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Background: To assess the feasibility of a novel intra-operative void scoring technique. To determine if intra-operative void score (VS) could act as a marker for post-operative success following TURP., Methods: Fifteen patients undergoing TURP were included in this single-centre feasibility study. All patients had indwelling urinary catheters for recurrent retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In theatre, immediately before- and after TURP, an intra-operative VS was measured and graded 0-5. Primary outcomes were the feasibility of measuring intra-operative VS and its accuracy in predicting surgical outcome., Results: A combined pre- and post-score with a threshold ≥6 correctly predicted 82% of those who were catheter free (sensitivity) and 100% of those who were not catheter free (specificity) at follow up and the positive predictive value was 100% and negative predictive value 60%., Conclusion: Intra-operative void score during TURP is simple, reproducible, fast and requires minimal resources. In TURP it may predict successful outcomes by identifying patients who will be catheter free post-operatively as opposed to those who will be catheter dependent despite the procedure., (© 2022 The Authors. ANZ Journal of Surgery published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

Background: In men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), biological fatherhood is only possibly by specialised microsurgical sperm retrieval techniques (micro-TESE), only recently introduced to South Africa. This study aimed to analyse the spectrum of causes of NOA and the outcomes of micro-TESE, including live births, following the use of this technique in South Africa., Methods: This was a retrospective review of all micro-TESE cases performed in South Africa by a single surgeon from 2014 to 2018. Data collected prospectively included: patient demographics, preoperative blood results, cause of azoospermia, intraoperative findings and postoperative complications. The primary outcome measured was surgical success of micro-TESE, which was defined as testicular sperm successfully retrieved and cryopreserved. Subsequent live births from assisted reproductive technology (ART) using the cryopreserved sperm were also documented., Results: Twenty-six men with NOA underwent micro-TESE between May 2014 and April 2018. Mean preoperative total testosterone level was 12.0 nmol/l (IQR 5.2) and follicle-stimulating hormone level 23.5 IU/l (IQR 15.6). Genetic testing was performed as part of the preoperative work-up in only 10 of the 26 patients. A specific cause of NOA was identified in 9 of the 26 patients and included Klinefelter syndrome (1 patient), Y-chromosome AZFc microdeletion (1 patient), undescended testicles (5 patients) and chemotherapy (2 patients). The average testicular volume was 9.05 ml (IQR 5.6), and the mean duration of surgery 95.8 minutes (IQR 28.0). The overall sperm retrieval rate was 34.6%. A single pregnancy and subsequent live birth were recorded from a total of eight cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): four female partners had one ICSI cycle each and two females underwent two cycles each. Frozen and thawed sperm was used in seven of the ICSI cycles and fresh sperm in one cycle., Conclusion: In this South African series, sperm retrieval rates of micro-TESE for non-obstructive azoospermia were comparable to those reported internationally. Preoperative genetic testing should be increased to optimise the selection of surgical candidates., (Copyright© Authors.)

Purpose: The recent rise in migration from Africa through the Mediterranean basin into Europe has resulted in an increased incidence of uncommon diseases such as schistosomiasis and genito-urinary tuberculosis, which were previously largely unknown in this region. This study aimed to evaluate the insight of European urologists into diagnosing and managing these disease conditions and to determine whether they were adequately prepared to deal with the changing disease spectrum in their countries., Methods: A survey including specific questions about the diagnosis and management of 'tropical' urological diseases was distributed among urologists working in Europe and Africa. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to detect the continent (African or European) effect on knowledge of and insight into tropical urological diseases., Results: A total of 312 surveys were administered. African and European respondents accounted for 109 (36.09%) and 193 (63.91%) respondents, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant deficiency in the knowledge of tropical urological diseases in the European cohort compared with the African cohort (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the European cohort, markedly superior knowledge of tropical urological diseases was observed for respondents who had previously worked in a developing country., Conclusions: Though European urologists are not required to have the same insight as African urologists, they showed a very unsatisfactory knowledge of tropical urological diseases. The experience of working in a developing country could improve the knowledge of European urologists regarding tropical urological diseases.

Introduction: Although many radiologists invoke the surgical classification of renal injury proposed by the American Association for Surgery in Trauma (AAST), there has been only limited work on the role of the AAST system as an imaging stratification. The aim was to determine the inter-rater reliability (IRR) amongst radiologists and urologists using the AAST system., Methods: A 1-year retrospective study of consecutive patients with computed tomography (CT) evidence of renal trauma managed at a Level 1 trauma center. Three radiologists and three urologists independently stratified the presentation CT findings according to the AAST renal trauma classification. Agreement between independent raters and mutually exclusive groups was determined utilizing weighted kappa coefficients., Results: One hundred and one patients were included. Individual inter-observer agreements ranged from 54/101 (53.4%) to 62/101 (61.4%), with corresponding weighted kappa values from 0.61 to 0.69, constituting substantial agreement. Urologists achieved intra-disciplinary agreement in 49 cases (48.5%) and radiologists in 36 cases (35.6%). Six-reader agreement was achieved in 24 cases (23.7%). The AAST grade I injuries had the highest level of agreement, overall., Conclusion: The finding of substantial IRR amongst radiologists and urologists utilizing the AAST system supports continued use of the broad parameters of the AAST system, with some modification in specific categories with lower agreement.

Introduction: Ritual circumcision complicated by gangrene is a leading cause of penile loss in young men in South Africa. This deeply rooted cultural tradition is unlikely to be abolished. Conventional reconstructive techniques using free vascularised tissue flaps with penile implants are undesirable in this often socioeconomically challenged group because donor site morbidity can hinder manual labour and vigorous sexual activity might lead to penile implant extrusion. The psychosociological effects of penile loss in a young man are devastating and replacing it with the same organ is likely to produce the maximum benefit., Methods: We first performed a cadaver-to-cadaver penile transplantation as preparation. After approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee was obtained, we recruited potential recipients. We screened the potential participants for both physical and psychological characteristics, including penile stump length, and emotional suitability for the procedure. A suitable donor became available and the penis was harvested. We surgically prepared the penile stump of the recipient and attached the penile graft. Immunosuppression treatment with antithymyocyte globulin, methylprednisolone, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone were commenced. Tadalafil at 5 mg once per day was commenced after 1 week as penile rehabilitation and was continued for 3 months. We collected on quality-of-life scores (Short Form 36 version 2 [SF-36v2] questionnaires) before surgery and during follow-up and measured erectile function (International Index for Erectile Function [IIEF] score) and urine flow rates at 24 months post transplant., Findings: The warm ischaemia time for the graft after removal was 4 min and the cold ischaemia time was 16 h. The surgery lasted 9 h. An arterial thrombus required urgent revision 8 h after the operation. On post operative day 6, an infected haematoma and an area of proximal skin necrosis were surgically treated. The recipient was discharged after 1 month and first reported satisfactory sexual intercourse 1 week later (despite advice to the contrary). The recipient reported regular sexual intercourse from 3 months after the operation. An episode of acute kidney injury at 7 months was reversed by reducing the tacrolimus dose to 14 mg twice per day. At 8 months after surgery, the patient had a skin infection with phaeohyphomycosis due to Alternaria alternata, which we treated with topical antifungal medication. Quality-of-life scores improved substantially after the operation (SF-36v2 mental health scores improved from 25 preoperatively, to 57 at 6 months and 46 at 24 months post transplant; physical health scores improved from 37 at baseline to 60 at 6 months and 59 at 24 months post-transplant). At 24 months, measured maximum urine flow rate (16·3 mL/s from a volume voided of 109 mL) and IIEF score (overall satisfaction score of 8 from a maximum of 10) were normal, showing normal voiding and erectile function, respectively., Interpretation: Penile transplantation restored normal physiological functions in this transplant recipient without major complications in the first 24 months., Funding: Department of Health, Western Cape Government., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction. Transrectal biopsy in suspected adenocarcinoma of the prostate (ACP) may cause significant morbidity and even mortality. A strong association between serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and tumour burden exists. If biopsy can be avoided in advanced disease, much morbidity and cost may be saved.Objective. To evaluate the reliability of using PSA and clinical features to establish a non-histological diagnosis of ACP.Methods. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was used in 825 (56.2%) of 1 467 men with ACP. The diagnosis of ACP was made histologically in 607 patients (73.6%) and clinically alone in 218 (26.4%), based on a serum PSA level of &gt;60 ng/ml, and/or clinical evidence of a T3 - T4 tumour on digital rectal examination, and/or imaging evidence of metastases. We compared two randomly selected groups treated with bilateral orchidectomy (BO) based on a clinical-only (n=90) v. histological (n=96) diagnosis of ACP.Results. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to mean follow-up (26.1 v. 26.8 months), documented PSA relapse (70% v. 67.7%), and patients alive at last follow-up (91.1% v. 95.8%). ZAR1 068 200 (US$1 = ZAR8) was saved by treating men with advanced ACP on the basis of a clinical (non-histological) diagnosis only, and a total of ZAR24 321 000 was saved by using BO instead of luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonists as ADT.Conclusion. A reliable clinical (non-histological) diagnosis of advanced ACP can be made based on serum PSA and clinical features. This avoids the discomfort and potentially serious complications of biopsy and saves cost.

The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-infected people has led to a dramatic decrease in the incidence of opportunistic infections and virus-related malignancies such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma, but not cervical or anal cancer. Advanced-stage cervical cancer is associated with a high incidence of urological complications such as hydronephrosis, renal failure, and vesicovaginal fistula. Adult male circumcison can significantly reduce the risk of male HIV acquisition. Although HAART does not completely eradicate HIV, compliance with medication increases life expectancy. HIV infection or treatment can result in renal failure, which can be managed with dialysis and transplantation (as for HIV-negative patients). Although treatment for erectile dysfunction--including phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, intracavernosal injection therapy, and penile prosthesis--can increase the risk of HIV transmission, treatment decisions for men with erectile dysfunction should not be determined by HIV status. The challenges faced when administering chemotherapy to HIV-infected patients with cancer include late presentation, immunodeficiency, drug interactions, and adverse effects associated with compounded medications. Nonetheless, HIV-infected patients should receive the same cancer treatment as HIV-negative patients. The urologist is increasingly likely to encounter HIV-positive patients who present with the same urological problems as the general population, because HAART confers a prolonged life expectancy. Performing surgery in an HIV-infected individual raises safety issues for both the patient (if severely immunocompromised) and the surgeon, but the risk of HIV transmission from patients on fully suppressive HAART is small.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of prostatitis on histopathological evaluation of prostatic tissue in men without urinary retention., Design, Setting and Subjects: The clinical data and histopathology reports of men seen from January 1999 through March 2009 at our institution were analysed using Student's t-test, the Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact test where appropriate. Values were expressed as means, medians and ranges (p<0.05 accepted as statistically significant)., Outcome Measures: Data collected included patient age, duration of lower urinary tract symptoms and hospitalisation, findings on digital rectal examination, prostate volume, haemoglobin concentration, serum creatinine and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and histological findings., Results: Prostatic tissue of 385 men without urinary retention at presentation was obtained via biopsy (48.3% of cases), transurethral prostatectomy (62.9%), retropubic prostatectomy (6.8%) or radical prostatectomy (28.3%). On histological examination, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was found to be present in 213 patients (55.3%) and adenocarcinoma of the prostate (ACP) in 172 (44.7%). Histological prostatitis was present in 130 patients (61.0%) with BPH and 51 (29.7%) with ACP (p<0.001). A previous study of 405 men presenting with urinary retention at our institution showed histological prostatitis in 98/204 (48.0%) with BPH and in 51/201 (25.4%) with ACP. The group of men with BPH alone had a significantly lower mean serum PSA at presentation (4.5 ng/ml, range 0.3 - 20.8 ng/ml) compared with the group with BPH and prostatitis (11.2 ng/ml, range 0.2 - 145 ng/ml, p=0.011). The mean PSA level at presentation did not differ significantly between the group with ACP only (40.9 ng/ml, range 0 - 255 ng/ml) and the group with ACP plus prostatitis (1 672 ng/ml, range 0.3 - 38 169 ng/ml, p=0.076)., Conclusions: Among men presenting without urinary retention, histological prostatitis was significantly more prevalent in those with BPH than in those with ACP (61% v. 30%), similar to the previous study of men presenting with retention at our institution, in which histological prostatitis was significantly more prevalent in BPH than in ACP (48% v. 25%). This finding suggests that histological prostatitis is not significantly associated with the causation of ACP or urinary retention. Serum PSA at presentation was significantly higher in the group with BPH plus prostatitis compared with BPH alone, but not in the group with ACP plus prostatitis compared with ACP alone.

Objective: To compare the clinical features of patients having urinary retention and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with those having adenocarcinoma of the prostate (ACP) and to evaluate the significance of histological prostatitis., Patients and Methods: The clinical data and histopathology reports of patients with retention admitted to Tygerberg Hospital between September 1998 and June 2007 were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact test where appropriate and P < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance., Results: Prostatic histology was available in 405 patients, 204 with BPH and 201 with ACP. Comparing those with BPH and those with ACP showed statistically significant differences in mean age (69.5 vs 71.9 years), serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level (18.6 vs 899.5 ng/mL) and histological prostatitis (48 vs 25%) but not duration of catheterization, prostate volume or urinary tract infection (UTI). Comparing those with BPH only and those with BPH plus prostatitis showed significant differences in mean age (71.9 vs 67.1 year) and PSA level (14.6 vs 22.8 ng/mL) but not prostate volume, UTI or duration of catheterization. Comparing those with ACP only and those with ACP plus prostatitis showed significant differences in stage T4 cancer (68.1 vs 35.4%) and PSA level (1123.4 vs 232.4 ng/mL) but not age, prostate volume, UTI or duration of catheterization., Conclusions: Histological prostatitis was almost twice as common in patients with urinary retention associated with underlying BPH than in patients with ACP, but there was no significant difference in the duration of catheterization, prostatic volume or presence of UTI, suggesting that histological prostatitis more often contributes to the development of retention in patients with underlying BPH than in those with ACP. In patients with BPH, histological prostatitis was associated with urinary retention at a significantly younger age and with higher serum PSA levels. In patients with ACP, histological prostatitis was associated with urinary retention at an earlier stage of cancer., (© 2011 THE AUTHORS. BJU INTERNATIONAL © 2011 BJU INTERNATIONAL.)

Purpose: To design a simple, cost-effective system for gaining rapid and accurate calyceal access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)., Materials and Methods: The design consists of a low-cost, light-weight, portable mechanical gantry with a needle guiding device. Using C-arm fluoroscopy, two images of the contrast-filled renal collecting system are obtained: at 0-degrees (perpendicular to the kidney) and 20-degrees. These images are relayed to a laptop computer containing the software and graphic user interface for selecting the targeted calyx. The software provides numerical settings for the 3 axes of the gantry, which are used to position the needle guiding device. The needle is advanced through the guide to the depth calculated by the software, thus puncturing the targeted calyx. Testing of the system was performed on 2 target types: 1) radiolucent plastic tubes the approximate size of a renal calyx (5 or 10 mm in diameter, 30 mm in length); and 2) foam-occluded, contrast-filled porcine kidneys., Results: Tests using target type 1 with 10 mm diameter (n=14) and 5 mm diameter (n=7) tubes resulted in a 100% targeting success rate, with a mean procedure duration of 10 minutes. Tests using target type 2 (n=2) were both successful, with accurate puncturing of the selected renal calyx, and a mean procedure duration of 15 minutes., Conclusions: The mechanical gantry system described in this paper is low-cost, portable, light-weight, and simple to set up and operate. C-arm fluoroscopy is limited to two images, thus reducing radiation exposure significantly. Testing of the system showed an extremely high degree of accuracy in gaining precise access to a targeted renal calyx.

Objectives: To compare the characteristics of confirmed vs suspected cases of urogenital tuberculosis (UGTB) in a geographic region with an extremely high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis. UGTB is notoriously difficult to diagnose., Methods: A retrospective clinical record review was performed of 68 patients treated from March 1998 to July 2007. Group 1 (n = 45) had UGTB confirmed by microbiologic or histologic examination. Group 2 (n = 23) had a high suspicion of UGTB because of the clinical features, but no microbiologic or histologic confirmation. The data were collected and statistically analyzed using Student's t test for parametric data and Fisher's exact test for contingency tables (P < .05 was accepted as statistically significant)., Results: The clinical characteristics were not significantly different statistically, except for flank pain (14% vs 43%), renal cavitation (14% vs 44%), urolithiasis (0% vs 25%), and ureteral stricture formation (7% vs 39%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Anti-TB medication was given to 7 patients (30%) in group 2 despite the lack of a confirmed diagnosis. The outcome in terms of complications and renal function loss was not significantly different between the 2 groups., Conclusions: Flank pain, renal cavitation, urolithiasis, and ureteral stricture formation were significantly more common in the group with suspected UGTB than in those with confirmed UGTB. However, other clinical characteristics did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. In patients with clinical features highly suspicious of UGTB, it appears reasonable to institute anti-TB treatment, despite the lack of a confirmed diagnosis.