The Change of Erectile Function Post Recovery from COVID-19 Infection.

INTRODUCTION: We assess the correlation between COVID-19 infection and erection and evaluate the effect of aging and comorbidities on the male sexuality of patients with COVID-19 infection. METHODS: 100 patients were enrolled and diagnosed with COVID-19 based on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests of oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs according to the WHO guidelines. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was used to evaluate sexual function. RESULTS: Patients were divided into two groups: the first group of 42 patients <50 years of age with a mean age (±SD) of 35.83 ± 7.8 and the second group of 58 patients ≥50 years of age with a mean age of 58.64 ± 7.7. The mean (±SD) IIEF in the first group pre-COVID-19 infection was 14.2 ± 2.37 while post-COVID-19 was 8.7 ± 2.77, 11.3 ± 2.9, 12.1 ± 3.02 at 1, 3, 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001), while in the second group, the mean (±SD) IIEF pre-COVID-19 infection was 10.04 ± 4.62 while post-COVID was 5.0 ± 2.1, 6.56 ± 2.6, 8.18 ± 2.04 at 1, 3, 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, old patients infected with COVID-19 and associated with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (OR = 8.53, CI = 0.00-2.01), hypertension (OR = 3.908, CI = 0.000-3.07), ischemic heart disease (OR = 2.863, CI = 0.000-2.68), and liver disease (OR = 0.670, CI = 0.000-1.670) were significantly correlated to erectile dysfunction (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 significantly affects erection mostly in older patients with comorbidities, leading to subsequent use of oral and intracavernosal injection therapy for erectile dysfunction.

Role Of Prostate Ultrasonography To Predict The Efficacy Of Bipolar Prostatectomy In Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of prostatic ultrasonography in predicting the clinical outcomes of bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate. Method: The prospective study was conducted at the Urology Department, Kafrelsheikh University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt from December 2018 to June 2019, and comprised male patients complaining of lower urinary tractsymptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. The patients were subjected to pelvi-abdominal and transrectal ultrasonography and values were noted for the international prostate symptom score, uroflowmetry, post-void residual urine volume, ejaculatory domain, and the erectile function domain of the international index of erectile function. The safety of the procedure was assessed using the modified Clavien classification of complications. This was followed by cystourethroscopy under spinal anaesthesia, and then by bipolar resection of the prostate by a single experienced urologist. Operating time, length of hospitalisation, intraoperative and postoperative complications, catheterization time, and changes in haemoglobin levels were recorded. All evaluations were done at baseline and postoperatively at 1, 3 and 6 months. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: There were 109 male patients with mean age 65.53±6.27 years, mean body massindex 24.6±1.7kg/m2 . Mean total prostate volume at baseline was 86.32±43.61gm (range: 30-195m). There was a significant decrease postoperatively (p<0.001). This was associated with a concomitant improvement of international prostate symptoms score, uroflowmetry and post-void residual urine volume over six-month follow-up (p<0.001 ). Overall, 63(57.8%) subjects were sexually active, and there was no significant difference in the international index of erectile function score at baseline and postoperatively (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prostate ultrasonography can be used as a single investigating tool to evaluate the clinical outcomes after bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate.

Duration of Medical Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Impact on Urodynamics and Post-Prostatectomy Outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess whether the duration of preoperative benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) medication would affect the pressure flow study (PFS) parameters and the outcome of prostate surgery or not. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study involving patients with LUTS/BPH aged 50 years or older who were compliant with BPH medications. PFS was performed prior to prostate surgery to determine BOO degree and detrusor overactivity. The efficacy of prostate surgery was determined at 3 and 6 months after surgery using the I-PSS, QOL index, Q-max, and PVR. Patients were categorized into group A, who received treatment for 12 months or less, and group B, who received the treatment for 12 months or more. The categorization starts once the patient prefers surgical intervention. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were enrolled, 50 in group A and 64 patients in group B. The mean duration, in months, of medical treatment was 9.52 ± 2.24 and 22.50 ± 4.35 in group A and group B, respectively. Pdet@Qmax is significantly (p = 0.02) higher in patients of group B (63.85 ± 11.34 vs. 94.75 ± 19.53). The detrusor overactivity amplitude is slightly higher in group A (36.42 ± 37.27 vs. 16.42 ± 28.38) (p = 0.3). The mean I-PSS, Q-max, and PVR at 1, 3, and 6 months were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: After 24 months of BPH medical treatment, no profound PFS changes that may affect the decision of prostate surgery were observed. Patients who completed 24 months of medical treatment were safe as regards to detrusor muscle contractility with no urge to undergo prostate surgery earlier.

The short-term effects of tolterodine on nocturnal incontinence after ileal orthotopic neobladder: a randomised crossover placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of tolterodine in the treatment of nocturnal urinary incontinence (NUI) after ileal orthotopic neobladder (ONB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective randomised placebo-controlled crossover study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02877901). Patients with NUI after ONB were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group T received 4 mg extended-release tolterodine at bed-time and Group P received placebo for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks of washout, then crossed over to the alternate therapy for 4 weeks. Patients were assessed by the number of pads used per night (PPN) and with the Arabic version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) at both phases of the study. The outcomes were the rate of NUI improvement and medication adverse events. RESULTS: Out of 172 patients, 150 and 122 patients were evaluated at both phases of the study. The mean ICIQ-SF scores and PPN were significantly decreased in Group T compared to Group P in both study phases (P < 0.001). In Group T, 15 (10%) and 11 (9%) patients became dry after the first allocation and crossover, respectively. In Group T, 60 (77.9%) patients reported improvement vs four (5.5%) in Group P (P < 0.001) after the first allocation. Similarly, 46 (73%) and seven (11.9%) patients showed improvement in groups T and P after the crossover, respectively (P < 0.001). Dry mouth occurred in 31 (20.8%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Tolterodine seems to be a good choice for treatment of NUI after radical cystectomy and ONB. However, further studies are needed to delineate the long-term effects and the associated urodynamic characteristics.

Chemoprophylaxis during transrectal prostate needle biopsy: critical analysis through randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of three chemoprophylaxis approaches in prevention of post-transrectal biopsy infectious complications (TBICs). METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive ciprofloxacin 3 days 500 mg B.I.D 3 days starting the night prior to biopsy (standard prophylaxis), augmented prophylaxis using ciprofloxacin and single preprocedure shot of 160 mg gentamicin IM (augmented prophylaxis) and rectal swab culture-based prophylaxis (targeted prophylaxis). Patients were assessed 2 weeks prior to biopsy, at biopsy and 2 weeks after. Primary end point was occurrence of post-TBICs that included simple UTI, febrile UTI or sepsis. Secondary end points were post-biopsy change in the inflammatory markers (TLC, ESR and CRP), unplanned visits, hospitalization and occurrence of fluoroquinolones resistance (FQ-R; bacterial growth on MacConkey agar plate with 10 µg/ml ciprofloxacin) in the fecal carriage of screened men. RESULTS: Between April/2015 and January/2017, standard, augmented and targeted prophylaxes were given to 163, 166 and 167 patients, respectively. Post-TBICs were reported in 43 (26%), 13 (7.8%) and 34 (20.3%) patients following standard, augmented and targeted prophylaxes protocols, respectively (P = 0.000). Post-TBICs included UTI in 23 (4.6%), febrile UTI in 41 (8.2%) and sepsis in 26 (5.2%) patients. Significantly lower number of post-biopsy positive urine culture was depicted in the augmented group (P = 0.000). The number of biopsy cores was statistically different in the three groups (P = 0.004). On multivariate analysis, augmented prophylaxis had independently lower post-TBICs (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.4, P = 0.000) when compared with the other two groups regardless of the number of biopsy cores taken (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.95-1.17, P = 0.229). Post-biopsy hospitalization was needed in four (2%), one (0.6%) and ten (6%) patients following standard, augmented and targeted prophylaxes, respectively (P = 0.014). However, sepsis-related hospitalization was not statistically different. Post-biopsy changes in the inflammatory markers were significantly less in augmented prophylaxis (P < 0.05). FQ-R was depicted in 139 (83.2%) of the screened men. CONCLUSION: Augmented prophylaxis with single-dose gentamicin is an effective and practical approach. Targeted prophylaxis might be reserved for cases with contraindication to gentamicin.

Prospective Assessment of Learning Curve of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Using a Multidimensional Approach.

PURPOSE: Despite being endorsed in most guidelines, wide adoption of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is hindered by learning difficulties. We prospectively assessed the learning curve using a multidimensional approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively report all perioperative safety and efficacy outcome measures as well as the need for reoperation and continence status. Case difficulty and learning curve characterization variables were considered, looking for predictors of different outcome measures. Our analysis included the first 313 procedures done by a total of 3 surgeons. RESULTS: Prostate volume and the number of previously performed cases independently predicted operative and enucleation efficiency (mean ± SD 0.76 ± 0.36 and 1.2 ± 0.6 gm per minute, respectively). Both measures plateaued only after the first 40 procedures. The mean percent reduction in postoperative prostate specific antigen was 80% ± 19%. A significantly lower decrease was independently predicted by the transrectal ultrasound depiction of a grossly multinodular prostate (p = 0.000, R2 = 0.59). Perioperative safety measures showed significant improvement after the first and second 20 procedures apart from hospital stay and catheter time. Urinary incontinence was reported in 89 (28.5%), 26 (8.3%) and 7 cases (2.2%) at 1, 4 and 12 months, respectively. Only the number of previously performed cases predicted urinary incontinence at 1 month, which was significantly reduced following the first 20 procedures (plateau) (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.999, p = 0.03). The I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) preoperative storage subdomain (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.4-0.9, p = 0.04), case density (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.6, p = 0.01) and number of previously performed cases (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.98-0.999, p = 0.02) predicted urinary incontinence at 4 months, which was significantly reduced after the first and second 20 procedures. Persistent urinary incontinence at 12 months was significantly associated with fewer previously performed cases (median 60, range 0 to 211 vs 20, range 0 to 99, p = 0.04) with no plateauing through the curve. CONCLUSIONS: Plateauing through the learning curve of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is a moving target. Looking at different outcome measures, different levels of experience are needed to reach the plateau. Preoperative prostate volume, the number of previously performed cases and case density are the main influential factors in the curve. Urinary incontinence is the most relevant clinical outcome that was significantly affected by learning, although its transient nature is assuring.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and predictors of urine retention in such patients.

OBJECTIVES: We assess the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Moreover, we delineate risk factors for urine retention in such patients. METHODS: All COVID-19 infected males were expeditiously evaluated. All enrolled patients were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, and pelvi-abdominal ultrasonography for prostate volume and postvoiding residual urine (PVR) estimation. RESULTS: Fifty patients, who were diagnosed with BPH, were enrolled. The mean age (±SD) was 62.64 ± 7.69. In the pre- and post-COVID-19 group, the mean (±SD) IPSS was 13.42 ± 4.32 and 26.62 ± 5.77, respectively (P < .001), while PVR was 90.40 ± 32.75 and 185.42 ± 73.42, respectively (P < .001), and maximum flow rate was 14.40 ± 2.75 and 10.74 ± 3.43, respectively (P < .004). After infection with COVID-19, 13 (26%) patients were managed by urethral catheter fixation owing to urine retention. On bivariate analysis, age, diabetes, large prostate on digital rectal examination, alpha-blocker monotherapy, microscopic hematuria, positive urine culture, and pre-COVID-19 IPSS were significantly correlated with urine retention (P < .001, P = .01, P < .001, P = .06, P < .001, P = .04, and P < .001, respectively). On multivariate analysis, age, pre-COVID-19 IPSS, and positive urine culture were the independent predictors of urine retention (P = .05, P < .001, and P = .01, respectively). CONCLUSION: LUTS in BPH patients were significantly affected by COVID-19. COVID-19 increases IPSS leading to a change in the treatment modality of BPH. On multivariate analysis, age, pre-COVID-19 IPSS, and positive urine culture were the independent predictors of urine retention post COVID-19 infection.

Male sexual health predictors during the Covid-19 outbreak: a multicenter study.

Background: Pandemic-induced feelings of fear and worry are all psychological implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this study was to see how the COVID-19 pandemic affected male Sexual Health and to look for plausible predictors. Methods: Married males were asked to fill out an Arabic Sexual Health questionnaire. Before and during the lockdown. Additionally, generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaires. Results: A multicenter study. The survey was completed by 281 men in total. Only 130 males (47.3%) were satisfied with their Sexual performance before lockdown, compared to 170 males (56.5%) who were not satisfied (P 0.000). Financial issues (P ≤ 0.000), smoking habit prior to lockdown (P ≤ 0.001), spots practice (P ≤ 0.001), smoking during lockdown (P ≤ 0.001), presence of depressive disorder on the PHQ-9 total score (P ≤ 0.001), diagnosis of anxiety on the GAD-7 score (P ≤ 0.001), and presence of ED on the IIEf-5 questionnaire (P ≤ 0.001) were all found to be significant on univariate analysis. On bivariate analysis, financial issues (odds ratio [OR]: 3.56, P ≤ 0.000), presence of anxiety on GAD-7 (OR: 6.40, P ≤ 0.001), PHQ score (OR: 2.50, P ≤ 0.001), and diagnosis of ED on the IIEF-5 scale (OR: 7.50, P ≤ 0.001) were significantly associated with Sexual relationship stress and Sexual Health. Conclusion: During and after COVID-19 lockdown, the presence of anxiety on the GAD-7 scale, PHQ score, and the diagnosis of ED on the IIEF-5 scale were all independent predictors of Sexual Health.

The Effect of Pre-Incision Urethral Plate Width and Glanular Width on the Outcome of Tubularized Incised Urethral plate repair surgery in Distal Penile Hypospadias, A prospective study.

PURPOSE: To determine hypospadias repair's cosmetic and functional outcome concerning the urethral plate width and glanular width. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  A prospective study including 38 patients. The urethral plate width (UPW) was measured preoperatively. The cosmetic outcome was evaluated by hypospadias objective penile evaluation [HOPE] score, and the urinary stream evaluated functional outcome. We included boys with distal penile hypospadias and excluded recurrent cases with severe chordee. All patients were operated on by Snodgrass tubularized incised plate repair (TIP); they were followed up for one year. Success was defined as slit-shaped meatus at the tip of the glans without fistula. RESULTS: The mean age of surgery was 4.5 ± 2.1 years. UPW was < 8 mm in 24 patients (63.2 %) (Group A), while 14 patients (36.8 % ) (Group B) had a UPW ≥ 8 mm. Overall, the mean ± SD of UPW was 4.84 ± 1.29 mm. The mean ± SD of GW was 9.52 ± 1.56 mm. Overall success was documented in 35/38 patients (92.1 %). No significant relation was founded between the complications and UPW of the patients (p-value = 0.7). Overall, the mean ± SD HOPE score was 39.1 ± 8.83. A significant relation was found between the cosmetic outcome of the two groups and the HOPE score (p-value = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The pre-incision urethral plate width and glanular width were not correlated with the TIP outcome. A better HOPE score is associated with a wide urethral plate.

Low-Power Vs High-Power Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: Critical Assessment through Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the non-inferiority of Low-power Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (LP-HoLEP) to high-power (HP-HoLEP) for enucleation efficiency pertaining to the advantages of lower cost and minimal postoperative dysuria, storage symptoms, and negative sexual impact. PATIENTS AND METHODS: HoLEP was performed using 100W Versapulse, Luminis Inc., with 2J/25Hz for LP-HoLEP (61 patients) and 2J/50Hz for HP-HoLEP (60 patients). Two surgeons with different experience performed equal number of both procedures. Non-inferiority of enucleation efficiency (enucleated weight/min) was evaluated. All perioperative parameters were recorded and compared. Dysuria was assessed at 2 weeks by dysuria visual analog scale, urinary (Q.max and IPSS) and sexual (sexual health inventory for men score) outcome measures were evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 months. RESULTS: Baseline and perioperative parameters were comparable between the two groups. Mean enucleation efficiency was 1.42±0.6 vs 1.47±0.6 gm/min, P = .6 following LP-HoLEP and HP-HoLEP, respectively. Patients reported postoperative dysuria similarly in both groups as per dysuria visual analog scale. There was significant comparable improvement in IPSS (international prostate symptom score) and Q.max in both groups at different follow-up points. At one year, median IPSS and Q.max were comparable in both groups (P = .4 and .7 following LP-HoLEP and HP-HoLEP, respectively). Median postoperative reduction in prostate specific antigen was 89% (42:99) following LP-HoLEP vs 81% (62:94) after HP-HoLEP, P = .92. Both groups showed comparable perioperative and late postoperative complications. There were no statistically significant changes in the last follow-up sexual health inventory for men score in comparison to baseline score. CONCLUSION: LP-HoLEP is non-inferior to HP-HoLEP in terms of all efficiency parameters regardless level of surgeon experience.

Treatment of pouch stones after augmentation ileocystoplasty in children: is it always bothersome?

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with different approaches for management of pouch stones in children with ileal-based urinary reservoir. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Charts of children who underwent ileal-based urinary reservoirs between 2000 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who were diagnosed with reservoir calculi were identified; medical records were reviewed for patients' demographics, diversion details, stone criteria, mode of treatment, perioperative complications, and recurrence rate. RESULTS: We identified 26 children with pouch stones after urinary diversion. There were 11 boys (42%) and 15 girls (58%). Mean age was 11 years (range, 4-16 years). Mean time for diagnosis was 42 months (24-120 months). Pouch stones were asymptomatic in 10 patients (38%). Fifteen cases were postbladder augmentation and 11 cases postcontinent cutaneous diversion. The mean stone size was 4 cm (range, 1-10 cm), and mean Hounsfield Unit was 585 (205-1090). Seventeen children (65%) had positive urine culture result, whereas 9 children were sterile. Seven children (27%) required open poucholithotomy, whereas 19 patients (73%) were managed endoscopically. Percutaneous approach was done in 5 children, whereas urethral access was used in 7 children. Mechanical extraction was performed in 12 cases, and stone disintegration was required in 7 cases. Eight children developed stone recurrence. Mean time for recurrence was 11 months (range, 3-19 months). Six children were after endoscopic disintegration, and all required redo endoscopic extraction. Stone analysis was available in 15 patients (struvite stones in 10 cases and calcium phosphate in 5 cases). CONCLUSION: Pouch stones are established long-term complication of urinary diversion. Open and endoscopic approaches are valid treatment strategies.