'Waterproofing layers' for urethrocutaneous fistula repair after hypospadias surgery: evidence synthesis with systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the available evidence and to quantitatively evaluate the global results of different waterproofing layers in substantiating the UCF repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After defining the study protocol, the review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines by a team comprising experts in hypospadiology, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, epidemiology, biostatistics and data science. Studies published from 2000 onwards, reporting on the results of UCF closure after hypospadias repair were searched for on PUBMED, Embase and Google Scholar. Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Checklist (JBI) critical appraisal tool. The results with different techniques were compared with the two samples independent proportions test with the help of Microsoft Excel, MedCalc software and an online calculator. RESULTS: Seventy-three studies were shortlisted for the synthesis; the final analysis included 2886 patients (71 studies) with UCF repair failure in 539. A summary of various dimensions involved with the UCF repair has been generated including time gap after last surgery, stent-vs-no stent, supra-pubic catheterization, suture material, suturing technique, associated anomalies, complications, etc. The success rates associated with different techniques were calculated and compared: simple catheterization (100%), simple primary closure (73.2%), dartos (78.8%), double dartos flaps (81%), scrotal flaps (94.6%), tunica vaginalis (94.3%), PATIO repair (93.5%), biomaterials or dermal substitutes (92%), biocompatible adhesives (56.5%) and skin-based flaps (54.5%). Several techniques were identified as solitary publications and discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Tunica vaginalis and scrotal flaps offer the best results after UCF closure in the synthesis. However, it is not possible to label any technique as ideal or perfect. Almost all popular waterproofing layers have depicted absolute (100%) success sometimes. There are a vast number of other factors (patient's local anatomy, surgeon's expertise and technical perspectives) which influence the final outcome.

Urethrocutaneous fistula following VMMC: a case series from March 2013 to October 2019 in ZAZIC's voluntary medical male circumcision program in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: Urethrocutaneous fistula (subsequently, fistula) is a rare adverse event (AE) in voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) programs. Global fistula rates of 0.19 and 0.28 per 100,000 VMMCs were reported. Management of fistula can be complex and requires expert skills. We describe seven cases of fistula in our large-scale VMMC program in Zimbabwe. We present fistula rates; provide an overview of initial management, surgical interventions, and patient outcomes; discuss causes; and suggest future prevention efforts. RESULTS: Case details are presented on fistulas identified between March 2013 and October 2019. Among the seven fistula clients, ages ranged from 10 to 22 years; 6 cases were among boys under 15 years of age. All clients received surgical VMMC by trained providers in an outreach setting. Clients presented with fistulae 2-42 days after VMMC. Secondary infection was identified in 6 of 7 cases. Six cases were managed through surgical repair. The number of repair attempts ranged from 1 to 10. One case healed spontaneously with conservative management. Fistula rates are presented as cases/100,000 VMMCs. CONCLUSION: Fistula is an uncommon but severe AE that requires clinical expertise for successful management and repair. High-quality AE surveillance should identify fistula promptly and include consultation with experienced urologists. Strengthening provider surgical skills and establishment of standard protocols for fistula management would aid future prevention efforts in VMMC programs.

[Retrograde intrarenal surgery for kidney diseases].

INTRODUCTION: Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is being actively implemented in the treatment of renal stones and other diseases. If necessary, RIRS can be combined with percutaneous procedures. AIM: To study the results of RIRS in patients with nephrolithiasis and various renal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 106 patients who undergone RIRS were included in the study. There were 66 men (63.4%) and 40 women (36.6%). Mean age was 46.8+/-15.6 years. The indication for RIRS in 84 (79.2%) patients was renal stones. Calculus in calyceal diverticulum were diagnosed in 6 (5.7%), encrusted stents in 8 (7.7%), urinary fistulas after partial nephrectomy in 5 (4.7%), pelvis tumors in 2 (1.9%), pelvis perforation after marsupialization of parapelvic cyst in 1 (0.9%) patient, respectively. Simultaneous retro- and antegrade procedures were performed in 27 (25.5%) cases. In those with nephrolithiasis and encrusted stents, lithotripsy was done with the removal of stone fragments. Two patients underwent endoscopic resection of the pelvis tumor. In six patients, the neck of the diverticulum was incised after lithotripsy, while in five cases retrograde endoscopically controlled percutaneous treatment urinary fistulae was performed. In one case, laser fulguration of the pelvis defect with stenting was done. RESULTS: RIRS was effective in 72 (85.7%) of 84 patients with renal stones. The operation time was 70.8+/-10.2 minutes. In 12 (14.3%) cases with residual fragments, extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (n=7) and repeated RIRS (n=5) were performed. The efficiency of RIRS after two sessions was 91.7%. Complications were observed in 11 (10.4%) patients. With encrusted stents, the operation time was 95.0+/-16.5 min. After laser fragmentation of encrustations in the lower part of the stent, percutaneous lithotripsy was performed with antegrade removal of its upper half. The time for RIRS in those with diverticula was 60.0+/-8.5 min, the average stone size was 8 mm (from 6 to 10 mm). In all cases lithotripsy with mucosal fulguration was successfully done. The procedures for urinary fistulae were also effective (operation time was 45.0 +/- 20.5 minutes) and there were no complications. CONCLUSION: RIRS is a safe and effective treatment for patients with nephrolithiasis and other kidney disorders. Modern flexible ureteroscopes allows to examine the collecting system and to perform lithotripsy and removal of stone fragments.

Systematic Review of the Management of Ureteroarterial Fistulas After Ileal Conduit Urinary Diversion.

OBJECTIVE. No studies or guidelines exist to direct management of ureteroarterial fistula (UAF) after ileal conduit urinary diversion in which the possible risks and complications associated with stent-graft infection from the conduit flora must be reconciled with those of open surgical repair. This study seeks to characterize the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and optimal diagnostic and therapeutic management of this entity through a systematic review of the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A systematic search of the English-language literature using the PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases was performed: 264 abstracts were identified. From those abstracts, 32 studies comprising 40 patients with 43 UAFs were selected for analysis. Data points including demographics, clinical presentation, UAF specifications, procedural details, postprocedural complications, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS. Predisposing factors included female sex, chronic ureteral stent placement, and past surgical intervention and irradiation for pelvic malignancy. Fistulization was overwhelmingly unilateral (95.0% of patients) and included the common iliac artery (90.7% of UAFs). Combined endovascular and endoureteral modalities presented similar outcomes compared with surgical approaches in terms of UAF-related mortality (7.1% vs 13.3%, respectively) and complication rates (28.6% vs 26.7%) during a similar median follow-up period (9.5 vs 14.0 months). Endovascular stent-graft infections were present in 14.3% of cases and represented a leading indication for reintervention after endovascular management (50.0%). CONCLUSION. Short- and intermediate-term outcomes of combined endovascular and endoureteral techniques compare favorably with those of surgical approaches in the treatment of UAF after ileal conduit urinary diversion. Although there is a relatively low stent-graft infection rate, close follow-up within the first year after the procedure is required given the propensity of complications to develop during this window. The use of postprocedural antibiotics is uncertain but is likely prudent.

Transanal fistulectomy for postoperative persistent rectourethral fistula in patients with ARM: is simple resection enough?

BACKGROUND: Postoperative rectourethral fistula (RUF) in patients with congenital anorectal malformation (ARM) remains a challenge for paediatric surgeons, among them persistent fistula is the most common. Various techniques have been proposed, only a few reports based on different causes are available, and there is no consensus so far. This study is to evaluate the application, advantages and limitations of transanal fistulectomy approach in repairing persistent RUF in ARM patients. METHODS: From January 2007 to July 2019, 78 ARM patients who received revisional surgery for RUF were reviewed, 34 persistent fistulas were identified. Examination under anaesthesia included patients with fistulas that were located within 3 cm from the anus verge, good appearance of the anus and sphincter function, and no urethral and rectoanal obstruction. Three patients were excluded because of complex urologic pathologic defects. In total, thirty-one patients underwent transanal fistulectomy to repair RUF. RESULTS: All cases were approached with transanal incision and fistulectomy to repair RUF. The average operative time was 91 ± 35 min. At a minimum six-month follow-up, 29 patients healed after the first attempt, the success closure rate was 93.5%. Two patients received redo transanal fistulectomy and healed. Two patients had postoperative complications: one patient had urethral stenosis and it was managed by dilation; one patient had urethral diverticulum but it did not require revisional surgery. No patient in this study was incontinent because of the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Transanal fistulectomy provides a simple, straightforward, and safe approach to repair persistent RUF in ARM patients, especially in those with a low-lying fistula, good anus appearance and sphincter function without obstruction in the rectum or urethra. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

The effect of plasma rich platelet graft on post-operative complications in mid-penile hypospadias.

Hypospadias is one of the most common penile congenital anomalies, which often requires a surgical approach. After the hypospadias is repaired, urethral fistula can occur in around 20% of patients. In this study, we used platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to reduce the urethral fistula and other post-operative complications after hypospadias repair. Only patients with primary mid-penile hypospadias were included study. Patients with forms other than mid-penile hypospadias and cases with previous hypospadias surgery were excluded from the study. A total of 40 hypospadias patients were included in this study. These patients were divided into groups A and B with 20 patients in each group. Hypospadias repair was performed with the Snodgrass TIPU technique on both groups. PRP was used with group A, and PRP was not use with group B. These two groups were compared in terms of early and long-term post-operative complications. Both early and long-term post-operative UCF, urethral stenosis and post-operative infection rates were lower in the group using PRP, group A. PRP has the potential to prevent post-operative complications occurring after hypospadias repair, particularly post-operative infection.

The Application of Multilayer Direct Closure With a Longitudinal Relaxing Incision in Urethrocutaneous Fistula Repair.

The simple closure of a urethrocutaneous fistula is technically easy, but direct suture tension is associated with a higher urethral fistula recurrence rate. We describe a multilayer direct closure with a longitudinal relaxing incision in urethrocutaneous fistula repair, avoiding the tension associated with the direct suturing of the surgical skin wound. From March 2015 to January 2018, 46 urethrocutaneous fistulas in 34 patients were repaired at the Hypospadias Center of our hospital. During the operations, after the urethral fistula closure, a longitudinal penile skin incision was created 0.5 to 1.5 cm from the edge of the surgical wound. The penile skin wound was closed, and the longitudinal penile skin incision made during the operation was used as a relaxing incision to reduce the skin tension of the closed fistula area. The urethral fistula repairs were successful, and no signs of infection or poor healing were present at the closure sites of the penile skin wounds. The relaxing incisions gradually healed within 7 to 21 days after operation, and the residual scars were soft and did not significantly differ in color from normal skin. The key to increasing the success rate of urethrocutaneous fistula repair is creating a longitudinal relaxing penile skin incision. The technique aims to avoid the direct suture tension of the penile skin wound, thereby providing a favorable environment for the normal healing of the urethral fistula suture site.

Endovascular management of arterio-ureteral fistula in a patient with a challenging hematuria.

Arterio-ureteral fistula (AUF) is a rare, but life-threatening disease that causes massive hematuria. We present a case of a 43-year-old female with AUF successfully treated with coil embolization and deployment of endovascular stents, along with a literature review. AUF symptoms most commonly occur with intermittent hematuria. AUF can occur in association with ureteral stenting, radiation, and prior pelvic or vascular surgery. Arteriography or ureteral pyelography are recommended as the most effective diagnostic strategies. Recent treatment efforts have focused on the use of endovascular stenting techniques as an alternative to open surgery.

Complications of Recognized and Unrecognized Iatrogenic Ureteral Injury at Time of Hysterectomy: A Population Based Analysis.

PURPOSE: Ureteral injury represents an uncommon but potentially morbid surgical complication. We sought to characterize the complications of iatrogenic ureteral injury and assess the effect of recognized vs delayed recognition on patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent hysterectomy were identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project California State Inpatient Database for 2007 to 2011. Ureteral injuries were identified and categorized as recognized-diagnosed/repaired on the day of hysterectomy and unrecognized-diagnosed/repaired postoperatively. We assessed the outcomes of 90-day hospital readmission as well as 1-year outcomes of nephrostomy tube placement, urinary fistula, acute renal failure, sepsis and overall mortality. The independent effects of recognized and unrecognized ureteral injuries were determined on multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Ureteral injury occurred in 1,753 of 223,872 patients (0.78%) treated with hysterectomy and it was unrecognized in 1,094 (62.4%). The 90-day readmission rate increased from a baseline of 5.7% to 13.4% and 67.3% after recognized and unrecognized injury, respectively. Nephrostomy tubes were required in 2.3% of recognized and 23.4% of unrecognized ureteral injury cases. Recognized and unrecognized ureteral injuries independently increased the risk of sepsis (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.5 and 11.9, 95% CI 9.9-14.3) and urinary fistula (aOR 5.9, 95% CI 2.2-16 and 124, 95% CI 95.7-160, respectively). During followup unrecognized ureteral injury increased the odds of acute renal insufficiency (aOR 23.8, 95% CI 20.1-28.2) and death (1.4, 95% CI 1.03-1.9, p = 0032). CONCLUSIONS: Iatrogenic ureteral injury increases the risk of hospital readmission and significant, potentially life threatening complications. Unrecognized ureteral injury markedly increases these risks, warranting a high level of suspicion for ureteral injury and a low threshold for diagnostic investigation.

Urethral Complications After Transgender Phalloplasty: Strategies to Treat Them and Minimize Their Occurrence.

Radial forearm free flap phalloplasty (RFFP) is the current standard of care for most FTM gender confirmation surgeries. This procedure is associated with a rate of urethral stricture as high as 51%, which falls only to 23-35% even among the most experienced contemporary surgeons. While some modifications have been proposed to combat this high complication rate, it still remains a major source of lasting morbidity. The method involves literature review of RFFP literature. Lowest stricture rates are found when neourethra is made with a long, meticulously constructed tube of well-vascularized perivaginal/periurethral and labia minora tissue. In cases of urethral stricture, urethroplasty is required in 94-96% of patients. Surgery should be delayed until all acute inflammation has subsided. Urethroplasty is technically challenging and fails in up to 50% of cases. Repeated surgery or salvage urethral exteriorization procedures, which can leave the patient with lifelong perineal urethrostomy, are often required. Patient and physician knowledge regarding the high burden and poor treatment options for urethral stricture after phalloplasty is incomplete, and patient acceptance of this reality is crucial for honest understanding of the potential complications of this increasingly common but extremely complex surgery. Clin. Anat. 31:187-190, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Endoureteral coil embolization of an ureteral arterial fistula.

Background Ureteral arterial fistulas are rare but potentially life threatening. We present a female who developed a ureteral arterial fistula following a right robotic nephrectomy. After several endovascular interventions to control the bleeding had failed, we approached the fistula through the right ureteral stump with coil embolization. Methods Coil embolization of the right ureteral stump was performed. We utilized a 6Fr × 45 cm sheath inserted through one of the cystoscope channels to cannulate the right ureteral orifice. We then performed a retrograde ureterogram. After, we were able to visualize full length of the ureter, ahd we began placing several 10-12 mm Nester coils to pack the ureter and tamponade the fistula for hemostasis. After the ureter was packed, we injected 1 g of Vancomycin into the ureter. The sheath and cytoscope were removed and the patient did well and was sent to the recovery room. Results Postoperatively, the patient had no complaints of hematuria and her hemoglobin level remained unchanged. She was observed for a few days prior to being discharged to home. The patient's follow-up at six months revealed resolution of her hematuria. Conclusion Ureteral arterial fistula is a potentially life-threatening condition. Endovascular stenting has provided a safe, reliable alternative to open surgery. However, when endovascular options are not satisfactory, coil embolization of the ureteral stump may serve as a safe and effective alternative treatment for these cases.

Modified PATIO repair for urethrocutaneous fistula post-hypospadias repair: operative technique and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: To describe a modification of PATIO repair for urethrocutaneous fistula repair and evaluate its outcome. METHODS: We studied 15 boys who underwent modified PATIO repair from Jan 2010 to Sept 2015. Parameters studied included age, type of hypospadias, age at first urethroplasty, hypospadias repair technique, number of urethroplasties required, location of fistula, time gap between urethroplasty and fistula repair, method of fistula repair, and outcome of fistula repair. RESULTS: Mean age of the studied patients was 67.6 months (38-139). Type of hypospadias was Coronal = 3, subcoronal = 8, mid-penile = 2, prominal penile = 1, and penoscrotal = 1. Ten patients had single urethroplasty, while two patients had two urethroplasties, details not available for three patients. Average age at urethroplasty was 43.4 months (18-110). 12 patients had Snodgrass repair, Mathieu = 1 patient, tubularised plate repair = 1 patient, and unknown = 1 patient. Location of fistula was coronal in nine patients and subcoronal in six patients. Average operative time was 47.2 min (30-68). Follow-up is available for 12 patients out of which 2 patients had recurrent fistula, one of which was successfully treated by the redo modified PATIO method. CONCLUSION: Modified PATIO method is technically easy method for urethrocutaneous fistula repair, with less operating time and good postoperative outcomes.

Scrotal-Septal Fasciocutaneous Flap Used as a Multifunctional Coverage for Prior Failed Hypospadias Repair.

OBJECTIVES: The study aims to report the method and outcome of using scrotal-septal fasciocutaneous flap as a multifunctional coverage for prior failed hypospadias repair. METHODS: From January 2014 to June 2015, 18 hypospadias patients who have undergone repeated failed surgeries were enrolled. Their penile skin, urethral plate and dartos fascia are not enough to reconstruct the urethra, but have well-developed scrota. We performed urethroplasty by buccal mucosa free grafting and tubularized anastomosis 6 months after the urethroplasty. Then, scrotal-septal fasciocutaneous flap was used to be a multifunctional coverage on the surface of anastomotic urethra, which was a waterproof layer and cutaneous coverage. RESULTS: The skin flaps survived and the incisions healed in 18 patients. No fistula and stricture occurred. The scar of donor site seemed like a new scrotal raphe. The flap can slip slightly along with the preputial movement and retain the original sense of touch. All patients were followed up at 1 and 6 months by telephone or in person and gained good recoveries. CONCLUSION: Scrotal-septal fasciocutaneous flap, including sufficient fascia tissue, reliable blood supply and skin coverage, is a good choice for the coverage of anastomotic urethra as both the waterproof layer and skin coverage, especially for hypospadias patients who have undergone several failed operations.

Laparoscopic Psoas Hitch Double Ureteral Re-implantation in the Duplex Urinary System for Treatment of Ureterovaginal Fistula.

INTRODUCTION: Although laparoscopy is widely established for ablative urologic procedures, pelvic reconstructive procedures are still mostly performed by open-surgery. As urologists continue to introduce advanced laparoscopic skills to reconstructive urologic procedures, we present our experience with a laparoscopic psoas hitch double ureteral re-implantation in a patient with an ureterovaginal fistula and an ipsilateral duplex urinary system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 42-year-old patient presented with continuous involuntary urine loss from the vagina after an abdominal hysterectomy. A double modified Lich-Gregoir ureteral re-implantation with a psoas hitch was performed, using a 4-port laparoscopic approach. RESULTS: There were no post-operative complications and the cystography at post-operative day 14 revealed good positioning of the psoas hitch, with no leak or reflux. At three-months follow-up, the patient is completely dry and asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy with psoas hitch for the treatment of lesions of the distal ureter is a possible, safe, and effective way to resolve a complex urologic situation with minimally invasive surgery. Laparoscopy is becoming the standard approach to urologic pelvic reconstructive procedures, even in the most complex cases.

[Urethral Fistula Caused by an Urethrovesical Foreign Body : A Case Report].

A 68-year-old man presented with the chief complaint of swelling of the penis. A pencil had been inserted into his urethra by a commercial sex worker for sexual stimulation. On a computed tomography (CT) scan, a foreign object was visible throughout the urethra and in the urinary bladder. Cystoscopy performed under spinal anesthesia showed a pencil in the urethra. We attempted removing the object endoscopically by using a Holmium laser. However, the endoscopic procedure failed and finally, we removed the object by transvesical open surgery. At the same time, suprapubic cystostomy was performed for the disorder of the urethra. An anterior urethrocutaneous fistula was formed 5 days after the operation. After removal of the urethral catheter, he was managed with only suprapubic cystostomy. Conservative management of the urethrocutaneous fistula was effective. The fistula was completely closed 26 days after the operation. He was discharged 33 days after the operation.

ENDOSCOPIC SHIELDING OF RECTOURETHRAL FISTULA AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY; REPORT OF A CASE.

Rectourethral fistulais a relatively rare complication of radical prostatectomy but is extremely difficult to treat. We report a case with post-laparoscopic radical prostatectomy rectourethral fistula, treated with only endoscopic shielding.A 75-year-old man had undergone laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, cT2cN0M0. Although there was no finding of rectal injury during the operation, pneumaturia, pyuria and diarrhea appeared at postoperative day 21 and diagnosed rectourethral fistula by colonoscopy and amidotrizoic acid enema. The fistula did not close spontaneously. Four months after the prostatectomy, we treated with endoscopic shielding by use of polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue. The fistula have not recurred for 20 months after the endoscopic procedure.This method is simple and less-invasive for patients. We think it is worth trying this method before surgical management for narrow rectourethral fistula following radical prostatectomy.

Ureterovaginal fistula after insertion of a McDonald suture: Case report and review of published reports.

Complications associated with cerclage that are commonly described in the existing published reports include injuries to the cervix or bladder, premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis and bleeding. We report an unusual complication of a ureterovaginal fistula formation after the insertion of a McDonald suture.

Soft tissue interposition is effective for protecting the neourethra during hypospadias surgery and preventing postoperative urethrocutaneous fistula: a single surgeon's experience of 243 cases.

PURPOSE: Soft tissue interposition (STI) during hypospadias repair (HR) purportedly prevents postoperative urethrocutaneous fistula (PUF) by supporting the neourethra. We report our experience. METHODS: Data from 243 hypospadias patients treated by a single surgeon from 1997 to 2014 by urethroplasty (UP) with STI (n = 229; UP + STI) and UP without STI (n = 14; UP-STI) were collated prospectively and compared for incidence of PUF. Re-operative UP were excluded. RESULTS: Hypospadias was distal (n = 55), mid-shaft (n = 59), proximal/penoscrotal (n = 109), scrotal (n = 15), and perineal (n = 5). UP was single-staged in 86, multi-staged in 157; mean age at UP was 3.1 ± 2.4 years. Soft tissue used for STI was prepucial inner dartos fascia (inner dartos: n = 88), ventral dartos fascia (ventral dartos: n = 15), pedicled external spermatic fascia (ESF: n = 84), adipose tissue surrounding the spermatic cord (pericordal: n = 9), scrotal adipose tissue (n = 8), or a combination of tissues (combined: n = 25). Mean follow-up was 6.4 ± 4.6 (range 0.6-16.8) years. Overall incidence of PUF was 10/243 (4.1 %); 7/229 (3.1 %) for UP + STI and 3/14 (21.4 %) in UP-STI (p < 0.05); incidence versus type of hypospadias was 1/55 for distal (1.8 %), 3/59 for mid-shaft (5.1 %), 5/109 for proximal/penoscrotal (4.6 %), 0/15 for scrotal (0 %), and 1/5 for perineal (20 %); incidence versus type of STI was 7/88 for inner dartos, 0/15 for ventral dartos, 0/84 for ESF, 0/9 for pericordal adipose tissue, 0/8 for scrotal adipose tissue, and 0/25 for combined. All PUF were repaired successfully. Satisfaction with penile cosmesis was acceptable (10.3 %) or good (89.7 %) without any testicular complications or scrotal deformity. CONCLUSION: STI, especially ESF, would appear to effectively prevent PUF in HR.