Laparoscopic minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy or hysteropexy and transobturator tape combined with native tissue repair of the vaginal compartments in patients with advanced pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the study was to evaluate hysterectomized and non-hysterectomized patients with prolapse and incontinence. Laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy (LSHP) and minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (LMSCP) were done in combination with transobturator tape (TOT) and native tissue repair of the anterior and posterior vaginal compartments in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and occult, stress, or urinary incontinence (SUI). The hypothesis is that both methods are successful. METHODS: A total of 81 patients with POP were evaluated: 44 had vaginal vault prolapse (POPQ points Ba, C, and Bp were 1.2, 2.6, and 0.4, respectively) and 37 had uterine prolapse (POPQ points Ba, C, and Bp were 1.8, 1.7, and 1.3, respectively). LMSCP (which means less dissection of the vagina in its upper third and avoiding possible collision with the ureters anteriorly or the rectum posteriorly) was performed in patients with vault prolapse, whereas patients with uterine prolapse underwent LSHP. Transobturator tape (TOT) was placed in all patients to treat symptomatic and occult urinary incontinence. Systematic anterior and posterior colporrhaphy was performed in both groups. RESULTS: Both groups showed anatomic (p < 0.0001) and symptomatic improvement (p < 0.001-p < 0.05). Voiding was significantly improved after surgery without postoperative incontinence (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between groups regarding duration of surgery (p = 0.06), hospital stay (p = 0.13), blood loss (0.83), Clavien-Dindo grade 3 (p = 0.87), and Clavien-Dindo grade 1-2 (p = 0.92) complications. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive LSCP or LSHP combined with TOT and native tissue repair of the anterior and posterior vaginal compartment is a successful treatment for POP.

Radiation exposure of patients during endourological procedures: IAEA-SEGUR study.

Fluoroscopy is increasingly used to guide minimally invasive endourological procedures and optimised protocols are needed to minimise radiation exposure while achieving best treatment results. This multi-center study of radiation exposure of patients was conducted by the South-Eastern European Group for Urolithiasis Research (SEGUR), in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Seven clinical centers from the SEGUR group collected data for 325 procedures performed within a three-months period, including standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), mini PCNL, retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), semirigid ureterorenoscopy (URS) and flexible URS. Data included: air kerma area product (PKA), air kerma at the patient entrance reference point (Ka,r), fluoroscopy time (FT), number of radiographic images (N) and fluoroscopy pulse rate, as well as total procedure duration, size and location of stones. Data were centrally analysed and statistically compared. MedianPKAvalues per center varied 2-fold for RIRS (0.80-1.79 Gy cm2), 7.1 fold for mini-PCNL (1.39-9.90 Gy cm2), 7.3 fold for PCNL (2.40-17.50 Gy cm2), 19 fold (0.13-2.51 Gy cm2) for semi-rigid URS and 29-fold for flexible URS (0.10-2.90 Gy cm2). LowerPKAandKa,rwere associated with use of lower FT,Nand lower fluoroscopy pulse rate. FT varied from 0.1 to 14 min, a small fraction of the total procedure time, ranging from 10 to 225 min. HigherNwas associated with higherPKAandKa,r. Higher medianPKAin PCNL was associated with the use of supine compared to prone position. No correlation was found between the concrement size and procedure duration, FT,PKAorKa,r. Dose values for RIRS were significantly lower compared to PCNL. The maximumKa,rvalue of 377 mGy was under the threshold for radiation induced skin erythema. The study demonstrated a potential for patient dose reduction by lowering FT andN, using pulsed fluoroscopy and beam collimation.

A martius flap in the treatment of iatrogenic distal urogenital fistula.

INTRODUCTION: Distal urogenital fistulas (DUF) are usually iatrogenic and are uncommon in Europe. They occur in the urethra or near the bladder neck, and can be caused by vaginal hysterectomy, para-urethral cyst surgery, or erosion of the bladder or urethra from tension-free slings or meshes. The psychological and physical health consequences of DUF are devastating because most patients consider themselves "healthy" before surgery. Incontinence can appear after successful DUF closure due to previously occult incontinence or urethral incompetence. Additional surgery for incontinence is sometimes necessary to achieve satisfactory outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Martius flap was used in 23 patients between 2000 and 2015. Patient age range was 38-75 years (mean, 58.7). DUF was due to gynecologic surgery for benign disease (15 / 23; 65.2%), mesh / sling erosion (2 / 23; 8.7%), and malignancy (6 / 23; 26.1%). The follow-up period was one year. RESULTS: DUF was closed in 22 patients (95.6%). Satisfaction and complete dryness was achieved in 16 patients (69.6%) after the first procedure. Postoperative complications were: postoperative hematoma in 1 (4.4%), primary failure in 1 (4.4%), overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in 3 (13.2%) and postoperative incontinence in 6 (26.4%) patients. A fascial sling was placed in patients with incontinence. All patients were dry after the secondary surgery. Anticholinergics were used for the treatment of OAB syndrome. Discomfort at the flap harvesting site was of minor importance. Finally, 22 out of 23 patients (95.6%) were satisfied. CONCLUSION: A Martius flap and additional fascial sling could be successfully used to optimize DUF treatment.

Epidemiologic study of urolithiasis in seven countries of South-Eastern Europe: S.E.G.U.R. 1 study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate some epidemiological aspects of kidney stones in the South- Eastern European area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2015 to December 2015, 538 consecutive patients were treated and evaluated for reno-ureteral stones in eight departments in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, FYR Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Turkey. RESULTS: The age of onset was lower in Turkey and higher in Italy. The rate of recurrent patients was higher in Romania and Serbia, while first renal stone formers were more frequent in Italy. The previous history of kidney stones, the characteristics of the stones and the dietary habits of the patients were different in different countries. In Bulgaria, Greece and Romania larger calculi from recurrent patients were more frequent. In Italy and Turkey smaller calculi from first renal stone formers were more frequent. CONCLUSIONS: The previous history of kidney stones, the characteristics of the stones and the dietary habits of the patients were different in different countries. A common dietary pattern associated with the formation of kidney stones was not observed, but each country showed different risk factors.

Resection of the Urethral Plate and Augmented Ventral Buccal Graft in Patients with Long Obliterative Urethral Strictures.

Video available at: http://www.brazjurol.com.br/videos/november_december_2015/Ignjatovic_1234_1235video.htm

Expression of Basal Compartment and Superficial Markers in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Associated with Balkan Endemic Nephropathy, a Worldwide Disease.

The aim of this study was to determine the association of basal compartment and superficial markers, comprising CK5/6, CD44, CK20, and the pathological characteristics of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) associated with Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN). Comparing the expression of the investigated markers in 54 tumors from the BEN region and 73 control UTUC, no significant difference between them was detected. In regression analysis, CK20 expression was not determined with expression of CK5/6, CD44, and the phenotypic characteristics of BEN and control UTUC. Parameters with predictive influence on the expression of CD44 in BEN UTUC included growth pattern (p = 0.010), necrosis (p = 0.019); differentiation (p = 0.001), and lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.021) in control UTUC. Divergent squamous differentiation in BEN tumors (p = 0.026) and stage in control tumors (p = 0.049) had a predictive influence on the expression of CK5/6. This investigation detected a predictive influence of the phenotypic characteristics of UTUC on the expression of basal compartment and superficial markers, with a significant influence of necrosis in BEN tumors (p = 0.006) and differentiation in control UTUC (p = 0.036).

Cryopreserved penile tunica albuginea for allotransplantation: a morphological and ultrastructural investigation.

INTRODUCTION: Peyronie's disease, a connective tissue disorder of penile tunica albuginea (TA) associated with penile deformity, curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction, is best managed surgically, but suitable graft biomaterials are not available. AIM: To establish whether cryopreservation affects human TA in view of its use in allotransplants. METHODS: The effects on TA samples of the two most widely used tissue cryopreservation methods were investigated using an ad hoc panel of histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural tests. Apoptotic cells were evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase method of end labeling (TUNEL) assay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessment of tissue integrity and arrangement of collagen and elastic fibers in thawed TA. RESULTS: Both cryofixation methods provided TA tissue suitable for use as graft material. Significant ultrastructural changes, namely, a greater diameter of collagen fibrils, were detected in sections preserved in liquid nitrogen; nonetheless, such increase never exceeded the normal range. The comprehensive panel of assays used proved suitable to characterize the thawed tissue. CONCLUSION: Human TA is suitable for cryopreservation; freezing at -80 °C provides better results than preservation in liquid nitrogen.

Simultaneous correction of anterior and apical vaginal prolapse with the modified placement of the transobturator-guided mesh (Anterior Prolift™) set.

AIM: Modified placement of the Anterior Prolift™ (MODAP) in patients with prolapse of the anterior and middle vaginal compartment is described. It was performed in order to achieve simultaneous tension-free correction of the anterior and middle vaginal compartment without excessive use of the mesh. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MODAP was performed in 32 patients. The anterior part of the mesh was placed transobturatorily. Surplus of the central part of the mesh was longitudinally divided and fixed around the cervix. Posterior mesh arms were passed through the sacrospinous ligament. All patients were analyzed regarding anatomy and symptoms 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Cure of pelvic organ prolapse was achieved in 28 of 32 (87.5%) patients. The position of Ba and C points was significantly corrected (p = 0.00). Deterioration of the posterior compartment occurred in 1 case. Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse were significantly corrected (p = 0.05 up to p = 0.00) except for rectal emptying. CONCLUSION: MODAP makes an improvement of both anatomy support and symptoms in cases with mixed insufficiency of the anterior vaginal wall and apical vaginal support.

Risk factors for urosepsis in chronic kidney disease patients with urinary tract infections.

Occurrence of urosepsis is not uncommon following urinary tract infections (UTI). However, there is a lack of evidence explaining the risk factors predisposing to urosepsis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence and possible risk factors for urosepsis among patients hospitalized with UTI in a cohort of CKD patients. Patients were divided into the urosepsis group and the non-urosepsis group. Of 489 hospitalized patients with UTI, 70 (14.3%) acquired urosepsis. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that diabetes, urinary catheter and length of hospital stay (p < 0.001 for all) were significant independent predictive risk factors for urosepsis in CKD patients with UTI in addition to age, glomerular filtration rate, hydronephrosis, acute kidney injury and E. coli infection (p < 0.05 for all). Finally, Klebsiella spp. cases were associated with significantly higher odds for urosepsis than E. coli cases (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.86-7.23, p < 0.001 vs. OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.19-3.69, p = 0.038). Diabetes, presence of an indwelling urinary catheter, length of hospitalization, and infection with Klebsiella spp were independent risk factors for urosepsis in CKD patients with UTI.

Xanthine Oxidase/Dehydrogenase Activity as a Source of Oxidative Stress in Prostate Cancer Tissue.

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most frequent malignancies. Better biomarkers are constantly wanted, such as those which can help with the prediction of cancer behavior. What is also needed is a marker which may serve as a possible therapeutic target. Oxidative stress (OS), which is a hallmark of cancer, is included in the pathogenesis and progression of PC. We have conducted the present study to determine whether xanthine oxidase/dehydrogenase activity is the source of OS in prostate tissue. We have also determined the concentration of TBA-reactive substances (TBARS) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), as well as the activity of catalase. Xanthine oxidase (XO) activity is significantly higher (p < 0.001) in tumor tissue when compared to the control healthy tissue. The concentration of TBARS (p < 0.001) and AOPP (p < 0.05) are also higher in tumor tissue. Catalase has raised its activity (p < 0.05) versus the control. There is also a strong correlation between XO activity and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the serum. These results indicate a significant role of XO activity in OS in prostate carcinogenesis, and it could be a possible theranostic biomarker, which can be important for a better understanding of the disease, its evolution, and prognosis. A promising treatment may be using XO inhibitors such as allopurinol as adjuvant therapy.

Predictive Markers for Malignant Urothelial Transformation in Balkan Endemic Nephropathy: A Case-Control Study.

Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) is a chronic tubulointerstitial disease frequently accompanied by urothelial carcinoma (UC). In light of the increased UC incidence and the markers observed in BEN patients with developed UC, the aim of the current case-control study is to assess survivin, p53 protein, growth factors and receptors (VEGF, VEGFR1, IGF I, IGF-1R and IGFBP5), tumor marker (TF)/CD142, circulating soluble Fas receptor and neopterin, as potentially predictive markers for UC in patients with BEN (52 patients), compared to healthy, age-matched subjects (40). A threefold increase was registered in both circulating and urinary survivin level in BEN patients. Especially noticeable was the ratio of U survivin/U Cr level five times the ratio of BEN patients associated with standard renal markers in multivariate regression models. The concentrations of VEGF, VEGFR1, (TF)/CD142, (sFas) were not significantly different in BEN patients, while urinary/plasma level demonstrated a significant decrease for VEGF. The levels of IGF I, IGFBP5 and IGF-1R were significantly reduced in the urine of BEN patients. Plasma concentration of neopterin was significantly higher, while urinary neopterin value was significantly lower in BEN patients compared to healthy controls, which reflected a significantly lower urine/plasma ratio and low local predictive value. As BEN is a slow-progressing chronic kidney disease, early detection of survivin may be proposed as potential predictor for malignant alteration and screening tool in BEN patients without the diagnosis of UC.

Local and Systemic Oxidative Stress in Balkan Endemic Nephropathy Is Not Associated with Xanthine Oxidase Activity.

Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) represents a chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy which is followed by the progression of kidney fibrosis to end-stage kidney failure. The critical involvement of poisons in food (aristolochic acid (AA), ochratoxin, and heavy metals) and selenium deficiency are among nutritive factors which contribute to the pathogenesis of BEN, due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) liberation and/or decreased antioxidative defence system. The aim of the study is to distinguish a possible systemic and local origin of ROS through the measurement of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in urine and plasma, along with the determination of the oxidative changes in lipids and proteins. The study included 50 patients with BEN and 38 control healthy subjects. We noted increased levels of both thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) in the plasma of patients with BEN, compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The urinary levels of AOPPs were higher in patients with BEN in comparison to the control (p < 0.001). The specific activity of XO was significantly lower in plasma and urine in BEN samples, compared to controls (p < 0.005). Based on these results, we hypothesize that XO might not be considered a direct systemic or local contributor to ROS production in BEN, most probably because of the diminished kidney functional tissue mass and/or AA-induced changes in purine nucleotide conformation. The increased AOPP and TBARS level in both plasma and urine in BEN may predict ROS systemic liberation with toxic local effects.

Reutilization of the Prolift mark system for the simultaneous correction of prolapse and incontinence in patients with pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: The reutilization of the Prolift mark system with the simultaneous creation of a midurethral sling from the same set was described. STUDY DESIGN: The technique was applied in 23 patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and clinically evident or occult stress urinary incontinence (SUI). RESULTS: Correction of POP was achieved in 21 out of 23 (91.3%) patients, and complete continence after the surgery in 20 out of 23 (86.9%). There was a significant improvement in voiding symptoms without deterioration of voiding function. Morbidity of the surgery was not different from that with Prolift mark alone. CONCLUSION: Modification of the method with creation of a suburethral sling from the same set is more economically viable without compromising either pelvic organ support or continence.

Simultaneous self-created transobturator tape and laparoscopic extraperitoneal vaginal support in patients with stress urinary incontinence and prolapse of the anterior and apical vaginal compartments.

OBJECTIVE: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is frequently associated with prolapse of the apical and anterior vaginal compartments. The standard treatment of SUI is transobturator tape (TOT). The usual treatment of prolapse (anterior colporrhaphy) has a high recurrence rate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of the treatment of SUI and concomitant anterior and apical prolapse with self-created transobturator tape and simultaneous laparoscopic anterior and apical support. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 36 patients with SUI and prolapse of the anterior and apical compartments were underwent operations. The mean follow-up was 18 months. Self-created transobturator tape and laparoscopical support of the anterior and apical compartment prolapse were performed in all patients. The most important symptoms of prolapse and incontinence, the anatomical outcome, and complications were evaluated before and after the surgery. RESULTS: Treatment of incontinence and anterior and apical prolapse was successful in 33/36 (91.7%), 30/36 (83.3%) and 31/36 (86.1%) patients, respectively (p<0.0001). There is a significant reduction of vaginal bulging and pelvic pressure (p<0.0001). Frequency and urgency were significantly reduced (p<0.0007 and p<0.03 respectively). There was no significant deterioration of the posterior compartment. The most important complications were bladder perforation in 2/36 (5.5%) patients and temporary urinary retention in 3/36 (8.3%) patients (Clavien-Dindo grade 3). CONCLUSION: Simultaneous laparoscopic anterior and lateral extraperitoneal support and transobturator tape are effective in the treatment of patients with both conditions.

Iatrogenic ureteral trauma: a 16-year single tertiary centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: lItrogenic ureteral injuries can occur during various abdominopelvic and retroperitoneal surgical procedures including gynecological, urological, colorectal and vascular. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to examine the incidence and types of iatrogenic ureteral injuries occurred over the period of 16 years, as well as to evaluate the values of applied diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical data (medical records and operative reports) of 55 patients (11 male and 44 female; mean age 54.5 years) with verified iatrogenic ureteral injury from 1998 to 2014, was performed. RESULTS: latrogenic ureteral injuries occurred during gynecological procedures in 55%, urological in 25%, colorectal in 15% and vascular in 5% of cases. Mechanisms of injury were incomplete transection (n=23), complete transection (n=1), ligation (n=7), partial perforation (mucosal abrasion) (n=1 3) and total perforation (n=1). The most frequent diagnostic procedures for postoperative identification of ureteral injuries were abdominal ultrasonography, excretory urography, antegrade pyeloureterography and retrograde ureteropyelography. Early therapeutic procedures were applied in 35 (64%), while delayed in 20 cases (36%). Early (<30 days) or late (>30 days) postoperative complications were verified in 14 cases (25%). CONCLUSION: Among different surgeries that may lead to the development of iatrogenic ureteral injury, gynecological procedures represent the most common cause. Rapid diagnosis enables immediate ureteral repair and is associated with low morbidity rates, representing a major factor contributing to the treatment success and ultimately preserving the renal function.

Idionathic retroneritoneal fibrosis: A Report on 15 Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) repre sents a chronic pathological process characterized by fibro sis which entraps and compresses the ureters and the grea blood vessels in the retroperitoneal space. A specific form of RPF is idiopathic RPF, an uncommon collagen vasculaj disease of unclear etiology. The series of 15 patients whicl underwent open surgical repair due to idiopathic RPF is presented herein. METHODS: From 1989 to 2012, 11 male and 4 female patients underwent surgery due to primar RPF. The ureters were entrapped unilaterally (7 patients), or bilaterally (8 patients). Major symptoms included low bacl pain due to hydronephrosis (9 patients), uremia (4 patients) and urinary tract infection (2 patients). The diagnosis was based on intravenous urography (IVU), retrograde uretero pyelography and computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: Surgical procedures included intraperitoneal ureteral dis placement (8 patients) and ureteral wrapping with omental flap (6 patients). One patient underwent bilateral uretera stenotic segments resection and oblique ureterography, followed by wrapping with omental flap. Pathological examination confirmed primary RPF in all patients. The meat operative time was 3.5 h (range 2.5-4.5 h). The average in trahospital stay was 21 days (range 16-26 days). The meat follow up was 32 months (6-46 months). During the follow up, 12 patients had improvement on IVU. CONCLUSION: Early recognition of signs and symptoms of RPF is of the utmost importance for the outcome. Surgical procedures including ureteral wrapping with omental flap, or intraperi toneal ureteral displacement, usually represent definitive treatment.

Tension free vaginal tape (TVT) vs Transobturator tape (TOT) complications and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is managed with both TVT and TOT. The TVT route of placement could result in a higher com-plication rate. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare outcomes and complications of TVT and TOT in SUI treatment. METHODS: Prospective study in 64 women with isolated SUI was validated through Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact questionnaire (IIQ-7) and International Continence Impact Questionnaire (ICIQ5-SF). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were noted. Patients were considered cured when negative on stress test and with no need for additional surgery during follow up, after one and three months. RESULTS: The cure rates for both TVT 26/30 (86,6%) and TOT 30/34 (88,2) were comparable. Higher rates of bleeding, bladder perforations, pain and dyspareunia are recorded in TVT group. Quality of life graded on the questionnaire basis proved significant improvement in both procedures. CONCLUSION: Both TVT and TOT have comparable cure results in the treatment of SUI. The TOT is equally effective in the SUI treatment with significantly lower complication incidence.

Complications of Camey-Le Duck ureteral reimplantation technique in modified ureterosigmoidostomy (Mainz pouch II) urinary diversion.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze complications and clinical outcome of Camey-Le Duck ureteral reimplantation technique in modified Mainz pouch II urinary diversion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: this retrospective study included a total of 110 patients (101 male and 9 female, mean age 59.2 years, SD = 10.2), who had underwent a modified Mainz pouch II urinary diversion with Camey-Le Duck ureteral reimplantation technique, following total cystectomy, during the period 1995-2014. The mean follow-up, available for 90 (82%) patients period was 19 (1-74) months. Early and late postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: early complications developed in 22 (20%) patients as follow: unilateral ureterohydronephrosis in 8 (7%) patients, bilateral ureterohydronephrosis in one (1%)-two RU (renoureteral units), urinary leakage in 8 (7%), and pyelonephritis in 5 (5%) patients. Late complications developed in 28 (25%) patients: pyelonephritis in 17 (15%), and ureteral reimplantation site stenosis in 11 (10%) patients with 12 RU. Balloon dilatation procedure was applied in all 12 RU, with additional metallic Strecker stent insertion in 5 RU. At 24-month follow-up, all patients with metallic Strecker stent had normal results of serum biochemistry, blood gas analysis and renal ultrasound. In the rest of six patients with 7RU, balloon dilatation has failed and restenosis of ureteral reimplantation site with consequent ipsilateral hydronephrosis was verified. In these patients, permanent percutaneous nephrostomy catheter was applied. CONCLUSION: Camey-Le Duck ureteral reimplantation technique following Mainz pouch II urinary diversion is simple, reliable and durable. It enables well upper urinary tract protection and is associated with relatively low major complication rates.

Reconstruction of the long urethral strictures with the buccal mucosal free graft.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of the long urethral strictures is a difficult task in urology. The most frequently usedmethod is augmentation with the free buccal mucosal graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Restrospective analysis of 57 patients with the long urethral stricture was performed. All patients were evaluated endosco- pically and radiologically before the surgery. Buccal mucosal graft harvested from the inner side of the cheek (unilateral or bilateral) was used for the urethral reconstruction in all patients. Follow-up was one year. RESULTS: Complete follow up is achieved in 44/57 (77.2%) patients. The most important etiology of the strictures was previous iatrogenic trauma (instrumentation). The strictures were the most frequently located in the bulbar urethra. Preoperative exact evaluation of the stricture length was possible in only 35/57 patients (61.4%). Overall success rate of the surgery was 38/44 (86.3%). Complications occurred in 6/44 (13.7%) of patients--primary graft failure and urinary fistula. Mean preoperative IPSS was 19.2 ± 5.2, and postoperative 10.3 ± 3.2 (p < 0.0001). IPSSQOL was 4.9 ± 3.7 before the surgery, 2.9 ± 1.1 after the surgery (p < 0.001). Persistent urinary infection was present in 12/44 (27.2%) patients. CONCLUSION: Buccal mucosal free graft could be successfully used in the reconstruction of long urethral strictures. However, complications are not uncommon, and residual symptoms still exist after the surgery, and could not be neglected.

Urinary tract injury associated with pelvic fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic trauma associated with urinary tract injury is a severe trauma, mostly caused by traffic accidents and falls from heights. These injuries require urgent treatment and close teamwork between urologic and orthopaedic surgeons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study there were analyzed patients with pelvic trauma and extraperitoneal injury of urinary tract, treated surgically at Clinic for Ortopaedic Surgery and Traumatology and Urology Clinic in Clinical Center Nis. Surgical intervention in these patients had been realized as the synchronized work of both orthopaedic and urologic surgeons. The pelvis was treated by external and internal fixation. Mitkovic type external fixator was used for pelvic external fixation. Plating was used for pelvic internal fixation. Pelvic fractures were classified using Tile's classification system. The final functional results had been scored using Majeed score system. RESULTS: There were 42 patients with the injury of pelvic ring, treated at Clinic for Ortopaedic Surgery and Traumatology and at Urology Clinic, Clinical Center Nis, in the period of 01.01.2011. to 31.12.2013, 30 males and 12 females, with average age of 53.69 (19-84) years old. In 80% of cases pelvic fractures were caused by high energy trauma in traffic accidents. According to Tile's classification, 9 patients (21,42%) had pelvic fracture type A, 23 patients (54,46%) had pelvic fracture type B and 10 patients (23,80%) had pelvic fracture type C. Urinary tract injury was diagnosed in 9 patients (21,42%): 5 patients (11,9%) with bladder injury, 3 patients (7,14%) with posterior urethra injury and 1 patient (2,38%) with both bladder and posterior urethra injury. CONCLUSION: Urgent repair of extraperitoneal urinary tract injury by urologic surgeons and synchronized pelvic reduction and fixation using external or internal fixation by ortopaedic surgeon, in the same surgical procedure, is the standard method for treatment of this severe injury.