Clinical and urodynamic findings in children and adolescents with neurogenic bladder undergoing augmentation cystoplasty: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Augmentation cystoplasty (AC) is a procedure to improve the clinical and urodynamic parameters of neurogenic bladder (NB) in children and adolescents refractory to other treatments. We performed a systematic review to investigate these parameters in children and adolescents with NB undergoing AC. METHODS: We followed PRISMA guidelines and searched electronic databases until March 2024 for studies involving patients aged three to 19 years diagnosed with NB undergoing AC. We assessed clinical and urodynamic parameters before and after surgery, focusing on improvements in urinary incontinence, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), bladder capacity, compliance, and end filling detrusor pressure (EFP). RESULTS: A total of 212 NB patients underwent AC and were evaluated for urinary incontinence before and after surgery. Two studies showed a 76.5% to 78.9% improvement in incontinence without bladder outlet procedures (BOP). Another study found no significant difference in incontinence improvement rates between AC with and without BOP. The VUR resolution rate assessed in three studies ranged from 12.5 to 64%. Three studies showed a variation in bladder capacity from 52.8 to 70% of the expected bladder capacity pre-AC to 95.9 to 119%, post-AC. A fourth study showed a variation in bladder capacity from 87 ml pre-AC to 370 ml post-AC. Two studies showed a variation from 3.2 to 4.6 ml/cm H2O pre-AC to 13.7 to 41.3 ml/cm H2O post-AC in bladder compliance. The EFP in three studies varied from 37.2 to 47.6 cm H2O pre-AC to 11 to 17.4 cm H2O post-AC. CONCLUSION: After AC, urinary incontinence, bladder capacity, EFP, and bladder compliance improved in children and adolescents with NB.

Dynamic and static ultrasound features predictive of vesicoureteral reflux and renal damage in children and adolescents with neurogenic bladder.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic and static ultrasound (DSUS) in detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal scarring in a cohort of children with neurogenic bladder (NB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted using the Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies guideline. The DSUS (index test) data were compared with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and renal scintigraphy 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic (reference tests). Overall performance for predicting VUR and renal scarring was assessed using renal pelvic diameter (RPD)/distal ureteral diameter and renal parenchymal thinning on DSUS, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients (66 girls, median age 9.6 years) participated. Seventeen patients (15.9%) presented VUR, eight bilateral. For overall reflux grade, the AUC was 0.624 for RPD and 0.630 for distal ureteral diameter. The diagnostic performance for detecting high-grade VUR was slightly better for DSUS parameters. The AUC was 0.666 for RPD and 0.691 for distal ureteral diameter. The cut-offs of 5 mm for RPD and 6.5 mm for distal ureteral diameter presented the best diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) to identify high-grade VUR. The increase of RPD during detrusor contractions showed an accuracy of 89.2%. The thinness of renal parenchyma presented an accuracy of 88% for renal scarring. CONCLUSION: DSUS predicts VUR and renal scarring in children with NB with fair to good accuracy, and all measurements exhibited a high negative predictive value (NPV). The increase in RPD during voiding or detrusor contractions proved to be the most accurate parameter for indicating the presence of VUR in this study.

Treating asthma in patients with enuresis: repercussions on urinary symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Children presenting enuresis are more likely to be asthmatics. The association between enuresis and sleep-disordered breathing has already been demonstrated and several studies have shown at least partial improvement of two thirds or more of the cases of enuresis adenoidectomy. Studies have already described associations between enuresis and allergies but do not assess the repercussions of allergy treatment in enuretics. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluated whether asthma treatment alters the course of enuresis and whether there is any predictive factor associated with this improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (5 - 12 years old) with uncontrolled enuresis and asthma, received treatment for asthma. Children were also assessed for the presence of rhinitis and other allergies. The control of asthma was confirmed by a validated questionnaire and primary enuresis by clinical history and wet night diaries. Patients received only asthma treatment. RESULTS: At least partial improvement of enuresis was observed in 55% of the patients with an increase in 64.4% in the number of dry nights at the end of the study (p=0.01). The "presence of other allergies" and "obstruction seen in nasal endoscopy" positively influenced the improvement of urinary symptoms (OR = 3.350; CI 0.844-13.306) and (OR=1.272; CI 0.480-3.370), respectively. DISCUSSION: Until now, only patients presenting upper airway obstruction were known to benefit from the improvement of urinary symptoms when undergoing treatment for their respiratory problems. In our study, we found at least partial improvement in enuresis in 55% of our patients, with only clinical asthma treatment. CONCLUSION: Controlling asthma in children with primary enuresis resulted in a significant increase in dry nights.

Impact of COVID-19 on surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence in the Brazilian public health system.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to characterize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (FSUI) in Brazil. METHODS: This study was conducted with population-based data from the Brazilian public health system database. We obtained data on the number of surgical procedures for FSUI in 2019 (before the coronavirus disease [COVID-19] pandemic), 2020, and 2021 (during the pandemic) in each of the 27 Brazilian states. We included official Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) data on the population, Human Development Index (HDI), and annual per capita income of each state. RESULTS: A total of 6,718 surgical procedures for FSUI were performed in the Brazilian public health system in 2019. The number of procedures was reduced by 56.2% in 2020, and an additional reduction of 7.2% was seen in 2021. The distribution of procedures by state showed important differences, ranging from 4.4 procedures/1,000,000 inhabitants in Paraíba and Sergipe to 67.6 procedures/1,000,000 inhabitants in Paraná (p<0.01) in 2019. The number of surgical procedures was higher in states with a higher HDI (p=0.0001) and per capita income (p=0.042). The decrease in the number of surgical procedures affected the whole country and its rate did not correlate with HDI (p=0.289) or per capita income (p=0.598). CONCLUSION: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical treatment of FSUI in Brazil was significant in 2020 and persisted in 2021. Access to surgical treatment of FSUI varied according to geographic region, HDI, and per capita income, even before COVID-19.

Nighttime salivary cortisol as a biomarker of stress and an indicator of worsening quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a generic term defined on an anatomical-topographic basis to describe malignant tumors located in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and thyroid. A situation commonly presented by individuals with cancer is stress, with evidence indicating a close relationship between stress, behavior, and the immune system with the development and progression of cancer. Aim: To assess the association between stress levels and quality of life among individuals with HNC. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 72 HNC patients. The University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life, while the Perceived Stress Scale and salivary cortisol were used to evaluate stress levels. Results: A negative association was found between quality of life and stress levels as indicated by both the PSS and nighttime salivary cortisol. Nighttime salivary cortisol showed the best accuracy estimated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, slightly better than that of PSS. Conclusion: Among the time points for saliva sampling, nighttime cortisol was found to have the best accuracy, which was similar to that of the PSS, for the detection of patients with the worst quality of life.

Impact of COVID-19 on education, health and lifestyle behaviour of Brazilian urology residents.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on clinical and surgical practice, educational activities, health and lifestyle behavior of Brazilian urology residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to 468 Brazilian urology residents from postgraduate years (PGY) 3 to 5 to collect data on clinical practice and training after 4 months of COVID-19. We also assessed health-related and behavior changes, rate of infection by SARS-CoV-2, deployment to the front line of COVID-19, residents' concerns, and access to personal protective equipment (PPE). RESULTS: Massive reductions in elective and emergency patient consultations, diagnostic procedures and surgeries were reported across the country, affecting PGY 3 to 5 alike. Most in-person educational activities were abolished. The median damage to the urological training expected for 2020 was 6.0 [3.4 -7.7], on a scale from 0 to 10, with senior residents estimating a greater damage (P < 0.001). Educational interventions developed included online case-based discussions, subspeciality conferences and lectures, and grand rounds. Most senior residents favored extending residency to compensate for training loss and most younger residents favored no additional training (p< 0.001). Modifications in health and lifestyle included weight gain (43.8%), reduced physical activity (68.6%), increased alcoholic intake (44.9%) and cigarette consumption (53.6%), worsening of sexual life (25.2%) and feelings of sadness or depression (48,2%). Almost half were summoned to work on the COVID-19 front-line and 24.4% had COVID-19. Most residents had inadequate training to deal with COVID-19 patients and most reported a shortage of PPE. Residents' concerns included the risk of contaminating family members, being away from residency program, developing severe COVID-19 and overloading colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 had a massive impact in Brazilian urology residents´ training, health and lifestyle behavior, which may reflect what happened in other medical specialties. Studies should confirm these findings to help developing strategies to mitigate residents' losses.

Luts-V: A new simplified score for assessing lower urinary tract symptoms in men.

OBJECTIVES: Develop and validate a new and simplified score for evaluating the lower urinary tract symptoms in men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We modified the existing visual prostate symptom score, including changes in the images, sequence, and new alternatives, resulting in a new visual score (LUTS visual score-LUTS-V). For the validation of the new tool, we used the International Prostatic Symptom Score as the gold-standard and the new LUTS-V to 306 men. The total IPSS score and the total LUTS-V score of each subject were evaluated to determine the agreement between the two instruments. ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and best cut-off of LUTS-V. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios were used to describe the diagnostic properties. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 59 [52-87] years. There was a significant correlation between LUTS-V and IPSS. (r=0.72 (p<0.0001). The Bland-Altman analyzes demonstrate good agreement between the two questionnaires (bias=5.6%). LUTS-V demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy in detecting the most serious cases with an area under the ROC curve of 83% [78-87%] 95% CI. p <0.001). LUTS-V >4 was the best threshold, with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 78%. CONCLUSIONS: LUTS-V is a simple, self-administered tool with a significant discriminatory power to identify subjects with moderate to severe LUTS and may represent a useful instrument for the diagnosis and follow-up of men with urinary symptoms.

Adjuvant radiotherapy for the primary treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma: Are we offering the best?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of ARDT after surgical resection of ACC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of patients from our institutional ACC database were retrospectively assessed. A paired comparison analysis was used to evaluate the oncological outcomes between patients treated with surgery followed by ARDT or surgery only (control). The endpoints were LRFS, RFS, and OS. A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was also performed to evaluate local recurrence of ACC when ARDT was used. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in each Group. The median follow-up times were 32 months and 35 months for the ARDT and control Groups, respectively. The results for LRFS (p=0.11), RFS (p=0.92), and OS (p=0.47) were similar among subsets. The mean time to present with local recurrence was significantly longer in the ARDT group compared with the control Group (419±206 days vs. 181±86 days, respectively; p=0.03). ARDT was well tolerated by the patients; there were no reports of late toxicity. The meta-analysis, which included four retrospective series, revealed that ARDT had a protective effect on LRFS (HR=0.4; CI=0.17-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: ARDT may reduce the chance and prolong the time to ACC local recurrence. However, there were no benefits for disease recurrence control or overall survival for patients who underwent this complementary therapy.

Increased detrusor collagen is associated with detrusor overactivity and decreased bladder compliance in men with benign prostatic obstruction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between detrusor collagen content and urodynamic parameters in men with benign prostatic obstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen consecutive patients undergoing open prostatectomy for bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were evaluated. Urodynamic tests were performed in all patients. BOO and detrusor contractility were assessed with the BOO index (BOOI) and the bladder contractility index (BCI), respectively. A bladder fragment was obtained during prostatectomy. Eight cadaveric organ donors composed the control group. Bladder sections were stained with picrosirius red and hematoxylin-eosin. The collagen to smooth muscle ratio (C/M) in the detrusor was measured and its relationship with urodynamic parameters was investigated. RESULTS: Seven (36.8%) patients were operated on due to lower urinary tract symptoms and 12 (63.2%) had urinary retention. The mean prostate volume was 128.6 cm3 ± 32.3 cm3, the mean BOOI was 76.4 ± 33.0, and the mean BCI was 116.1 ± 33.7. The mean C/M in BPH patients and controls were 0.43 ± 0.13 and 0.33 ± 0.09, respectively (P = 0.042). A negative correlation was shown between C/M and bladder compliance (r = -0.488, P = 0.043). The C/M was increased in BPH patients with detrusor overactivity (DO) compared to those without DO (0.490 ± 0.110 and 0.360 ± 0.130, respectively; P = 0.030) and also in patients with urinary retention (P = 0.002). No correlation was shown between C/M and maximum cystometric capacity, BOOI, or BCI. CONCLUSION: Men with BOO/BPH have increased detrusor collagen content which is associated with decreased bladder compliance, detrusor overactivity, and urinary retention.

Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular mass index in children with hypospadias after hormonal stimulation with topical testosterone: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Testosterone is often used in the preoperative period of hypospadias surgery. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of androgen receptors in cardiac myocytes that can modulate the phenotype. The use of supraphysiological doses of androgens can lead to toxicity on the heart muscle and, in some cases, to left ventricular hypertrophy. This randomized double blind controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of topical testosterone on left ventricular mass index in boys with hypospadias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Boys with hypospadias aged 6 months to 9 years were included. Children were divided into two groups: G1 - boys who received testosterone propionate 1% ointment twice a day for 30 days, and G2 - boys receiving placebo ointment in the same regimen. All children were submitted to bi-dimensional echocardiographic evaluation to compare the left ventricular mass index, blood pressure, and body mass index before and after treatment (30 and 90 days). Levels of serum testosterone, LH, and FSH were measured. RESULTS: Thirty-five children were analyzed: 17 in G1 and 18 in G2. No differences were found in left ventricular mass index (left ventricular mass indexed by body surface area) prior to treatment. Left ventricular mass index was 59.21 ± 11.91 g/m2 in G1 and 55.12 ± 8.29 g/m2 in G2 (p = 0.244) after 30 days of treatment, and 61.13 ± 11.69 g/m2 in G1 and 62.84 ± 35.99 g/m2 in G2 (p = 0.852) after 90 days. Serum testosterone levels were 12 (7-80) ng/dL in G1 and 5 (5-7) ng/dL in G2 (p = 0.018) after 30 days of treatment, and 10 (5-11) ng/dL in G1 and 5 (4-5) ng/dL in G2 (p = 0.155), after 90 days (Figure). There was a small increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) after 30 days (83.82 ± 7.18 mmHg) in the group who receive testosterone (G1) compared with controls (77.5 ± 6.69 mmHg) (p = 0.010). After 90 days, SBP levels returned to basal levels in G1 (82.35 ± 5.62 mmHg) and in G2 (81.38 ± 4.79 mmHg) (p = 0.588). CONCLUSION: Topical testosterone can be considered safe in the preoperative period of children with hypospadias with no risk of left ventricular hypertrophy. An increase in systolic blood pressure occurs while using testosterone but it is transitory, returning to normal levels after 90 days.

Update on complications of synthetic suburethral slings.

Synthetic suburethral slings have become the most widely used technique for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Despite its high success rates, significant complications have been reported including bleeding, urethral or bladder injury, urethral or bladder mesh erosion, intestinal perforation, vaginal extrusion of mesh, urinary tract infection, pain, urinary urgency and bladder outlet obstruction. Recent warnings from important regulatory agencies worldwide concerning safety issues of the use of mesh for urogynecological reconstruction have had a strong impact on patients as well as surgeons and manufacturers. In this paper, we reviewed the literature regarding surgical morbidity associated with synthetic suburethral slings.

Periurethral muscle-derived mononuclear cell injection improves urethral sphincter restoration in rats.

AIMS: Investigate the effect of a novel cell-based therapy with skeletal muscle-derived mononuclear cells (SMDMCs) in a rat model of stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: Male Wistar-Kyoto rats' hind limb muscles were enzymatically dissociated, and SMDMCs were isolated without needing expansion. The cell population was characterized. Twenty female rats underwent urethrolysis. One week later, 10 rats received periurethral injection of 106 cells (SMDMC group), and 10 rats received saline injections (Saline group). Ten rats underwent sham surgery (Sham group). Four weeks after injection, animals were euthanized and the urethra was removed. The incorporation of SMDMCs in the female urethra was evaluated with fluorescence in situ hybridization for the detection of Y-chromosomes. Hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry for actin and myosin were performed. The muscle/connective tissue, actin and myosin ratios were calculated. Morphological evaluation of the urethral diameters and fractional areas of the lumen, mucosa, and muscular layer was performed. RESULTS: SMDMCs population was consistent with the presence of muscle cells, muscle satellite cells, perivascular cells, muscle progenitor cells, and endothelial cells. SMDMCs were incorporated into the urethra. A significant decrease in the muscle/connective tissue ratio was observed in the Saline group compared with the SMDMC and Sham groups. The proportions of actin and myosin were significantly decreased in the Saline group. No differences were observed in the morphometric parameters. CONCLUSIONS: SDMSC were incorporated into the rat urethra and promoted histological recovery of the damaged urethral sphincter, resulting in decreased connective tissue deposition and increased muscle content.

The role of urinary KIM-1, NGAL, CA19-9 and ß2-microglobulin in the assessment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic properties of urinary biomarkers in adults with ureteropelvic junction obstruction: KIM-1, NGAL, CA19-9, and ß2-microglobulin. We also assessed urinary biomarker concentrations following pyeloplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively studied adults from December 2013 to February 2015. We included 47 patients with a mean age of 38.6 ± 12.7 years. Each patient provided four samples of voided urine for biomarker measurement, one at pre-operative consultation and the others at 1, 3, and 6 months of post-operative follow-up. The control group consisted of 40 healthy individuals with no hydronephrosis on ultrasound evaluation. RESULTS: KIM-1 had an area under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.70-0.89), NGAL 0.71 (95% CI 0.61-0.83), CA19-9 0.70 (95% CI 0.60-0.81), and ß2-microgloblin 0.61 (95% CI 0.50-0.73). KIM-1 was the most sensitive marker with a cut-off of 170.4 pg/mg creatinine (sensitivity 91.4%, specificity 59.1%), whereas CA19-9 was the most specific with a cut-off of 51.3 U/mg creatinine (sensitivity 48.9%, specificity 88.0%). Urinary concentrations of biomarkers decreased after pyeloplasty. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of urinary biomarkers is useful in adults undergoing pyeloplasty. KIM-1, NGAL, and CA19-9 were elevated and significantly decreased after surgery.

Biometry of the hypospadic penis after hormone therapy (testosterone and estrogen): A randomized, double-blind controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The use of preoperative hormonal stimulation before hypospadias surgery aims to increase penile size and achieve better surgical results; however, the rules are not clear in the literature. We evaluated the effects of topical testosterone and estrogen in the hypospadic penis regarding biometric measures, side effects, and serum hormonal levels. To our knowledge, this is the first study using estradiol prior to hypospadias surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine children with hypospadias were randomly divided into three study groups: a control group (CG) of 17 children given placebo cream; a testosterone group (TG) of 28 children who used 1% testosterone propionate; and an estradiol group (EG) of 24 children using 0.01% estradiol. All subjects applied the topical ointment on the entire penis, twice daily for 30 days before surgical correction. Biometric evaluation of the penis included penile length and diameter, glans diameter, distance from the urethral meatus to the tip, and the width of the urethral plate. These measurements as well as serum hormone level, and side effects were evaluated prior to hormone use, and 30 and 90 days after. RESULTS: After 30 days an increase in penile diameter and length and diameter of the glans were observed in TG (p < 0.05). The width of the urethral plate and distance from meatus to the tip increased in TG, although not significantly. The most frequent side effects were appearance of pubic hair and darkening of the genital skin, mainly in TG, but these were transient and disappeared after 90 days of treatment. No significant variations were seen in serum hormonal levels (Table). CONCLUSION: As in previous studies, an increase in penile length and diameter, and glans diameter was observed with the use of testosterone. Proximal urethral plate width and distance from the meatus to the tip of the penis had a tendency to increase also in TG. Estradiol did not change biometric measure of the penis. Few side effects occurred after both hormones, and any that did improved after 90 days follow-up and did not change hormone serum levels. CONCLUSION: Preoperative use of topical testosterone increases penile size, diameter of the penis and glans. The use of estradiol does not change penile biometry. Side effects occur mainly with the use of testosterone and are transient. No significant and persistent hormonal changes were observed.

Congenital genitourinary abnormalities in children with Williams-Beuren syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a gene deletion on chromosome 7q11.23. Patients with WBS usually show a group of features such as developmental delay, cardiovascular anomalies, mental retardation, and characteristic facial appearance. Abdominal wall defects, external genitalia anomalies, and structural abnormalities of the urinary tract have been scarcely evaluated and were the focus of our study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 41 boys and 38 girls with WBS, with a mean age of 8.8 ± 4.1 (range 3-19 years). All patients were examined for the evaluation of inguinal and umbilical hernias and genital anomalies. All patients were offered a radiological evaluation, including urinary tract ultrasound, voiding cystourethrogram, and dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy (DMSA scan). RESULTS: Of the 41 boys, 30 (73.1%) had abnormalities on physical examination, including bilateral undescended testis in 13 (31.7%), retractile testis in four (9.7%), hypospadias in four (9.7%), and unilateral cryptorchidism in three (7.3%) patients. Of the 38 female subjects, 17 (44.7%) had at least one abnormality, including umbilical hernia in 11 (28.9%), unilateral inguinal hernia in four (10.5%), and bilateral inguinal hernia in three (7.8%) patients. Uroradiological abnormalities were found in 41 patients (51.9%). On sonography, six (7.6%) patients had unilateral hydronephrosis, three (3.8%) had a duplicated collecting system, and two (2.5%) had kidney stones. On DMSA, performed in 36 patients, four (11.1%) had unilateral renal scarring and two (5.5%) had bilateral renal scarring. Cystourethrography was obtained from 56 patients, of whom 27 (48.2%) had bladder diverticulum, 18 (32.1%) had bladder wall trabeculation, and three (5.3%) had vesicoureteral reflux. We found no association of urological abnormalities with cardiovascular defects. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with WBS have a high prevalence of abdominal wall, external genitalia, and urological abnormalities, emphasizing the importance of proper physical examination and radiological investigation in this population.

Botulinum neurotoxin type A for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: randomized study comparing two doses.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of intraprostatic injection of two botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) doses for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Men with symptomatic BPH who failed medical treatment were randomized to receive 100 U or 200 U of BoNT-A into the prostate. The International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Q(max)), post-void residual volume (PVR), PSA levels and prostate volume before injection and after 3 and 6 months were evaluated. Adverse events were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Thirty four patients were evaluated, including 17 in the BoNT-A 100 U group and 17 in the BoNT-A 200 U group. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Both doses produced significant improvements in IPSS, Q(max) and PVR after 3 and 6 months and both doses promoted comparable effects. Prostate volume was affected by 200 U BoNT-A injection only after 6 months of treatment. PSA levels were significantly affected in the 100 U group only after 6 months of treatment. In the 200 U group, PSA levels were significantly decreased after 3 and 6 months. The complication rate was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy and safety of both BoNT-A doses are similar for BPH treatment in the short term followup.

Prospective randomized trial comparing dissection with Plastibell® circumcision.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and evaluate dissection and Plastibell(®) circumcision techniques for the treatment of phimosis. METHODS: In 2006-2007, 125 children were submitted to circumcision by the same surgeon. The children were randomly divided into two groups (PD: Plastibell(®) and DC: dissection). In both groups the surgery was performed under general anesthesia and dorsal penile block. The dissection circumcision used the double circular incision technique. Follow-up was done on days 15, 45 and 90 after surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included in DC and 57 in PD. The mean age at surgery was 71.76 ± 31.56 months for DC and 70.95 ± 31.73 months for PD. There was no difference in Kayaba's classification for phimosis or indication for surgery between the groups. Surgical time for DC was 14.64 ± 1.93 min and for PD 3.29 ± 1.48 min (P < 0.001). The incidence of immediate complications was similar, but late complications, especially adhesions, were greater in DC (P < 0.01). The use of pain medication (paracetamol) was similar during the first 2 days after surgery, but was greater in PD from the 3rd day after surgery (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Plastibell(®) circumcision has a shorter surgical duration with fewer late complications, but requires more analgesic medication after the 3rd day post surgery.

Use of a latex biomembrane for bladder augmentation in a rabbit model: biocompatibility, clinical and histological outcomes.

PURPOSE: To investigate histological features and biocompatibility of a latex biomembrane for bladder augmentation using a rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After a partial cystectomy, a patch of a non-vulcanized latex biomembrane (2x4 cm) was sewn to the bladder with 5/0 monofilament polydioxanone sulfate in a watertight manner. Groups of 5 animals were sacrificed at 15, 45 and 90 days after surgery and the bladder was removed. The 5-mum preparations obtained from grafted area and normal bladder were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with a primary antibody against alpha-actin to assess muscle regeneration. RESULTS: No death, urinary leakage or graft extrusion occurred in any group. All bladders showed a spherical shape. Macroscopically, after 90 days, the latex biomembrane was not identifiable and the patch was indistinguishable from normal bladder. A bladder stone was found in one animal (6.6%). On the 90th day, histology revealed continuity of transitional epithelium of host bladder tissue on the patch area. At this time, the muscle layers were well organized in a similar fashion to native bladder muscle layers. The inflammatory process was higher on grafted areas when compared to controls: 15 days--p < 0.0001, 45 days--p < 0.001, and 90 days--p < 0.01. The anti alpha-actin immunoexpression peaked at 45 days, when the graft was observed covered by muscle cells. CONCLUSION: The latex biomembrane is biocompatible and can be used in models for bladder augmentation in rabbits. It promotes epithelium and muscle regeneration without urinary leakage.

Laparoscopic renal surgery in infants and children: is it a feasible and safe procedure for all pediatric age groups?

PURPOSE: Although laparoscopy is considered the mainstay for most renal procedures in adults, its role in the pediatric population is still controversial, especially for smaller children. We reviewed our experience in pediatric renal laparoscopic surgery in three pediatric age groups in an attempt to identify if age has an impact on feasibility and surgical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 1995 to May 2006, 144 pediatric laparoscopic renal procedures were performed at our institution. The charts of these patients were reviewed for demographic data, urologic pathology and surgical procedure, as well as perioperative complications and post-operative outcomes. The findings were stratified into 3 groups, according to patient age (A: < 1 year, B: 1 to 5 years and C: 6-18 years). RESULTS: Median age of the patients was 4.2 years (42 days - 18 years). We performed 54 nephrectomies, 33 nephroureterectomies, 19 upper pole nephrectomies, 11 radical nephrectomies, 22 pyeloplasties and 4 miscellaneous procedures. The 3 age groups were comparable in terms of the procedures performed. Conversion rates were 0%, 1.4% and 1.9% for groups A, B and C, respectively (p = 0.72). Incidence of perioperative complications was 5%, 8.2% and 7.8% for age groups A to C, respectively (p = 0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Most renal procedures can be performed safely by laparoscopy in the pediatric population, with excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes. The morbidity related to the procedure was minimal irrespective of the age group.