Surgical Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: AUA Guideline Amendment 2020.

PURPOSE: The AUA Guideline panel provides evidence-based recommendations for the surgical management of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Panel amended the Guideline in 2020 to reflect additional literature published through September 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the Panel assigned the body of evidence a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, the Panel provided additional information as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (See table 1[Table: see text]). RESULTS: Amendments to these Guidelines include: 1) an amended statement (Guideline 1) to include conducting a physical examination; 2) a new statement (Guideline 6) discussing concepts of treatment failure and retreatment; 3) an amended statement (Guideline 15) with updated supporting text for prostatic urethral lift (PUL); 4) an amended statement (Guideline 16) for PUL; 5) an amended statement (Guideline 17) with updated supporting text for transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT); 6) an amended statement (Guideline 18) with updated supporting text for water vapor thermal therapy; 7) updated supporting text for water vapor thermal therapy (Guideline 19); 8) an amended statement (Guideline 21) with updated supporting text for laser enucleation; 9) an amended statement (Guideline 22) with updated supporting text for Aquablation; and 10) an amended statement (Guideline 23) with updated supporting text for Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE). CONCLUSIONS: These evidence-based updates to the AUA Guidelines further inform the surgical management of LUTS/BPH.

Making surgery safer by centralization of care: impact of case load in penile cancer.

PURPOSE: Penile cancer is a rare but aggressive disease, often requiring a rapid and extensive surgical treatment of the primary tumor and staging or treatment of the inguinal lymph node basins. Current management and guidelines of the disease are mainly based on retrospective data, as there is a lack of controlled trials or large series. The purpose of this work is to review contemporary data on the impact of centralization and formation of rare disease networks on penile cancer care and outcomes. METHODS: This narrative, non-systematic review is based on publications retrieved by a PubMed and EMBASE search and on the current guidelines of the European Association of Urology, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and the National Comprehensive Cancer network. RESULTS: The low case load, particularly in non-specialized centres, combined with limited evidence regularly results in a disparity between the treatment strategy and the guidelines. The suboptimal guideline adherence is specifically the case for organ-sparing surgery and surgical staging of the groin areas in selected cases. Treatment of the disease in high-volume referral centres has been shown to improve the use of organ-sparing surgery, the utilization of invasive lymph node staging in high-risk patients, and finally has resulted in increased survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: The management of penile cancer in disease networks and in countries where centralized healthcare is offered positively influences functional and oncological outcomes. We propose that governments and health care providers should be encouraged to centralize healthcare for rare tumors such as penile cancer.

Surgical Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: AUA Guideline Amendment 2019.

PURPOSE: Male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in men and can have negative effects on quality of life (QoL). It is the hope that this Guideline becomes a reference for effective evidence-based surgical management of LUTS/BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The evidence team searched Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality database to identify studies indexed between January 2007-September 2017. Following initial publication, this guideline was amended in 2019 and reflects relevant literature published through January 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (table 1 in supplementary unabridged guideline, https://www.jurology.com). RESULTS: This Guideline provides evidence-based recommendations regarding management of LUTS/BPH utilizing surgery and minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST). Additional statements are made regarding diagnostic and pre-operative tests. Clinical statements are made in comparison to what is generally accepted as the gold standard (i.e. transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP] monopolar and/or bipolar). This guideline is designed to be used in conjunction with the associated treatment algorithm (see figure).[Figure: see text]Conclusions:The prevalence and the severity of LUTS increases as men age and is an important diagnosis in the healthcare of patients and the welfare of society. This document will undergo updating as knowledge regarding treatments and future surgical options continues to expand.

Adherence to EAU guidelines on penile cancer translates into better outcomes: a multicenter international study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate adherence to the EAU guidelines (GL) on penile cancer (PC) with regard to primary surgical treatment and management of lymph nodes and to estimate the influence of adherence to GL on clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter study (PEnile Cancer ADherence study, PECAD Study) on PC patients treated at 12 European and American centers between 2010 and 2016. Adherence to the EAU GL on the surgical management of the primary penile tumor and lymphadenectomy was evaluated. Descriptive analyses were performed, and survival curves were estimated. RESULTS: Data on 425 patients were considered for the analysis. The EAU GL on surgical treatment of the primary tumor and lymphadenectomy were respected in 74.8% and 73.7% of cases, respectively. Survival analysis showed that adherence to the GL on primary penile surgery was significantly associated with a good overall survival [adjusted HR 0.40 (95% CI 0.20-0.83, p value = 0.014)]. Also, the adherence to the GL on lymphadenectomy was statistically significantly associated with overall survival [adjusted HR 0.48 (95% CI 0.24-0.96, p value = 0.038)]. Limited follow-up and retrospective design represent limitations of this study. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that there is a good adherence to the EAU GL on PC. However, this should be further reinforced, endorsed and encouraged as it might translate into better clinical outcomes for PC patients.

Surgical Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: AUA Guideline.

PURPOSE: Male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in men and can have negative effects on quality of life (QoL). It is the hope that this Guideline becomes a reference on the effective evidence-based surgical management of LUTS/BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The evidence team searched Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) database to identify studies indexed between January 2007 and September 2017. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (table 1 in supplementary unabridged guideline, http://jurology.com/). RESULTS: This Guideline provides updated, evidence-based recommendations regarding management of LUTS/BPH utilizing surgery and minimally invasive surgical therapies; additional statements are made regarding diagnostic and pre-operative tests. Clinical statements are made in comparison to what is generally accepted as the gold standard (i.e. transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP]-monopolar and/or bipolar). This guideline is designed to be used in conjunction with the associated treatment algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and the severity of LUTS increases as men age and is an important diagnosis in the healthcare of patients and the welfare of society. This document will undergo additional literature reviews and updating as the knowledge regarding current treatments and future surgical options continues to expand.

[Surgical treatment of BPO: Standard and innovations]. / Traitements chirurgicaux de l'obstruction prostatique bénigne : standards et innovations.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia has dramatically changed in the recent years towards higher proportion of endoscopic treatment and fewer perioperative complications. Nevertheless the question of urinary and sexual quality of life after surgical treatment remains partially unresolved with a high proportion of retrograde ejaculation after conventional surgical treatments. Therefore mini-invasive alternatives to conventional surgery have been proposed. The objective of this literature review was to provide an overview of the alternatives to monopolar TURP currently available in France. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A non-systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted from the PubMed database to retrieve the most relevant scientific publications. A first research was cross-referenced with the results of literature reviews already published and enriched by the authors of this review. A synthesis is proposed for each alternative technique mentioning its level of clinical development, but also its potential advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional surgical techniques. RESULTS: The quality of life of patients after surgical or interventional management has become the main priority of urologists since the risks of perioperative complication have been reduced by the use of laser or bipolar endoscopic techniques. Thanks to the development of minimally invasive alternatives that are better and better evaluated by randomized trials versus interventional simulation and conventional surgical treatment, more personalized care is possible. Patients' expectations and their individual risk factors can thus be placed at the center of the therapeutic decision and the preoperative information. CONCLUSION: The surgical and interventional management of LUTS due to BPH has evolved to lower perioperative morbidity with the help of numerous technological developments. Mini-invasive alternatives to standard treatment have also been proposed in order to improve the quality of postoperative sexual life. These alternatives provide significant improvement in LUTS that remains lower than after conventional treatments. Somme of these alternative are also not fully supported by clinical trials, which should urge urologists to act with caution when proposing these alternatives in daily clinical practice.

Surgical practice patterns for male urinary incontinence: analysis of case logs from certifying American urologists.

PURPOSE: Several options exist for the surgical correction of male stress urinary incontinence including periurethral bulking agents, artificial urinary sphincters and the recently introduced male urethral slings. We investigated contemporary trends in the use of these treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Annualized case log data for incontinence surgeries from certifying and recertifying urologists were obtained from the ABU (American Board of Urology), ranging from 2004 to 2010. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between surgeon characteristics (type of certification, annual volume, practice type and practice location) and the use of incontinence procedures. RESULTS: Among the 2,036 nonpediatric case logs examined the number of incontinence treatments reported for certification has steadily increased over time from 1,936 to 3,366 treatments per year from 2004 to 2010 (p = 0.008). Nearly a fifth of urologists reported placing at least 1 sling. The proportion of endoscopic procedures decreased from 80% of all incontinence procedures in 2004 to 60% in 2010, but they remained the exclusive incontinence procedure performed by 49% of urologists. A urologist's increased use of endoscopic treatments was associated with a decreased likelihood of performing a sling procedure (OR 0.5, p <0.0005). Artificial urinary sphincter use remained stable, accounting for 12% of procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Incontinence procedures are on the rise. Urethral slings have been widely adopted and account for the largest increase among treatment modalities. Endoscopic treatments continue to be commonly performed and may represent overuse in the face of improved techniques. Further research is required to validate these trends.

Surgical treatment of stress incontinence in men.

AIMS: The committee was charged with the responsibility of reviewing and evaluating all published data relating to surgical treatment of male urinary incontinence since the previous consultation in 2004. METHODS: Articles from peer-reviewed journals, abstracts from scientific meetings, and literature searches by hand and electronically formed the basis of this review. The articles were evaluated using Levels of Evidences adapted by the ICUD from the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. The Recommendations for Care were based on the level of evidence and discussed among the committee members to reach consensus. The incontinence problems were classified according to their etiology, that is, either primarily sphincter or bladder related. RESULTS: Specialist evaluation of the patient is primarily a clinical approach with history, frequency-volume chart, physical examination, and post-void residual urine. Other investigations such as radiographic imaging of the lower urinary tract, cystoscopy, and urodynamic studies can provide important information for the clinician. For stress incontinence of various etiologies the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has the longest record of satisfactory results. Consideration must be given to the need for revisions for mechanical breakdown, erosion/infection, and recurrent incontinence, as well as cost. Sling procedures are increasingly being reported to have good outcomes for mild to moderate incontinence. Injectable agents have not shown durable results but newer technologies such as volume-adjustable balloons have shown favorable early results. Incontinence following cystectomy with neobladder and pelvic trauma has been treated most commonly with the AUS. CONCLUSIONS: Although the literature is replete with well-done cohort studies, there is a need for prospective randomized clinical trials. Recommendations for trials include standardized workup and outcome measures and complete reporting of adverse events and long-term results. Further research is also needed to elucidate the mechanism of post-prostatectomy incontinence.

Is Primary Realignment Appropriate for the Initial Management of Straddle Injuries to the Bulbar Urethra?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical courses of patients with straddle injuries to the bulbar urethra based on the initial management strategy for urinary drainage, mainly suprapubic tube placement (SPT) and primary realignment (PR), and to examine whether PR has a beneficial effect on subsequent urethroplasty with regards to surgical and patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical courses of 126 patients with bulbar urethral stricture following straddle injuries who underwent delayed urethroplasty between August 2010 and April 2019. Patients were categorized as being initially treated with SPT (82 patients) or PR (44 patients). Stricture was considered complicated if preoperative urethrography or cystoscopy revealed iatrogenic scarring or a stricture away from the injury site. RESULTS: The percentage of patients who experienced delayed transurethral treatment at least once before referral was significantly higher in patients treated with PR than in those treated with SPT (25/44, 56.8% vs 16/82, 19.8%, P < .0001). Although there was no difference in stricture length in both cohorts, the fraction of patients with complicated stricture was significantly higher in patients treated with PR than in those treated with SPT (15/44, 34.1% vs 14/82, 17.1%, P = .003). There was no significant difference in the selected type of urethroplasty, operative time, blood loss, success rate, postoperative maximum urinary flow rate, voiding symptoms, or erectile function between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: PR does not facilitate delayed urethroplasty and had no beneficial effect on urethroplasty outcome. PR might lead to delayed transurethral procedures, resulting in increased risk of complicated strictures.

Implementation of the accelerated care of torsion pathway: a quality improvement initiative for testicular torsion.

BACKGROUND: Timely diagnosis and management of testicular torsion is of paramount importance. Furthermore, time to surgical intervention is a benchmark for the quality of care provided by pediatric urologists included in US News and World Report (USNWR) methodology. OBJECTIVE: We sought to optimize management of acute testicular torsion at a single institution by decreasing time from presentation to definitive management through the creation and implementation of a clinical care pathway (accelerated care of torsion or ACT) for acute testicular torsion in a 2-year period. STUDY DESIGN: Multidisciplinary process mapping involving the emergency department (ED), radiology, anesthesiology, peri-operative services, and operating room (OR) teams resulted in development of the ACT pathway with the goal of achieving surgical intervention within 4 h of arrival at our institution. The accelerated care of torsion pathway was implemented in April 2016. Thirty-eight consecutive acute torsion cases were then prospectively evaluated from April 2016 to April 2018. For process measures, we recorded triage to OR times and mode of presentation. For outcome measures, we examined orchiectomy rates. We retrospectively reviewed 97 cases of acute torsion from 2004 to 2016 as a control. RESULTS: Time from ED triage to OR start decreased from a median 196 min (interquartile range [IQR] 137-249 min) to 127 min (IQR 100-148 min; P < 0.0001) for all cases of acute torsion. In the control group, 72% of cases met the USNWR criteria for acute treatment of torsion. After ACT implementation, 100% of cases reached the OR within the 240 min time frame. Orchiectomy rates were performed in 24% of control cases vs 30% after ACT implementation (P = NS). Survival curve analysis demonstrated no significant difference in probability of testis salvage before or after implementation of the ACT pathway. DISCUSSION: In agreement with similar studies, despite a significant reduction in triage to OR times, the orchiectomy rate approached 30%. This outcome did not significantly improve after implementation of the ACT pathway. Overall ischemia time was a more important determinant of testis salvage. Study limitations include limited patient follow-up to assess testis atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: The multidisciplinary creation and implementation of a clinical pathway for the care of acute testis torsion has significantly decreased the time from ED to OR in our institution. However, overall orchiectomy rate was not significantly affected.

Adherence to the EAU guidelines on Penile Cancer Treatment: European, multicentre, retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for penile cancer (PC) are exclusively based on retrospective studies and have low grades of recommendation. The aim of this study was to assess the adherence to guidelines by investigating the management strategies for primary tumours and inguinal lymph nodes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of 176 PC patients who underwent surgery in eight European centres from 2010 to 2016. The stage and grade were assessed according to the 2009 AJCC-UICC TNM classification system. To assess adherence rates, we compared theoretical and practical adherence to the EAU guidelines. RESULTS: Overall, 176 patients were enrolled. Partial amputation was the most frequent surgical approach (39%). 53.7% of tumours were stage Tis-T1b and the remaining 46.3% were stage T2-T4. Palpable lymph nodes were detected in 30.1% of patients and 45.1% underwent lymphadenectomy (LY). A sizeable group of tumours (43.2%) were N0. For primary treatment, adherence to the EAU guidelines was good (66%). In non-adherent cases, reasons for discrepancy were patient's choice (17%), surgeon's preference (36%), and other causes (47%). For LY, the guideline adherence was 70%, with either patient's or surgeon's choice or other causes accounting for discrepancy in 28, 20, and 52% of non-adherent cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Adherence to the EAU guidelines for PC was quite high across the eight European centres involved in the study. This notwithstanding, strategies for further improvement should be developed and evenly adopted.

Trauma to male genital organs: a 10-year review of 156 patients, including 118 treated by surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess testicular rupture, scrotal haematoma, penile fracture and penile injury, comparing the prognoses of surgery and conservative management, as trauma to male external genital organs can cause devastating effects on patients and their partners. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 156 male patients who presented to our emergency centre with trauma to the external genital organs between January 1996 and March 2006. RESULTS: In all, 74 patients had testicular rupture, 32 penile fracture, 26 a penile injury and 24 a scrotal haematoma (mean age 27.8 years). The main cause of trauma was assault (52, 33%). Four of 14 patients with penile trauma who were managed conservatively had complications. Of 20 patients, 17 had a partial orchidectomy and were followed for a month after surgery; scrotal ultrasonography showed three cases of testicular atrophy. The mean hospital stay was less for patients with surgical intervention, at 6.4 days, than for those managed conservatively, at 8.7 days (P < 0.05). A visual analogue pain scale showed less pain in patients who were surgically treated (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prompt surgical intervention is crucial; it should be considered by urologists, and is strongly recommended. Ultrasonography was highly sensitive and specific, and should be used in all patients with trauma to the external genital organs, to aid diagnosis and evaluation before surgery.

Single-port laparoscopic surgery: initial experience in children for varicocelectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To present our initial experience in children undergoing single-port laparoscopic varicocelectomy (SPLV) using a new approach in which the entire procedure is performed through a multichannel single laparoscopic port inserted in the umbilicus rather than the traditional LV performed through three abdominal ports. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed our experience with all paediatric patients who had undergone transumbilical SPLV [Uni-X Single Port Access Laparoscopic System, Pnavel Systems, NJ, USA]. This novel 20-mm laparoscopic port has three working channels and gas insufflation access. The system also includes a variety of curved laparoscopic instruments that can be introduced through the SP. A Hassan technique through an incision within the inferior aspect of the umbilicus is used to obtain laparoscopic port access to the abdominal cavity. The SP is then fixed into position with pre-placed rectus facial sutures. Using a curved laparoscopic grasper and scissors, an incision is made within the posterior peritoneum on the medial and lateral aspects of the left testicular artery and veins, proximal to the vas deferens. The vessels, both artery and veins, are transected leaving clips both proximally and distally. RESULTS: Transumbilical SPLV was completed in three consecutive adolescents (aged 13, 15 and 16 years) without placing any additional ports or conversion to open surgery. All procedures were performed for left-sided grade III varicoceles. The operative duration was <1 h for each procedure. All patients were discharged on the same day as their surgery and none required re-hospitalization. At a mean (range) follow-up of 8.7 (6-10) weeks there was a good cosmetic result, with no varicocele recurrence, or intraoperative or postoperative complications including wound infection, hydrocele, or incision site herniation. CONCLUSION: We report the first use of a multicannula single laparoscopic port in children and for SPLV. This new laparoscopic approach, similar to any new technique, requires further experience to fully evaluate its benefits and limitations.

Peyronie's disease: update on medical management and surgical tips.

Peyronie's disease is a scarring phenomenon of the penis causing various deformities; initially pain with erection, and in most patients is associated with some element of erectile dysfunction. Studies of the natural history of the disease show that Peyronie's disease is a self-limited condition. In its stable and quiescent phase, patients have stable deformity, and in some cases that deformity then requires surgery. For the most part, pharmacologic therapy is confined to the immature or active phase of the disease. Pharmacotherapy is aimed at trying to adjust or interfere with the scarring process, so that the resultant scar causes as little disability as possible to the patient. Most pharmacotherapy is thus useful only in the active/immature phase of disease. In the mature or quiescent phase of the disease, therapy is aimed at undoing the effects of the scarring lesion. Those therapies for the most part can be considered "scar revisions". There is no best surgical therapy, and unfortunately because the disease process generally evolves with the background of erectile dysfunction, often times with surgery there is progression of the erectile dysfunction. All patients should be counseled with regards to the option of continued watchful waiting. Patients who are operated on must be counseled with regards to realistic outcomes.

Consensus Statement of the European Urology Association and the European Urogynaecological Association on the Use of Implanted Materials for Treating Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Stress Urinary Incontinence.

CONTEXT: Surgical nonautologous meshes have been used for several decades to repair abdominal wall herniae. Implantable materials have been adopted for the treatment of female and male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and female pelvic organ prolapse (POP). OBJECTIVE: A consensus review of existing data based on published meta-analyses and reviews. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This document summarises the deliberations of a consensus group meeting convened by the European Association of Urology (EAU) and the European Urogynecological Association, to explore the current evidence relating to the use of polypropylene (PP) materials used for the treatment of SUI and POP, with reference to the 2016 EAU guidelines (European Association of Urology 2016), the European Commission's SCENIHR report on the use of surgical meshes (SCENIHR 2015), other available high-quality evidence, guidelines, and national recommendations. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Current data suggest that the use of nonautologous durable materials in surgery has well-established benefits but significant risks, which are specific to the condition and location they are used for. Various graft-related complications have been described-such as infection, chronic pain including dyspareunia, exposure in the vagina, shrinkage, erosion into other organs of xenografts, synthetic PP tapes (used in SUI), and meshes (used in POP)-which differ from the complications seen with abdominal herniae. CONCLUSIONS: When considering surgery for SUI, it is essential to evaluate the available options, which may include synthetic midurethral slings (MUSs) using PP tapes, bulking agents, colposuspension, and autologous sling surgery. The use of synthetic MUSs for surgical treatment of SUI in both male and female patients has good efficacy and acceptable morbidity. Synthetic mesh for POP should be used only in complex cases with recurrent prolapse in the same compartment and restricted to those surgeons with appropriate training who are working in multidisciplinary referral centres. PATIENT SUMMARY: Synthetic slings can be safely used in the surgical treatment of stress incontinence in both male and female patients. Patients need to be aware of the alternative therapy and potential risks and complications of this therapy. Synthetic mesh for treating prolapse should be used only in complex cases with recurrent prolapse in specialist referral centres.

Practice Patterns in the Treatment of Urethral Stricture Among American Urologists: A Paradigm Change?

OBJECTIVE: To examine surgical case volume characteristics among certifying urologists associated with treatment of urethral stricture to compare practice patterns of recent graduates to recertifying attending urologists and trends over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six-month case log data of certifying and recertifying urologists (2003-2013) were obtained from the American Board of Urology. Cases specifying a CPT code for urethral dilation, direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU), urethroplasty, and graft harvest in males ≥18 years were analyzed for surgeon-specific variables. RESULTS: Among 6320 urologists logging at least one reconstructive urology procedure, 95,747 (86.2%) urethral dilations, 10,986 (10.0%) DVIU, and 4349 (3.9%) urethroplasties were identified, with 99 (0.9%) using graft and 405 (9.3%) staged procedures. Overall ratio of urethral dilation/DVIU to urethroplasty was 24.5:1. More recent log year and new certification correlated with a decrease in ratio of dilation/DVIU to urethroplasty, but stable use of graft. The ratio of dilation/DVIU to urethroplasty for new certification was much lower (7.9:1), compared to first (24.4:1), second (63.3:1), and third recertification cycles (99.5:1), wherein urethroplasty was increasingly rare. Newly certifying urologists performed urethroplasty 4.5 times more often than those recertifying. Academically affiliated urologists were 8 times more likely to perform urethroplasty. CONCLUSION: Most urethral strictures are treated with dilation/DVIU, but a changing paradigm favoring urethroplasty is evident. Most urethroplasties are performed by a small number of urologists with high volume, academic affiliation, recent residency graduation, and residence in a state with a reconstructive urology fellowship.

European Association of Urology guidelines on priapism.

CONTEXT: Priapism is defined as a penile erection that persists beyond or is unrelated to sexual interest or stimulation. It can be classified into ischaemic (low flow), arterial (high flow), or stuttering (recurrent or intermittent). OBJECTIVE: To provide guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of priapism. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Systematic literature search on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of priapism. Articles with highest evidence available were selected to form the basis of these recommendations. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Ischaemic priapism is usually idiopathic and the most common form. Arterial priapism usually occurs after blunt perineal trauma. History is the mainstay of diagnosis and helps determine the pathogenesis. Laboratory testing is used to support clinical findings. Ischaemic priapism is an emergency condition. Intervention should start within 4-6h, including decompression of the corpora cavernosa by aspiration and intracavernous injection of sympathomimetic drugs (e.g. phenylephrine). Surgical treatment is recommended for failed conservative management, although the best procedure is unclear. Immediate implantation of a prosthesis should be considered for long-lasting priapism. Arterial priapism is not an emergency. Selective embolization is the suggested treatment modality and has high success rates. Stuttering priapism is poorly understood and the main therapeutic goal is the prevention of future episodes. This may be achieved pharmacologically, but data on efficacy are limited. CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines summarise current information on priapism. The extended version are available on the European Association of Urology Website (www.uroweb.org/guidelines/). PATIENT SUMMARY: Priapism is a persistent, often painful, penile erection lasting more than 4h unrelated to sexual stimulation. It is more common in patients with sickle cell disease. This article represents the shortened EAU priapism guidelines, based on a systematic literature review. Cases of priapism are classified into ischaemic (low flow), arterial (high flow), or stuttering (recurrent). Treatment for ischaemic priapism must be prompt in order to avoid the risk of permanent erectile dysfunction. This is not the case for arterial priapism.