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Urethral strictures most frequently affect the bulbar but are also observed in the penile, glandular, or membranous urethra. They are often iatrogenic. Radiologic diagnosis can be established easily and safely by cystourethrography. Simple Sachse urethrotomy can result in permanent relief in the case of short bulbar strictures in initial findings. Recurrent structures or strictures in other locations should however be treated by open surgery, as cure cannot be achieved by other means. Depending on the diagnosis and comorbidities, end-to-end anastomosis, graft/flap urethroplasty, or perineal urethrostomy can be performed. If open surgery is delayed, aggravation of the diagnosis and worsening of the prognosis can be expected, regardless of the applied treatment.

INTRODUCTION The recurrent course of the disease stricture is a complex problem for both the patient and the operating surgeon and requires an integrated approach to treatment only in expert centers. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To assess the effectiveness of methods of surgical treatment of recurrent urethral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS At the University Clinic of Urology, Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov, an analysis of the results of surgical treatment of patients with recurrent urethral stricture from 2012 to 2020 was carried out. This work included patients who underwent surgical treatment for recurrent urethral stricture. A total of 120 men were involved in the work. The median length of the stricture was (min-max) - 2 (0.5-16 cm). In 95 (79.1%) patients, stricture of the bulbous urethra, in 15 (12.5%) - in the penile urethra, in 2 (1.7%) patients had panurethral stricture, in 6 (5.0%) - membranous urethra and in 2 (1.7%) - meatus. All patients were divided into two groups: with recurrent urethral stricture after primary DVIU (group I, n=77) and recurrent urethral stricture after primary urethroplasty (group II, n=43). Depending on the method of surgical treatment of recurrent urethral stricture, patients in group I were divided into 4 subgroups. Repeated DVIU + 3 months Autocatheterization - 16 (20.8%) patients; End-to-end urethroplasty - 37 (48.1%) patients; one-stage urethroplasty with a buccal graft or skin graft - 22 (28.6%) patients; multistage urethroplasty or perineostomy - 2 (2.5%) patients. Group II was also divided into 4 subgroups. DVIU - 17 (39.5%) patients; end-to-end urethroplasty - 6 (13.9%) patients; one-stage urethroplasty with a buccal graft or skin graft - 9 (20.9%) patients; multistage urethroplasty - 11 (16.7%) patients. Median Qmax - 4.68 ml/sec. Preoperative cystostomy was observed in 31 (25.8%) patients. RESULTS The median follow-up was 24 months (range 12 to 76 months). Depending on the method of surgical treatment of recurrent urethral stricture, the effectiveness of DVIU according to strict indications was 75.7%. End-to-end urethroplasty showed an efficiency of -88,4%. One-stage augmentation urethroplasty had an efficiency of -77,4%, and multi-stage urethroplasty showed an efficiency of 84.6%. The IPSS value for the observation period 2 years was 2.6+/-0.9 points. The average value of Qmax at the time of observation was 19.4+/-7.1 ml/sec. The effectiveness of the treatment was 82%. During the follow-up period, a relapse was noted in 22 (18%) patients. The overall effectiveness of the treatment of recurrent urethral stricture, taking into account the treatment of recurrent cases of disease recurrence, was 97.5%. CONCLUSIONS Urethroplasty is the treatment of choice for recurrent urethral strictures, which has been shown to be more effective than DVIU. However, the results of urethroplasty for recurrent strictures are worse than for primary strictures.

Background Urinary continence recovery after radical prostatectomy is a major issue even in the robotic era. Surgical techniques aimed at improving earlier return to continence are continuously sought. Objective To describe our novel surgical technique of urethral fixation during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to assess early urinary continence recovery and perioperative complications. Design, setting, and participants A prospective, single-center, single-surgeon cohort of 70 consecutive patients undergoing RARP between January and December 2019 was analyzed. A study group of 35 patients operated on with the urethral fixation technique was compared with a control group of 35 patients receiving standard vesicourethral anastomosis. Surgical procedure Urethral fixation versus standard vesicourethral anastomosis during RARP was evaluated. In the study group, the urethral stump was fixed to the dorsal median raphe posteriorly and to the medial portion of the levator ani muscle posterolaterally. The same posterior musculofascial reconstruction incorporating the vesicourethral anastomosis was performed in both groups. Measurements Urinary continence recovery, perioperative complications, operating room time, and estimated blood loss were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results and limitations The two groups were comparable with regard to all demographic, clinical, and pathological variables. Recovery of urinary continence at 3 mo after catheter removal was reported by 34 (97.1%) patients in the study and 28 (80%) patients in the control group (p = 0.02). Patients in the study group reported significantly higher rates of urinary continence even at 1 wk and 1 mo after catheter removal compared with the control group (68.6% vs 45.7%, p = 0.04, and 80% vs 54.3%, p = 0.04, respectively). No differences were observed in operating room time (p = 0.7) or estimated blood loss (p = 0.65). Ninety-day postoperative complications were observed in one (2.9%) patient in the study and in four (11.4%) in the control group (p = 0.3). The main limitation is the nonrandomized comparison of relatively small cohorts. Conclusions In our study, we observed a significant improvement in early urinary continence recovery, with no increase in operating room time or perioperative complications, using the novel urethral fixation technique compared with the standard vesicourethral anastomosis during RARP. Patient summary We describe our novel surgical technique of urethral fixation during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Compared with the standard technique, utilization of our technique was found to be associated with an improved early recovery of urinary continence, with no increase in operating room time or perioperative complications.

Purpose To test the effect of anatomic variants of the prostatic apex overlapping the membranous urethra (Lee type classification), as well as median urethral sphincter length (USL) in preoperative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) on the very early continence in open (ORP) and robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) patients. Methods In 128 consecutive patients (01/2018–12/2019), USL and the prostatic apex classified according to Lee types A–D in mpMRI prior to ORP or RARP were retrospectively analyzed. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify anatomic characteristics for very early continence rates, defined as urine loss of ≤ 1 g in the PAD-test. Results Of 128 patients with mpMRI prior to surgery, 76 (59.4%) underwent RARP vs. 52 (40.6%) ORP. In total, median USL was 15, 15 and 10 mm in the sagittal, coronal and axial dimensions. After stratification according to very early continence in the PAD-test (≤ 1 g vs. > 1 g), continent patients had significantly more frequently Lee type D (71.4 vs. 54.4%) and C (14.3 vs. 7.6%, p = 0.03). In multivariable logistic regression models, the sagittal median USL (odds ratio [OR] 1.03) and Lee type C (OR: 7.0) and D (OR: 4.9) were independent predictors for achieving very early continence in the PAD-test. Conclusion Patients’ individual anatomical characteristics in mpMRI prior to radical prostatectomy can be used to predict very early continence. Lee type C and D suggest being the most favorable anatomical characteristics. Moreover, longer sagittal median USL in mpMRI seems to improve very early continence rates.

Aim To present the features and treatment of rectourethral fistula (RUF) and rectovesical fistula (RVF) after Hirschsprung disease (HD) operation. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with RUF and RVF after HD operation, who received repair surgery from a single surgeon between January 2005 and December 2019. Bowel function was assessed using the Rintala score. Results Seven patients were included. Six patients were referred to us after transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) in other centers; one RVF patient had fecal diversion at admission. Bladder-neck injury was detected during redo TEPT in our hospital in the remaining one patient and instant repair was given. 11 days later, RVF and sepsis were detected. Fecal and urine diversion was performed immediately. The fistula openings were prostatic urethra (3), membranous urethra (2), bladder triangle (1), and bladder-neck (1). Anastomotic stricture (4), bladder stone (3), hydronephrosis and ureterovesical junction obstruction (2), pelvic infection (2), distal colonic dilatation (1) and other fistulas (1) were identified before repair surgery. Fecal and urine diversion was performed before repair surgery in one RUF and one RVF patient respectively, to treat pelvic infection owing to fecal or urine leaks and accompanying problems. Five RUFs were repaired by transperineal approach, and two RVFs were repaired using the transabdominal and transanal approach respectively. Four patients with anastomotic stricture underwent redo TEPT with simultaneous fistula repair. Aside from one RUF patient, the fistula in all patients successfully resolved. Median follow up time was 81 months (range, 5–116 months). No recurrence was observed. Median bowel function score was 17.5 (range, 17–18). Conclusion The location of fistula, presence of anastomotic stricture and the association of urinary complications have significant impacts on the treatment strategy in such rare complications after TEPT for HD. The type of study Treatment study. Level of evidence Level IV.

Background: To test the impact of urethral sphincter length (USL) and anatomic variants of prostatic apex (Lee-type classification) in preoperative multiparametric magnet resonance imaging (mpMRI) on mid-term continence in prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods: We relied on an institutional tertiary-care database to identify patients who underwent RP between 03/2018 and 12/2019 with preoperative mpMRI and data available on mid-term (>6 months post-surgery) urinary continence, defined as usage 0/1 (-safety) pad/24 h. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to test for predictor status of USL and prostatic apex variants, defined in mpMRI measurements. Results: Of 68 eligible patients, rate of mid-term urinary continence was 81% (n = 55). Median coronal (15.1 vs. 12.5 mm) and sagittal (15.4 vs. 11.1 mm) USL were longer in patients reporting urinary continence in mid-term follow-up (both p < 0.01). No difference was recorded for prostatic apex variants distribution (Lee-type) between continent vs. incontinent patients (p = 0.4). In separate multivariable logistic regression models, coronal (odds ratio (OR): 1.35) and sagittal (OR: 1.67) USL, but not Lee-type, were independent predictors for mid-term continence. Conclusion: USL, but not apex anatomy, in preoperative mpMRI was associated with higher rates of urinary continence at mid-term follow-up.

Aim: To evaluate the radiotherapy (RT) effect in the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) function in men with prostate cancer (PC). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included three groups of patients with PC and RT indication: 1) Pre-RT group: evaluated before the beginning of RT; 2) Acute group: evaluated between six months and one year after RT; 3) Late Group: evaluated between two and a half years and four years post-RT. PFM assessment was divided into: a) functional assessment through the digital anal palpation (Modified Oxford Scale) and surface electromyography (sEMG) with anal probe; b) anatomical assessment by pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with thickness measurements of levator ani muscle and pelvic specific parameters at rest and under Valsalva maneuver. We used Student t test, considering as significant p

Purpose: In this study our aim was to investigate the current etiology of posterior urethral stricture disease in our department and to observe if there have been any differences in the major causes of urethral strictures. Patients and Methods: We analysed 116 male patients between March 2009 and September 2019 to evaluate the etiology of posterior urethral strictures. All patients had been assesed preoperatively,including detailed medical history,physical examination,retrograde urethrogram and uroflowmetry. We examined all patients in terms of age, stricture site,the most probable cause of the stricture and stricture length. We classified the location of posterior stricture into three anatomic parts: membranous urethra,prostatic urethra and bladder neck and stricture etiologies were subcategorized into idiopathic,inflammatory,iatrogenic and traumatic. Results: The most common site of the strictures was the membranous urethra (67 patients, 57.8%) followed by the prostatic urethra ( 27 patients, 23.3%) and bladder neck (22 patients, 18.9%). The two main overall posterior urethral stricture causes were iatrogenic (79 patients,68.1%) and traumatic (24 patients,20.7%).The less common causes were idiopathic (11 patients,9.5%) and urethritis(2 patients,1.7%). Of the patients in iatrogenic group, TUR-P and TUR-BT were the most common etiologic factors. ( 42 patients,36.2%) All urethral strictures were short(

Injury to the external sphincter during urethroplasty at or near the membranous urethra can result in incontinence in men whose internal sphincter mechanism has been compromised by previous benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery. We present outcomes of a novel reconstructive procedure, incorporating a recent anatomic discovery revealing a connective tissue sheath between the external sphincter and membranous urethra, which provides a surgical plane allowing for intrasphincteric bulbo-prostatic urethroplasty (ISBPA) with continence preservation. Stricture at or near the membranous urethra after transurethral resection (TURP) or open simple prostatectomy (OSP) was reconstructed with ISBPA. The bulbomembranous junction is approached dorsally with a bulbar artery sparing approach and the external sphincter muscle is carefully reflected, exposing the wall of the membranous urethra. Gentle blunt dissection along this connective tissue plane allows separating the muscle away up to the prostatic apex, where healthy urethra is found for anastomosis. From January 2010 to August 2019, 40 men (18 after TURP and 22 after OSP) underwent ISBPA at a single institution. Mean age was 67 years (54–82). Mean stricture length was 2.6 cm (1–6) with obliterative stricture identified in 10 (25%). At a mean follow-up of 53 months (10–122), 36 men (90%) are free of stricture recurrence and 34 (85%) were completely dry or using one security pad. This novel intrasphincteric urethroplasty technique for stricture following BPH surgery is feasible and safe, allowing successful reconstruction with continence preservation in most patients. A larger series and reproduction in other centers is needed.

Objectives To describe our surgical technique of "muscle-sparing" laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and to review relevant anatomical landmarks during the procedure. Methods This was a prospective non-controlled case series of 120 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, always carried out by the same surgeon (OL). The median follow-up period was 33 months. Dissection of the puboperinealis and puborectalis muscle consists of the precise dissection of the puborectalis and puboperinealis muscles from the periprostatic fascia. Rhabdomyo-dissection consists of an approach that spares the external urethral sphincter from the ventral surface of the prostate and membranous urethra. Clinical data were collected in a dedicated database. Intraoperative variables, postoperative complications and outcomes of urinary continence were assessed. A descriptive statistical analysis was carried out. Results Continence rates were 70.8%, 83.3% and 92.5%, at 0-2, 3-4 and 5-8 weeks after removal of the urethral catheter, respectively; 96.6% and 98.3% at 6 and 12 months after surgery. The positive surgical margin rate associated with rhabdomyo-dissection was 8.3%. Conclusions Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with dissection of the puboperinealis and puborectalis muscle, and rhabdomyo-dissection is an oncologically safe procedure, associated with very early recovery urinary continence in most patients. It is a technique that can be applied in most cases, as long as there is no invasion of the ventral side of the prostate.

Quantitative analysis of the normal retrograde urethrogram is well reported in radiography, but studies on CT urethrography are lacking. Recently, a method of retrograde CT urethrography using a power injector was described. The purpose of the current, prospective, analytical study was to quantify the urethral size of five, healthy, intact, male Beagle dogs using retrograde CT urethrography and a power injector. With the injection rate of the power injector set at 0.3 mL/s, 1 mL/kg of diluted contrast medium (15 mg I/mL) was injected, and a CT examination was performed. The state of the initial urethrogram taken was defined as "empty bladder." The same procedures were repeated with the injection of an additional 1 mL/kg of diluted contrast medium until the ureteral reflux was seen (distended bladder). There was a significant difference in volumes between the empty and distended bladder, but the membranous urethra showed the least difference (P = .0044) among the three regions (P < .0001 for the prostatic and penile urethra). Urethral diameters at six sites were measured from sagittal images, and the sites of measurements were adopted from the earlier radiographic studies. The most significant difference in the urethral diameters between the empty and distended bladder occurred at the cranial and middle prostatic urethra (P < .0001). The results of this study can be useful for interpreting the results of retrograde CT urethrography. Care must be taken when narrowing is suspected at the prostatic urethra, and if necessary, further distension of the urinary bladder should be tried.

Postoperative stress urinary incontinence has a significant effect on reducing the quality of life of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. This review discusses the existing methods for correcting this condition, described in the world literature and which to one degree or another improve the quality of life of patients in this category. Analysis of present data shows that currently there are 4 main basic techniques during radical prostatectomy, which allow to statistically significantly improve of functional results. In particular, usage of this methodic allows reducing the frequency and degree of postoperative incontinence: 1) preservation of neurovascular bundles, 2) anterior and/or posterior reconstruction of the fascial spaces of the pelvis, 3) preservation of the maximum length of the membranous urethra, 4) reconstruction of the bladder neck. Preservation of the neurovascular bundles, anterior and/or posterior reconstruction of the pelvic fascial spaces have already proven themselves as effective techniques currently used by many surgeons. In contrast, the clinical utility of reserve the maximum possible length of the membranous urethra and reconstructive surgery of the bladder neck are relatively new techniques. Their clinical usefulness, as well as safety, continues to be studied.

Background: to test the impact of urethral sphincter length (USL) and anatomic variants of prostatic apex (Lee-type classification) in preoperative multiparametric magnet resonance imaging (mpMRI) on mid-term continence in prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods: we relied on an institutional tertiary-care database to identify patients who underwent RP between 03/2018 and 12/2019 with preoperative mpMRI and data available on mid-term (>6 months post-surgery) urinary continence, defined as usage 0/1 (-safety) pad/24 h. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to test for predictor status of USL and prostatic apex variants, defined in mpMRI measurements. Results: of 68 eligible patients, rate of mid-term urinary continence was 81% (n = 55). Median coronal (15.1 vs. 12.5 mm) and sagittal (15.4 vs. 11.1 mm) USL were longer in patients reporting urinary continence in mid-term follow-up (both p < 0.01). No difference was recorded for prostatic apex variants distribution (Lee-type) between continent vs. incontinent patients (p = 0.4). In separate multivariable logistic regression models, coronal (odds ratio (OR): 1.35) and sagittal (OR: 1.67) USL, but not Lee-type, were independent predictors for mid-term continence. Conclusion: USL, but not apex anatomy, in preoperative mpMRI was associated with higher rates of urinary continence at mid-term follow-up., NA

We studied the impact of membranous urethral length (MUL) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on post-urethroplasty continence in male patients with pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI). Of 169 male patients with PFUI who underwent delayed anastomotic urethroplasty between 2008 and 2020, 85 who underwent preoperative MRI, had no recurrent stenosis on cystoscopy, and underwent a 1-h pad test 1 year after surgery were included. MUL was defined as the distance from the distal end of the disrupted proximal urethra to the apex of the prostate, as measured using T2-weighted MRI. Urinary incontinence (UI) was defined as a 1-h pad test weight > 2.0 g. None of the patients had UI before a pelvic fracture. Eighty-two patients (96.5%) had a measurable MUL, and the median length was 8.1 (interquartile range [IQR], 5.2–10.8) mm. The median weight of the 1-h pad test was 1.0 (IQR, 0.0–4.0) g, and 26 (30.6%) patients had UI. An open bladder neck (odds ratio [OR], 4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–22.0; p = 0.04) and a short measurable membranous urethra (for every extra mm: OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0–1.3; p = 0.04) were significant UI predictors on multivariate analysis. A long MUL is significantly positively associated with urinary continence in male patients with PFUI. This could be of potential value to reconstructive urologists when counseling patients regarding post-urethroplasty continence before urethroplasty.

Temesgen Setato, Tihitena Negussie Mammo, Belachew Wondemagegnehu Department of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Division, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Temesgen Setato Tel +251-913-393-457Email mtemenane16@gmail.comBackground: Urethral stricture is a challenging urologic problem resulting from congenital, idiopathic, traumatic, iatrogenic,and inflammatory causes. Road traffic accidents and falling-down accidents are the most common traumatic causes. Although most management principles are extrapolated from adults, stricture in children has a unique anatomic challenge. The outcome of urethroplasty is reported to be good in nearly all patients according to different studies. Since there is no study from Ethiopia on this subject, our work will show our experience with the problem.Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of children who underwent delayed urethroplasty for post-traumatic urethral stricture from November 2011 to November 2019. A retrospective study was conducted on boys for whom delayed perineal anastomotic urethroplasty was performed after they sustained trauma. Sociodemographic data, pre-operative presentation of patients, and intraoperative conditions were assessed. The need of any further procedure to micturate, stream of urine and urethral caliber on post-operative cystourethrography were parameters used to measure the outcome. Data were entered into SPSS version 24 and analyzed, taking a p-value of 0.05 as statistically significant.Results: Nineteen boys had delayed perineal anastomotic urethroplasty in the study period, with a mean age at the time of surgery being 9.8 years. Out of these 19 patients, nine had been involved in road traffic accidents, eight had fallen from a height, and two had bullet injuries. The membranous urethra was the most commonly affected part and, in seven of them, associated pelvic bone fracture was documented. The affected urethral segment length ranged from 1– 3 cm, with a mean of 1.77 cm. For all of them delayed perineal urethroplasty was performed after a minimum of 3 months. Successful outcome after primary surgery and re-do surgery was 58% and 82%, respectively.Conclusion: Urethral stricture is an uncommon condition in children but is one of the challenging conditions a pediatric urologist faces. Our study showed that perineal urethroplasty can be done safely in most children with urethral stricture, but unless adequate pre-operative evaluation and strict surgical principles are followed the outcome will be poor.Keywords: urethroplasty, urethral stricture, trauma

The objective: to conduct a thorough analysis of the main anatomical mechanisms underlying postprostatectomic urinary incontinence. Collect evidence. The analysis of works published in PubMed and EmBAse on the topic of postprostratectomic urinary incontinence is performed. Initially, 212 papers were investigated. Animal studies, publications on operations for benign prostatic hyperplasia, analysis of the results of radio- and hormone therapy for prostate cancer were excluded from the review. Surgical aspects of postprostatectomic incontinence were also not considered in this work. Synthesis of evidence. Numerous works emphasize the important influence of anatomical elements and pelvic support on the development of postprostatectomic urinary incontinence. Anatomical factors included the analysis of modern approaches to the structure of the urethral sphincter complex, the study of the supporting components of the membranous urethra, the role of fibrosis and neural structures, as well as the importance of urothelial features. Conclusion. Anatomical support and pelvic innervation, as it turned out, are important factors in the etiology of postprostatectomic urinary incontinence. Taking into account the anatomical features of the urethral sphincter in combination with the additional study of the surgical aspects of postprostatectomic urinary incontinence can improve the level of continence in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy.

Introduction This study quantified inter-observer contouring variations for multiple male pelvic structures, many of which are of emerging relevance for prostate cancer radiotherapy progression and toxicity response studies. Methods Five prostate cancer patient datasets (CT and T2-weighted MR) were distributed to 13 observers for contouring. CT structures contoured included the clinical target volume (CTV), seminal vesicles, rectum, colon, bowel bag, bladder and peri-rectal space (PRS). MR contours included CTV, trigone, membranous urethra, penile bulb, neurovascular bundle and multiple pelvic floor muscles. Contouring variations were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and multiple additional metrics. Results Clinical target volume (CT and MR), bladder, rectum and PRS contours showed excellent inter-observer agreement (median ICC = 0.97; 0.99; 1.00; 0.95; 0.90, DSC = 0.83 ± 0.05; 0.88 ± 0.05; 0.93 ± 0.03; 0.81 ± 0.07; 0.80 ± 0.06, respectively). Seminal vesicle contours were more variable (ICC = 0.75, DSC = 0.73 ± 0.14), while colon and bowel bag contoured volumes were consistent (ICC = 0.97; 0.97), but displayed poor overlap (DSC = 0.58 ± 0.22; 0.67 ± 0.21). Smaller MR structures showed significant inter-observer variations, with poor overlap for trigone, membranous urethra, penile bulb, and left and right neurovascular bundles (DSC = 0.44 ± 0.22; 0.41 ± 0.21; 0.66 ± 0.21; 0.16 ± 0.17; 0.15 ± 0.15). Pelvic floor muscles recorded moderate to strong inter-observer agreement (ICC = 0.50-0.97), although large outlier variations were observed. Conclusions Inter-observer contouring variation was significant for multiple pelvic structures contoured on MR.

Background: Urethral stricture is a disabling condition that remains prevalent due to the upsurge of sexually transmitted infections and traumatic lesions of the urethra during trauma of the pelvis in humans. Objective: Describe the epidemiological, clinical and radiological presentations of male urethral strictures. Method: It was a cross-sectional and descriptive study during a one-year period from January to December 2017 including all male patients presenting for a urethrocystography examination, at the Ngaoundere Radiology and Medical Imaging Center who agreed to participate. The urethrocystography technique depended on patient’s condition and was either retrograde, anterograde, or following intravenous urography. The examinations were performed with GE X-ray equipment using Kodak Dry View CRs. The interpretation was performed by a radiologist with at least five years of experience. The variables studied were age, clinic, history, uretrocystography technique and results. The data were collected using a previously established data sheet and processed with Sphinx Plus2 V5 and Microsoft Excel 2010 software. Results: 39 patients were enrolled in this study; the average age of our patients was 43.8 years with extremes of 4 and 76 years. The 50 - 60 age group (30.7%) was the most affected. Infection (53.9%) and trauma (23.1%) were the most common etiologies; dysuria (38.5%) and diminution of urinary flow (30.8%) were the most patient’s complaint. Retrograde urethrocystography (66.7%) was the most performed technic. Minimal bleeding in 46.2% of patients was the most common incident during urethrocystography; 76.9% of patients had a difficult urination and 7.7% an impassable urethral meatus. After interpretation, 84.6% of patients had urethral stenosis, which was associated with bladder diverticula (23%) and fistulas (15.3%). The stenosis was seated on membranous urethra (81.8%), tight type (45.4%), short (66.7%) and single (81.8%). The post-void residue was significant in 84.6% of cases and not significant in 15.4% of cases. 15.3% of the urethrocystographies were normal. Conclusion: Urethral stenosis in Ngaoundere mainly affects young adult; the main etiology is infectious, very often unique, short, and tight and the membranous urethra is the seat of predilection. Hence, to reduce the extent of pathology with its functional consequences and its impact on the socio-professional life in our context, the focus should be on sexually transmitted infectious.

Background Nontransecting urethroplasty for pelvic fracture urethral injuries (PFUI) has been shown to have equivalent patency rates to the transecting anastomotic urethroplasty while resulting in a decreased de novo erectile dysfunction rate [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] . A barrier to more widespread adoption of the non-transecting technique is the perception that exposure and placement of the proximal anastomotic sutures is difficult, and that specialized instruments or retractors are necessary. Herein, we share our technique to demonstrate how to perform non-transecting anastomotic urethroplasty for PFUI with minimal specialized equipment and a training method for practicing the placement of the proximal anastomotic sutures. Materials and methods The nontransecting urethroplasty is performed on a 31-year-old male who suffered PFUI with a subsequent urethral obliteration at the level of the membranous urethra. The patient is placed in regular lithotomy, and a Lone Star (Cooper Surgical, Trumbull, CT) retractor with a vaginal pack tied to the head of the bed is used for exposure. Dissection is carried to the point of complete obliteration. Scar tissue is fully excised from both ends of the urethra while preserving the ventral spongiosum and bulbar arteries. Ten to 12 proximal anastomotic sutures are placed from outside to inside the lumen by employing the ski needle technique. We demonstrate a simple practice model built from common items to practice this versatile technique. The right sided sutures are then passed from inside to outside on the distal urethral end. A urethral catheter is placed followed by the remaining sutures. The central tendon is cut to increase urethral mobilization. The sutures are then tied down while the assistant provides cephalad traction of the bulbar urethra. Results The Foley catheter was removed after two weeks and the suprapubic tube was clamped. The suprapubic tube was removed one week later after demonstrating a post void residual of zero ml. The patient is completely continent and has excellent erectile function. Conclusion Nontransecting anastomotic urethroplasty is an excellent technique for treating PFUI while minimizing well-known complications of traditional excision and primary anastomotic posterior urethroplasty such as de novo erectile dysfunction. Proximal urethral suturing is a challenging aspect of posterior urethroplasty but can be mastered through practice on a suturing model.

Clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare tumor in the genitourinary tract with female predominance and few reports in men. We identified 15 cases of CCA in men evaluated at our institution. Five arose in the bladder, 7 in the prostate or prostatic urethra, 2 in the membranous urethra (1 multifocal in the prostatic and membranous urethra), 1 periprostatic (likely from an embryologic remnant), and 1 between rectum and bladder (likely in a prostatic utricle cyst). No cases showed associated Mullerian structures. One case showed separate foci of nephrogenic adenoma at diagnosis, and 1 case showed urothelial carcinoma in situ on a later follow-up biopsy. Four tumors extended into other organs (prostate to seminal vesicle and periprostatic soft tissue, periprostatic soft tissue to prostate, prostatic urethra to bladder and rectum, and prostate to bladder neck). One tumor showed extraprostatic extension alone. Four tumors metastasized to lymph nodes, with 3 also metastasizing to other sites (bladder, lung and adrenal, and right flank). Eleven patients underwent resection, including 3 transurethral resections. Seven underwent other treatments, including radiation (5 [1 for recurrence]), chemotherapy (3), hormonal therapy (3), immunotherapy with nivolumab (1), and targeted therapy with gefitinib (1). The mean follow-up was 35 months (range: 1 to 138 mo). At the last follow-up, 7 patients showed no evident disease and 3 were alive with disease. Four died with the cause of death unknown, with 2 cases having confirmed disease at the time of death and the remaining 2 dying less than a year after diagnosis. The mean time to death was 16 months (range: 6 to 39 mo). No follow-up was available on 1 patient. All patients who died in this series had CCA of the prostate or prostatic urethra. Pathologists need to be attuned to CCA occurring in males, given that the literature emphasizes its occurrence in females. In addition to established sites such as bladder and urethra, our series demonstrates that tumor may present in unusual adjacent sites, such as in periprostatic embryologic remnants or prostatic utricle.

Objectives To study the diffusion tensor-based fiber tracking feasibility to access the male urethral sphincter complex of patients with prostate cancer undergoing Retzius-sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP). Methods Twenty-eight patients (median age of 64.5 years old) underwent 3 T multiparametric-MRI of the prostate, including an additional echo-planar diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sequence, using 15 diffusion-encoding directions and a b value = 600 s/mm2. Acquisition parameters, together with patient motion and eddy currents corrections, were evaluated. The proximal and distal sphincters, and membranous urethra were reconstructed using the deterministic fiber assignment by continuous tracking (FACT) algorithm, optimizing fiber tracking parameters. Tract length and density, fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were computed. Regional differences between structures were accessed by ANOVA, or nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test, and post-hoc tests were employed, respectively, TukeyHSD or Dunn’s. Results The structures of the male urethral sphincter complex were clearly depicted by fiber tractography using optimized acquisition and fiber tracking parameters. The use of eddy currents and subject motion corrections did not yield statistically significant differences on the reported DTI metrics. Regional differences were found between all structures studied among patients, suggesting a quantitative differentiation on the structures based on DTI metrics. Conclusions The current study demonstrates the technical feasibility of the proposed methodology, to study in a preoperative setting the male urethral sphincter complex of prostate cancer patients candidates for surgical treatment. These findings may play a role on a more accurate prediction of the RS-RARP post-surgical urinary continence recovery rate.

Purpose Studies regarding predictive factors of urinary continence following Retzius-sparing radical prostatectomy is limited. This study was designed to evaluate association of urethral parameters on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and immediate recovery of urinary continence following Retzius-sparing robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP). Materials and Methods This retrospective cohort study enrolled 156 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent MRI before RS-RARP. We measured the following structures on preoperative MRI: minimal residual membranous urethral length (mRUL), peri-urethral sphincter complex (PSC) thickness, urethral wall thickness (UWT), the thicknesses of the levator ani muscle (LAM) and obturator internus muscle (OIM). Immediate urinary continence was defined as patients reported freedom from using safety pad within 7 days after removal of urinary catheter. Patients were divided into two groups according the median of each parameter on MRI. We retrospectively analyzed the patients in term of preoperative clinical factors and postoperative urinary continence. Results A total of 100 patients (64.1%) reported immediate urinary continence after RS-RARP. Immediate urinary continence was significantly more in patients with longer mRUL (≥ 8.70 mm) than in patients with shorter mRUL (< 8.70 mm; P= 0.000). On multivariable analysis, longer mRUL was significantly related to immediate urinary continence after RS-RAPA (odds ratio, 8.265, P= 0.000). PSC, UWT, LAM and OIM were not associated with immediate urinary continence. Conclusions Our results firstly demonstrated that preoperative mRUL measured on MRI was an independent predictor of immediate urinary continence following RS-RARP. Therefore, preservation of membranous urethra is still the anatomical basis of better urinary outcome after RS-RARP.

We herein report a rare case of nontraumatic urethral rupture. The patient presented with oliguria, perineal pain and anorexia, and a 3 cm fistula was located in the perineum. Computed tomography revealed a retroperitoneal abscess invading the urethra, and a retrograde urethrogram revealed the rupture of the membranous urethra. He had no history of perineum trauma or transurethral procedures. Although he underwent a suprapubic cystostomy and conservative therapy by antibiotics, he eventually died.

AIMS Assessing the reliability of electrical pain threshold (PT) and evaluating the impact of stimulation frequency at different locations in the healthy lower urinary tract (LUT). METHODS Ninety subjects (age: 18.3-35.8 years, 40 females, 50 males) were randomly allocated to one stimulation site (bladder dome [BD], trigone, proximal, membranous (only males), or distal urethra). Using 0.5 Hz/1.1 Hz/1.6 Hz electrical stimulation (square wave, pulse width:1 ms), current perception thresholds (CPTs), PTs and tolerance thresholds were assessed at two visits. Analyses were performed using linear mixed models, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman method. RESULTS PTs vary in relation to stimulation frequency, location and between genders. PT decreased with higher stimulation frequency. The highest PTs were measured at the BD and membranous urethra with males reporting higher PTs than females. Reliability of PT assessments according to ICC was good to excellent across all frequencies, locations, and genders (ICC = 0.61-0.97), except for BD and distal urethra in females showing poor to fair reliability (BD: all frequencies, distal urethra: 0.5 Hz). CONCLUSIONS PTs can be safely and reliably assessed from bladder and urethral locations. Semi-objective PT assessment may provide additional information on functionality and sensitivity of the LUT slow fiber afferents and complement findings from urodynamic investigations and CPT assessments. In conclusion, the developed methodology may open new opportunities for using electrical stimulation paradigms for LUT PT assessments and diagnostics. All this allows a more precise, location-specific characterization of pain origin and pain reaction towards therapy.

Urethral stricture is a well-known complication after transurethral surgeries. The incidence of urethral stricture after transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) varies between 2.2 and 9.8%. Most of the cases present within 6 months of transurethral surgery. Presentation is likely with poor flow, urinary tract infection or acute retention. A prospective study was undertaken from January 2010–June 2017 for the management of post TURP stricture. A total of 170 patients with stricture urethra due to TURP were studied. The age of patients was 54–87 years (mean age 67.34). The mean preop Qmax was 6.1 ml (range 0–15). The length of stricture varied from very short in the proximal bulbar to pan urethral stricture. Out of 170, 94 were treated with dorsal approach, 71 with ventral approach and 5 with simultaneous distal dorsal, proximal ventral approach. Five patients underwent endoscopic procedure. Mean BMG length was 6.25 cm (4–8) and width was 1.5 cm (1.3–1.8). Overall success rate was 82.43%. Urethral stricture is a well-known complication after transurethral surgeries. Post TURP can cause stricture at any part urethra. BMG mucosa Urethroplasty is the safe, feasible and offer long-term success in these patient and should be strongly considered over CIC and VIU. Ventral approach is best suited for proximal bulbar strictures close to membranous urethra. This is a continence preserving surgery.

Background The shape and function of the longitudinal muscular column (LMC) of the prostate have not been established in detail. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the roles of the LMC of the posterior wall of the prostatic urethra (PSU) in the emission phase of ejaculation by investigating the form and muscular arrangement of the LMC. Methods Prostates and urinary bladders were obtained from 14 Korean adult cadavers. Nine specimens were histologically analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and Verhoeff-van Gieson staining. Two specimens were scanned using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and all scanned images were reconstructed into a three-dimensional model. Results At the proximal level of the prostate, the ejaculatory ducts (EDs) and prostatic utricle (PU) together were surrounded by circular smooth-muscle fibers. However, at the seminal colliculus (SC) where the EDs and PU opened, they were mainly surrounded by an abundance of longitudinal fibers. The longitudinal fibers posterior to the EDs and PU formed a distinctive LMC in the posterior urethral wall. In histologic sections and micro-CT images, the LMC extended distally from the level of the SC to the level of the membranous urethra (MBU). We simulated a potential mechanism of LMC using a mathematical model of its movements. Conclusions Comprehensive analyses based on in-depth assessment of histologic characteristics and micro-CT images demonstrated extension of the LMC from the level of the SC to the level of the MBU, enabling a better understanding of ejaculation physiology involving the LMC. These results suggest that the LMC in the posterior wall of the PSU is a critical component of ejaculation by facilitating the ejection of seminal vesicle fluid into the PSU via well-coordinated contractions.

A wide spectrum of renal, ureteral, and urethral abnormalities has been reported in a patient born with Prune belly syndrome (PBS). The obstruction in the urinary tract can be found anywhere from uppermost (pelviureteral junction) to lowermost (prostatic membranous urethra) urinary tract. The mesenchymal developmental arrest is the main embryological factor responsible for the major features of the syndrome like urethral abnormalities or gastrointestinal abnormalities. PBS patients with urethral obstruction commonly had a patent urachus, because of which such patients survived, early death usually occurred in those patients who did not had a patent urachus. We are reporting an interesting case of prune belly syndrome with superior vesical fissure (an exstrophy variant). To the best of our knowledge this was first reported case of association of two congenital anomalies having common embryological defect process. Presence of superior vesical fissure gives a new insight about the benefits gained by the child for surviving with such fatal congenital anomalies.

The paper presents the technique of the reconstruction of the bulbar and membranous urethra in the occurrence of strictures and sphincter-stenosis. The method uses an autologous graft and has potential advantages over the bulboprostatic anastomosis. Objective. To develop a method of helping patients with existing urethral anastomoses, with a damaged neck of the bladder and a risk of subsequent incontinence, wishing to maintain the erectile function. Materials and methods. 35 patients underwent 36 reconstructions of the urethra from August 2013 to July 2017, 11 - after previous urethral plastics, 14 - after prostate surgery (4 - after radical prostatectomy), 7 - suffered from a urethral distraction defect. The age of the patients was 58.17 ± 12.2 years. The median follow-up period was 525 (341; 813) days. The average length of urethral strictures was 15 (10; 15) mm. The average diameter of the urethra in the stricture zone was 1.4 ± 0.56 mm. Reconstruction with the use of a buccal mucosa graft is performed intraurethrally through corpus spongiosum using magnifying optics. Results. The overall efficacy of the primary reconstruction in 35 patients was 94.2 %; the repeated reconstruction in two patients was successful. All patients underwent the comprehensive monitoring of the results, the average follow-up period was 654 days, the average relapse-free period was 447 days. All patients preserved continence and erectile function Conclusion. The proposed technique showed a high efficiency in reconstruction of the bulbar and membranous urethra.