Ureteral stricture rate after endoscopic treatments for urolithiasis and related risk factors: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to accurately determine ureteral stricture (US) rates following urolithiasis treatments and their related risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines using databases from inception to November 2023. Studies were deemed eligible for analysis if they included ≥ 18 years old patients with urinary lithiasis (Patients) who were subjected to endoscopic treatment (Intervention) with ureteroscopy (URS), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), or shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) (Comparator) to assess the incidence of US (Outcome) in prospective and retrospective studies (Study design). RESULTS: A total of 43 studies were included. The pooled US rate was 1.3% post-SWL and 2.1% post-PCNL. The pooled rate of US post-URS was 1.9% but raised to 2.7% considering the last five years' studies and 4.9% if the stone was impacted. Moreover, the pooled US rate differed if follow-ups were under or over six months. Patients with proximal ureteral stone, preoperative hydronephrosis, intraoperative ureteral perforation, and impacted stones showed higher US risk post-endoscopic intervention with odds ratio of 1.6 (P = 0.05), 2.6 (P = 0.009), 7.1 (P < 0.001), and 7.47 (P = 0.003), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The overall US rate ranges from 0.3 to 4.9%, with an increasing trend in the last few years. It is influenced by type of treatment, stone location and impaction, preoperative hydronephrosis and intraoperative perforation. Future standardized reporting and prospective and more extended follow-up studies might contribute to a better understanding of US risks related to calculi treatment.

Treatment outcomes of bladder stones in children with intact bladders in developing countries: A systematic review of >1000 cases on behalf of the European Association of Urology Bladder Stones Guideline panel.

INTRODUCTION: Bladder stones (BS) are still endemic in children in developing nations and account for a high volume of paediatric urology workload in these areas. The aim of this systematic review is to comparatively assess the benefits and risks of minimally invasive and open surgical interventions for the treatment of bladder stones in children. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with Cochrane Guidance. Database searches (January 1970- March 2021) were screened, abstracted, and assessed for risk of bias for comparative randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies (NRSs) with >10 patients per group. Open cystolithotomy (CL), transurethral cystolithotripsy (TUCL), percutaneous cystolithotripsy (PCCL), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and laparoscopic cystolithotomy (LapCL) were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 3040 abstracts were screened, and 8 studies were included. There were 7 retrospective non-randomised studies (NRS's) and 1 quasi-RCT with 1034 eligible patients (CL: n=637, TUCL: n=196, PCCL: n=138, ESWL: n=63, LapCL n=0). Stone free rate (SFR) was given in 7 studies and measured 100%, 86.6%-100%, and 100% for CL, TUCL and PCCL respectively. CL was associated with a longer duration of inpatient stay than PCCL and TUCL (p<0.05). One NRS showed that SFR was significantly lower after 1 session with outpatient ESWL (47.6%) compared to TUCL (93.5%) and CL (100%) (p<0.01 and p<0.01 respectively). One RCT compared TUCL with laser versus TUCL with pneumatic lithotripsy and found that procedure duration was shorter with laser for stones <1.5cm (n=25, p=0.04). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, CL, TUCL and PCCL have comparable SFRs but ESWL is less effective for treating stones in paediatric patients. CL has the longest duration of inpatient stay. Information gathered from this systematic review will enable paediatric urologists to comparatively assess the risks and benefits of all urological modalities when considering surgical intervention for bladder stones.

Urology residency training in Greece. Results from the first national resident survey.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This is the first national survey assessing Greek Urology residency programs. The main objective of this study is to assess the level of confidence and perception of Greek Urology residents regarding their educational program and detect areas of improvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 51-question survey was developed via an electronic platform and answered by 91 out of 104 Greek residents from March 2019 until May 2019. Fisher's exact test, chi-squared test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used with statistical significance set at p = .05. RESULTS: The median overall satisfaction regarding surgical training was 6/10 regardless of working schedule, working in a University Department, PGY or number of residents in clinic. Most residents have not performed any scrotal ultrasound or pressure-flow-studies; however, they are more familiar with KUB ultrasound. Double-J stent insertion and cystoscopy were common procedures for residents. Bureaucracy was reported as a major issue by 70.4% of residents. ESWL has not been performed by 80.2% of residents, 58.2% residents performed less than 10 ureteroscopies, and only the last year trainees performed more than 10 TURBT and TURP. Most residents mentioned to rarely perform basic steps in many open or laparoscopic urological procedures. Surprisingly, 59.3% of residents have not published any study in peer-reviewed journals. Regarding satisfaction, 44% rarely feel satisfied at work and 59.3% sometimes suffer from burnout. Response rate reached 87.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results from this survey, regulatory authorities should join forces to establish a structured curriculum of clinical, surgical and research training in Urology across Europe.

Urology residency training in Greece. Results from the first national resident survey. / Formación de la residencia de Urología en Grecia. Resultados de la primera encuesta nacional.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This is the first national survey assessing Greek Urology residency programs. The main objective of this study is to assess the level of confidence and perception of Greek Urology residents regarding their educational program and detect areas of improvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 51-question survey was developed via an electronic platform and answered by 91 out of 104 Greek residents from March 2019 until May 2019. Fisher's exact test, chi-squared test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used with statistical significance set at p=.05. RESULTS: The median overall satisfaction regarding surgical training was 6/10 regardless of working schedule, working in a University Department, PGY or number of residents in clinic. Most residents have not performed any scrotal ultrasound or pressure-flow-studies; however, they are more familiar with KUB ultrasound. Double-J stent insertion and cystoscopy were common procedures for residents. Bureaucracy was reported as a major issue by 70.4% of residents. ESWL has not been performed by 80.2% of residents, 58.2% residents performed less than 10 ureteroscopies, and only the last year trainees performed more than 10 TURBT and TURP. Most residents mentioned to rarely perform basic steps in many open or laparoscopic urological procedures. Surprisingly, 59.3% of residents have not published any study in peer-reviewed journals. Regarding satisfaction, 44% rarely feel satisfied at work and 59.3% sometimes suffer from burnout. Response rate reached 87.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results from this survey, regulatory authorities should join forces to establish a structured curriculum of clinical, surgical and research training in Urology across Europe.

B3 agonists or anticholinergics in the treatment of the lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis?-A randomized study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. MS patients usually present with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). Objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of treating MS patients with LUTD with either a b3 agonist (mirabegron) or anticholinergics. The study's primary outcome is the LUTD symptom improvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a multi-center, single-blinded, comparative study including 91 MS patients with LUTD. At baseline, patients underwent thorough clinical examination, urine cultivation and abdominal ultrasound and completed urination diaries and specific, validated questionnaires (NBSS, MusiQoL). At second visit, patients were administered either mirabegron or anticholinergics. Treatment was always carried out alongside with MS treatment. Reevaluation was performed 3 months after first visit. Patients underwent the same clinical and imaging tests that were carried out at first visit. RESULTS: We compared several clinical and imaging parameters between the two groups at first visit and month 3 after treatment. Νo statistical difference was noted between the mirabegron group and the anticholinergic group in terms of LUTD improvement. In both groups, improvement from baseline regarding LUTD was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired and unpaired t test method. No patient discontinued either medication due to side effects. CONCLUSIONS: MS patients receiving either mirabegron or anticholinergic therapy for LUTD showed improvement. Nevertheless, no statistical difference was noted between the two cohorts at 3 months in terms of drug efficacy in all the statistically significant parameters.

Endoscopic identification of urinary stone composition: A study of South Eastern Group for Urolithiasis Research (SEGUR 2). / Identificación endoscópica de la composición de los cálculos urinarios: un estudio del Southeastern Group for Lithiasis Research (SEGUR 2).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the surgeon's ability to evaluate the composition of the stone by observation of endoscopic images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 20 video clips of endoscopic treatments of urinary stones of which was also available the result of infrared spectroscopy was uploaded to a YouTube site accessible only to members of the South Eastern Group for Urolithiasis Research (SEGUR) who were asked to identify the composition of the stones. RESULTS: A total of 32 clinicians from 9 different countries participated in the study. The average number of correct detections of participants was 7.81 ± 2.68 (range 1-12). Overall accuracy was 39% (250 out of 640 predictions). Calcium oxalate dihydrate stones have been correctly detected in 69.8%, calcium oxalate monohydrate in 41.8%, uric acid in 33.3%, calcium oxalate/uric acid in 34.3% and cystine in 78.1%. Precision rates for struvite (15.6%), calcium phosphate (0%) and mixed calcium oxalate/calcium phosphate (9.3%) were quite low. CONCLUSIONS: Observation of the stone during the endoscopic procedure was not reliable to identify the composition of most stones although it gave some information allowing to identify with a good sensitivity calcium oxalate dihydrate and cystine stones. Nevertheless, photo or video reporting of the intact stone and its internal structure could should be encouraged to implement results of still mandatory post-operative stone analysis. Endourologists should improve their ability of visual identification of the different types of stones.

Does bipolar energy provide any advantage over monopolar surgery in transurethral resection of non-muscle invasive bladder tumors? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To provide most recent and high quality evidence concerning the comparison between monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of non-muscle invasive bladder tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two researchers performed a systematic review of the current literature independently, to identify studies published in English language. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from inception to 31st May 2019. The included primary endpoints of the study were: detrusor muscle sampling rates, cautery artifact occurrence among specimens and 1- or 2-year recurrence rates, overall complication rate, transfusion rate, obturator reflex and bladder perforation rates. Secondary endpoints were length of hospital stay, operation room time, hemoglobin drop, urinary tract infections, TUR-syndrome, serum sodium drop and acute urinary retention rates. RESULTS: 23 studies (14 RCTs and 9 observational) were included for qualitative and quantitative synthesis, recruiting 9815 patients in monopolar resection group and 10,112 patients in bipolar resection group (experimental). We found significant differences in favor of bipolar energy in terms of cautery artifact and length of stay with bladder perforation rates were found to be significantly better in bipolar system even though these results did not sustain when RCT's only analysis was performed. No differences were found in rates of obturator reflex (even though RCT's analysis advised differently), tumor recurrence and most of the secondary endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar transurethral bladder tumor resection is as safe and efficient as its monopolar counterpart. Bipolar technology is related to less obturator nerve contractions and less tissue thermal artifacts during resection and may result in less hospital stay.

Histopathological Outcomes after Irreversible Electroporation for Prostate Cancer: Results of an Ablate and Resect Study.

PURPOSE: Irreversible electroporation is a tissue ablation modality that uses high voltage electric energy to induce an increase in cell membrane permeability. This causes destabilization of the existing cellular transmembrane potential leading to cell death, due to the inability to maintain cellular homeostasis. This phase I-II study was designed to evaluate the histopathological outcomes of irreversible electroporation to prostate and surrounding tissue in radical prostatectomy specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with prostate cancer underwent an irreversible electroporation ablation without curative intent, followed by radical prostatectomy scheduled 4 weeks later. For histopathological examination of the prostate, whole mounted tissue slices were examined by dedicated genitourinary pathologists. The borders of the ablation zone and residual tumor were outlined on the slides. RESULTS: The irreversible electroporation ablation zones were characterized as areas of fibrosis, necrosis and loss of epithelial tissue in terms of denudation in the glandular structures. The ablation zone was well demarcated, showing trenchant delineations between viable and nonviable tissue. The ablated tissue showed mild to moderate inflammation, with atrophic cells in 1 case. The area was surrounded by hemorrhage at the location of the electrodes. No skip lesions or viable tissue was seen in the ablation zone. Fibrinoid necrosis of the neurovascular bundle was observed in 13 patients and denudation of the urothelium of the prostatic urethra was seen in 9. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological assessment of the prostate 4 weeks after irreversible electroporation ablation showed sharply demarcated fibrotic and necrotic tissue in the ablation zone. No viable tissue was observed in the irreversible electroporation ablation zone.

Safety and Efficacy of Bipolar Versus Monopolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Patients with Large Prostates or Severe Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Post Hoc Analysis of a European Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: We compare bipolar vs monopolar transurethral prostate resection safety/secondary outcomes including efficacy in patients with large prostate volume or severe lower urinary tract symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2006 to June 2009 candidates for transurethral prostate resection were recruited at 4 centers, randomized 1:1 into monopolar/bipolar transurethral prostate resection arms and followed up to 36 months. Post hoc data analysis from patients with large prostate volume or severe lower urinary tract symptoms is presented. Patients with large prostate volume or severe lower urinary tract symptoms were defined as those with transrectal ultrasound based prostate volume greater than 80 ml or International Prostate Symptom Score greater than 19. Safety was estimated using sodium/hemoglobin changes immediately after surgery, complications during the early postoperative period (up to 6 weeks), and short-term (up to 12 months) and midterm (up to 36 months) followup. Secondary outcomes included, among others, efficacy quantified by changes in maximum urine flow rate, post-void residual urine volume and International Prostate Symptom Score compared with baseline. RESULTS: A total of 279 patients were randomized. Post hoc analysis of data from patients with a large prostate volume or severe lower urinary tract symptoms was based on analysis A-in 62 of 279 participants (22.3%) (monopolar transurethral prostate resection 32, bipolar transurethral prostate resection 30) or analysis B-in 126 of 279 participants (45.2%) (monopolar transurethral prostate resection 57, bipolar transurethral prostate resection 69). Mean (SD) prostate volume was 108.0 (25.9) ml for monopolar transurethral prostate resection and 108.9 (23.4) ml for bipolar transurethral prostate resection (p=0.756). Mean International Prostate Symptom Score was 25.0 (4.2) for monopolar transurethral prostate resection and 25.3 (3.7) for bipolar transurethral prostate resection (p=0.402). Neither safety nor any secondary outcome differed significantly between the arms throughout followup. The only exception was the decrease in sodium (analysis A), which was significantly greater after monopolar transurethral prostate resection (-4.2 vs -0.7 mmol/l, p=0.023) and did not translate into a significant difference in transurethral resection syndrome rates (monopolar transurethral prostate resection 1 of 32 vs bipolar transurethral prostate resection 0 of 30, p=1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar and monopolar transurethral prostate resection show similar safety/efficacy in these patient subpopulations.

The correlation between the electrode configuration and histopathology of irreversible electroporation ablations in prostate cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel minimally invasive therapy for prostate cancer using short electric pulses to ablate prostate tissue. The purpose of this study is to determine the IRE effects in prostate tissue and correlate electrode configuration with the histology of radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. We hypothesize that the area within the electrode configuration is completely ablated and that the area within the electrode configuration is predictive for the ablated area after treatment. METHODS: A prospective phase I/II study was conducted in 16 consecutive patients with histopathologically confirmed prostate cancer scheduled for RP. Focal or extended IRE treatment of the prostate was performed 4 weeks prior to RP. The locations of the electrodes were used to calculate the planned ablation zone. Following RP, the specimens were processed into whole-mount sections, histopathology (PA) was assessed and ablation zones were delineated. The area of the tissue alteration was determined by measuring the surface. The planned and the histological ablation zones were compared, analysed per individual patient and per protocol (focal vs. extended). RESULTS: All cells within the electrode configuration were completely ablated and consisted only of necrotic and fibrotic tissue without leaving any viable cells. The histological ablation zone was always larger than the electrodes configuration (2.9 times larger for the 3 electrodes configuration and 2.5 times larger for the ≥4 electrode configuration). These ablation effects extended beyond the prostatic capsule in the neurovascular bundle in 13 out of 15 cases. CONCLUSIONS: IRE in prostate cancer results in completely ablated, sharply demarcated lesions with a histological ablation zone beyond the electrode configuration. No skip lesions were observed within the electrode configuration. CLINICAL TRIALS: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01790451 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01790451.

MRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging for evaluation of focal irreversible electroporation treatment: results from a phase I-II study in patients undergoing IRE followed by radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an ablative therapy with a low side-effect profile in prostate cancer. The objective was: 1) To compare the volumetric IRE ablation zone on grey-scale transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) with histopathology findings; 2) To determine a reliable imaging modality to visualize the IRE ablation effects accurately. METHODS: A prospective phase I-II study was performed in 16 patients scheduled for radical prostatectomy (RP). IRE of the prostate was performed 4 weeks before RP. Prior to, and 4 weeks after the IRE treatment, imaging was performed by TRUS, CEUS, and mpMRI. 3D-analysis of the ablation volumes on imaging and on H&E-stained whole-mount sections was performed. The volumes were compared and the correlation was calculated. RESULTS: Evaluation of the imaging demonstrated that with T2-weighted MRI, dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI, and CEUS, effects of IRE are visible. T2MRI and CEUS closely match the volumes on histopathology (Pearson correlation r = 0.88 resp. 0.80). However, IRE is not visible with TRUS. CONCLUSIONS: mpMRI and CEUS are appropriate for assessing IRE effects and are the most feasible imaging modalities to visualize IRE ablation zone. The imaging is concordant with results of histopathological examination. KEY POINTS: • mpMRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound are appropriate imaging modalities for assessing IRE effects • mpMRI and CEUS are the most feasible imaging modalities to visualize IRE ablation zone • The imaging is concordant with results of histopathological examination after IRE • Grey-scale US is insufficient for assessing IRE ablations.

Update on intracorporeal laser lithotripsy.

Nowadays, rigid and flexible ureteroscopy is a precise, minimal invasive surgery that can assess the entire collecting system in order to treat a stone with intracorporeal lithotripsy. The implication of laser technology has revolutionized the intracorporeal lithotripsy. Currently, laser lithotripsy is advancing in two different directions: improvements of the existing Ho:YAG laser platform and the development of novel laser systems. Herein, we review the current literature upon intracorporeal lithotripsy.

Cholinergic drugs for treatment of recurrent urinary retention in high surgical risk/elderly BPH patients. A pilot study.

AIM: Urinary retention (UR) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia often leads patients to surgery, especially those who fail to urinate following a trial without catheter (TWOC). However, patients of high surgical risk and/or elderly patients with co-morbidities are usually not eligible for surgical treatment. Moreover, recurrent UR may indicate a poor detrusor function representing a risk factor of surgical therapy failure. Our objective was to evaluate the role of distigmine bromide, an anticholinesterase agent, to promote a successful TWOC in patients with recurrent UR. METHODS: Seventeen elderly and/or high surgical-risk patients with recurrent UR and prior failures to TWOCs received a combination of alpha-blocker along with distigmine bromide and have been retrospectively compared with that of 20 first-time UR patients who received only the alpha-blocker just after emergency catheterization. The short-term outcome was measured by resumption of voiding, number of TWOC failures preceding successful voiding, determination of post-voiding residual volume (PVR), and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). RESULTS: The majority of patients on combination therapy had a successful TWOC, similarly to all first-time urinary retention patients. Compared to patients on monotherapy, patients on combination therapy needed more TWOCs to void due to gradual increase in the dosage of distigmine bromide. PVR was significantly reduced with treatment in both groups. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the two groups on the PVR and IPSS mean change. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the combination of alpha-blocker and distigmine may eventually benefit patients with recurrent UR and prior unsuccessful TWOCs, to void.

Urofacial syndrome: a subset of neurogenic bladder dysfunction syndromes?

The urofacial syndrome (Ochoa syndrome) is considered to represent a subgroup of the non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction, characterized by non-neuropathic bladder-sphincter dysfunction, along with a characteristic inversion of the facial expression with laughing. Recent research suggests that it is probably a genetic inherited disease transmitted in an autosomal recessive fashion and might represent a distinct entity. We report a case of this syndrome in a 14-year-old boy who presented with left pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis, and bladder dilation.

Familial renal retroperitoneal lymphangiomatosis: personal experience and review of literature.

Lymphangiomatosis of the kidneys and perirenal-retroperitoneal tissues is a rare disease of unknown etiology. We present two cases affecting members of the same family, supporting the familial nature of the disease. The natural history and related urological and systematic complications of the disease during a long-term follow-up are highlighted, while a comprehensive literature review is presented.

The role for active monitoring in urinary stones: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: All urinary stones may not need prompt active treatment. The aim of our study was to identify urinary stones that can be actively monitored safely. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the natural history and the role of active monitoring for urinary stones. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies have selected. Of symptomatic ureteral calculi <4 mm, 38% to 71% will pass spontaneously while only 4.8% of stones <2 mm will need intervention during surveillance. Follow-up with history, physical examination, urinalysis, and plain radiography every 2 weeks for 1 month is necessary. If spontaneous passage does not occur within this period, intervention is recommended. When shockwave lithotripsy for caliceal stones is prospectively compared with observation, there is no difference in stone-free rates (28% vs 17%), need for additional treatment (15% vs 21%), or visits to a general practitioner (18.5% vs 20.8%). Patients under observation may need more invasive procedures and may be more commonly left with residual stone fragments >5 mm (58% vs 30%). Isolated, nonuric acid calculi <4 mm may be most amenable to active monitoring. Physical examination, urinalysis, and CT scan performed on an annual basis up to year 2 or 3, followed by intervention, are recommended. Lower pole stones <10 mm could be actively monitored on an annual basis by alternating ultrasonoraphy with CT scan, provided the patients are adequately informed. Up to 58.6% and 43% of patients with residual fragments after shockwave and percutaneous lithotripsy, respectively, may become symptomatic or require intervention during follow-up. Noninfected, asymptomatic fragments, <4 mm postextracorporeal lithotripsy, and <2 mm postpercutaneous surgery could be followed expectantly on an annual basis, in combination with medical therapy. CONCLUSION: Active stone monitoring has a certain role in the treatment of patients with urinary stones. The success is largely dependent on the stone size, location, and composition, as well as the time after the diagnosis. Medical therapy is a useful adjunct to observation.

Brucella melitensis: a rarely suspected cause of infections of genitalia and the lower urinary tract

We examined the clinical presentation and outcome of Brucellar infections of genitalia and the lower urinary tract through a review of the medical records of 10 cases of male patients with brucellar infections of the genitalia and lower urinary tract. The mean age of the patients with brucellosis was 49.2, (median 52, range 15-77 years). Eleven out of 17 patients were rural residents, 15 reported that they might have consumed unpasteurized dairy products) and four reported occupational exposure. Symptoms onset was acute in almost all cases. Scrotal pain, epidedimal swelling and fever were the most common symptoms. The Wright test was positive in 13 patients, while Brucella sp. was isolated from blood cultures in six cases. Only two patients were found with abnormal liver ultrasonography. All patients underwent treatment with doxycycline and aminoglycoside for seven days and doxycycline alone for two months. Most of them responded to antibiotic therapy with rapid regression of symptoms. One patient failed to respond to therapy and presented necrotizing orchitis, as well as abscesses, which required orchectomy. Brucellar infections of the genitalia and lower urinary tract have no specific clinical presentation; the usual laboratory examination is not sufficient to diagnose this kind of infection, therefore it could easily be misdiagnosed. An analytical medical history (including overall dietary habits and recent consumption of non-pasteurized dairy products) could indicate Brucelosis as would the persistence of symptoms despite a one-week antibiotic treatment. In general, patients afflicted by brucellar epididymoorchitis respond to Brucellosis antibiotic therapy, except for some rare cases that present necrotizing orchitis and require surgical treatment.

Brucella melitensis: a rarely suspected cause of infections of genitalia and the lower urinary tract.

We examined the clinical presentation and outcome of Brucellar infections of genitalia and the lower urinary tract through a review of the medical records of 10 cases of male patients with brucellar infections of the genitalia and lower urinary tract. The mean age of the patients with brucellosis was 49.2, (median 52, range 15-77 years). Eleven out of 17 patients were rural residents, 15 reported that they might have consumed unpasteurized dairy products, and four reported occupational exposure. Symptoms onset was acute in almost all cases. Scrotal pain, epidedimal swelling and fever were the most common symptoms. The Wright test was positive in 13 patients, while Brucella sp. was isolated from blood cultures in six cases. Only two patients were found with abnormal liver ultrasonography. All patients underwent treatment with doxycycline and aminoglycoside for seven days and doxycycline alone for two months. Most of them responded to antibiotic therapy with rapid regression of symptoms. One patient failed to respond to therapy and presented necrotizing orchitis, as well as abscesses, which required orchectomy. Brucellar infections of the genitalia and lower urinary tract have no specific clinical presentation; the usual laboratory examination is not sufficient to diagnose this kind of infection, therefore it could easily be misdiagnosed. An analytical medical history (including overall dietary habits and recent consumption of non-pasteurized dairy products) could indicate Brucellosis as would the persistence of symptoms despite a one-week antibiotic treatment. In general, patients afflicted by brucellar epididymoorchitis respond to Brucellosis antibiotic therapy, except for some rare cases that present necrotizing orchitis and require surgical treatment.

Can prostate biopsies affect erectile function?

The impact of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsies on erectile function was prospectively studied. Forty-six men (median age: 67.51 years) who underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsies completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 questionnaire at the day of the biopsy, 1 and 3 months later. Erectile dysfunction (ED) severity was classified into five categories. Concomitant ED-related systemic diseases and/or medications that could affect erectile function were also recorded. The paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. The median IIEF-5 score was 15.91 prior to biopsies, while 1 and 3 months after, the median IIEF-5 score was 14.33 and 14.81 respectively (P > 0.05). Prior to prostate biopsies, ED was reported by 38 patients (82.60%): mild ED in 39.13%, mild to moderate in 19.56%, moderate in 15.21% and severe ED in 8.69%. Concomitant ED-related systemic diseases and/or medications were recorded in 28 patients (60.86%). One month after, ED was revealed in 42 patients (91.30%): mild ED in 26.08%, mild to moderate in 30.43%, moderate in 19.56%, and severe ED in 15.21%. Three months post-biopsy, ED was reported by 41 patients (89.13): mild ED in 21.73%, mild to moderate in 28.26%, moderate in 21.73%, and severe ED in 17.39%. Overall, three and two patients (6.52% and 4.34%) had prostate biopsy attributed ED (i.e. without concomitant ED-related disease or medication) 1 and 3 months after prostate biopsies. TRUS-guided prostate biopsies did not induce ED in a statistically significant manner. Evaluating potency at referral for TRUS-guided prostate biopsies is advisable.

Treatment characteristics and inherent prostatic features do not predict patient outcome after high-energy transurethral thermotherapy: a prospective study of prostalund feedback treatment.

PURPOSE: To determine whether treatment characteristics, intrinsic prostatic factors, and clinical parameters predict the outcome in patients treated with high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (HE-TUMT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 48 consecutive patients, 28 with an indwelling catheter, underwent ProstaLund Feedback Treatment (PLFT). The 12-month International Prostate Symptom Score response rate (IPSS < or = 7 or > or =50% improvement), peak flow rate response rate (Q(max) > or = 15 mL/sec or > or =50% improvement), and bladder outflow obstruction index response rate (BOOI <40) were correlated with treatment characteristics such as duration, average intraprostatic temperature, time with therapeutic intraprostatic temperatures (>45 degrees C), average intraprostatic blood flow, consumed energy, and recorded prostate mass destruction. Baseline parameters such as age, serum prostate specific antigen concentration, prostate volume, and pretreatment IPSS, quality of life (QOL), Q(max), postvoiding residual urine volume (PVR), and BOOI were included in the logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Treatment characteristics did not discriminate responders and nonresponders to HE-TUMT. For the patients without a catheter, the IPSS response (75%) was predicted by higher pretreatment IPSS (P = 0.041; relative risk [RR] = 3.4) and higher pretreatment PVR (P = 0.026; RR = 1.1). The Q(max) response (85%) was predicted by higher grades of pretreatment obstruction (P = 0.009; RR = 1.02). The BOOI response (60%) was not related to any of the factors tested. For the patients with a catheter, no outcome predictors could be identified. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, the intraprostatic temperature, the duration of intraprostatic temperatures in the therapeutic range, and the pattern of blood flow did not predict HE-TUMT outcome. Treatment duration, consumed energy, and the magnitude of tissue necrosis did not translate into clinical efficacy. Clinical parameters were important predictors of outcome in patients not in retention.