Favourable multi-institutional experience with penoscrotal decompression for prolonged ischaemic priapism.

OBJECTIVES: To report our multi-institutional experience using penoscrotal decompression (PSD) for the surgical treatment of prolonged ischaemic priapism (PIP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records for patients with PIP treated with PSD between 2017 and 2020. Priapisms were confirmed as ischaemic based on clinical presentations and cavernosal blood gas abnormalities. Treatment with irrigation and injection of α-agonists in all patients had failed prior to PSD. Patient characteristics, peri-operative variables and outcomes, and changes in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores were evaluated. RESULTS: We analysed 25 patients who underwent a total of 27 PSD procedures. The mean duration of priapism at initial presentation was 71.0 h. Irrigations and injections in all patients had failed, while corporoglanular shunt treatment in 48.0% of patients (12/25) had also failed prior to PSD. Of the 10 patients who underwent unilateral PSD, two (20.0%) had priapism recurrence. Both were treated with bilateral PSD, with prompt and lasting detumescence. Among the 15 patients undergoing primary bilateral PSD, none had priapism recurrence. Of the 15 patients with documented sexual function status at last follow-up, nine (60%) reported spontaneous erectile function adequate for penetration, while six (40%) reported erectile dysfunction. The median (interquartile range) decrease in IIEF-5 score was 3.5 (0-6.75) points after PSD. Two patients underwent uneventful inflatable penile prosthesis placement following PSD. CONCLUSIONS: Penoscrotal decompression presents a simple, safe, highly effective and easily reproducible procedure for resolution of PIP. PSD should be considered as a viable salvage or alternative strategy to corporoglanular shunt procedures.

Delayed Reconstruction of Bulbar Urethral Strictures is Associated with Multiple Interventions, Longer Strictures and More Complex Repairs.

PURPOSE: Prior to urethral reconstruction many patients with stricture undergo a variable period during which endoscopic treatments are performed for recurrent obstructive symptoms. We evaluated the association among urethroplasty delay, endoscopic treatments and subsequent reconstructive outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of men who underwent primary bulbar urethroplasty from 2007 to 2014. Those with prior urethroplasty, penile and/or membranous strictures and incomplete data were excluded from analysis. Men were stratified by a urethroplasty delay of less than 5, 5 to 10 or greater than 10 years from diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 278 primary bulbar urethroplasty cases with complete data were evaluated. Median time between stricture diagnosis and reconstruction was 5 years (IQR 2-10). Patients underwent an average ± SD of 0.9 ± 2.4 endoscopic procedures per year of delay. Relative to less than 5 and 5 to 10 years a delay of greater than 10 years was associated with more endoscopic treatments (median 1 vs 2 vs 5), repeat self-dilations (13% vs 14% vs 34%), strictures longer than 2 cm (40% vs 39% vs 56%) and complex reconstructive techniques (17% vs 17% vs 34%). An increasing number of endoscopic treatments was independently associated with strictures longer than 2 cm (OR 1.06, p = 0.003), which had worse 24-month stricture-free survival than shorter strictures (83% vs 96%, p = 0.0003). Each consecutive direct vision internal urethrotomy was independently associated with the risk of urethroplasty failure (HR 1.19, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Urethroplasty delay is common and often associated with symptomatic events managed by repeat urethral manipulations. Endoscopic treatments appear to lengthen strictures and increase the complexity of repair.

Refined nomogram incorporating standing cough test improves prediction of male transobturator sling success.

AIMS: To develop a decision aid in predicting sling success, incorporating the Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS) into existing treatment algorithms. METHODS: We reviewed men undergoing first-time transobturator sling for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) from 2007 to 2016 at our institution. Patient demographics, reported pads per day (PPD), and Standing Cough Test (SCT) results graded 0-4, according to MSIGS, were assessed. Treatment failure was defined as subsequent need for >1 PPD or further procedures. Parameters associated with failure were included in multivariable logistic models, compared by area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves. A nomogram was generated from the model with greatest AUC and internally validated. RESULTS: Overall 203 men (median age 67 years, IQR 63-72) were evaluated with median follow-up of 45 months (IQR 11-75 months). A total of 185 men (91%) were status-post radical prostatectomy and 29 (14%) had pelvic radiation history. Median PPD and SCT grade were both two. Eighty men (39%) failed treatment (use of ≥1 PPD or subsequent anti-incontinence procedures) at a median of 9 months. History of radiation (P = 0.03), increasing MSIGS (P < 0.0001) and increasing preoperative PPD (P < 0.0001) were associated with failure on univariate analysis. In a multivariable model with AUC 0.81, MSIGS, and PPD remained associated (P = 0.002 and <0.0001 respectively, and radiation history P = 0.06), and was superior to models incorporating PPD and radiation alone (AUC 0.77, P = 0.02), PPD alone (AUC 0.76, P = 0.02), and a cutpoint of >2 PPD alone (AUC 0.71, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: MSIGS adds prognostic value to PPD in assessing success of transobturator sling for treatment of SUI.

Alternative Reservoir and Balloon Placement in Complex Patients Undergoing Urologic Prostheses.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate contemporary rationale and techniques for ectopic reservoir/balloon placement in complex urologic prosthetics patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have demonstrated that ectopic reservoir placement is safe and durable when compared to traditional space of Retzius placement. Complex patients exist on a spectrum from those with a previously violated retropubic space, to those with bilaterally obscured external inguinal rings and/or multiple prior prosthetic reservoirs. Ectopic placement has become more commonplace and accepted as a viable alternative strategy over the past 7 years. Concerns relating to reservoir palpability and long-term outcomes have been allayed. The risk of deep pelvic complications appears to be negligible after both placement or removal of ectopic reservoirs when performed by experienced implanters even in the most complex patient. Ectopic placement of prosthetic balloons and reservoirs offers unique advantages and has become commonplace in contemporary prosthetic urology practice.

"Stiction Syndrome": Non-Operative Management of Patients With Difficult AMS 700 Series Inflation.

INTRODUCTION: Static friction (stiction) is a mechanical phenomenon in which a state of increased resistance exists across a control valve mechanism. AIM: To present a strategy for non-operative management of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) cases with pump malfunction from pump valve stiction. METHODS: All patients had American Medical Systems (AMS; Minnetonka, MN, USA) 700 series Momentary Squeeze IPPs with transient pump malfunction owing to pump valve stiction after extended periods of device inactivity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Our evolving non-operative management experience with the "forced deflation" maneuver is described. This technique has successfully prevented the need for surgical pump replacement. Of patients with IPP who were instructed to inflate and deflate daily to prevent stiction recurrence, none have re-presented with difficult inflation. RESULTS: Of 306 patients receiving the AMS 700 series IPP at our institution from 2007 through 2015, 6 (1.9%) presented with difficulty activating the Momentary Squeeze pump (from 2011 through 2015). Four additional patients were referred from outside institutions with the same complaint. All patients (10 of 10, 100%) presented after a prolonged period of inactivity (minimum = 6 weeks) during which the IPP was not cycled and remained stagnant. Although the initial four patients (40%) underwent surgical exploration with pump mobilization and replacement, the six most recent patients (60%) were successfully instructed in the forced deflation maneuver in the office, which enabled the device to cycle normally thereafter. CONCLUSION: Device inactivity, for as little as 6 weeks, can predispose to Momentary Squeeze pump valve malfunction; and a regimen of daily IPP cycling could prevent stiction-related malfunction. Our findings should encourage practitioners to attempt conservative management of patients with "stiction syndrome" whenever possible, thereby avoiding unnecessary surgery. Kavoussi NL, Viers BR, VanDyke ME, et al. "Stiction Syndrome": Non-Operative Management of Patients With Difficult AMS 700 Series Inflation. J Sex Med 2017;14:1079-1083.

Synchronous Ipsilateral High Submuscular Placement of Prosthetic Balloons and Reservoirs.

INTRODUCTION: Synchronous ipsilateral high submuscular placement of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) pressure-regulating balloons (PRBs) and inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) reservoirs in a single submuscular tunnel is a novel strategy that could be advantageous for patients who have had major pelvic surgery. AIM: To report our initial experience with synchronous ipsilateral vs bilateral placement of AUS PRBs and IPP reservoirs in men undergoing implant surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing synchronous AUS and IPP placement from 2007 through 2015 by a single surgeon at our tertiary center. Patients were stratified according to ipsilateral vs bilateral placement of the AUS PRB and IPP reservoir. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reoperation rates because of infectious or erosive complications and mechanical failure were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 968 implant surgeries during the study period, 47 men had synchronous device placement, of whom 17 (36%) underwent ipsilateral placement of the PRB and reservoir. During a median follow-up of 19 months (range = 1-84 months), reoperations were necessary in 12 of 47 (26%) and were similar between groups (ipsilateral, 5 of 17, 29%; bilateral, 7 of 30, 23%; P = .73). Most reoperations were due to AUS-related complications (10 of 12, 83%) and nearly all patients with reoperation (10 of 12, 83%) had compromised urethras (ie, prior urethral surgery, radiation, or prior AUS implantation). The most common indication for reintervention was cuff erosion (4 of 47, 9%), with no difference between groups (ipsilateral, 3 of 17, 18%; bilateral, 1 of 30, 3%; P = .13). CONCLUSION: Synchronous ipsilateral high submuscular placement of urologic prosthetic balloons could safely facilitate prosthetic surgery in patients with a history of major pelvic and inguinal surgery.

Preoperative Urine Culture Results Correlate Poorly With Bacteriology of Urologic Prosthetic Device Infections.

INTRODUCTION: Although preoperative negative urine culture results and treatment of urinary tract infections are generally advised before artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) and penile prosthesis (PP) surgery to prevent device infection, limited evidence exists to support this practice. AIM: To evaluate the relation between preoperative urine culture results and the bacteriology of prosthetic device infections. METHODS: Men undergoing AUS and/or PP placement at a tertiary referral center from 2007 through 2015 were analyzed. A total of 713 devices were implanted in 681 patients (337 AUSs in 314 patients and 376 PPs in 367 patients), of whom 259 (36%) did not have preoperative urine culture and were excluded. The remaining 454 patients received standard broad-spectrum perioperative antibiotics. Two patient groups were identified based on preoperative urine cultures: group 1 had negative urine culture results and group 2 had untreated asymptomatic positive urine culture results identified postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Device infection was diagnosed clinically and cultures obtained from the explanted device and tissue spaces were compared with preoperative urine culture results. RESULTS: Although multivariate analysis showed that patients undergoing AUS placement had a 4.5-fold greater risk of positive urine culture results (114 of 250, 45%) compared with those undergoing PP placement (36 of 204, 18%; P < .001), infection rates between device types were similar (8 of 250 for AUSs [3%] and 7 of 204 for PPs [3%]; P = .89). At a median follow-up of 15 months, device infection occurred in 15 of 454 devices (3%) implanted and no differences in infection rates were noted between urine culture groups (10 of 337 in group 1 [3.3%] and 5 of 117 in group 2 [4.3%]; P = .28). Remarkably, only 1 of 15 device infections (7%) had the same organism present at preoperative urine culture. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the finding that patients with AUS placement had a 4.5 times higher rate of positive urine culture results than patients with PP placement, preoperative urine culture results appeared to show little correlation with the bacteriology of prosthetic device infections.

Contemporary lymphadenectomy templates: kidney, prostate and bladder cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lymph node dissection (LDN) at the time of a primary malignant resection varies in therapeutic and staging outcomes between organs of origin. The purpose of our review is to provide new updates and a key summary on the developments in lymphadenectomy templates in kidney, prostate and bladder cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: There are still evolving definitions for LDN templates, means of pathologic diagnosis of lymph nodes, as well as implications on staging/cancer-free survival after LND though trends are still emerging. SUMMARY: Routine lymphadenectomy does not appear to yield benefit in kidney cancer but maybe helpful in those with grossly identifiable disease. For high-risk prostate cancer as well as bladder cancer, extended lymphadenectomy with resection of external and internal iliac and obturator nodes as well as some common iliac nodes can yield survival benefit.

The role of extensive lymphadenectomy in upper tract malignant disease.

Upper tract malignancies represent an estimated 5 %-10 % of urothelial cancers, with roughly 3,000 new cases per year in the United States. These tumors often present at an advanced stage, with invasion and lymph node metastases. There are no large randomized prospective studies demonstrating the benefit of lymph node dissection in upper tract urothelial cancer, and as such, definitive guidelines on the surgical template and timing are lacking. Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical techniques are well-established for nephroureterectomy, but are also emerging for retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. The treatment of these tumors still needs to be tailored based on patient and tumor characteristics. The purpose of our review is to update findings on the utility, techniques, and outcomes of lymphadenectomy for upper tract urothelial cancer.

Management of pediatric renal trauma - Results from the American Association for Surgery and Trauma Multi-Institutional Pediatric Acute Renal Trauma Study (Mi-PARTS).

BACKGROUND: Pediatric renal trauma is rare and lacks sufficient population-specific data to generate evidence-based management guidelines. A non-operative approach is preferred and has been shown to be safe. However, bleeding risk assessment and management of collecting system injury is not well understood. We introduce the Multi-institutional Pediatric Acute Renal Trauma Study (Mi-PARTS), a retrospective cohort study designed to address these questions. This manuscript describes the demographics and contemporary management of pediatric renal trauma at Level I trauma centers in the United States. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected at 13 participating Level I trauma centers on pediatric patients presenting with renal trauma between 2010-2019. Data were gathered on demographics, injury characteristics, management, and short-term outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to report on demographics, acute management and outcomes. RESULTS: In total 1216 cases were included in this study. 67.2% were male, and 93.8% had a blunt injury mechanism. 29.3% had isolated renal injuries. 65.6% were high-grade (AAST Grade III-V) injuries. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 20.5. Most patients were managed non-operatively (86.4%) 3.9% had an open surgical intervention, including 2.7% having nephrectomy. Angioembolization was performed in 0.9%. Collecting system intervention was performed in 7.9%. Overall mortality was 3.3% and was only observed in polytrauma. The rate of avoidable transfer was 28.2%. CONCLUSION: The management and outcomes of pediatric renal trauma lacks data to inform evidence-based guidelines. Non-operative management of bleeding following renal injury is a well-established practice. Intervention for renal trauma is rare. Our findings reinforce differences from the adult population, and highlights opportunities for further investigation. With data made available through Mi-PARTS we aim to answer pediatric specific questions, including a pediatric-specific bleeding risk nomogram, and better understanding indications for interventions for collecting system injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Epidemiological (prognostic/epidemiological, therapeutic/care management, diagnostic test/criteria, economic/value-based evaluations, and Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis).

Testicular rupture following rubber bullet trauma case report.

Following civil unrest during 2020, physicians began to notice a variety of injuries resulting from crowd control weapons. While prior research emphasized ocular trauma, genitourinary complications of injuries have yet to be investigated. A previously healthy 27-year-old male presented to the emergency department due to sudden onset of severe left testicular pain following rubber bullet trauma. Physical exam showed extreme tenderness, abrasion, contusion, and edema of the left testicle with normal right testicle. Doppler ultrasound showed minimal blood flow to the superior pole with irregularity of the tunica albuginea. Surgery confirmed testicular rupture with a large tunical violation and extruded spermatic tubules. The testicle was thoroughly irrigated, non-viable tubules were debrided, and intraoperative ultrasound confirmed restoration of blood flow. Patient was discharged and instructed to follow-up should he face any fertility concerns in the future. Current crowd control guidelines state projectiles should be aimed at the lower abdomen or extremities; however, projectiles can cause testicular trauma which may lead to hypogonadism, infection, and psychological impact. Until there are changes to methods of crowd control, attendees should consider the use of athletic cups.

Changing Trends in Reconstruction of Complex Anterior Urethral Strictures: From Skin Flap to Perineal Urethrostomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate procedural trends and outcomes for reconstruction of complex strictures at our tertiary center over the last decade. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed complex urethral reconstruction comparing 3 techniques: (1) buccal mucosal graft (BMG), (2) penile skin flap, or (3) perineal urethrostomy (PU) at our center (2007-2017) with ≥6 months follow-up. Strictures amenable to anastomotic repair were excluded. Success was defined as no need for further operative management. RESULTS: Among 1129 strictures cases, 403 complex strictures were identified for analysis (median length 4.5 cm). Median age was 53.2 years (standard deviation ± 14.9). Reconstruction was most commonly performed using BMG (61.3%), followed by penile skin flap (21.6%) and PU (19.1%). PU use has increased steadily over the past decade, rising from 4.3% of case volume in 2008 to 38.7% in 2017 (P = .01). Over time, the proportion of reconstruction using BMG has remained stable, while penile skin flaps are now less commonly utilized. Over a median follow-up of 50.7 months, 16.9% (68/403) patients failed at a median of 13.9 months. Success rates were higher following PU (94.8%) compared to BMG and skin flaps (78.5% and 78.2%, respectively) (P = .003) despite PU patients being older (median age 62.6 years), having longer strictures (median 5.0 cm) and more commonly having lichen sclerosus (LS) (22.1%). CONCLUSION: Over a decade of a urethral reconstructive practice, PU has increasingly become preferred for older patients with long strictures and adverse etiology. BMG urethroplasty rates remain stable, while penile skin flap use is decreasing. Success rates of PU for these complex strictures are markedly higher than those of grafts and flaps.

Outcomes of revision surgery for difficult to catheterize continent channels in a multi-institutional cohort of adults.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to describe the strategies of surgical revision for catheterizable channel obstruction and their outcomes, including restenosis and new channel incontinence. METHODS: We retrospectively queried the charts of adults who underwent catheterizable channel revision or replacement from 2000-2014 for stomal stenosis, channel obstruction, or difficulty with catheterization at the Universities of Minnesota, Michigan, and Utah. The primary endpoint was channel patency as measured by freedom from repeat surgical intervention. Secondary endpoints included post-revision incontinence and complication rates. Revision surgeries were classified by strategy into "above fascia," "below fascia," and "channel replacement" groupings. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients who underwent 68 repairs (age 18-82 years old; mean 45) were identified who met our inclusion criteria. Channel patency was achieved in 66% at a median 19 months post-revision for all repair types. There was no difference in patency by the type of channel being revised, but there was based on revision technique, with channel replacement and above the fascia repairs being more successful (p=0.046). Channel incontinence occurred in 40% and was moderate to severe in 12%. The type of channel being revised was strongly associated (p=0.003) with any postoperative channel incontinence. Surgical complications occurred in 29% of all revision procedures, although most were low-grade. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical revision of continent catheterizable channels for channel obstruction can be performed with acceptable rates of durable patency and incontinence; however, the surgeon needs to have experience in complex urinary diversion and familiarity with a variety of surgical revision strategies.

Is Removal of the Pressure-regulating Balloon Necessary After Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cuff Erosion?

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the risk of delayed infectious complications from retained pressure-regulating balloons (PRBs) after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) cuff erosion. METHODS: From our database of 530 AUS cases between 2007 and 2016, we identified 40 total AUS cuff erosions. Twenty-four (60%) presented without evidence of gross device infection and underwent explant of cuff and pump without removal of the PRB. Space of Retzius (SoR) and high submuscular (HSM) balloon locations were analyzed to assess for ease of removal. Presenting clinical features and retained balloon-related outcomes are reported. RESULTS: Of the 24 AUS cuff erosions with retained balloons, 6 (25%) men subsequently required PRB removal for infection during the median follow-up of 36 months (interquartile range 29-53). The median time to balloon infection after AUS erosion surgery was 4 months (interquartile range 4-16). Infection risk was reduced in those without concurrent inflatable penile prosthesis (20%) and in those who underwent "drain and retain" of the PRB (13%). The most common presenting clinical symptoms with retained PRB infection were pain and erythema near the site of the PRB (83%). No patient developed sepsis-related complications. The location of the PRB in this subcohort included 2 SoR and 4 HSM placements. The median operative time for balloon removal in the SoR was 3.5 times greater than that for HSM PRBs (133 minutes vs 38 minutes). CONCLUSION: With extended follow-up, three-quarters of the men with retained PRBs after AUS cuff erosion experienced no infectious complications. Removal of infected SoR PRBs was associated with greater operative times and surgical complexity relative to HSM PRBs.

Improving Male Sling Selectivity and Outcomes-A Potential Role for Physical Demonstration of Stress Urinary Incontinence Severity?

INTRODUCTION: We reviewed our 9-year experience with AdVance™ Male Sling System cases to determine clinical features associated with treatment success and to refine procedure selectivity. We hypothesized that preoperative physical demonstration of stress urinary incontinence by the standing cough test improves patient selection for male sling surgery. METHODS: Retrospective review of primary AdVance sling surgeries between 2008 and 2016 was performed. Patients without standing cough test results were excluded from study. Success was defined as 1 pad per day or less postoperatively and no further intervention. Standing cough test was performed during preoperative consultation and objectively graded using the MSIGS (Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale). RESULTS: Of the 203 male patients who underwent sling placement 80 (39%) experienced treatment failure during a median followup of 63.5 months. From 2008 to 2016 the proportion of AdVance slings performed as a surgical treatment modality for stress urinary incontinence decreased from 66% to 13%. Increasing selectivity correlated with greater treatment success. Success was greater among men using 2 pads per day or less preoperatively (77% vs 36%, p <0.0001), having physical findings of mild stress urinary incontinence (MSIGS grade 0-2 on standing cough test, 67% vs 26%, p <0.0001) and without a history of radiation (64% vs 41%, p=0.02). In combination, men without prior radiation with mild stress urinary incontinence and favorable standing cough test were "ideal patients" with an 81% success rate. Incremental increases in pad per day use (OR 1.8 per pad, p <0.0001) and MSIGS grade (OR 1.7 per grade, p=0.005) were independently associated with treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing selectivity has improved sling outcomes for men with stress urinary incontinence. Ideal sling candidates have not received radiation therapy, and have history and physical findings suggestive of mild stress urinary incontinence.

Urethral Reconstruction in Aging Male Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To report stricture characteristics, complications, and treatment outcomes among elderly men undergoing urethral reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of urethroplasty cases and outcomes by a single surgeon from 2007 to 2014 was performed. Men were stratified by decade of life at time of surgery (<50, 50-59, 60-69, ≥70 years). Individuals with a history of hypospadias were excluded. RESULTS: Among 514 urethroplasty procedures, 184 (36%) were evaluated in men ≥60 years. When stratified by decade of life, elderly men were more likely to have a history of radiation therapy (0% vs 5% vs 19% vs 50%; P <.0001) and experience treatment failure (6% vs 16% vs 20% vs 26%; P <.0001) during follow-up (median 63 months). The estimated 60-month stricture recurrence-free survival decreased with increasing age at time of urethroplasty (94% vs 89% vs 78% vs 74%; P <.0001). In patients ≥60 years, success rates of anastomotic, substitution, and urethrostomy techniques were 80%, 65%, and 88%; anastomotic urethroplasty success improved after excluding those patients with prior radiation. After surgery, elderly were more likely to have voiding dysfunction and <90-day Clavien ≥3 complications requiring endoscopic intervention. On multivariable analysis, advancing age per decade beyond 50 years was independently associated with risk of urethroplasty failure-50-59 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.39; P = .02), 60-69 (HR 2.80; P = .009), and ≥70 (HR 3.43; P = .003). CONCLUSION: Urethroplasty is safe and effective in the majority of elderly men. Early reconstructive intervention with anastomotic urethroplasty or urethrostomy techniques may optimize outcomes. Voiding dysfunction and prostatic obstruction are common in this population and should be pursued as clinically indicated.

Low Serum Testosterone is Present in Nearly Half of Men Undergoing Artificial Urinary Sphincter Placement.

OBJECTIVES: To report the prevalence of low serum testosterone (LST) in men undergoing artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement at a single high-volume institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all men undergoing AUS procedures by a single surgeon from January 2015 to January 2018 to identify men with pretreatment total serum testosterone levels. LST was defined as less than 280 ng/dL. Patients with only posttreatment testosterone levels were excluded. Demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between men with and without LST. RESULTS: Among 113 patients who underwent AUS with pretreatment serum testosterone levels drawn an average of 2.2 months before AUS surgery, 45.1% (51 of 113) met criteria for LST, including 18 patients on androgen deprivation therapy. The rate of primary LST was 34.7% (33 of 95). The median total serum testosterone level among men with LST was 118 ng/dL (interquartile range 6-211), and 413 mg/dL (interquartile range 333-550) in the normal serum testosterone group. There were no differences in patient age, history of radiation, erectile dysfunction, or other comorbidities between the groups. Body mass index was higher in the LST group compared to normal serum testosterone (30 vs 27 kg/m2, P = .001). Cuff size and rates of transcorporal cuff placement were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Nearly one-half of men with stress urinary incontinence undergoing AUS placement present with LST. While AUS cuff erosion appears to be more common in men with LST, further study is needed to determine if treating LST will reduce cuff erosion rates.

Characteristics of Idiopathic Urethral Strictures: A Link to Remote Perineal Trauma?

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the physical features and reconstructive outcomes of a series of idiopathic urethral strictures (IUS) in an effort to elucidate the nature of this common yet poorly understood entity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our urethroplasty database to identify men undergoing initial urethral reconstruction from 2007 to 2014 at 1 of 3 hospitals (N = 514). Patients were stratified by stricture etiology, including IUS, acute trauma, iatrogenic, hypospadias, balanitis xerotica obliterans, and radiation. IUS that had a known history of subacute or repetitive blunt force to the perineum (horseback riding, avid cycling, motocross, etc.) were subclassified as subacute or repetitive perineal trauma (SRPT). RESULTS: Among 466 men undergoing initial reconstruction with available data, 215 (46%) were IUS cases. The median delay between IUS diagnosis and urethroplasty was 5.2 years, during which time men underwent a median of 2 endoscopic treatments. A total of 51 (24%) IUS cases recalled a distinct history of SRPT. Men with SRPT were slightly younger (median 43 vs 48 years, P = .01) but were remarkably similar in terms of urethral stricture length (2 vs 2 cm, P = .15), location (bulbar 96% vs 89%, P = .41), and treatment success (92% vs 88%; P = .61). Bulbar (-)SRPT and (+)SRPT IUS had similar clinical and morphometric features as those with known acute bulbar trauma with excellent 24-month stricture recurrence-free survival rates (93% vs 92% vs 97%, P = .19). CONCLUSION: IUS have clinical features suggesting that many may be related to unrecognized or repetitive perineal trauma. Although treatment tends to be delayed, IUS have excellent urethroplasty success because most are short bulbar strictures amenable to anastomotic urethroplasty.

Role of Chronic Suprapubic Tube in the Management of Radiation Induced Urethral Strictures.

INTRODUCTION: We examined the role of chronic suprapubic tube drainage in patients with radiation induced urethral stricture disease. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing evaluation and treatment of radiation induced urethral stricture. Differences in patient and stricture characteristics among those treated with chronic suprapubic tube vs urethral reconstruction were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 75 patients who received suprapubic tube for radiation induced urethral stricture 37 (49%) selected chronic suprapubic tube and 38 (51%) ultimately underwent urethroplasty. Mean age was 70.9 years and mean followup was 25.3 months after suprapubic tube placement. Preoperative stress urinary incontinence improved after suprapubic tube placement in 20 of 33 (61%) patients. Accordingly, men with stress urinary incontinence were significantly more likely to be treated with chronic suprapubic tube (73%) compared to those proceeding to reconstruction (27%, p <0.001). Among those with persistent stress urinary incontinence after suprapubic tube, 11 of 16 (69%) underwent artificial urinary sphincter placement (urethroplasty 3 of 3 vs chronic suprapubic tube 8 of 13, p=0.19). On multivariable analysis the lack of preoperative stress urinary incontinence remained predictive of proceeding to reconstruction (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06-0.49, p=0.001). Among patients treated with chronic suprapubic tube, complications including stone formation or urinary urgency were reported in 27%. CONCLUSIONS: Although radiation induced urethral stricture can usually be managed effectively with urethroplasty, chronic suprapubic tube remains a viable management option, especially for men with preoperative stress urinary incontinence.

Clinical Risk Factors Associated With Urethral Atrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze a series of clinical risk factors associated with pretreatment urethral atrophy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 301 patients who underwent artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement between September 2009 and November 2015; of these, 60 (19.9%) transcorporal cuff patients were excluded. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on intraoperative spongiosal circumference measurements. Men with urethral atrophy (3.5 cm cuff size) were compared to controls (≥4 cm cuff size). Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for urethral atrophy. RESULTS: Among 241 AUS patients analyzed, urethral atrophy was present in 151 patients (62.7%) compared to 90 patients (37.3%) who received larger cuffs (range 4-5.5 cm). Patients with urethral atrophy were older (71.1years vs 68.3 years; P < .02), more likely to have received radiation (52.9% vs. 33.3%; P < .007), and had a longer time interval between prostate cancer treatment and AUS surgery (8.9 years vs. 6.6 years; P < .033). On multivariable analysis, radiation therapy was independently associated with risk of urethral atrophy (odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-3.13; P = .046), whereas greater time between cancer therapy and incontinence surgery approached clinical significance (odds ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.09; P = .05). CONCLUSION: History of radiation therapy and increasing length of time from prostate cancer treatment are associated with urethral atrophy before AUS placement.