Impact of obesity on male urethral sling outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The impact of obesity on AdVance male urethral sling outcomes has been poorly evaluated. Anecdotally, male urethral sling placement can be more challenging due to body habitus in obese patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of obesity on surgical complexity using operative time as a surrogate and secondarily to evaluate the impact on postoperative pad use. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using all men who underwent AdVance male urethral sling placement at a single institution between 2013 and 2019. Descriptive statistics comparing obese and non-obese patients were performed. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were identified with median (IQR) follow up of 14 (4-33) months. Of these, 40 were non-obese and 22 (35.5%) were obese. When excluding patients who underwent concurrent surgery, the mean operative times for the non-obese versus obese cohorts were 61.8 min versus 73.7 min (p = 0.020). No Clavien 3-5 grade complications were noted. At follow up, 47.5% of the non-obese cohort and 63.6% of the obese cohort reported using one or more pads daily (p = 0.290). Four of the five patients with a history of radiation were among the patients wearing pads following male urethral sling placement. CONCLUSION: Obese men undergoing AdVance male urethral sling placement required increased operative time, potentially related to operative complexity, and a higher proportion of obese compared with non-obese patients required postoperative pads for continued urinary incontinence. Further research is required to better delineate the full impact of obesity on male urethral sling outcomes.

Robotic and open partial nephrectomy for intermediate and high complexity tumors: a matched-pairs comparison of surgical outcomes at a single institution.

Objective: To compare peri-operative factors and renal function following open partial nephrectomy (OPN) and robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) for intermediate and high complexity tumors when controlling for tumor and patient complexity.Methods: A retrospective review of 222 patients undergoing partial nephrectomy was performed. Patients with intermediate (nephrometry score NS 7-9) or high (NS 10-12) complexity tumors were matched 2:1 for RPN:OPN using NS, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and BMI. Patient demographics, peri-operative values, renal function, and complication rates were analyzed and compared.Results: Seventy-four OPN patients were matched to 148 RPN patients with no difference in patient demographics. Estimated blood loss in OPN patients was significantly higher (368.5 vs 210.5 mL, p < 0.001) as was transfusion rate (17% vs 1.6%, p < 0.001). Warm ischemia time was longer in OPN (25.5 vs 19.7 min, p = 0.001) while operative time was reduced (200.5 vs 226.5 min, p = 0.010). RPN patients had significantly shorter hospitalizations (5.3 vs 3.0 days, p < 0.001). GFR decrease after one month was not statistically significant (12.9 vs 6.6 ml/min, p = 0.130). Clavien III-V complications incidence was higher for OPN compared to RPN although not significantly (20.3% vs 10.8%, p = 0.055).Conclusion: When matching for tumor and patient complexity, RPN patients had fewer high grade post-operative complications, decreased blood loss, and shorter hospitalizations. RPN is a safe option for patients with intermediate and high complexity tumors.

Surgical management and outcomes of adult acquired buried penis with and without lichen sclerosus: a comparative analysis.

PURPOSE: Adult acquired buried penis (AABP) can present with concomitant Lichen Sclerosus (LS), a chronic dermatosis that may affect surgical outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate outcomes of patients undergoing AABP repair with and without LS. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed for AABP repair patients at a single institution from 1/1991 to 12/2017. Patient characteristics and surgical and peri-operative outcomes, including success, erectile function, and complications, were collected. RESULTS: Sixty-seven AABP patients with mean follow-up of 16.1 ± 20.4 months were identified. Overall surgical success was 91%. Overall surgical complication rate was 50.7% (23.9% Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3). Forty-two (62.7%) patients had concomitant LS. A higher proportion of patients with LS required a STSG (90% vs 60%, p = 0.005). There was no difference in surgical success (90.5% vs 92.0%, p = 0.999), overall complication rate (57.1% vs 40.0%, p = 0.212), Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3 complications (23.8% vs 24.0%, p = 0.999) or early complications (35.7% vs 32.0%, p = 0.797) between patients with and without LS, respectively. However, a higher proportion of patients with LS experienced late complications (33.3% vs 8.0%, p = 0.020), which were mainly related to wound healing. Satisfaction with erectile function was higher among patients with LS (59.5% vs 320%, p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: AABP patients with LS behave somewhat differently than their non LS counterparts. They are more likely to require skin graft during surgical treatment. Though surgical success and complications are similar, they do experience a higher rate of late complications from impaired wound healing. Work on improving wound healing in this population should be considered.

Association of Maternal First Trimester Serum Levels of Free Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Hypospadias: A Population Based Study.

PURPOSE: Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulates fetal testosterone production and contributes to normal development of male genitalia. Using population based data we hypothesized that differences in maternal free beta human chorionic gonadotropin may be associated with hypospadias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the Paris Registry of Congenital Malformations (REMAPAR) (2011 to 2016). The initial study population included 3,172 pregnant women who gave birth to a singleton live born male infant with a congenital malformation. After exclusion of cases with unknown beta human chorionic gonadotropin and those with chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, the study population included 194 boys with isolated hypospadias and 1,075 controls. For cases with operative notes (125) we obtained data on type (proximal/distal) of hypospadias. Using quantile regression we compared median values of multiple of median beta human chorionic gonadotropin measured for first trimester Down syndrome screening (10th to 13th gestational weeks) for overall as well as by type of hypospadias vs controls. We also considered possible effects of placental dysfunction (maternal age, intrauterine growth retardation and preterm births) as potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Overall the median beta human chorionic gonadotropin multiple of median was comparable for women who had an infant with hypospadias vs controls (0.99 vs 0.95, p=0.3). However, proximal hypospadias was associated with a statistically significant higher median multiple of median than distal hypospadias or unspecified (1.49 vs 0.92 vs 1.05, p=0.02). The estimates were comparable after adjustment for placental dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the hypothesis that an alteration in maternal beta human chorionic gonadotropin levels is associated with hypospadias. However, this association appears to be limited to proximal hypospadias.

Use of flexible cystoscopy at time of artificial urinary sphincter placement.

INTRODUCTION: Artificial urinary sphincters (AUS) are used to treat significant urinary incontinence. Flexible cystoscopy at the time of AUS placement provides relevant intraoperative feedback including confirmation that the AUS is functioning, visualization of coaptation, and evaluation for urethral injury. Current guidelines for placement of an AUS do not include flexible cystoscopy. The objective was to evaluate whether flexible cystoscopy at time of AUS placement changed cuff size at the time of surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate all patients undergoing AUS placement by a single surgeon between March 2013 and March 2017. The primary endpoint of the study was change in cuff size based on cystoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 109 AUS were placed in 96 patients. In five (4.6%) cases flexible cystoscopy identified a lack of coaptation of the urethra despite appropriate sizing which resulted in down-sizing of the cuff. Five patients were identified as having a bladder neck contracture that was previously unrecognized as clinic cystoscopy was performed by the referring urologist and was reportedly normal. Three patients developed postoperative infections, two of these patients had a history of multiple AUS placement and revisions and the third patient had a history of cystectomy and neobladder. CONCLUSIONS: Flexible cystoscopy at time of AUS placement changed the cuff size in nearly 5% of cases. Flexible cystoscopy at time of AUS placement provides valuable feedback and should be recommended for low volume prosthetic surgeons.

The Use of Full Thickness Skin Graft Phalloplasty During Adult Acquired Buried Penis Repair.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of full thickness penile skin grafting (FTSG) for phalloplasty during acquired buried penis repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing complex genital reconstruction for buried penis between January 2013 and April 2018 was performed. Patients undergoing FTSG were identified. All patients underwent escutcheonectomy, scrotoplasty, and penile skin grafting by a single Urologist (MM) and Plastic surgeon (JS). Escutcheon tissue was used for the FTSG. The primary outcome was graft take and the secondary outcome was recurrence requiring surgical revision. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were identified for inclusion in the study with average age of 43.4 and average BMI of 42. Median (range) follow-up for the cohort was 8 (3-44) months. Surgical indication was lymphedema in 6 (46.2%), morbid obesity in 6 (46.2%), and hidradenitis suppurativa in one (7.7%). Seven required concurrent urethromeatoplasty for meatal stenosis and fossa navicularis strictures. All grafts were successful. Two patients developed postoperative wound infections requiring antibiotics. One patient redeveloped lymphedema of the scrotum and required complete revision surgery although the FTSG remained intact. No patients had reburying of the penis. Minor outpatient surgical revision was performed for 2 patients for scarring and edema of the glans. CONCLUSION: Full thickness skin grafts provide a useful option for penile reconstruction during surgical management of buried penis. Patients had excellent graft acceptance and minimal wound complications. Further research and comparative cohorts are warranted to fully determine the role of FTSG in genital reconstruction.

An Uncommon Case of a Traumatic Corporal Cutaneous Fistula.

Penetrating perineal trauma is an unusual urologic injury. Even less common is a delayed presentation. Herein we present the case of a patient with delayed development of a corporal cutaneous fistula 3 months following perineal trauma.

Epidural Analgesia Decreases Narcotic Requirements in Patients with Low Level Spina Bifida Undergoing Urological Laparotomy for Neurogenic Bladder and Bowel.

PURPOSE: Concerns regarding anatomical anomalies and worsening neurological symptoms have prevented widespread use of epidural catheters in patients with low level spina bifida. We hypothesize that thoracic epidural placement in the T9 to T10 interspace is safe and decreases narcotic requirements following major open lower urinary tract reconstruction in patients with low level spina bifida. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed consecutive patients with low level spina bifida who underwent lower urinary tract reconstruction and received epidurals for postoperative pain control. Controls were patients with low level spina bifida who received single injection transversus abdominis plane blocks and underwent similar procedures. Complications of epidural placement, including changes in motor and sensory status, were recorded. Opioid consumption was calculated using equivalent intravenous morphine doses. Mean and maximum pain scores on postoperative days 0 to 3 were calculated. RESULTS: Ten patients with low level spina bifida who underwent lower urinary tract reconstruction with epidural were matched to 10 controls with low level spina bifida who underwent lower urinary tract reconstruction with transverse abdominis plane block. Groups were demographically similar. All patients had full abdominal sensation and functional levels at or below L3. No epidural complications or changes in neurological status were noted. The epidural group had decreased opioid consumption on postoperative days 0 to 3 (0.75 mg/kg vs 1.29 mg/kg, p = 0.04). Pain scores were similar or improved in the epidural group. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic epidural analgesia appears to be a safe and effective opioid sparing option to assist with postoperative pain management following lower urinary tract reconstruction in individuals with low level spina bifida.

Use of rectal mucosal grafts in substitution urethroplasty: an early series.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the feasibility of use of rectal mucosal grafts for augmentation urethroplasty. METHODS: A series of five patients who underwent rectal mucosal graft urethroplasty for urethral stricture disease were identified. Descriptive statistics were used to describe these patients. Primary endpoints were recurrence of stricture and perioperative morbidity. RESULTS: Five patients underwent rectal mucosal graft augmentation urethroplasty. Four had a history of prior buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty and one had a history of head and neck cancer. Rectal mucosa was noted to be thinner and required more tailoring than buccal mucosa. All patients had patent urethras at time of postoperative retrograde urethrogram. A small diverticulum was noted in one patient with no further sequelae. No complications from rectal mucosal graft harvest were noted. All patients with prior buccal grafting subjectively preferred the rectal graft due to fewer side effects. Subjectively, patients with prior buccal grafts preferred the post-operative recovery following rectal mucosal graft urethroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal mucosal graft augmentation urethroplasty is a safe alternative in patients with contraindications to buccal grafting with limited morbidity.

A novel technique for direct visualization of reservoir placement for penoscrotal inflatable penile prostheses using a single incision.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to present a modified technique and outcomes of a novel method allowing for direct visualization of the reservoir placement during a penoscrotal inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). METHODS: Out of165 patients who underwent IPP placement from August 2012 to March 2015, 157 underwent a modified technique and comprised the cohort of this study. A Deaver's retractor was placed lateral to the penis and over the pubic bone to allow for direct visualization of the tissues overlying the lower abdomen. After dissecting through the superficial layers, the Deaver's was slowly advanced, allowing for visualization of the fascia, which was incised. Using blunt dissection, a space for the reservoir was created between the bladder and the pubic bone. The reservoir was then placed safely into this space and the Deaver's retractor was removed. RESULTS: The causes of ED in the study cohort included postprostatectomy ED (n = 107), organic impotence (n = 40), Peyronie's disease (n = 3), ED following cystoprostatectomy (n = 2), ED due to spinal cord injury (n = 2), ED resulting from priapism (n = 2), and ED after pelvic injury (n = 1); all of which were refractory to medical management. The median age of study population was 66 years and the mean (standard deviation) operative time was 72.8 (14.7) min. Eighty percent of the procedures were performed on outpatient basis. Complication rates were low (<5%), with four infections, one proximal pump migration, one scrotal hematoma, and one urinary tract infection. CONCLUSION: The modified technique for placement of the IPP's spherical reservoir under direct visualization through a penoscrotal incision is quick, safe, and effective.

A novel preoperative model to predict 90-day surgical mortality in patients considered for renal cell carcinoma surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical benefits for renal cell carcinoma must be weighed against competing causes of mortality, especially in the elderly patient population. We used a large cancer registry to evaluate the impact of patient and cancer-specific factors on 90-day mortality (90DM). A nomogram to predict the odds of short-term mortality was created. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried to identify all patients with clinically localized, nonmetastatic disease treated with partial or radical nephrectomy. Using a random sample of 60%, multiple logistic regression with 90DM outcomes were performed to identify preoperative variables associated with mortality. Variables included age, sex, race, co-morbidity score, tumor size, and presence of a thrombus. A nomogram was created and tested on the remaining 40% of patients to predict 90DM. RESULTS: 183,407 patients met inclusion criteria. Overall 90DM for the cohort was 1.9%. All preoperative variables significantly influenced the risk of 90DM. Patient age was by far the strongest predictor. Nomogram scores ranged from 0 to 12. Compared to patients with 0 to 1 points, those with 2 to 3 (odds ratio [OR] 2.89, 2.42-3.46; P < 0.001), 4 to 5 (OR 6.25, 5.26-7.43; P < 0.001), and >6 (OR 12.86, 10.83-15.27; P < 0.001) were at incrementally significantly higher odds of 90DM. Being >80 years of age alone placed patients into the highest risk of surgical mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Management of localized kidney cancer must consider competing causes of mortality, especially in elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities. We present a preoperative tool to calculate risk of surgical short-term mortality to aid surgeon-patient counseling.

Long term outcomes in the use of ileal ureter for radiation-induced ureteral strictures.

PURPOSE: Radiation-induced ureteral stricture disease poses significant surgical challenges. Ureteral substitution with ileum has long been a versatile option for reconstruction. We evaluated outcomes in patients undergoing ileal ureter replacement for ureteral reconstruction due to radiation-induced ureteral stricture versus other causes. METHODS: Between July 1989 and June 2013, 155 patients underwent consecutive ileal ureter creation. The study cohort included 104 patients with complete data sets and at least 7 months of follow up. Records were retrospectively reviewed with regard to demographics, indications, complications, and renal deterioration. RESULTS: Surgical indications included radiation-induced stricture in 23 (22%) and non-radiation-induced stricture in 81 (78%). Comparing ileal ureter substitution due to radiation versus other stricture etiologies, no statistical significance was observed in regard to age (45.6 vs. 51.2, p = 0.141), hospital length of stay in days (8.8 vs. 7.7, p = 0.216), percent GFR loss (MDRD-4 vs. -5%, p = 0.670 and CKD-EPI-7 vs. -6%, p = 0.914), 30-day surgical complications (26.1 vs. 30.1%, p = 0.658), metabolic acidosis (8.7 vs. 1.2%, p = 0.059), and renal failure requiring dialysis (4.3 vs. 1.2%, p = 0.337). Fistula formation (13.0 vs. 3.7%, p = 0.095), partial small bowel obstructions (21.7 vs. 7.4%, p = 0.063), and small bowel obstructions requiring reoperation (13.0 vs. 1.2%, p = 0.033) approached or reached statistical significance. Using Kaplan-Meier methodology, there was no difference in time to worsening renal outcome between the radiation and non-radiation groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ureteral substitution with ileum is an effective reconstructive option for radiation-induced ureteral strictures in carefully selected patients.

Prospective multicenter study on robot-assisted laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplantation (RALUR-EV): Outcomes and complications.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplantation (RALUR-EV) is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. We have previously reported retrospective outcomes from our study group, and herein provide an updated prospective analysis with a focus on success rate, surgical technique, and complications among surgeons who have overcome the initial learning curve. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of RALUR-EV in children, among experienced surgeons. DESIGN AND METHODS: We reviewed our prospective database of children undergoing RALUR-EV by pediatric urologists at eight academic centers from 2015 to 2017. Radiographic success was defined as absence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) on postoperative voiding cystourethrogram. Complications were graded using the Clavien scale. Univariate regression analysis was performed to assess for association among various patient and technical factors and radiographic failure. RESULTS: In total, 143 patients were treated with RALUR-EV for primary VUR (87 unilateral, 56 bilateral; 199 ureters). The majority of ureters (73.4%) had grade III or higher VUR preoperatively. Radiographic resolution was present in 93.8% of ureters, as shown in the summary table. Ureteral complications occurred in five ureters (2.5%) with mean follow-up of 7.4 months (SD 4.0). Transient urinary retention occurred in four patients following bilateral procedure (7.1%) and in no patients after unilateral. On univariate analysis, there were no patient or technical factors associated with increased odds of radiographic failure. DISCUSSION: We report a radiographic success rate of 93.8% overall, and 94.1% among children with grades III-V VUR. In contemporary series, alternate management options such as endoscopic injection and open UR have reported radiographic success rates of 90% and 93.5% respectively. We were unable to identify specific patient or technical factors that influenced outcomes, although immeasurable factors such as tissue handling and intraoperative decision-making could not be assessed. Ureteral complications requiring operative intervention were rare and occurred with the same incidence reported in a large open series. Limitations include lack of long-term follow-up and absence of radiographic follow-up on a subset of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic resolution of VUR following RALUR is on par with contemporary open series, and the incidence of ureteral complications is low. RALUR should be considered as one of several viable options for management of VUR in children.

Primary Choriocarcinoma of the Bladder: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Primary choriocarcinoma of the urinary bladder is a rare entity, and should be distinguished from urothelial carcinoma with trophoblastic differentiation. The leading treatment modalities include surgical extirpation, chemotherapy, and radiation; however, survival remains poor. Herein we describe a rare case of choriocarcinoma of the bladder in a man who presented for evaluation with hematuria and subsequently underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. Diagnosis of extragonadal germ cell tumor was confirmed using fluorescence in situ hybridization identification of isochromosome 12p.

Solitary fibrous tumour of the genitourinary tract: a clinicopathological study of 11 cases and their association with the NAB2-STAT6 fusion gene.

AIMS: To characterise clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes of the genitourinary tract solitary fibrous tumours, incorporating NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion status. METHODS: The presence of the molecular hallmark NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion and for the defining fusion partner product STAT6 was assessed in 11 cases of the genitourinary tract solitary fibrous tumours. NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion analysis was performed using a break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probe using a probe cocktail with Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones for STAT6 and NAB2. RESULTS: Eleven solitary fibrous tumours were diagnosed in eight male patients and three female patients with a mean age of 46 years (range: 11-64 years). Four of the tumours had malignant histological features, and three were considered moderate risk for metastasis. With a mean follow-up time of 61 months, 1 recurred locally and 2 presented at distant metastatic sites. Using a break-apart FISH probe cocktail, we found the NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion and nuclear STAT6 expression in 58% and 91% of cases, respectively. However, the NAB2-STAT6 fusion status was not correlated with STAT6 expression or useful in discriminating between malignant histological features or subsequent clinical outcomes in the genitourinary solitary fibrous tumours. CONCLUSIONS: A subset of solitary fibrous tumours of the genitourinary tract behaved aggressively. Using a break-apart FISH probe cocktail, we found the NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion in 64% of cases. However, the NAB2-STAT6 fusion status was not correlated with STAT6 expression or useful in discriminating between low-risk or high-risk tumours and subsequent clinical outcomes.

Emerging trends in the evaluation and management of small cell prostate cancer: a clinical and molecular perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Prostatic small cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a rare, aggressive form of prostate cancer associated with poor clinical outcomes. It can arise de novo or in the setting of castrate resistant adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Current therapeutic interventions are based upon observations the PSCC responds similarly to small cell carcinoma of the lung. Standard treatment includes chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide, radiation therapy, and occasional extirpative management. Ongoing research into the molecular pathway behind the development of PSCC and potential interventions is resulting in the identification of multiple novel therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED: A review of contemporary literature was undertaken to evaluate the histology, pathogenesis, evolution, current and novel treatment regimens, and upcoming methods of diagnosis of PSCC. To this end a literature search using terms, 'prostate small cell carcinoma', 'neuroendocrine prostate cancer', and derivations thereof was performed with a thorough review of the current literature. Expert commentary: Among current studies, AURKA inhibitors and PAPR1 inhibitors are exciting potential targets with early studies suggesting significant benefit. Continued research into the molecular underpinnings of PSCC is necessary to identify novel targets for early identification of patients with PSCC and to develop optimal treatment regimens.