morphological and biological profile in 158 men with SA. From the total population, patients whose seminiferous tubules diameter was below 165 µm have higher SRR (46.9% vs. 27.4%, p < 0.05), lower inhibin levels and a higher frequency of nonuniform SA (71.9% vs. 38.7%, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, patients with late SA and a history of cryptorchidism were positively associated with successful sperm extraction. Patients with successful SRR and uniform SA exhibited inhibin levels twofold lower than those with failed TESE (45 pg/ml vs. 95 pg/ml, p < 0.05), whereas FSH levels were similar in the two groups. In this study, we showed for the first time that the mean diameter of the seminiferous tubules may be of value in the diagnosis of SA. Our results suggest that inhibin levels could be useful in the management of NOA with SA, along with FSH levels and testicular volume., (© 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the pathological features and recurrence of incidental testis tumours treated by partial orchiectomy in a population of infertile men., Methods: We retrospectively pooled, from four andrology referral centres, 32 patients diagnosed with testis mass during regular infertility workup. Patients included had an impaired sperm analysis and testis sparing surgery was performed to prevent secondary azoospermia or androgen therapy., Results: Mean age was 36 (IQR, 32 to 37). The mean largest tumoral diameter was 8.5 mm (IQR, 5 to 10). A total of 25% (8 of 32) of patients had a malignant tumour (seminoma, 7 of 32, 22%; teratoma, 1 of 32, 3%) and 75% (24 of 32) had a benign lesion (Leydig cell tumour, 23 of 32, 72%; scar tissue, 1 of 32, 3%). Malignant tumours were then managed by total orchiectomy (six of eight) or by radiotherapy (two of eight). With a mean follow up of 26 months (IQR, 8 to 32), one patient (3%) had an homolateral recurrence, which was a Leydig cell tumour. Not a single patient developed metastasis., Conclusion: Seventy-five per cent of the tumours discovered during infertility management were of a benign pathology. A conservative approach could be proposed initially to avoid unnecessary orchiectomies. Orchiectomy and radiotherapy could be discussed as salvage therapies for malignant lesions., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: Our aim was to present the indications and the outcomes of penile prosthesis implantation., Methods: A literature review was performed through PubMed using the following keywords: penile implantation ; penile prosthesis; erectile dysfunction., Results: Evolution of penile prosthesis devices led to get a fiable and effective treatment for men with erectile dysfunction who do not respond to less invasive therapy. Penile implant can also be useful in the treatment of Peyronie's disease, priapism and transgender surgery. Precise information related to this surgery, especially complications, permits to obtain high satisfaction scores., Conclusion: Penile implant is a reliable and safe solution for the management of erectile dysfunction resulting to high couple satisfaction ratings., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

In 80% of infertile men with obstructive azoospermia caused by a congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), mutations are identified in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR). For the remaining 20%, the origin of the CBAVD is unknown. A large cohort of azoospermic men with CBAVD was retrospectively reassessed with more stringent selection criteria based on consistent clinical data, complete description of semen and reproductive excurrent ducts, extensive CFTR testing, and kidney ultrasound examination. To maximize the phenotypic prioritization, men with CBAVD and with unilateral renal agenesis were considered ineligible for the present study. We performed whole-exome sequencing on 12 CFTR-negative men with CBAVD and targeted sequencing on 14 additional individuals. We identified three protein-truncating hemizygous mutations, c.1545dupT (p.Glu516Ter), c.2845delT (p.Cys949AlafsTer81), and c.2002&#95;2006delinsAGA (p.Leu668ArgfsTer21), in ADGRG2, encoding the epididymal- and efferent-ducts-specific adhesion G protein-coupled receptor G2, in four subjects, including two related individuals with X-linked transmission of their infertility. Previous studies have demonstrated that Adgrg2-knockout male mice develop obstructive infertility. Our study confirms the crucial role of ADGRG2 in human male fertility and brings new insight into congenital obstructive azoospermia pathogenesis. In men with CBAVD who are CFTR-negative, ADGRG2 testing could allow for appropriate genetic counseling with regard to the X-linked transmission of the molecular defect., (Copyright © 2016 American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most performed surgeries in the world. It is recognized that any surgery of the pelvic floor may represent a risk factor of male infertility., Method: Retrospective study of patients with azoospermia and a history of adult inguinal hernia repair surgery and referred to our center between January 1990 and January 2011 for infertility., Results: Among 69 azoospermia patients with history of adult inguinal hernia repair surgery, 60 patients underwent surgical extraction of sperm that was successful in 75% (45/60). Positive extraction rate decreases in the subgroup of patients with risk factors for infertility (61.4%) as well as in the group with bilateral inguinal hernia (67.9%). There was no statistically significant difference in the positive rate of sperm retrieval according to surgical technique or according to the use of polypropylene mesh (P>0.05)., Conclusion: The obstruction of the vas deferens due to an inguinal hernia repair was a potential iatrogenic cause of male infertility that was rare and underestimated. The influence of using a polypropylene mesh was not clearly demonstrated. The management of these patients is based on prevention in order to identify patients with risk factors of infertility in order to propose a presurgery cryopreservation of sperm., Level of Evidence: 5., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Although an inhibin B assay may be useful in the assessment of testicular function in a number of genital conditions, reliable reference ranges are still lacking. The present study sought to establish the reference range for serum inhibin B by applying the updated Gen II assay., Design: This prospective study included 818 men referred for semen analysis: 377 were normozoospermic (reference group) and 441 presented at least one abnormal semen parameter (case group)., Methods: Semen parameters were interpreted according to the 2010 World Health Organization manual and David's modified classification for normal morphology. The inhibin B concentration was determined with the current ELISA., Results: In the reference group, the 2.5th percentile for inhibin B was 92 pg/ml and the 97.5th percentile for FSH was 7.8 IU/l. In the overall population, an inhibin B level <92 pg/ml was associated with increased odds ratio (OR; 95% CI) for oligozoospermia (16.93 (9.82-29.18), P<0.0001), asthenozoospermia (4.87 (2.88-8.10), P<0.0001), and teratozoospermia (2.20 (1.31-3.68), P=0.0026). The combination of a FSH >7.8 IU/l and an inhibin B <92 pg/ml was associated with greater OR for oligozoospermia (98.74 (23.99-406.35), P<0.0001) than for each hormone considered separately., Conclusions: A new reference range for serum inhibin B was established by the use of updated immunoassay. The correlations between hormone levels and semen parameters highlighted the importance of establishing these values with respect to the spermogram. When combined with FSH assay, the inhibin B range may be of value in the evaluation of spermatogenesis in a number of male genital conditions., (© 2015 European Society of Endocrinology.)

Background: Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation is recommended for women suffering urinary stress incontinence. Robot-assisted laparoscopy allows improved dexterity and visibility compared to traditional laparoscopy, potentially providing significant advantages for deep pelvic surgery., Objective: To report our surgical technique and initial experience in transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic AUS implantation in women with urinary stress incontinence., Design, Setting, and Participants: Eleven eligible patients with AUS implantation or revision using robot-assisted laparoscopy for urinary stress incontinence were included between January 2012 and February 2014 at Department of Urology, Lille University Hospital., Surgical Technique: Procedures were performed with the assistance of a four-arm da Vinci robot. The urethrovaginal space was dissected after transperitoneal access to the Retzius space. An 11-mm port placed in the right iliac fossa allowed introduction of the AUS device. The cuff and balloon tubes were externalised via a 5-mm suprapubic incision. The peritoneum was finally sutured., Measurements: Clinical data were prospectively collected before, during, and after the procedure. Results were classified as complete continence (no leakage and no pad usage), social continence (leakage and/or pad usage with no impact on social life), or failure (leakage and/or pad usage impacting social life)., Results and Limitations: After mean follow-up of 17.6 mo (interquartile range 10.8-26 mo), eight patients (72.7%) had a successful AUS implantation, of whom seven (87.5%) reported complete continence and one had social continence. Two vaginal injuries and two bladder injuries occurred intraoperatively. Two patients experienced early minor postoperative complications and two had a major postoperative complication., Conclusions: Robot-assisted laparoscopic AUS implantation is a feasible procedure. Further studies will better assess the place of robot-assisted laparoscopy in AUS implantation., Patient Summary: We investigated the treatment of 11 patients with stress urinary incontinence using robot-assisted implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). The results show that the procedure is feasible procedure, and future studies will to help assess the place of robot-assisted laparoscopy in AUS implantation., (Copyright © 2014 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The incidence of testicular nodules discovered during infertility evaluation is increasing. These nodules are suspicious of malignancy. There is no paraclinical examination which allows histological orientation to these nodules. The recommendations propose priority treatment by total orchidectomy., Patients and Methods: Through a retrospective cohort study of infertile patients, our goal is to study the enhancement of testicular nodules after injection of ultrasound contrast. The secondary objective is to determine whether CEUS may argue in favor of conservative treatment. From june 2010 to march 2013, 24 patients had underwent ultrasound contrast study of abnormal testicular parenchyma detected prior to infertility evaluation carried ultrasound. The characteristics of ultrasound enhancement were correlated with the pathological findings of surgical patients and proposed treatments (surgery or surveillance)., Results: Fifteen patients were followed up, 9 were operated (7 partial orchidectomies, 2 total orchidectomies). Histological analysis found four Leydig cell tumors, 2 Sertoli cell tumors and 3 seminomas. No adverse changes were noted during the follow-up. This study showed a typical semiology of early, intense and homogeneous enhancement with a phenomenon of wash in 100% of Leydig cell tumors. All Leydig cell tumors have been treated by partial orchidectomy. Seminomas have intense enhancement in 100% of cases. There was a phenomenon of wash in 2 out of 3 cases. When a wash in was described, it was always described as heterogeneous. All seminomas were finally treated by total orchidectomy. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of ultrasound intense enhancement for the diagnosis of testicular cancer was 89% (Se) and 80% (PPV)., Conclusion: There is a semiology of ultrasound enhancement of testicular nodules with features that can guide in favor of a malignant tumor, seminoma or Leydig cell tumor. If a prospective study was undertaken, these arrangements could guide us to treatments promoting preservation of the testicular parenchyma., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Radical prostatectomy has evolved considerably during the last 20 years, with one hand, a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the prostate, and secondly, the introduction of new conservation techniques of neurovascular bundles. Despite this progress, the rate of post-prostatectomy erectile dysfunction varies between 30 and 90% depending on the series and this element impacts the quality of life after radical prostatectomy. The objective of this work was to conduct a review of the literature in order to evaluate the various protocols of post-radical prostatectomy erectile rehabilitation., Patients and Methods: A systematic review of the literature from the basic PubMed search was performed using the following keywords. Therapy erectile dysfunction, radical prostatectomy, penile rehabilitation, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, intracavernous injection., Results: The critical analysis of selected studies highlights the lack of standard protocol that established erectile rehabilitation early after radical prostatectomy. These studies have shown that early treatment, injections or intracavernous PDE5 inhibitors improved recovery of erections as recommended by the French Association of Urology., Conclusion: Management of disorders of post-radical prostatectomy sexuality is essential, it must be organized in a well-established protocol combining pharmacological and therapeutic education assistances delivered by practitioners or nurses. It would need to develop in a clinical trial a standard protocol., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To attract urologists' attention on screening of Klinefelter syndrome consulting for infertility, describing its usual phenotype, in order to propose a possible reproductive technique, to prevent and to treat associated comorbidities and to manage the frequent discovery of ultrasonographic testicular lesions., Patients and Methods: Retrospective analysis over 10 years of clinical and paraclinical features of the patients who consulted for infertility and had a 47,XX7 regular or mosaic karyotype., Results: One hundred and forty-nine patients, 31.7 year-old on average [20.7-42.7], all had a severe bilateral testicular hypotrophy, subsequently confirmed by ultrasonography (mean total testicular volume: 3.7 mL [-0.20-7.64]). One hundred and twenty-two (81.9%) had normal secondary sexual characteristics, only 4 of them (2.7%) already knew their diagnosis. Their mean total testosterone levels were low (3.12 ng/mL [0.39-5.86]) but remain normal. A total of 34.2% of patients had subclinical testicular nodules discovered by ultrasonography. Excision was performed in 12 cases, confirming Leydig cell tumors., Conclusion: Klinefelter syndrome diagnosis can be made during a first consultation with a bilateral testicular hypotrophy as "pathognomonic" point of call in an often poor clinical observation. It is completed by an azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia. If they want to, this allows to quickly guide patients to suitable medical reproductive technique but, especially, to prevent and quickly treat comorbidities associated to this diagnosis, and also to reassure patients about the frequent discovery of subclinical testicular lesions., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

HMX1 is a homeobox-containing transcription factor implicated in eye development and responsible for the oculo-auricular syndrome of Schorderet-Munier-Franceschetti. HMX1 is composed of two exons with three conserved domains in exon 2, a homeobox and two domains called SD1 and SD2. The function of the latter two domains remains unknown. During retinal development, HMX1 is expressed in a polarized manner and thus seems to play a role in the establishment of retinal polarity although its exact role and mode of action in eye development are unknown. Here, we demonstrated that HMX1 dimerized and that the SD1 and homeodomains are required for this function. In addition, we showed that proper nuclear localization requires the presence of the homeodomain. We also identified that EPHA6, a gene implicated in retinal axon guidance, is one of its targets in eye development and showed that a dimerized HMX1 is needed to inhibit EPHA6 expression.

Background: The value of varicocele repair and the latter's impact on semen parameters are still subject to debate., Methods: We analyse changes over time in initially abnormal sperm parameters and serum concentrations of testosterone, FSH and inhibin B after embolization treatment of males with high-grade varicocele. From 2007 to 2012, we recruited 47 male infertile patients with clinically visible left varicocele in the resting patient and at least one abnormal semen parameter. Sperm parameters and serum levels of total testosterone, FSH and inhibin B were measured prior to retrograde embolization (M0) and then 3 (M3) and 6 (M6) months afterwards., Results: At M0, the median sperm concentration was 5.78 [0.84-37.70] × 10(6)/ejaculate. The mean ± SD sperm progressive motility, vitality and percentage of normal sperm were respectively, 21.83 ± 16.48%, 61.88 ± 15.98% and 12.88 ± 7.15%. The corresponding values at M3 were significantly higher (38.75 [3.96-95] × 10(6)/ejaculate, 29.32 ± 14.21%, 69.14 ± 14.86% and 19.03 ± 11.02%, respectively). The mean percentage of spermatozoa with a thin head was significantly lower at M6 (6.35 ± 5.29%) than at M0 (14.03 ± 13.09%). The mean serum testosterone, FSH and inhibin B levels did not change significantly over time., Conclusions: Embolization treatment in men with clinically visible left varicocele, abnormal sperm parameters and documented infertility is associated with a significant improvement in semen parameters including sperm head morphology.

Context: In the 1990's, congenital agenesis of the vas deferens was identified as a minor form of cystic fibrosis in relation to the frequency of mutations of the CFTR gene associated. It is responsible for masculine infertility by obstructive azoospermia; which is not accessible to a surgical treatment. However, surgical sperm retrieval and injection de spermatozoïde en intracytopasmique (ICSI) allow fatherhood for these patients., Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 104 consecutive patients from 1996 to 2006. A comprehensive clinical, spermiologic, hormonal, imaging and genetic workup was carried on. The data from the surgical extractions and the attempts of ICSI were collected., Results: Seventy-five percent of the patients had a mutation of the CFTR gene; ultrasound imaging revealed a renal or a seminal vesicle abnormality in 20% and 84.5% of the patients, respectively. The association of a semen volume less than 2 mL with a pH less than 7.2, a fructose less than 2 and mean sudoral chlore greater than 60 mmol/L enabled an immediate identification of 30% of patients carrier of the mutation and without renal abnormality. The sperm extraction rate was 98%., Conclusion: A search for the CFTR gene mutations and an ultrasound imaging of the genito-urinary system are essential to the workup of these patients. The association of a semen volume less than 2 mL, a semen pH less than 7.2 and a fructose less than 2 must point towards a minor form of cystic fibrosis and prompt the workup of genetic abnormalities and sudoral chlore testing. The results of the sperm extraction combined to the technical advances of IVF/ICSI allow excellent pregnancy rates of 66% for the companions of these patients., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Contraception allows within a heterosexual couple to have a more fulfilling as possible sexuality while protecting against the occurrence of unintended pregnancy. In a majority of couples, contraception is assumed by women. Currently, male contraceptive methods most commonly used are the male condom and vasectomy. Many other strategies, including hormonal contraceptive regimens, have been proposed and evaluated. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the various current and future male contraceptive methods., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To describe drugs used in sexual medicine., Method: Pubmed search for efficacy, mode of action and side effects for each molecule. Additional data were searched from the French regulatory agencies web sites (HAS and ANSM)., Results: 5PDIs and intracavernous injection of alprostadil are first- and second-line therapies of erectile dysfunction. Dapoxetine is the first specific and approved treatment of premature ejaculation. Androgene supplementation improves sexual desire among patient with hypogonadism as much as initial serum testosterone levels are low. Female sexual dysfunctions pharmacology is to date less developed, although candidate drugs reach phase III clinical studies., Conclusion: Pharmacology is one but not the only therapeutic avenue in sexual medicine. Despite real breakthrough such as 5PDIs for erectile dysfunction, incomplete knowledge and understanding of physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology of human sexual function reduces its development particularly for women., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Introduction: Disorders of ejaculation and orgasm apart from premature ejaculation are pretty uncommon., Methods: Medical literature was reviewed and combined with expert opinion of the authors., Results: The semiology of these disorders is essential: aspermia, hypospermia, retrograde ejaculation, delayed or absent ejaculation with or without orgasm. Whether this is a lifelong or acquired condition, it is essential to assess the side-effects of medications i.e. psychotropic drugs, including antidepressant, neuroleptics, tramadol, alphablockers: tamsulosin and silodosin must always be surveyed., Conclusion: The management is often difficult, especially with a parenthood perspective. The management of lifelong disorders must rely on psychosexual therapies., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The mouse has emerged as an animal model for many diseases. At IRO, we have used this animal to understand the development of many eye diseases and treatment of some of them. Precise evaluation of vision is a prerequisite for both these approaches. In this unit we describe three ways to measure vision: testing the optokinetic response, and evaluating the fundus by direct observation and by fluorescent angiography. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 2:207-218 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., (Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)

Cobas Amplicor MTB and later Cobas TaqMan MTB were used to test a very large series of consecutive specimens received for tuberculosis diagnosis. Performance parameters were estimated and compared overall and for separate specimen categories. Both systems showed excellent specificity, and that of TaqMan was the higher. The sensitivities were similar but satisfactory only with respiratory specimens and smear-positive samples.

Introduction: Testicular parenchyma abnormalities and testis cancers are more frequent in infertile men, hence the guidelines recommending a systematic scrotal ultrasound., Methods: A retrospective review of all patients treated with total or partial orchidectomy, from January, 2000 to July, 2010, for a testicular lesion discovered during an infertility evaluation work-up. Physical, examination data, type of surgery and pathological results were reported., Results: Forty-five patients were treated. The majority of tumors (80%) were non palpable, and incidentally discovered with scrotal ultrasonography. Eight cases were partial orchidectomies, and 37 cases were radical orchidectomies. A frozen section examination was performed in 13 cases, and led to two radical orchidectomies. Standard histological examination revealed 33 (73.3%) benign lesions (11 Leydig cell hyperplasias, 17 Leydig cell tumors, five Sertoli cell tumors) and 10 (22.2%) malignant lesions (nine seminomas and one teratoma). Ten patients had a Klinefelter syndrome, for whom all the lesions were benign., Conclusion: The majority of non-palpable testicular lesions, discovered by ultrasonography in a population of infertile men were benign tumors. Conservative management in this context appears to be an option, to preserve the endocrine function and the fertility of these patients, while being ontologically safe., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: In non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is successful in ≈ 50% of cases. A parameter for predicting TESE quality and pregnancy rates after ICSI of testicular spermatozoa is still lacking., Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the total testicular volume (TTV), hormone levels and TESE quality in 280 patients with NOA. After successful TESE, the characteristics of the ICSI cycles and the take-home baby rates were evaluated., Results: TESE was successful in 149 patients (53.2%). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, only TTV, FSH and inhibin B were correlated with the TESE outcome. A score including these three parameters was the best predictor of successful TESE (positive likelihood ratio: +3.01). When the score was <18.5, TESE was successful in 77.4% of cases and 'sperm rich' (i.e. yielding >100 spermatozoa) in 91.1% of cases; 42.8% of couples took a baby home. The take-home baby rate did not depend on whether the score was <18.5 or between 18.5 and 3700. If the score was >3700, TESE was successful in 37.8% of cases and 'sperm rich' in 14.3% of cases; only one couple took a baby home (a rate of 7.7 versus 42.8% when the score was <18.5; P< 0.001). Owing to low sperm retrieval on the day of oocyte retrieval, fewer oocytes were injected when the score was >3700 than when <3700., Conclusions: Thanks to better knowledge of TESE quality, the present score could help to improve care and pre-ICSI counseling for patients with NOA.

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and hormonal profiles, sperm extraction outcomes and testicular histology parameters in 120 azoospermic men with normal serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level. Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) and testicular sperm extraction (TESE) were performed in 33 and 87 cases, respectively. Sperm were successfully retrieved in all the MESA procedures and in 65 of the TESE procedures. The mean serum FSH and inhibin B levels and the testicular volume differed significantly according to whether or not sperm were retrieved. The threshold serum inhibin B value for predicting successful TESE was 123.5pg/mL (sensitivity: 69.7%; specificity: 66.7%). The 13 patients with Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCOS) had a higher mean serum FSH level and a lower mean serum inhibin B level than the other phenotypes. TESE was negative for 11 of the 13 SCOS men. The mean±SD inhibin B level was significantly lower in patients with 5-10IU/L of FSH than those with 2-5IU/L of FSH (108.30±53.86 vs. 175.23±70.17pg/mL, respectively). The sperm retrieval rates were 71.42% for the group with 5-10IU/L of FSH and 87.32% for the group with 2-5IU/L of FSH. Ten of the 13 SCOS men had a FSH level between 5 and 10IU/L. The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly lower (p=0.04) in the group with 5-10IU/L (50%) of FSH than in the group with 2-5IU/L (77.5%) of FSH. In conclusion, there is no FSH value below which spermatogenesis is always found. Inhibin B assays and clinical assessments are thus of particular value in men with normal serum FSH levels., (© 2010 The Authors. International Journal of Andrology © 2011 European Academy of Andrology.)

Purpose of Review: To review the role of varicocele repair in the treatment of male infertility., Recent Findings: Since the advent of technologies bypassing boundaries of natural selection, this question may seem outdated. Over the past 20 years, fertility has decreased, and testicular damage (cryptorchidism, tumors) has increased. Thus the exploration of the infertile male is still unavoidable. However, what should be done and assigned to the discovery of a varicocele?The issue raised is whether varicocele found during the review of the infertile couple should be treated or 'ignored'.This study will update significant findings with regards to the pathophysiology of varicocele-induced infertility, such as oxidative stress and role of varicocele in bilaterality of testicular damage. Benefits of varicocele repair in semen analysis and simplifications of assisted reproductive techniques are reported. But reviews of randomized clinical trials have raised doubts about the benefit of varicocele treatment in infertile men., Summary: We conclude that varicocele repair may be effective in men with subnormal semen analysis, a clinical varicocele and otherwise unexplained infertility. Deleterious cofactors, like obesity or smoking, could also be reduced for the benefit of general health and fertility.

We used a colorimetric reverse dot blot hybridization (CRDH) assay to detect the presence of mutations in a specific region of the rpoB gene, associated with rifampin (RIF) resistance, in a panel of 156 DNAs extracted from 103 RIF-sensitive and 53 RIF-resistant cultures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When compared with the antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST), the sensitivity and specificity of the CRDH were 92.3% and 98.1%, respectively. When compared with sequencing, the sensitivity and specificity of the CRDH were 90.6% and 100%, respectively. To evaluate the performance of the assay directly in clinical specimens, 30 samples from tuberculosis patients were used. For these samples, the results of the CRDH were 100% consistent with the results of the AST and sequencing. These results indicate that the rate of concordance of the CRDH is high when compared to conventional methods and sequencing data. The CRDH can be successfully applied when a rapid test is required for the identification of RIF resistance in M. tuberculosis.

Purpose: To verify the effectiveness and safetiness of artificial urinary sphincter (SUA) AMS 800™ in the management of urinary incontinence by sphincter incompetence., Patients and Methods: Retrospective study of patients who received SUA by the same operator between 1992 and 2006. Fifty-seven men and 27 women whose average age was 61 years (22-82) suffered from incontinence by sphincter incompetence: after radical prostatectomy (46%), primary stress or mixed incontinence (21.4%), transurethral resection of prostate (9.5%), injury and neurological malformations (9.5%), pelvic or urethral trauma (7.1%), rectal surgery (3.6%), adenomectomy (2.4%). Functional assessment was made by telephone based on a 23-item questionnaire (Appendix 2)., Results: The mean follow-up was 52.6 months (5.3-187.1): 64% had their original SUA, 50 re-interventions were necessary for 30 patients with 13.1% mechanical complications, 6.6% urethral atrophy, and 13.9% infectious complications, 2.5% failures and 9% definitive explant. The half-time survival without revision was 8.3 years. Sixty-seven percent of patients were contacted for the functional assessment: 77% success rate (≤1 protection), 85% of patients improved, 87% satisfied or very satisfied and 94% would go again through the same operation., Conclusion: The artificial urinary sphincter AMS 800™ remains still the reference in the management of urinary incontinence by sphincter incompetence in improving the quality of life of patients implanted at the cost of a significant revision rate and frequent residual leaks., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the seminal levels of the Sertoli anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B in the testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in nonobstructive azoospermia., Design: Prospective study., Setting: Reproductive biology division in a university hospital., Patient(s): One hundred thirty-nine men., Intervention(s): Men were classified on the basis of positive and negative TESE., Main Outcome Measure(s): Seminal levels of AMH and inhibin B, serum levels of FSH and inhibin B, testicular volume, sperm retrieval, and spermatogenesis., Result(s): The mean serum FSH and inhibin B concentrations were 21.4 IU/L and 54.68 pg/mL. Spermatozoa were retrieved in 43.17% of the men. Mean seminal AMH and inhibin B concentrations were 12.06±37.30 pmol/L and 142.72±950.91 pmol/L, respectively. Seminal AMH and inhibin B levels were simultaneously undetectable in 35.97% of subjects. Seminal plasma levels of AMH and inhibin B were positively correlated, as were seminal and serum inhibin B concentrations. The successful and failed TESE groups did not differ significantly in terms of either AMH or inhibin B seminal plasma concentrations. Combining the latter parameters with the serum FSH level did not improve the predictive value for successful TESE. The presence or absence of germ cells did not have a statistically significant relationship with seminal plasma AMH and inhibin B concentrations., Conclusion(s): There is no value in seminal plasma levels of AMH and inhibin B as criteria for sperm extraction in men with nonobstructive azoospermia., (Copyright © 2010 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cryptorchidism is a defect of testicular descent. Hormonal, genetic and environmental factors might also contribute to the aetiology of cryptorchidism and its increased incidence in recent years in industrialised countries. Cryptorchidism itself might be considered a complex disease. This testicular pathology represents the best-characterized risk factor for reduced fertility and testicular cancer. The purpose of this review is to better understand physiopathology and mechanisms of infertility in men with history of cryptorchidism., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Azoospermia may be obstructive (blockage of the genital ducts) or non-obstructive (a lack of testicular production). The distinction is based on an ensemble of clinical, spermiological, hormonal, ultrasound, genetic and histological data. Azoospermia is the main indication for testicular biopsy for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Testicular spermatozoids are processed in the reproductive biology laboratory (simultaneously with oocyte retrieval or not) for in vitro fertilization with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. The histological study of spermatogenesis is usually performed on a testicular biopsy sample taken at the same time and provides additional diagnostic information on infertility. Histological alterations in the testicular tissues are frequently observed in azoospermic men. In non-obstructive azoospermia, three histological situations prevail: hypospermatogenesis, Sertoli-cell-only syndrome and germ cell arrest. One can distinguish between pure forms (in which all the seminiferous tubules have the same appearance) and mixed forms (in which the tubules' aspects are heterogeneous). Hypospermatogenesis is highly prevalent in azoospermia and is characterized by a low, basal level of spermatozoid production. The prevalence of Sertoli-cell-only syndrome varies from 27 to 68% and the mean spermatozoid recovery rate is between 16 and 33%. Germ cell arrests are rare phenotypes and have a poor prognosis for spermatozoid recovery. Overall, histological examination (still the only way to fully describe spermatogenesis) must be qualitative and quantitative, with the adoption of a standardized, universally understood terminology. It is essential to compare the histological data with (i) recovery of testicular spermatozoids, (ii) clinical, ultrasound, hormonal and genetic data and (iii) the outcome of IVF/ICSI procedures., (2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Mutations in the katG gene have been identified and correlated with isoniazid (INH) resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. The mutation AGC-->ACC (Ser-->Thr) at katG315 has been reported to be the most frequent and is associated with transmission and multidrug resistance. Rapid detection of this mutation could therefore improve the choice of an adequate anti-tuberculosis regimen, the epidemiological monitoring of INH resistance and, possibly, the tracking of transmission of resistant strains. An in house reverse hybridisation assay was designed in our laboratory and evaluated with 180 isolates of M. tuberculosis. It could successfully characterise the katG315 mutation in 100% of the samples as compared to DNA sequencing. The test is efficient and is a promising alternative for the rapid identification of INH resistance in regions with a high prevalence of katG315 mutants.

Introduction: Cryptorchidism is a common and possible etiology of male infertility., Objectives: This is a retrospective study of 142 azoospermic men with history of cryptorchidism. A testicular sperm extraction (TESE) was performed for each of them, between 1995 and 2005, to realize in vitro fecundation with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)., Material and Methods: We studied the clinical pattern (age at the treatment, unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism), hormonal levels (total testosterone and FSH) and ultrasound examinations in this population. Then, we studied the rates of successful TESE according to these various characteristics., Results: The main origin of azoospermia is non obstructive (secretory). A great majority of the patients (71.8%) has benefited of an orchidopexy before the age of 10 years which does not seem to represent a factor of better forecast of surgical extraction of sperm cells. In the subgroup of the bilateral cryptorchidy, the rate of extraction was 63% (55/87). In the subgroup of the one-sided cryptorchidy, it was 61.9% (36/42)., Conclusion: For us, history of cryptorchidism is an etiology of good prognosis for azoospermia, since the rate of TESE with positive sperm retrieval is 65%. In our population, the subgroups of patients whose FSH is normal and/or whose testicular volume is higher than 10 cm3 are those whose forecast is still better, because the rate of TESE with positive sperm retrieval is 75%.

Hypospermia is a semen volume lower than 2 mL on at least two semen analyses. The etiologies of hypospermia are many and may be divided into two pathophysiologic sub-groups: disturbances of ejaculation reflex leading to partial retrograde ejaculation and seminal glands and ducts anatomic and functional anomalies. In this last pathologic mechanism, the mutations of CFTR gene, involved in many different forms of cystic fibrosis, represent a possible cause of hypospermia. The molecular anomaly of CFTR gene's screening is very important for the potential descendents and for the patient himself. It must be considered any time clinic and/or paraclinic context is evocative.

Background: Severe oligozoospermia is characterized by sperm count fluctuations that may result in insufficient quantities of motile sperm for ICSI on the day of oocyte retrieval, thus necessitating testicular biopsy. To avoid this, we proposed that patients, with transient azoospermia or repeatedly low sperm counts, make a safety pool of frozen spermatozoa before ICSI attempts., Methods: Seventy cryptozoospermic (<10(3) spermatozoa/ml) and 46 oligozoospermic patients (10(3)-10(5)/ml) were included. Although all oligozoospermic patients succeeded in sperm banking, only 44 of 70 cryptozoospermic patients were successful. Others underwent testicular extraction of spermatozoa. The ICSI results for frozen sperm from cryptozoospermic patients were compared with those obtained with fresh sperm from a group of normal patients (>10(5) spermatozoa/ml)., Results: In this prospective matched, controlled study, five cryptozoospermic, but no oligozoospermic, patients failed to produce sperm on the ICSI day, and frozen sperm was used instead. Although fertilization and pregnancy rates (per attempt) using fresh (49% and 5/44, respectively) and frozen sperm (54% and one-fifth, respectively) were similar for this cryptozoospermic group, the results for fresh sperm were significantly lower when compared with the control group (66% and 16/43, P < 0.0001, P < 0.001, respectively). In contrast, results for the oligospermic and control groups were similar., Conclusions: Banking of ejaculated sperm is helpful for cryptozoospermic patients.

We report on a de novo submicroscopic deletion of 20q13.33 identified by subtelomeric fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in a 4-year-old girl with learning difficulties, hyperlaxity and strabismus, but without obvious dysmorphic features. Further investigations by array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) and FISH analysis allowed us to delineate the smallest reported subterminal deletion of chromosome 20q, spanning a 1.1-1.6 Mb with a breakpoint localized between BAC RP5-887L7 and RP11-261N11. The genes CHRNA4 and KCNQ2 implicated in autosomal dominant epilepsy are included in the deletion interval. Subterminal 20q deletions as found in the present patient have, to our knowledge, only been reported in three patients. We review the clinical and behavioral phenotype of such "pure" subterminal 20q deletions., ((c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

This is a case report of a thirty-year-old-man consulting for a primary infertility that was diagnosed four years ago. Andrologic exam was normal. Two spermograms found normal spermatic parameters. An uro-genital echography with a RMI showed that a unilateral agenesia of the left vas deferens in the pelvic portion. Then, a composite heterozygoty of the CFTR gene (DeltaF508/V938G) was found. This is the first time that the association of these two mutations has been described. This case also makes it possible to wonder about the need for realizing, or not, a systematic basis imagery (ultrasound examination in first), in the event of infertility of the couple. In this context, the discovery of an echographic anomaly made it possible to identify CFTR mutations, whose physiopathological implication in the infertility can be discussed (CFTR related disorders)...

The INNO LiPA Rif.TB (Innogenetics, Ghent, Belgium) is a reverse hybridization test developed to detect genetic markers of resistance to rifampin in Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. In the present study, this test was used directly on 3,763 clinical specimens by adopting a nested amplification of the target. The specificity of the system (98.4%) was optimal, but sensitivity (69.5%) was unsatisfactory. However, when use of the system was limited to smear-positive specimens, the sensitivity rose to 91.7%. As expected, the ability of the system to predict rifampin resistance was not influenced by its direct use on clinical specimens and confirmed the favorable results repeatedly reported in the literature.

We report the case of a 30-year-old woman, consulting for a painful clitoromegaly which developed progressively and rapidly. The gyneco-endocrinological assessment ruled out hyperandrogenism. Ultrasound examination of the clitoris revealed the presence of a clitoral cyst. Acquired clitoromegaly is a symptom which occurs in severe hyperandrogenism. Other organic etiologies include clitoral cysts of various nature and solid tumors. An ultrasonographic examination should be included in the diagnostic work-up for acquired clitoromegaly.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical features, staging by medical imaging, treatment strategy and results of surgical management of deep pelvic endometriosis with bladder and/or ureteric involvement., Materials and Methods: Eighteen cases of ureteric and/or bladder deep pelvic endometriosis (DPE) were treated in our centre between 1996 and 2004. Preoperative data (clinical symptoms, MR imaging), intraoperative data (resection and urinary tract diversion procedures, associated procedures on the genital and gastrointestinal tracts), and postoperative data (histological results, complications, anatomical follow-up by imaging and functional assessment) were reviewed., Results: Urinary symptoms were present in 55% of cases, genital symptoms were present in 83% of cases and gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 46% of cases. A combination of gynaecological and gastrointestinal lesions was demonstrated on imaging in 82% of cases. The mean postoperative follow-up was 16 months (range: 6-36 months). Six patients presented anterior vesical endometriosis. In these cases, the sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 100%. Six partial cystectomies were performed. All corresponded to endometriotic lesions on histological examination. No cases of recurrence of vesical endometriosis were observed. Posterior endometriosis with ureteric involvement was observed in 13 patients (including one with vesical endometriosis). The ureteric lesion was asymptomatic in 8 out of 13 cases (61%). The diagnostic sensitivity of MRI was 92% for posterior nodules, identifying 4 lateral parametrial nodules and 8 median retrocervical nodules. Ureterohydronephrosis was observed in 3 patients with lateral parametrial nodules and 8 patients with median retrocervical nodules, and was bilateral for 3 patients, i.e. 14 dilated renal units. Surgical management consisted of 2 ureteric resections with end-to-end anastomosis, 3 psoas bladder reimplantations, and 9 ureterolyses (8 patients). Two out of 13 patients (15%) with ureteric lesions treated by ureterolysis developed recurrence of the ureteric stricture with upper tract dilatation related to recurrence of the lateral nodule. In 14 patients, genital and/or gastrointestinal resections were associated with the urinary tract procedure., Conclusion: Preoperative evaluation of all DPE lesions is based on MRI with reconstruction images of the ureter in the presence of urinary tract lesions. Systematic ureteric stenting prior to surgical dissection of the pelvic wall is recommended in patients with posterior nodules and in the case of partial cystectomy for anterior nodules when the ureteric meati are adjacent to the lesion. Ureteric reimplantation onto a psoas hitch bladder must be performed when the DPE lesions are extensive and partly resected or invade the ureteric wall. The frequency of associated lesions (urinary, gynaecological gastrointestinal) justifies a multidisciplinary surgical approach.

The authors report the cases of a 35-year-old man with a 4-year history of primary infertility with normal clinical examination and semen parameters. Deep genital tract imaging demonstrated isolated unilateral agenesis of the pelvic portion of the left vas deferens associated with abnormalities of the homolateral seminal vesicle. Molecular analysis of the CFTR gene demonstrated composite heterozygosity with the presence of DeltaF508 / V938G mutations. In the light of this case, the authors recommend urogenital imaging for all men consulting for infertility.

Endometriosis of the urinary tract (bladder and/or ureter) is rare and concerns 1-2% of cases of endometriosis. Surgical management is usually mandatory. Rate of peri operative morbidity is low. There is a risk of functional (dysuria, chronic hypogastric pains, imperiosity) and anatomical recurrences (0-15 and 0-10% respectively). Surgical treatment of bladder and/or ureteral endometriosis requires informed consent of patients and multidisciplinary management.