Diagnosis and Management of Polyorchidism: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Polyorchidism, or supernumerary testis, is a rare congenital abnormality of the genitourinary system. In this paper, we present the case of triorchidism in a seven-year-old asymptomatic child with a suspect left scrotal mass detected on routine physical examination. Imaging studies revealed a third testicle in the left hemiscrotum, with comparable dimensions, signal intensity on MRI, and Doppler flow on ultrasound with the ipsilateral testis. We also discuss the clinical presentations, classifications, and current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of this condition.

A Potential Protective Effect of Alcohol Consumption in Male Genital Lichen Sclerosus: A Case-Control Study.

Materials and Methods: A nested case-control study design was chosen. Subjects enrolled were adult male patients who had a circumcision between January 2010 and December 2020 at our university hospital, with a confirmed LSc diagnosis on pathology. Cases were matched with controls by age with a ratio of 1 : 1, all of whom were circumcised and had a negative pathology report. Data collection consisted of sociodemographic, behavioral, and past medical and familial history characteristics. Results: A total of 94 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 49.81 (±22.92) in the group of men with LSc. No significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics (age and BMI) were found between the two compared groups. Smoking cannot predict LSc as opposed to alcohol consumption, which we found to be a protective factor against the appearance of LSc (p=0.027). Men with LSc had significantly higher rates of diabetes (p=0.021) and hypertension (p=0.004). No associations were found between LSc and the presenting chief complaints, family history of LSc, and past penile trauma. Conclusion: In this study, we were able to compare multiple variables between 47 circumcised patients diagnosed with LSc and a control group. We found that LSc patients showed higher rates of diabetes and hypertension. A potential protective effect of alcohol consumption is to be explored in future projects with bigger sample sizes and higher statistical powers.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for Peyronie's disease: a single-center experience.

The aim of this article is to assess the outcomes of a low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LiESWT) protocol for the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD). Patients treated for PD were prospectively recorded, and data were retrospectively reviewed. Age, characteristics of fibrous plaques, concomitant treatments, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Lue score, and pain score on Likert scale were collected. Patients in acute phase of PD and an angulation of <40° were included. The protocol consisted of 6 weekly sessions of 4000 pulses each, applied from different directions, with a maximal power of 20 W and 8 Hz frequency. We included 39 patients (median age: 56.8 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 35.8-62.2 years). The median number of sessions received per patient was 7.2. After treatment, the median Lue score decreased from 6.8 initially to 3.3 (P = 0.003), the median Likert pain score dropped from 1.8 to 0.7 (P = 0.004), the median plaque size was reduced from 2 cm to 1.2 cm (P = 0.08), and the median penile curvature diminished from 31° to 17° (P = 0.07). On univariate and multivariate analysis, the only predictors of success were younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.95, P = 0.03 and OR = 0.91, P = 0.04, respectively) and concomitant use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i; OR = 0.92, P = 0.02 and OR = 0.93, P = 0.01, respectively). LiESWT had a favorable impact on Lue score and notably penile pain, curvature, plaque size, and erectile function in patients treated for PD during the early inflammatory phase, with no side effects. Younger age and concomitant use of PDE5i were the only success predictors.

Prostate Cancer awareness in the Lebanese population: a cross sectional national survey.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (Pca) is the second most common cause of cancer among Lebanese men. Screening is an effective method to reduce prostate cancer mortality. This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and screening practices among Lebanese population regarding Pca. METHODS: A cross-sectional national study over all the Lebanese governorates on 1558 persons was undergone. Information on Pca knowledge and attitudes towards screening was obtained using a semi structured questionnaire. Bivariate and binary logistic regression were used to assess relations between Pca knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1088 (69.8%) males and 470 (30.2%) females, with a mean age of 40 Y.O. Concerning early detection methods of Pca, its frequency, the ideal screening age, symptoms and curability of Pca, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was found when studying the following variables: the educational level (university level group having the highest percentage of correct answers), the individual monthly income (more correct answers were found with higher monthly income) and the age groups (most correct answers in the younger age groups). CONCLUSION: Our study points to the need of developing Pca prevention and education programs that should especially target older men, and people of low socioeconomic status and education in Lebanon. Such programs would increase awareness to Pca and screening, ultimately reducing the burden of advanced cancer through its early diagnosis.

Anatomical risk factors for spermatic cord torsion and their involvement in the choice of orchidopexy technique.

OBJECTIVE: We aim by this article to present a literature review on the anatomical risk factors for spermatic cord torsion and their involvement the different techniques of orchidopexy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature review was conducted following PRISMA check-list, using PubMed database and the Mesh terms: testis, torsion, anomaly, orchidopexy. Techniques of surgical management provided by the EMC (French medico-surgical encyclopedia) were also used. RESULTS: Database research identified 500 articles, and 16 mores articles were added from the review of the references lists of relevant articles. At the end, 42 articles were useful for our review including 6 reviews, 5 cross-sectional studies, 14 cohorts, 10 case reports, 1 meta-analysis, 1 letter, and 5 experimental studies. High insertion of the tunica vaginalis, a long mesorchium, deficient attachment of the epididymis to the testis, and anomalies of the gubernaculum testis are the anatomical predispositions for spermatic cord torsion. After reduction of torsion, many surgical techniques for the fixation of the testis have been suggested including: conventional technique by triangulation with or without fasciotomy, window orchidopexy, scrotal pouch, and vaginal eversion with or without dartos fixation. CONCLUSION: The most common anatomical factor associated with spermatic cord torsion is the high insertion of the tunica vaginalis. Vaginal eversion with fixation to the dartos might be superior to other known techniques and seems promising to become standard.

Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Bladder with Adenocarcinomatous Component.

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNC) is one of the rarest types of bladder cancer occurring in <1%. Either pure or mixed with another component, it remains one of the most aggressive types of bladder cancer. We report a case of LCNC of the bladder with an adenocarcinomatous component. The patient was a 64-year-old smoker male, who presented for the first time with dysuria and hematuria. A bladder tumor invading the anterior and right lateral bladder walls was discovered, without any secondary localizations. Tumor biopsy showed an LCNC with adenocarcinomatous components. The patient was treated by recurrent tumor resections, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. No improvement was noted despite close follow-up and adequate treatment. Neuroendocrine bladder tumor is known to have an aggressive, rapid, and disadvantageous evolution. Multiple case reports were published so far, and a recent review was conducted in March 2020 by Sanguedolce et al. (2020). More cases are needed to establish the best management plan for this type of tumor.

Bilateral Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Pyelolithomy: Dare You Do This?

Introduction: The aim of this article is to describe our technique of bilateral laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LP) in a 54-year-old patient with bilateral large stones of which one is a staghorn stone (SS). Case Presentation: The patient's legs were extended and spaced from each other; the table was tilted to the right and to the left in a way to use only five trocars for both sides. The calculi were delivered intact at the end of the procedure. Operating time was 208 minutes. Blood loss was 250 mL. Hospital stay was 3 days. Double-J stents were removed 4 weeks later. The patient was stone free with a stable serum creatinine. Conclusion: This case report is the first to describe a bilateral LP for large and SS. This procedure can minimize the postoperative morbidity and is associated with high stone-free rates. It is safe when done by expert surgeons, but further investigations are required to assess its reproducibility.

Hard flaccid syndrome: state of current knowledge.

INTRODUCTION: Hard-flaccid syndrome is gaining increased interest among male sexual dysfunctions in the last years. It is poorly understood and defined. Most of the information comes from online forums. This paper is a review of current knowledge on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, pathophysiological mechanisms and treatments of this newly recognized condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature review was conducted on MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PASCAL databases and google scholar, using the terms: hard, flaccid, syndrome. The research identified 16 articles published between 2018 and February 2019. After reference lists review and duplicates removal, 7 full text references were eligible and useful for our review that follows PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: The condition is acquired, chronic and painful. It is characterized by a constantly semi-rigid penis at the flaccid state and a loss in erectile rigidity. Patients have penile sensory changes, urinary symptoms, erectile dysfunction, pelvic floor muscles contraction and psychological distress. Symptoms are worse in standing position. The majority of the cases aged between their second and third decades. A traumatic injury at the base of an erect penis is the initial event. Neurovascular structures damage and subsequent sensory, muscular and vascular changes follow. Initial symptoms trigger emotional distress and reactional sympathetic stimulation that worsen symptoms. Diagnosis is based on patient's history. Imaging and blood tests are normal. Differential diagnosis includes high-flow priapism and non-erecting erections. A multimodal treatment has been so far the most beneficial strategy, consisting of behavioral modifications to reduce stress and decrease pelvic floor muscles contraction, evaluation and treatment of the associated psychological conditions, and medical therapy for pain control and the treatment of the associated erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Hard-flaccid syndrome is poorly recognized in the daily clinical experience and not well defined. A multimodal approach seems so far the most efficient strategy for treatment. Additional evidence based studies with better quality are needed to define the exact pathophysiological mechanisms and subsequently more efficient therapeutic strategies.

CONTEXTE: Le syndrome de la détumescence rigide (STR) fait le sujet de plusieurs discussions en ligne concernant les dysfonctions sexuelles. Cette entité est. mal définie et peu reconnue. Nous présentons dans cet article une revue de la littérature sur la présentation clinique, le diagnostic, les mécanismes physiopathologiques et les stratégies de thérapeutique du STR. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: La revue de la littérature a été réalisée selon les recommandations PRISMA. En cherchant sur MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PASCAL et google scholar les termes « hard, flaccid et syndrome ¼, on a identifié 16 articles publiés entre 2018 et février 2019. Après la revue des références des articles et le triage des doublons, 7 articles ont été retenus. RÉSULTATS: Il s'agit d'une pathologie acquise, chronique et douloureuse, caractérisée par une verge semi rigide à l'état flaccide avec une perte de rigidité lors des érections. Les patients souffrent de troubles sensitifs péniens et érectiles avec une contracture permanente des muscles pelviens ainsi que des troubles urinaires et psychologiques. Les symptômes sont aggravés par la position debout. La notion de traumatisme de la base de la verge est. rapportée par la majorité des patients. Ce traumatisme semble entrainer une altération des structures nerveuses et vasculaires péniennes à l'origine des troubles sensitifs et érectiles. Ces derniers créent des troubles émotionnels avec une stimulation sympathique réactionnelle qui engendre une contraction surajoutée des muscles pelviens et qui empire les symptômes. Le diagnostic est. clinique et les examens paracliniques sont normaux. Le traitement est. multimodal, il englobe les thérapies comportementales, la prise en charge des altérations psychologiques et de la douleur, afin d'agir sur la contraction des muscles pelviens et sur le stress associé à la dysfonction érectile. CONCLUSION: Le syndrome de la détumescence rigide reste peu connu et mal défini dans la pratique clinique. Une approche thérapeutique multimodale parait la plus adéquate actuellement. Des études supplémentaires sont nécessaires afin de mieux cerner cette entité dans le but d'améliorer sa prise en charge.

Renal Oncocytoma: An Algorithm for Diagnosis and Management.

Renal oncocytoma is an uncommon tumor that exhibits numerous features which are characteristic but not necessarily unique. Percutaneous biopsy is a safe method of diagnosis. However, differentiation from other tumor subtypes often requires sophisticated analysis and is not universally feasible. This is why, surgical management can be considered as a first-line treatment or after surveillance. Potential triggers for change in management are: tumor size >3 cm, stage progression, kinetics of size progression (>5 mm/y), and clinical change in patient or tumor factors. Long-term follow-up data are lacking and greater centralization should be considered to reach adequate management.

Alternative surgical approach for inflatable penile prosthesis removal.

BACKGROUND: The Inflatable penile prostheses (IPP) are used as definitive treatment for severe erectile dysfunction. Removal of an IPP can be challenging, especially for the non-andrologists and junior urologists. The classic penoscrotal incision for explanation can disrupt anatomy, which increases the risk of complications and makes future re-implantation difficult. This article aims to describe a simple surgical method for the removal of IPP, which avoids the penoscrotal incision and reduces the risk of urethral damage and additional fibrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between November 2015 and February 2019, 15 patients underwent IPP removal using the same technique. Multiple incisions were performed directly over each component of the IPP for their removal. Four incisions of 2 cm each were made at the following sites: one incision on both sides of the ventral base of the penis, one inguinal incision, and one scrotal incision. Each incision provides direct access to one component of the IPP (cylinders, reservoir, and pump). RESULTS: The mean duration of the surgery was 41 min (between 35 and 48 min). All procedures were completed successfully with a smooth course. None of the patients had any residual component of the IPP at the time of surgery. Neither complications (urethral or intestinal injury) nor excessive bleeding (> 100 mL) were documented in all patients. CONCLUSION: Our approach provides direct exposure of all components of the IPP. It reduces the risk of urethral iatrogenic injury and the local fibrosis (which is greater with the penoscrotal incision) that may impair future reinsertion of IPP. It is simple, safe, reproducible and easy to be performed by junior or unexperienced urologists in urgent cases. CONTEXTE: Les implants péniens hydrauliques (IPH) constituent le traitement définitif des dysfonctions érectiles. Le retrait de ces prothèses peut être difficile, surtout pour les jeunes urologues. L'incision classique péno-scrotale est. peu anatomique. Elle est. associée à un risque de plaies urétrales et de fibrose pouvant limiter l'insertion ultérieure de nouvelles prothèses. Nous présentons dans cet article une méthode alternative simple pour le retrait des IPH qui permet d'éviter l'incision péno-scrotale et les risques qui s'y associent. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Entre novembre 2015 et février 2019, 15 patients ont été opérés pour extraction d'IPH infectés, en utilisant la même technique chirurgicale. Une incision de 2 cm est. réalisée en face de chaque élément de l'IPH pour permettre son extraction: une incision scrotale, une autre inguinale et une de chaque côté de la base ventrale du pénis. RÉSULTATS: La durée moyenne de l'intervention était de 41 min (entre 35 et 48 min). Toutes les interventions ont été bien tolérées. Les éléments des IPH ont été retirés sans fragments résiduels. Aucune complication n'a été notée. CONCLUSION: L'approche décrite permet l'exposition directe des composantes des IPH. Elle permet la réduction du risque des lésions urétrales iatrogène et de fibrose ultérieure. Celle-ci est. plus fréquente avec l'incision péno-scrotale et peut limiter l'éventuelle insertion de nouveaux implants. Notre technique est. reproductible et simple pour être appliquée sans danger par les jeunes urologues peu expérimentés.

Bellini Duct Carcinoma Misdiagnosed with Urothelial Papillary Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma (CDC) or Bellini duct carcinoma (BDC) is a rare subtype of kidney tumors, accounting for less than 3% and known to have the worst prognosis. It is known to have multiple clinical presentations; this is why it can be easily misdiagnosed. The aim of this article is to present a case of CDC that was initially misdiagnosed with urothelial papillary carcinoma (UPC) in a 41-year-old male. Case Presentation. Our patient presented with a left flank pain evolving for one month and one episode of gross macroscopic hematuria. Upon presentation, he had left costovertebral angle tenderness. Initial lab tests were normal. Computed tomography revealed a 5 cm solid mass of the left renal pelvis and multiple infracentimetric perihilar lymph nodes. Subsequently, the patient had left nephroureterectomy. Microscopic examination showed the presence of a high-grade urothelial papillary carcinoma of the renal pelvis' lumen. All four of the dissected lymph nodes showed disease metastasis. Three years after establishing the diagnosis, the patient presented again for chronic abdominal pain, with a recent history of weight loss. CT scan showed a left paraaortic mass infiltrating the left psoas muscle over a length of 12 cm. Immunohistochemical profiling of this mass confirmed the diagnosis of Bellini duct carcinoma, rejecting the initial diagnosis of UPC. Therefore, the patient required a cisplatin-gemcitabine-based chemotherapy regimen. CONCLUSION: BDC remains one of the rare aggressive subtypes of RCC, having a multitude of initial clinical presentations and an unfavorable prognosis. In this patient, CDC was masquerading as a transitional cell carcinoma that should always be kept in mind as a possible presentation. Corresponding early imaging and histopathology exams are primordial for a correct diagnosis and thus a better prognosis.

Sleep related painful erection: an algorithm for evaluation and management.

BACKGROUND: Sleep related painful erection (SRPE) is a rare parasomnia consisting of nocturnal penile tumescence accompanied by pain that awakens the individual. Normal non-painful erections are experienced when awake. No penile anatomic abnormalities are present. No conclusive randomized clinical trial is present in the literature about the management of this rare condition. The aim of this article is to review the current knowledge about the management of SRPE and to suggest an algorithm to help physicians evaluate and manage SRPE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature review was conducted through PubMed database using the terms: sleep, pain, painful, penile, and erection. The reference lists of the articles were also reviewed. The search returned 23 references that were published between 1987 and 2019. Results were presented in a descriptive manner. RESULTS: Treatment decision for now is based on reports of the treatment success, the sustainability of remission, the tolerability by the patients and the potential side effects of each medication. From data available in literature, Baclofen is the mostly used medication with a tolerable profile of adverse effects. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are considered potential treatments and are already widely used and tolerated for other indications, but so far only 2 successful trials have been reported for SRPE. Cinitapride is very promising, but only one case was studied and no side effects were reported. Clozapine can be very dangerous although highly effective. CONCLUSION: Based on the limited number of treatment trials and reported cases, the low level of evidence and the lack of randomized clinical trials, no treatment consensus for SRPE can be reached. We suggested a useful tool for clinicians: an algorithm for the management of SRPE to facilitate their access to the literature without exhaustive return to case reports and series upon each case faced.

CONTEXTE: L'érection nocturne douloureuse est. une parasomnie, caractérisée par des épisodes de tumescence douloureuse provenant exclusivement lors du sommeil, avec une anatomie normale et des érections indolores lorsque le patient est. réveillé. La prise en charge de cette maladie est. inconnue vue le petit nombre de cas et le manque d'études randomisées. Nous présentons dans cet article une revue de la littérature concentrée sur les stratégies thérapeutiques décrites. Un algorithme est. suggéré pour faciliter l'évaluation et la prise en charge des patients. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: La revue de la littérature a été réalisée en utilisant la base de donnée PubMed et les termes: « sleep, pain, painful, penile, erection ¼. Les références des articles ont été revues. En total 23 références ont été utiles pour notre revue. Les résultats ont été présentés d'une manière descriptive. RÉSULTATS: Les stratégies thérapeutiques actuelles se basent sur les essais décrits dans la littérature à travers un nombre limité de patients. La durée de la rémission et les effets secondaires minimes rendent certains traitements supérieurs. Le baclofen est. le plus utilisé grâce à son efficacité et à son faible potentiel d'effets secondaires. Le cinitapride a été très efficace lors d'un essai unique chez un seul patient, sans effets secondaires rapportés. Les inhibiteurs de la phosphodiesterase de type 5, largement utilisés en urologie, ont été trouvés utiles pour le traitement des érections nocturnes douloureuses chez 2 patients. La clozapine qui est. très efficace, présente un profil d'effets secondaires dangereux. CONCLUSION: A cause du faible nombre de cas et des essais thérapeutiques rapportés, le meilleur traitement des patients ayant des érections douloureuses nocturnes reste indéterminé. Nous suggérons un algorithme utile aux praticiens pour l'évaluation, le diagnostic et la prise en charge de ces patients.

Endourologic treatment for a fibroepithelial ureteral polyp protruding from the urethra.

Fibroepithelial polyps (FP) of the ureter are rare and benign mesodermal tumors frequently mistaken for transitional cell carcinoma. We hereby report a rare case of a 19-year-old patient with two FPs, originating from the distal left ureter that were successfully treated with ureteroscopy. One of these polyps was completely protruding outside the bladder through the urethra, which makes this case unique in the literature. Ureteroscopy is currently the best method available for identification, histologic diagnosis and treatment of these polyps.

Severity of diabetic retinopathy at the first ophthalmological examination in the Lebanese population.

AIM: To determine the percentage and stage of diabetic retinopathy at the first ophthalmological examination after the patient's diagnosis with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at 'Clinique du Levant' hospital between 2006 and 2016. A total of 484 randomly selected patients were included. Data were collected and analyzed for selected variables (sex, age, sources of referral, and duration of diabetes). RESULTS: In total, 119 (24.6%) patients had diabetic retinopathy. Among them, 43 had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (8.9%). About 16.7% of the included patients had macular edema, which was severe in 6.2%. The average age of patients was 62.1 years with an average of 8.3 years of diabetes. About 55% were men, while 45% were women. The patients with no referral source presented 8.9 years after the onset of diabetes, whereas patients referred by general practitioners and secondary medical professionals presented after 5.8 and 5 years, respectively (p < 0.05), but they represented only 23.2% of diabetics. Women presented earlier than men (7.3 versus 9.1 years; p = 0.012). About 82.6% were symptomatic, 44.1% had a visual impairment on Snellen charts that was severe in 11.2%. Also, 37.8% of the patients had a visually significant cataract. The duration of diabetes was the only dependent variable, p < 0.0001. The average age, sources of referral, and sex were not related to the severity of retinopathy. CONCLUSION: Diabetics with a more severe diabetic retinopathy are presenting late to the ophthalmology clinics. There is a need to promote outreach programs for people with diabetes for early detection of diabetic retinopathy in Lebanon.