What Is Priapism?

This JAMA Patient Page describes the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of priapism.

Untreated hypogonadism and testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men are associated with a decreased risk of subsequent prostate cancer: a population-based study.

We sought to understand the relationship between hypogonadism and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in hypogonadal men on the risk of developing localized and metastatic prostate cancer. We used the Merative MarketScan database of commercial claims encounters to identify men diagnosed with hypogonadism. These men were matched to eugonadal men who served as controls. Multivariate negative binomial regression analysis of prostate cancer diagnoses, hypogonadism, and TRT in hypogonadal men adjusting for various known confounding factors was used to understand the impact of hypogonadism and TRT on prostate cancer risk. We identified 3,222,904 men who met inclusion criteria, of which 50% were diagnosed with hypogonadism (1,611,452) and each were matched to a control (1,611,452). The incidence of prostate cancer was 2.16%, 1.55%, and 1.99% in eugonadal controls, hypogonadal men on TRT, and hypogonadal men without TRT, respectively (p < 0.001). Untreated hypogonadism was independently associated with a decreased risk of localized prostate cancer (IRR 0.46, 95% CI 0.43-0.50, p < 0.001) compared to eugonadal controls. Hypogonadal men on TRT also had a significantly decreased risk of localized prostate cancer (IRR 0.49, 95% CI 0.45-0.53, p < 0.001). Furthermore, hypogonadal men on TRT (IRR 0.21, 95% CI 0.19-0.24, p < 0.001) or without TRT (IRR 0.20, 95% CI 0.18-0.22, p < 0.001) both had significantly decreased risk of metastatic prostate cancer, respectively. Our population-based analysis suggests that untreated hypogonadism in men is associated with a 50% decreased incidence of localized prostate cancer and an 80% decreased incidence of metastatic prostate cancer. TRT in hypogonadal men was also associated with a decreased risk of subsequent prostate cancer. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between hypogonadism and TRT in hypogonadal men on the risk of subsequent prostate cancer.

Uncovering the Association Between Complete AZFc Microduplications and Spermatogenic Ability: The First Reported Series.

Purpose This article aims to report the first series of men with complete AZFc microduplications and their clinical and reproductive characteristics. Methods We sampled 3000 men who presented for reproductive urology evaluation from 2012-2020, of which 104 men underwent high-resolution Y-chromosome microarray testing, and five men were identified to have complete AZFc microduplications. Medical, surgical, and reproductive histories were obtained. Semen and hormonal parameters as well as response to fertility therapies were recorded. Results Five men were identified as having complete AZFc microduplications. The mean age was 33.75 years, representing 0.2% (5/3000) of men presenting for fertility investigation, 4.8% (5/104) of men undergoing microarray testing, and 21% (5/24) of men with AZFc abnormalities. Two of the men had prior undescended testicles and one had several autoimmune processes. The mean follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was 5.5 IU/L, luteinizing hormone (LH) 3.6 IU/L, and testosterone 14.56 nmol/L. One man was azoospermic, one man alternated between severe oligospermia and rare non-motile sperm, one had variable parameters, with one semen analysis demonstrating azoospermia and a second demonstrating a total motile sperm count (TMSC) of 4 ×106, one man was persistently oligospermic with TMSCs ranging 3.96-12.6 ×106, and one man initially had severe oligospermia, with a mean TMSC of 1.5 ×106, which increased to 21.7 ×106 after intervention (varicocele embolization, clomiphene citrate). This last man then fathered a spontaneous pregnancy. Conclusion AZFc complete microduplications are a rare cause of spermatogenic failure but not an uncommon form of AZFc abnormality. Clinically, they represent a heterogeneous group, having a variable reproductive potential. Cases should be managed on an individual basis.

Population-Based Assessment of Determining Predictors for Discharge Disposition in Patients with Bladder Cancer Undergoing Radical Cystectomy.

Objective: To assess predictors of discharge disposition­either home or to a CRF­after undergoing RC for bladder cancer in the United States. Methods: In this retrospective, cohort study, patients were divided into two cohorts: those discharged home and those discharged to CRF. We examined patient, surgical, and hospital characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to control for selected variables. All statistical tests were two-sided. Patients were derived from the Premier Healthcare Database. International classification of disease (ICD)-9 (<2014), ICD-10 (≥2015), and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify patient diagnoses and encounters. The population consisted of 138,151 patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2019. Results: Of 138,151 patients, 24,922 (18.0%) were admitted to CRFs. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age, single/widowed marital status, female gender, increased Charlson Comorbidity Index, Medicaid, and Medicare insurance are associated with CRF discharge. Rural hospital location, self-pay status, increased annual surgeon case, and robotic surgical approach are associated with home discharge. Conclusions: Several specific patient, surgical, and facility characteristics were identified that may significantly impact discharge disposition after RC for bladder cancer.

Hyperandrogenism and Hyperestrogenism Secondary to Mixed Germ-Cell Testicular Tumor.

Testicular cancer with androgen and estrogen secretion is classically associated with Leydig cell tumors. Rare case reports have described this finding in germ-cell tumors along with signs of androgen and estrogen excess including gynecomastia and infertility. We report the case of a 19-year-old male with a non-seminomatous testicular germ-cell tumor found to have hyperandrogenism, hyperestrogenism, and suppression of central sex hormones. Similar findings may be underreported in the literature, and males with suspected testicular malignancy should be appropriately screened for signs of androgen and/or estrogen excess so they can be offered appropriate monitoring and counseling.

Global online interest in finasteride sexual side effects.

Prior literature has suggested that finasteride may negatively impact men's sexual health. In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided a warning on finasteride drug labels to incorporate sexual side effects such as reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate global online interest in finasteride sexual side effects, their penetrance and variation, and how they compared overtime. We also aimed to evaluate the influence of the FDA label warnings on web-based searches for finasteride side effects. We utilized Google search engine from January 2004 to December 2020 to include separate trends from web searches of "Propecia," "Propecia side effects," "finasteride", "finasteride side effects", and "post-finasteride syndrome" compared amongst the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. We performed join-point regression analysis. We compared the annual relative search volume (ARSV) and annual percentage change (APC) to evaluate for loss or gain of interest in the respective key terms. We determined that the average ARSV for "finasteride" was 14.8% in 2004 and increased significantly to 57.3% in 2020 (APC: +9.25%, 95% CI 8 to 10.5, p < 0.001). Likewise, there was significant increased interest in "finasteride side effects" (APC: +20.7, p < 0.001) and "post-finasteride syndrome" (APC: +29.2; p < 0.001) in the United States overtime. Finally, when we compared trends before and after the FDA warnings, the average ASRV of "finasteride", "finasteride side effects", and "post-finasteride syndrome" all increased significantly (p = 0.001, p = 0.014, p < 0.001), respectively. Thus, it is evident that there is a global web-based interest in finasteride and its sexual health side effects, particularly after the FDA warning in 2011. There is boosted public awareness, and thus providers should have more detailed and careful conversations with patients prior to starting a 5α-reductase inhibitor such as finasteride.

Complete testicular-epididymal dissociation presenting as adult chronic orchialgia.

Complete testicular epididymal dissociations are exceedingly rare conditions where the epididymis and the vas deferens are completely dissociated from the testicle. We present the case of a 46-year-old male with a history of chronic, intermittent and severe left testicular pain who was found to have a complete testicular epididymal dissociation at the time of surgical exploration and bilateral orchidopexy. Microsurgical approximation of the tail of the epididymis to the tunica albuginea of the testis with reapproximating the muscularis of the spermatic cord to the epididymal appendage was performed with subsequent relief of symptoms.

The impact of male infertility faculty on urology residency training.

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of having male infertility on urology residents' infertility training experience, surgical confidence, and In-Service-Exam Infertility/Sexual Medicine subscores. We electronically surveyed urology residents throughout the United States querying exposure to infertility faculty and fertility knowledge. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to determine predictors of higher In-Service Exam Infertility/Sexual Medicine sub-scores and self-rated infertility competency. Fifty-four of 72 respondents (75%) reported that male infertility comprises ≤10% of their training. Of the 63 residents who have a reproductive urologist on faculty, 66.7%, 47.6%, and 49.2% have scrubbed/observed a microsurgical varicocelectomy, vasectomy reversal and testicular sperm extraction, respectively. Residents exposed to infertility faculty are more likely to self-rate their infertility understanding as "excellent" or "good" (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively), and 14.4× more likely to feel confident performing infertility procedures, versus residents lacking faculty (p < 0.001). Residents having formal microsurgical training have better self-rated infertility understanding (p < 0.001), non-obstructive azoospermia management (p = 0.01), and competency performing infertility procedures (p < 0.001). Residents exposed to fertility faculty are more likely to feel confident performing fertility procedures after residency (p = 0.001). In conclusion, infertility comprises a minority of residency training. Most residents anticipate performing infertility procedures in practice, despite two-thirds lacking confidence performing these. Having an infertility faculty and formal microsurgical training improves residents' surgical confidence, non-obstructive azoospermia management, and global male infertility understanding. A structured educational curriculum may improve resident infertility training.

Sperm granulomas: Predictive factors and impacts on patency post vasectomy reversal.

The objective of this study was to identify factors that predict for sperm granuloma formation and the impact of sperm granuloma presence and quantity on vasectomy reversal (VR) outcomes. A cross sectional retrospective review of prospectively collected data, on the impact of granuloma on VR outcomes from a single academic center was performed. The impact of age, obstructive interval, intraoperative vasal fluid findings, anastomosis type, body mass index, tobacco use and total motile count (TMC) was determined. A total of 1550 men underwent VR between January 2000 and August 2019. Granulomas were present unilaterally in 23.3% (n = 361) and bilaterally in 14.2% (n = 220). On univariate analysis, increasing patient age negatively correlated with a larger number of granulomas (p = .011). Granuloma presence was associated with finding intact and motile sperm from the vasal stump intraoperatively (p = .001), and vasoepididymostomy anastomosis (p < .001). However, granuloma presence (and quantity) did not correlate with obstructive interval or maximum TMC. Tobacco use and body mass index (BMI) were not associated with granuloma presence. On multivariate analysis, granuloma quantity was not associated with TMC. Obstructive interval and vasovasostomy anastomosis were associated with higher TMC, while BMI was negatively associated with TMC. In conclusion, increasing age was negatively correlated with granuloma formation. Granuloma presence was associated with more favourable intraoperative fluid findings and anastomosis type, but not post-VR TMC, suggesting men with and without granulomas undergoing skilled microsurgery will have similar patency rates. Heavier men should be encouraged for weight loss prior to vasectomy reversal as increasing BMI was associated with lower TMC.

Gluteal Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection and Hip Osteomyelitis due to Candida Glabrata.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a rapidly progressive and often fatal infection of the soft tissue. Classically, it is attributed to bacterial infection and immunocompromised patients are particularly vulnerable. However, NSTI due to fungal infection rarely does occur, including from Candida species, and can pose a diagnostic challenge for unfamiliar providers. Expedient clinical recognition, surgical debridement, fungal tissue culture, and initiation of antifungal therapy are key. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 39-year-old obese male with long-standing history of poorly controlled diabetes who presented to a community hospital, noted to have NSTI of the sacrum, bilateral buttocks, and left hip, and was treated only with antibiotics. After transfer to an academic center, the patient underwent aggressive debridement and tissue diagnosis of Candida glabrata NSTI was made. He received broad-spectrum antibiotic and antifungal therapy for several months. Over the course of 4 months, his infection was cleared, and his large tissue defects were reconstructed with rotation flaps and the patient was discharged home. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal NSTI is a rare entity, especially when due to Candida species. It can be exceedingly difficult to diagnose and manage, as these patients may suffer higher mortality than those with NSTI due to bacteria. A high index of suspicion for the entity, rapid debridement, intraoperative tissue culture, and treatment with appropriate antifungal therapy offers the greatest chance of survival.

Factors Influencing the Decision for Fresh vs Cryopreserved Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction for Non-Obstructive Azoospermia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine reproductive urologists' (RU) practice patterns for microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) and factors associated with use of fresh vs frozen microTESE for non-obstructive azoospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We electronically surveyed Society for Study of Male Reproduction members with a 21-item questionnaire. Our primary outcomes were to determine RU preference for fresh or frozen microTESE and to understand barriers to performing microTESE. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze categorical outcomes and candidate predictor variables. Firth logistic regression was performed to identify the predictors for preferring and performing fresh vs frozen microTESE. RESULTS: A total of 208 surveys were sent with 76 responses. Most (63.0%) primarily perform frozen microTESE for non-obstructive azoospermia, while 37.0% primarily perform fresh. However, in an ideal practice, 59.3% prefer fresh microTESE, 22.2% prefer frozen microTESE, and 18.5% had no preference. MicroTESE is performed most often (61.1%) at surgical centers not affiliated with a fertility practice. The most commonly reported barriers for both fresh and frozen microTESE are cost (42.6%), scheduling (33.3%), and andrologist unavailability (16.7%). There are no statistically significant differences between these barriers and performing fresh vs frozen microTESE. On multivariable analysis, reproductive endocrinology and infertility-based surgical center (OR 22.9; 95% CI 1.1-467.2; P = 0.04) and professional fee $2,500-$4,999 (OR 20.7; 95% CI 1.27-337.9; P = 0.03) are significant predictors of performing fresh microTESE. CONCLUSION: Frozen microTESE is performed more commonly than fresh, despite most RU preferring fresh microTESE in an ideal setting. Both fresh and frozen microTESE have a role in reproductive care. Barriers to performing fresh microTESE include cost, scheduling and andrologist availability.

Evaluation of Bowel Function Following Radical Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion Using Two Validated Questionnaires: What Are the Effects on Quality of Life?

OBJECTIVE: To assess both short- and long-term constipation symptoms and their impact on quality of life in patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) with three different types of urinary diversion: orthotopic neobladder (ONB), continent cutaneous diversion (CCD), and ileal conduit (IC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The validated Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) questionnaires were administered to all patients at follow-up greater than 30 days from surgery. Clinical and pathological characteristics were prospectively recorded in an institutional review board approved bladder cancer database. Using multivariable linear regression analyses, we determined significant predictors of improved constipation symptoms and quality of life scores. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients completed 255 PAC-SYM and PAC-QOL questionnaires with a median follow-up time of 1.7 years (IQR: 0.7 - 3.0 years). ONB, CCD, and IC were performed in 78%, 5.5%, and 16.5% of patients, respectively. Higher bowel function scores (i.e. worse symptoms) were noted at 3 months post-operatively, while these scores significantly improved over time for PAC-SYM total score (P = .004), abdominal subscore (P = .001), and rectal subscore (P = .018). On multivariable analysis, we found that patients <70 years old (B -2.1, P = .004), with follow-up >1 year (B -4.8, P = .001), and who received an IC (B -2.4, P = .02) had significantly lower PAC-SYM scores. CONCLUSION: Patients have few constipation symptoms and are overall satisfied with their bowel function at long-term follow-up after RC. While patients with IC have significantly fewer constipation symptoms compared to those with ONB or CCD, all patients had significant improvement one year after the surgery.

Testicular Torsion From Bell-clapper Deformity.

A 12-year-old otherwise healthy boy presents to a local emergency room with sudden onset, sharp, continuous left testicular pain for 9 hours, associated with nausea and vomiting. Exam and ultrasound is consistent with testicular torsion. During scrotal exploration, a bell-clapper deformity of the left testicle is appreciated, with a normal gubernacular attachment of the right testicle. Bell-clapper deformity is a congenital failure of the posterior attachment of the gubernaculum to the testis, which increases testicular mobility within the tunica vaginalis and predisposes individuals to testicular torsion.

Mature Ovarian Cystic Teratoma Mimicking a Bladder Diverticulum in a 16-year-old Female.

A 16-year-old female was incidentally found to have an abnormal pelvic ultrasound while undergoing evaluation for mild scoliosis. A large, thick-walled, lobular, fluid-filled structure was found at midline in the pelvis that initially resembled bladder diverticula due to its anatomical position and sonographic appearance. Voiding cystourethrogram and computed tomography later revealed a large cystic mass originating from the right ovary. This report outlines a case of a mature cystic teratoma convincingly mimicking bladder anomaly on sonography.

Grade IV Renal Laceration in a 13-Year-Old Boy With Cross-fused Renal Ectopia.

A 13-year-old boy presented with gross hematuria following a skateboarding accident and was found to have cross-fused renal ectopia of the left kidney with a grade IV right renal laceration and urinary extravasation. Despite a double-J ureteral stent, urinoma drain, and indwelling bladder catheter, his urinoma drain maintained high output. He underwent a ureteral stent exchange and upsizing. A percutaneous nephrostomy tube was subsequently placed for maximal urinary diversion, which ultimately led to the resolution in his urinary leak. This case highlights our endourologic approach to manage a severe urinary leak despite conservative measures in a pediatric patient with a renal anomaly.

Severe ureteropelvic junction obstruction with massive hydronephrosis causing compression of the inferior vena cava.

A 7-week-old girl presented with tachypnea and abdominal distension. Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated a 16 cm cystic mass in the right abdomen. Contrast-enhanced T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed severe hydronephrosis of the right kidney with thinning of the renal parenchyma consistent with a massive ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. A percutaneous nephrostomy tube was placed for decompression of her right kidney and 1270 ml of fluid was drained. The patient underwent an open pyeloplasty. Her follow-up renal ultrasonography demonstrated resolution of her severe hydronephrosis.