The "Acute" Stone Clinic Effect: Improving Healthcare Delivery by Reorganizing Clinical Resources.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the time to specialist urologic consultation and definitive management after establishing a subspecialist administered acute stone clinic (ASC) for adults with symptomatic upper tract stones in a publically funded universal healthcare system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 337 adult referrals for stone management. Three distinct 9-week periods were assessed. Group 1 patients were seen/treated by their individual urologist before inception of a general urology emergency clinic (pre-EC). Group 2 patients were seen in a pooled EC and Group 3 patients were seen in the ASC. RESULTS: A total of 337 patients (75, pre-EC; 91, EC; 171, ASC) were reviewed. Mean time to consultation for pre-EC, EC, and ASC cohorts was 29, 7, and 7 days, respectively (p < 0.05), whereas loss to follow-up decreased from 13% to 5% (p < 0.05). On average, the number of patients seen per week increased from 9 to 20. Mean time to stone surgery from date of referral was 75 days pre-EC, 43 days EC, and 25 days ASC (p < 0.05). The percentage of patients undergoing surgery was between 59% and 63% per cohort; however, the number of patients increased from 5 to 11 per week. CONCLUSIONS: By reorganizing clinical resources, a dedicated ASC was able to increase patient capacity, reduce time to urologist consultation and reduce surgical wait times.

Are We Banging Our Heads Against the Wall? The Effect of Treatment Head Wear on the Outcomes of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The manufacturer for the Storz Modulith SLX-F2 lithotripter recommends treatment head exchange after 1.65 million shocks. However, there is no documentation describing longevity of the treatment head with continued usage. The objective of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in stone fragmentation effectiveness with the treatment head at the beginning versus the end of its treatment life. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 200 patients-50 consecutive patients treated immediately preceding, and following, two separate treatment head exchanges. Primary outcome measures were stone-free rate (no stone), total stone fragmentation (any decrease in size), and fragmentation rate ≤4 mm (decrease in size with largest residual fragment ≤4 mm), based on most recent follow-up imaging post shockwave. RESULTS: There were no baseline characteristic differences between the pre-exchange and postexchange groups with respect to first time lithotripsy for the stone (85% vs. 77%), stone location, preoperative stenting (3% vs. 4%), mean stone density (912 hounsfield units [HU] vs. 840 HU), mean stone size (9.0 mm vs. 8.1 mm), stone location, and mean number of shocks delivered (3105 vs. 3089). Mean time to follow-up was 2.7 weeks in both groups, with most follow-up imaging consisting of a kidney ureter bladder X-ray (87% pre-exchange vs. 85% postexchange). Stone free (34% vs. 27%), total stone fragmentation (76% vs. 76%), fragmentation ≤4 mm (48% vs. 42%), re-treatment rates (38% vs. 51%), and complication rates (6% vs. 7%), were not statistically different between the pre and postexchange groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Exchanging the Storz Modulith F2 lithotripter head at the manufacturer recommended 1.65 million shocks does not affect the stone-free or fragmentation rate. If the manufacturer's recommendation for treatment head longevity is based on clinical outcomes, then there is likely room to extend this number without affecting treatment efficacy.

An animal model to study lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction: the hyperlipidaemic rat.

OBJECTIVE: To present evidence that rats fed a high-fat diet could serve as a useful animal model to study both lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED), as recent epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between LUTS and ED but the physiological basis behind this relationship is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: nine controls were fed a 'normal' diet and 15 were fed a high-fat diet (hyperlipidaemic rats). After 6 months all the rats had bladder and erectile functions evaluated using awake cystometry and cavernosal nerve electrostimulation, respectively. After the functional studies were completed, the penis, prostate and bladder were collected for immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: The hyperlipidaemic rats had significantly higher serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein than the controls (P < 0.05). The hyperlipidaemic rats also had significantly worse erectile function (P = 0.004) and developed more bladder overactivity (P = 0.004) than the controls. In the hyperlipidaemic rats there was significant muscle hypertrophy in the peri-urethral lobe of the prostate (P < 0.001) and in the bladder (P < 0.05). There was also greater P2X(1) (purinoceptor) staining as well as other molecular changes in the bladder of the hyperlipidaemic rats. CONCLUSIONS: In this hyperlipidaemic rat model three abnormalities were consistently detected: prostatic enlargement, bladder overactivity, and ED. This rat model could be a useful research tool for understanding the common causes of LUTS and ED, as well as facilitating the development of preventive measures and better therapies to treat both conditions.

Aetiology and management of male erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular disease.

The historical basis for understanding erectile function as a neurovascular phenomenon and the advance from fanciful to effective treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) are reviewed, with emphasis on patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). ED occurs in 60% of CVD patients by 40 years of age. Male ED and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) diminish quality of life and often warn of occult CVD. ED is often unrecognised but is readily diagnosed during a 5-minute interview using a truncated International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. Erection of the penis and clitoral engorgement result from local, arousal-induced release of neuronal and endothelial-derived nitric oxide (NO). Arterial vasodilatation and relaxation of cavernosal smooth muscle cells cause arterial blood to flood trabecular spaces, compressing venous drainage, resulting in tumescence. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-induced activation of protein kinase G mediates the effects of NO by enhancing calcium sequestration and activating large-conductance, calcium-sensitive K+ channels. Future treatment strategies will likely enhance these pathways. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil) increase cGMP levels in erectile tissue. These agents are effective in 80% of CVD patients with ED and can be used safely, even in the presence of stable coronary disease or congestive heart failure, provided nitrates are avoided and patients do not have hypotension, severe aortic stenosis or evocable myocardial ischaemia. Second-line therapies (vacuum constrictor device and transurethral or intracavernosal prostaglandin E1) can also be used in CVD patients. Treatment of FSD and its relationship to CVD are less well established, but similarities to ED exist. ED can be prevented by reduction of CVD risk factors, exercise, weight loss and abstinence from smoking.

Crural ligation for primary erectile dysfunction: a case series.

PURPOSE: Some men with primary erectile dysfunction (ED) have maldevelopment of the crura of the penis. We report our experience with crural ligation for primary venous leakage ED in the last 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 1998 and March 2004, 11 patients with primary ED underwent crural ligation surgery for congenital venous leakage. All patients were evaluated with pertinent history and physical examinations, color duplex ultrasound, nocturnal penile tumescence study with RigiScan, cavernosometry and cavernosography. Localized crural leakage was the pathognomonic feature in these patients. Surgery involved reflection of the dorsal and cavernous arteries and nerves off of the crura, followed by ligation of the 2 crura proximal to the entrance of the cavernous artery with umbilical tapes. Followup was performed by telephone interview or personal interview at the clinic. A retrospective preoperative and postoperative questionnaire, that is the abridged 5-item version of the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function, was given at the time of the interview. Statistical analysis was performed with the paired t test. RESULTS: Median patient age at surgery was 28 years (range 22 to 39) and mean followup after surgery was 34 months (range 6 to 58). Mean International Index of Erectile Function +/- SD preoperatively and postoperatively was 8.9 +/- 4.5 and 17.5 +/- 5.0, respectively. For questions 2, 3 and 5 mean postoperative scores were significantly better than postoperative scores (p <0.05). Marked improvement in erectile function was noted in 9 of our 11 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Penile venous surgery may not have a lasting result in men in whom venous leakage is due to systemic diseases or penile smooth muscle atrophy. However, in patients with a congenital venous leak abnormality of the crura ligation of the proximal crura with umbilical tapes seems to have a satisfactory, durable result.

The effect of neural embryonic stem cell therapy in a rat model of cavernosal nerve injury.

OBJECTIVE: To isolate embryonic stem cells that have differentiated along the neuronal cell line, and to assess whether injecting these neural stem cells into the corpus cavernosum influences cavernosal nerve regeneration and functional status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Embryonic neural stem cells were obtained; 26 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: five had a sham operation; eight (controls) had a bilateral cavernosal nerve crush and injection of culture medium into the corpora cavernosa; four had an injection of neural embryonic stem (NES) cells into the major pelvic ganglion (MPG); and nine had bilateral cavernosal nerve crush and injection of NES cells into the corpora cavernosa. Erectile response was assessed by cavernosal nerve electrostimulation at 3 months, and penile tissue samples were evaluated histochemically for nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-containing fibres, tyrosine hydroxylase and neurofilament staining. RESULTS: The groups injected with NES cells into the MPG and corpora cavernosa had significantly higher intracavernosal pressures than the control group. Immunohistochemical staining also revealed differences in the quality of the NOS-containing nerve fibres. Neurofilament staining was significantly better in the experimental groups injected with NES cells. CONCLUSION: We were able to isolate embryonic stem cells that had differentiated along the neural cell line and, using these NES cells intracavernosally, showed improved erectile function in a rat model of neurogenic impotence.

Laparoscopic versus open partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare, retrospectively, the results of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) to open partial nephrectomy (OPN) using a tumor size-matched cohort of patients. Limited data are available comparing LPN to OPN in the treatment of small renal tumors. METHODS: Between September 2000 and September 2003, 27 LPNs and 22 OPNs were performed to treat renal masses less than 4 cm. Patient demographics and tumor location and size (2.4 +/- 1.0 cm versus 2.9 +/- 0.9 cm, respectively; P = not statistically significant) were similar between the LPN and OPN groups. RESULTS: Although the mean operative time was longer in the LPN than in the OPN group (210 +/- 76 minutes versus 144 +/- 24 minutes; P <0.001), the blood loss was comparable between the two groups (250 +/- 250 mL versus 334 +/- 343 mL; P = not statistically significant). No blood transfusions were performed in either group. The hospital stay was significantly reduced after LPN compared with after OPN (2.9 +/- 1.5 days versus 6.4 +/- 1.8 days; P <0.0002), and the postoperative parenteral narcotic requirements were lower in the LPN group (mean morphine equivalent 43 +/- 62 mg versus 187 +/- 71 mg; P <0.02). Three complications occurred in each group. With LPN, no patient had positive margins or tumor recurrence. Also, direct financial analysis demonstrated lower total hospital costs after LPN (4839 dollars+/- 1551 dollars versus 6297 dollars+/- 2972 dollars; P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LPN confers several benefits over OPN concerning patient convalescence and costs, despite prolonged resection times at our current phase of the learning curve. Long-term results on cancer control in patients treated with LPN continue to be assessed.

Combined penile plication surgery and insertion of penile prosthesis for severe penile curvature and erectile dysfunction.

PURPOSE: For persistent penile curvature after corporeal dilation and prosthesis placement other maneuvers, such as plaque incision with or without grafting, or penile modeling, must be used to complete penile straightening. However, each of these techniques is associated with increased morbidity, which includes higher rates of infection and urethral injury. We describe a new technique for correcting severe penile curvature and erectile dysfunction using combined penile plication and placement of a 3 piece inflatable penile prosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2000 and June 2003, 5 patients with erectile dysfunction and severe curvature for which other treatment modalities had failed were treated with combined inflatable penile prosthesis and additional plication to correct the severe malformation. Detailed medical and sexual history was obtained as well as preoperative duplex ultrasound prior to surgery. RESULTS: The age range of our patient population was 22 to 55 years. In each case penile prosthesis placement was insufficient to correct the malformation and the addition of multiple plication sutures was required. The malformation in all patients was corrected with this technique. To date no patients have reported any complications with followup (range 3 to 36 months). CONCLUSIONS: In cases of severe penile deformity and curvature with erectile dysfunction the combination of penile plication and inflatable penile prosthesis placement is a method of repair that is well tolerated.

Erectile dysfunction and priapism.

BACKGROUND: A 46-year-old man presented with erectile dysfunction following a blunt perineal injury sustained 1 year previously. Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors failed to improve his erections. The remainder of the patient's history, physical examination and laboratory tests were unremarkable except for a moderate tenderness in the left perineum and some 'fullness' in the corpora cavernosa during physical examination. INVESTIGATION: Physical examination, color duplex ultrasound of the penis and perineal area and Sexual Health Index for Men questionnaire. DIAGNOSIS: Non-ischemic priapism due to a ruptured left helicine artery, intermittent penile turgidity and erectile dysfunction. MANAGEMENT: Open suture ligation of the helicine artery and imbrication of the pseudocapsule.