Assessment of Combined Resection-Anastomosis and Urethropexy in Dogs with Urethral Prolapse.

The literature regarding surgical repair of urethral prolapse in dogs is limited and associated with a high recurrence rate. We hypothesized that combined resection and anastomosis (R&A) with urethropexy would be associated with less recurrence of urethral prolapse compared with R&A alone. Medical records of dogs managed surgically for urethral prolapse were reviewed (2013-2023) from three tertiary care hospitals. Inclusion criteria included complete medical records, including surgery reports, short-term postoperative complications, and longer-term follow-up. Forty-six male dogs successfully met the inclusion criteria (16 castrated; 30 intact). Brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented (37/46, 80%). Surgical repair by R&A alone (n = 27), urethropexy alone (n = 6), or a combined R&A and urethropexy (n = 13) was performed. Recurrence rates for these techniques were 13/27 (48%), 2/6 (33%), and 1/13 (8%), respectively. The recurrence rate of urethral prolapse treated by a combined R&A and urethropexy was significantly lower (P < .05) than R&A alone, despite more dogs being overweight and less surgeon experience (each P < .05). Interestingly, dogs neutered before initial diagnosis may be more likely to have postoperative recurrence. Considering general anesthesia risks, an initial combination procedure for urethral prolapse may help prevent recurrence.

Revisiting the external urethral sphincter: new anatomical insights from a human cadaver study.

PURPOSE: The external urethral sphincter (EUS) is critical for urinary continence, but its complex anatomy is not fully understood, complicating its preservation during prostate surgeries. This study aims to elucidate the anatomy and development of the EUS to enhance surgical techniques for continence preservation. METHODS: The study consisted of a postmortem examination of three male cadavers, aged 52, 64, and 60, with intact urogenital systems. Specimens including the prostate and EUS were dissected, fixed in formalin, and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin for microscopic analysis. Histological assessments focused on the muscle composition and structure of the EUS and prostate. RESULTS: Macroscopic examination revealed symmetrical prostates without pathologies. Histologically, the anterior prostate lacked tubuloalveolar glands, showing striated muscle fibers from the external urethral sphincter extending into the prostate and prostatic urethra. Reduced glandular structure and prevalent smooth muscle were noted. This intricate integration of striated muscle fibers at the EUS-prostate interface underscores the anatomical complexity vital for surgical preservation of urinary continence. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals a complex EUS-prostate relationship, challenging the view of the EUS as merely a circular muscle. The findings demonstrate the importance of the EUS's extension into the prostate for urethral stabilization and continence. Recognizing this anatomy is crucial for maintaining urinary continence in prostate surgeries and enhancing postoperative outcomes.

Safety and efficacy of lasers compared to cold knife in direct visual internal urethrotomy: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

Cold knife urethrotome was introduced in 1971 and it had an 80% success rate. New advancements in this field have shed light on the use of various lasers such as carbon dioxide, Nd: YAG, KTP, Argon, Ho: YAG, and excimer lasers. It has been observed that cold knife urethrotomy has a higher recurrence rate than laser urethrotomy, but the superiority of either treatment modality has not been established yet. Data were thoroughly searched through PubMed, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov. We also used clinicaltrials.gov for ongoing and published research. The data was analyzed via R studio version 2023.12.1 (oceanstorm). For dichotomous variables, Odds Ratio (OR) were used to pool data and standardized mean difference was used for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 14 studies including 1114 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The results of the combined analysis revealed significant relation with a mean difference of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.37; 1.62), and favored laser group. The overall results have shown the laser to have a significant favorable profile demonstrating a recurrence, Odds Ratio of 0.42 (95% CI:0.27;0.65). Patients with laser therapy had a lower risk of complication rate (OR 0.49, 95% Cl: 0.35; 0.67). All the findings obtained by the analysis in this study favour lasers significantly over the cold knife technique especially when mean Qmax, with recurrence and complications taken into account.

[Psychological nursing contributes to the prognosis of the male patients with urethral riding injury treated by ureteroscopic urethral catheter implantation].

Objective： To explore the effect of psychological nursing on the prognosis of male patients with urethral riding injury treated by ureteroscopic urethral catheter implantation (UCI). METHODS: This study included 63 male patients with urethral straddle injury treated in the General Hospital of Southern Theater Command from February 2020 to March 2023. We divided the patients into a control (n = 29) and an experimental group (n = 34) according to the odd- or even-numbered days of admission and treated them by ureteroscopic UCI. Meanwhile those of the former group received routine nursing care and the latter underwent psychological nursing intervention in addition. We obtained the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores of the patients, recorded their postoperative pain scores, catheter-removal time, hospitalization days, postoperative complications and overall recovery status, and compared the data collected between the two groups. RESULTS: At 3 days after surgery, both the SAS and SDS scores were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control (SAS: 45.2 ± 2.9 vs 50.4 ± 3.6, P< 0.05; SDS: 41.9 ± 2.5 vs 48.3 ± 4.0, P< 0.05), and so were the pain scores at 24 hours (6.2 ± 0.6 vs 6.8 ± 0.9, P< 0.05), 48 hours (4.9 ± 0.7 vs 6.1 ± 0.8, P< 0.05) and 72 hours after surgery (2.5 ± 0.6 vs 3.9 ± 0.9, P< 0.05). The hospitalization time was remarkably shorter in the experimental than in the control group (ï¼»14.1 ± 2.9ï¼½ vs ï¼»16.1 ± 3.4ï¼½ d, P< 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the time of postoperative catheterization between the two groups of patients (ï¼»19.3 ± 3.7ï¼½ vs ï¼»19.6 ± 4.4ï¼½ d, P > 0.05). A 30-day postoperative follow-up found 2 cases of difficult urination in the control group but no complications in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: Ureteroscopic UCI is a safe, effective and minimally invasive treatment method for male urethral riding injury, and psychological nursing helps not only shorten the time of catheterization and hospitalization but also avoid postoperative complications.

[Pulsed thulium laser combined with pulsed thulium laser injection for the treatment of failed urethral anastomosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of pulsed thulium laser (PTL) combined with triamcinolone acetonide injection in the treatment of failed posterior urethral anastomosis (FPUA). METHODS: This retrospective study included 35 male patients treated in Gongli Hospital for failed posterior urethral anastomosis from January 2018 to December 2023. All the patients underwent direct-vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU) with transurethral PTL (the PTL group, n = 15) or transurethral plasma (the TUP group, n = 20), and all received intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide. We followed up the patients for a median of 21 months, recorded the age, length of urethral stricture, operation time, pre- and post-operative maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), postoperative complications and recurrence of urethral stricture, and compared the data obtained between the two groups. RESULTS: All the patients smoothly completed the treatment procedures. No statistically significant differences were observed in the age, length of urethral stricture, operation time and postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). The median follow-up time for the thulium laser group and plasma group was 21.0 months (IQR 16.0－24.0) and 21.0 months (IQR 17.0－25.0), respectively, with a statistically significant difference observed in the maximum urine flow rate before and after surgery at the 12-month mark (P < 0.01). No significant disparity was found in terms of relapse-free survival between the two groups (P = 0.398) Conclusion: Pulsed thulium laser combined with triamcinolone acetonide injection can effectively maintain a short-term cicatricial stability of the urethral stricture and satisfactory urethral patency, obviously superior to plasmotomy as a remedial treatment of urethral stricture after failed posterior urethral anastomosis.

Checking vesicourethral anastomosis for urinary extravasation during radical prostatectomy: is it still necessary in the robotic era? A prospective, randomized case-control study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the role of intraoperative control of the watertightness of vesicourethral anastomosis extravasation control (VUAEC) in predicting vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) healing and early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: 100 patients who underwent RARP between October 2020 and May 2023 were consecutively included in the study. Preoperatively, the patients were randomized to undergo VUAEC (Group-A) or not (Group-B). Patients in Group-A were evaluated in 2 subgroups: those with no extravasation observed during VUAEC (Group-A1; n = 31 (62%)) and those with extravasation (Group-A2; n = 19 (38%)). On the 8th post-operative day, a gravity cystogram (GC) was performed on all patients to assess VUA healing. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of clinical features, drain removal time, length of hospital stay, extravasation on GC, catheter removal time and postoperative complications (p > 0.05, for each). There was also no statistically significant difference between the subgroups in terms of drain removal time, length of hospital stays, catheter removal time (p > 0.05, for each). In Group-A2, urinary extravasation on GC was found in a greater percentage, but the difference remained statistically insignificant (p = 0.082). CONCLUSIONS: Performing intraoperative VUAEC did not have a significant role in the prediction of VUA healing and early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing RARP. The current study did not identify a substantial clinical benefit of routine intraoperative VUAEC.

The Effect of Botulinum Toxin (Masport) Injection Following Internal Urethrotomy of Bulbar Urethral Stricture: A Pilot Study.

The application of Botulinum toxin (Masport) in urology has a long history. We aimed to assess the effect of local Masport on improvement in patients with urethral stricture by reducing the recurrence of urethral stricture. This pilot study conducted was a double-blind randomized clinical trial with code IRCT20191222045852N1 on patients suffering from urethral stricture. Finally, 28 patients were allocated to intervention and control groups. Twelve patients received intralesional injection with Masport in addition to internal urethrotomy, while 16 patients underwent internal urethrotomy with normal saline. The Cox regression hazard model was used to evaluate the effect of treatment status on recurrence time adjusted for the age, length, and location of the stenosis, cause of the stenosis, and history of previous operations. The effect of treatment type was significant at the .05 level. The past medical history and cause of urethral stricture had a significant impact on relapse-free survival. Also, the improvement in the mean score of the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Q-max in the group with Masport was significantly different from the group with normal saline. The internal urethrotomy with intralesional injection of Masport has a better survival prognosis than internal urethrotomy with normal saline group. Therefore, the authors suggest that, given this successful initial clinical trial, consideration be given to future studies involving the use of botox in the management of urethral strictures in conjunction with internal urethrotomy.

Case Report: Urethral Diverticulum after Tubularised Incised Plate Repair of Distal Hypospadias: An Uncommon Complication.

Introduction: A urethral diverticulum can be defined as a pocket that forms from the lining of the urethra and protrudes into the surrounding tissue, a condition which causes voiding dysfunction and may result as a rare complication of hypospadias repair surgery. Case report: We report the case of a 2-year-old child who presented to us in 2019 complaining of a thin forceful stream, ballooning of the ventral aspect of the penis while voiding, and post-void dribbling. He has a history of undergoing a tubularised incised plate urethroplasty for distal penile hypospadias at 18-months-old. Ultrasound showed increased post-void residual volume and cystourethroscopy confirmed a urethral diverticulum extending from the subcorona to the base of the penis. The patient underwent partial excision of diverticulum, urethroplasty, and meatoplasty. He was followed-up 3 months later with complete resolution of his symptoms and a normal urinary stream with no urethral ballooning or dribbling. Conclusion: Urethral diverticulum may present as a complication post hypospadias repair. Although it is rare, we believe that it is important for the patient's parents to understand the possibility and know of the signs and symptoms in addition to attending regular outpatient clinic appointments in order to facilitate early management if needed. Furthermore, it is highly important for physicians to assess newborns for hypospadias before carrying out circumcision as it is a contraindication for the procedure.

Posterior urethral valves and kidney transplantation: Identifying opportunities for improvement.

BACKGROUND: Posterior urethral valves (PUV) represents a heterogenous spectrum in which guidelines for management are lacking particularly for those patients facing end-stage kidney disease and transplant. In this study we aim to 1) evaluate our long term PUV pediatric transplant outcomes compared to those without lower urinary tract dysfunction and 2) assess our PUV cohort for trends in bladder management and evaluate outcomes to inform development of institutional guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of all patients with a diagnosis of PUV who underwent kidney transplant from 2000 to 2023 was completed. A matched cohort of patients without lower urinary tract dysfunction was identified for comparison of graft function. Charts of PUV patients were reviewed for both sociodemographic and clinical variables. Patients were classified by bladder management at the time of transplantation into three separate groups for analysis: voiding, clean intermittent catheterization, and incontinent diversion. Primary outcomes of interest were eGFR, graft failure, and UTIs post-transplant. RESULTS: 45 patients met inclusion criteria. 69% were on dialysis prior to transplant. 51% of grafts were from a deceased donor. Bladder management consisted of voiding (62%), CIC (4 via urethra, 10 via channel) (31%), and incontinent diversion (7%). 20% underwent augmentation cystoplasty (5 = ureter, 2 = gastric, 1 = colon, and 1 = ileum) prior to or at the time of transplant. Median follow up duration was 5.4 years (3.0, 10.8). Patients on CIC had higher rates of UTI; however, we found no significant difference in graft function outcomes (eGFR, graft failure) between bladder management groups or year of transplant. VUR in the transplant kidney was associated with vesicostomy (p = 0.028). 2 of 2 gastric augments developed malignancy, one of which was cause of death. Graft failure rate was 22% in both the PUV group and matched cohort, with median interval times to failure of 6.7 years and 3.7 years, respectively (p = 0.71). There were no differences in eGFR at follow-up time points between the PUV and matched cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PUV represent a spectrum of disease with heterogeneous management before and after kidney transplant. Overall, graft function outcomes were similar when compared to matched cohort without lower urinary tract dysfunction. Patients on CIC had higher rates of UTI but without impact on graft function. Gastric augmentation cystoplasty should be avoided given risk for malignancy. Guidelines to standardize evaluation and management would be helpful for patient care and outcomes.

[A Case of Urethral Foreign Body from 40 Years Ago with Scrotum Abscess and Urethroscrotal Fistula].

A 70-year-old male came to our clinic with a high fever and left scrotal swelling. Following a diagnosis of left-side epididymitis, antibiotic treatment was started, though the swelling did not improve. Since an additional examination revealed an abscess in the left scrotum, scrotal incision and drainage were performed. Although the symptoms subsided, urine outflow from the incision was observed. The patient then noted that he had inserted a glass ball into the urethral meatus when he was about 30 years old. It was considered that an abscess and fistula had formed due to inflammation caused by the foreign body. Thus a transurethral surgical procedure was used for crushing and removal. The fistula disappeared within three months after the operation and the patient has not been affected by dysuria since that time. Symptoms may appear several years following insertion of a foreign body into the urethra. To the best of our knowledge, the present case is the longest term of indwelling, approximately 40 years, following insertion of a foreign body reported in Japan.

Current urethroplasty trends in recent GURS fellowship graduates.

PURPOSE: To assess self-reported urethroplasty success rates and outcomes of recent GURS fellowship graduates and compare these data to the large body of published urethroplasty outcomes literature. METHODS: A voluntary survey was distributed from June 1 to June 30, 2023 to GURS fellowship graduates of the last 5 years. Participants were surveyed on time since graduation, operative volume, outcomes, and quoted success rates for urethroplasty. Data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and correlative analyses. RESULTS: We received responses from 49/101 (48.5%) GURS graduates. Five-year post-graduates were most represented (44.7%). The majority (52.2%) consider 81-90% of urethroplasty successful, without significant change with years in practice. Approximately 65% quoted excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) as > 90% successful. Over half of the respondents had performed > 60 urethroplasties since graduation. Only 31.3% of respondents reported re-intervening in > 10% of their postop patients, with a weak positive correlation between years in practice and need for re-intervention (p 0.01). Nearly 20% of respondents referred patients to an external reconstructionist. CONCLUSION: Increased length of time in practice does not result in higher reported urethroplasty success rates, counseling on successful outcomes, or rates of re-intervention and complications. Our survey highlights that the traditionally used success rates for urethroplasty may not be reflective of new graduates and lower volume reconstructive surgeons in their early career.

Development and evaluation of vesicourethral anastomosis bench-top model for measurement of traction force on urethra in robotic surgery.

PURPOSE: In vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA), which is part of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, surgeons must proceed carefully to avoid urethral damage. We developed and evaluated a VUA bench-top model that can measure the traction force on the urethra during robotic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The VUA model included the urethra, bladder, pelvic bones, and a small force sensor that was capable of measuring the traction force on the urethra. Eight skilled and eight novice urologists performed a VUA task in robotic surgery. The skilled surgeons assessed the model's realism and usefulness as a training tool using a 5-point Likert scale. The evaluation items [task time, maximum force, force volume, and length of time that specific excessive forces were applied to the urethra (2, 3, 4, and ≥ 5 N)] were compared between the skilled and novice surgeons using the Mann-Whitney U test. Measurements were conducted in four directions with respect to the maximum force on the urethra: 11-1, 2-4, 5-7, and 8-10 o'clock. RESULTS: The quality of the model was scored 3.7 to 4.9 points for all 16 items in 4 domains except for "Usefulness compared with animal models." There were differences in the task time and almost all force parameters between the skilled and novice surgeons. CONCLUSION: We developed a relatively high-quality VUA bench-top model that measures traction force on the urethra, and we have revealed differences in the forces of action on the urethra in two groups of surgeons with different skill levels.

The postoperative renal function of persistent cloaca patients treated by posterior sagittal anorecto-urethro-vaginopalsty: results of a nationwide survey in Japan.

PURPOSE: We investigated the postoperative renal function in persistent cloaca (PC) patients who underwent posterior sagittal anorecto-urethro-vaginopalsty (PSARUVP) and factors influencing the renal functional outcomes. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was distributed to 244 university and children's hospitals across Japan. Of the 169 patients underwent PSARUVP, 103 patients were enrolled in the present study. Exclusion criteria was patients without data of renal prognosis. RESULTS: The present study showed that renal anomalies (p = 0.09), vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) (p = 0.01), and hydrocolpos (p = 0.07) were potential factors influencing a decline in the renal function. Approximately half of the patients had a normal kidney function, but 45.6% had a reduced renal function (Stage ≥ 2 chronic kidney disease: CKD). The incidence of VUR was significantly higher in the renal function decline (RFD) group than those in the preservation (RFP) group (p = 0.01). Vesicostomy was significantly more frequent in the RFD group than in the RFP group (p = 0.04). Urinary tract infections (p < 0.01) and bladder dysfunction (p = 0.04) were significantly more common in patients with VUR than in patients without VUR. There was no association between the VUR status and the bowel function. CONCLUSIONS: Prompt assessment and treatment of VUR along with bladder management may minimize the decline in the renal function.

[Establishment of a predictive scoring model and preventive measures for bladder neck contracture after laparoscopic enucleation of the prostate with urethra preservation].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a predictive scoring model for bladder neck contracture (BNC) after laparoscopic enucleation of the prostate with preservation of the urethra (Madigan surgery) and explore the preventive measures against this postoperative complication. METHODS: We included 362 cases of BPH treated by laparoscopic Madigan surgery from January 2019 to March 2022 (45 with and 317 without postoperative BNC) in the training group and another 120 cases treated the same way in the verification group, collected the clinical data on the patients and evaluated the results of surgery. Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate logistic regression, we analyzed the risk factors for postoperative BNC and constructed a predictive scoring model for evaluation of the factors. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the IPSS, quality of life (QOL) score and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) while the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) remarkably increased (P < 0.05) in the BPH patients at 3 months after surgery. Eight non-zero characteristic predictors were identified by LASSO regression analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that short clinical experience of the surgeon, concurrent prostatitis, bladder rinse solution temperature <34℃, catheter blockage, urethral balloon injection volume >40 ml and postoperative constipation were independent risk factors for postoperative BNC (P < 0.05). The best cut-off value was 2.36 points in both the training and the verification groups. The results of evaluation exhibited a high discriminability of the predictive scoring model. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Madigan surgery is a safe and effective method for the treatment of BPH. Short clinical experience of the surgeon, concurrent prostatitis, bladder rinse solution temperature <34℃, catheter blockage, water injected into the urethral balloon >40 ml and postoperative constipation were independent risk factors for postoperative BNC. The predictive scoring model constructed in this study has a good discriminability and is simple and feasible, contributive to the prediction of postoperative BNC in BPH patients undergoing laparoscopic Madigan surgery.

Simultaneous primary posterior urethral valves ablation and bladder neck incision may decrease kidney and bladder failure in long-term follow-up in patients with bladder neck hypertrophy and poor bladder function at presentation: report of 301 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of bladder neck incision (BNI) and primary valves ablation on long-term kidney and bladder function in children with posterior urethral valves (PUV) and bladder neck hypertrophy (BNH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1997 to 2016, a total of 1381 children with PUV were referred to our tertiary hospital. Of these patients, 301 PUV patients with bladder neck hypertrophy need concurrent BNI and valve ablation. All patients were followed up every 3-6 months on regular basis in first 2 post-surgical years and annually then after. The paired t-test and chi-square test were used to perform statistical analysis with p value < 0.05 defined as the level of significance. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 7.22 ± 2.45 months (ranging from 7 days to 15 months) with a mean follow-up of 5.12 ± 2.80 years. The incidence of hydronephrosis was decreased from 266 (88.3%) at the baseline to 73 (24.3%) patients in long-term follow-up. At baseline, 188 (62.5%) patients were diagnosed with VUR, which decreased to 20 (6.6%) individuals at the end of follow-up. Bladder and renal function were improved in follow-ups following concomitant PUV ablation and BNI. No Myogenic failure was depicted in all patients with BNH. No ureteric reimplantation was needed during the two decades follow-up. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous valve ablation with BNI may present further profits in children with PUV and BNH particularly cases of BNH with poor bladder function at the time of presentation. This method can improve the results of urodynamic and imaging studies after the surgery. We hypothesize every child with PUV presentation who has concurrent vesicoureteral reflux, CKD or persistent hydrourethronephrosis may suffer from secondary bladder neck obstruction. This secondary bladder outlet obstruction must be managed through BNI as the surgical relief.

Preoperative parent education and postoperative nurse-led care for boys versus routine hospital care for urethroplasty for hypospadias in Western China: a retrospective study.

Background/aim: Urethroplasty is the preferred treatment for hypospadias but is affected by the severity of anomalies, making it a complex procedure with potential postoperative complications. Following surgery, parents receive instructions and recommendations, whether from nurses or physicians, regardless of complication rates. However, nurses play a crucial role in educating caregivers before surgery and providing postoperative care during follow-up. The study aims to assess parents' knowledge and practices, as well as the frequency of complications in boys who underwent urethroplasty for hypospadias and received postoperative nurse-led care and whose parents received preoperative education against those of boys who underwent urethroplasty under routine hospital care. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, Han Chinese boys aged 21-41 months in Western China who underwent urethroplasty for hypospadias were divided into two groups: the NI cohort (n = 103), where they received postoperative nurse-led care and their parents received preoperative education, and the RH cohort (n = 142), where boys underwent routine hospital care. Results: After urethroplasty, higher numbers of caregivers with satisfactory knowledge (96 (93%) vs. 80 (56%), p < 0.0001) and practice (102 (99%) vs. 132 (93%), p = 0.0276) were reported in the NI cohort compared to the RH cohort. Additionally, a higher number of boys in the RH cohort experienced adverse effects such as moderate bleeding (13 (9%) vs. 1 (1%), p = 0.0052), wound infection (17 (12%) vs. 4 (4%), p = 0.0356), urinary obstruction (35 (25%) vs. 10 (10%), p = 0.0049), burning sensation (47 (33%) vs. 15 (15%), p = 0.0019), and urinary stent fall (32 (23%) vs. 6 (6%), p = 0.0008) compared to those in the NI cohort. Conclusion: Preoperative instructions enhance caregivers' knowledge and practices following urethroplasty, while postoperative nurse-led care reduces immediate postoperative complications associated with hypospadias in boys.

Prospective non-randomized comparison of transurethral laser en bloc resection vs. conventional resection of bladder tumors larger than 3 cm.

BACKGROUND: En bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) is an established surgical treatment method for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in tumors less than 3 cm. Data regarding the efficacy and safety of ERBT on larger than 3 cm tumors are sparse and its efficacy compared to conventional transurethral resection (TURBT) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the feasibility, safety and oncological outcomes of laser (Tm-fiber) ERBT and TURBT in patients with primary bladder lesions ≥3 cm. METHODS: A cohort of 45 patients who underwent surgery for primary NMIBC between February 2018 and March 2022 was collected prospectively. There was no randomization. All procedures were performed by two experienced surgeons. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age >18 years, primary Ta or T1 bladder tumor with a diameter of ≥3 cm, no more than 3 tumors and no history of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Exclusion criteria were carcinoma in situ or invasion into muscle layer (≥T2). ERBT was performed with thulium fiber laser (IPG, Russia). Primary endpoints included efficacy with recurrence-free survival (RFS) at 3, 6 and 12 months. Secondary endpoints were safety parameters, perioperative data and specimen quality (the presence of muscle layer in specimens). RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients underwent laser ERBT and 17 conventional TURBT. The location and size of the tumors were comparable in both groups. The success rate was 93.3% in the ERBT group with two cases of conversion from ERBT to TURBT. Detrusor muscle was present in 92.8% patients in the ERBT group versus 70.5% in the TURBT group (P=0.04). Obturator nerve reflex was observed only in the TURBT group: 17.6% vs. 0.0% (P=0.02). The frequency of other complications was comparable between the two groups. RFS was not statistically different between the two methods at 3 (93.9% vs. 94.1%, P=0.87), 6 (89.3% vs. 82.3%, P=0.5) and 12 months (89.3% vs. 70.6%, P=0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Laser ERBT is a feasible and safe procedure to manage bladder tumors larger than 3 cm. While it seems safer than TURBT, its effect on efficacy remains to be assessed in larger trials.

Modified penile reconstruction in classic bladder exstrophy: Can complete corporal covering of the urethral closure be achieved using incomplete disassembly technique?

PURPOSE: To answer the question of whether it is possible to achieve complete corporal covering of the urethral closure using incomplete penile disassembly in classic bladder exstrophy. We hypothesize that mobilization of the corpora under Buck's fascia, their dorsal translocation through the incisions in Buck's fascia and suturing corporal convex sides above the urethra would allow extend corporal covering of the urethra, reducing the risk of urethra-cutaneous fistula formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective follow-up on all boys who underwent the modified Cantwell-Ransley primary penile reconstruction was conducted. Inclusion criteria comprised bladder exstrophy closure in our institution, ensuring a postoperative follow-up period of no less than 24 months. The key innovation of the technique lies in a deep dissection of the dependent corpora under Buck's fascia, followed by their dorsal relocation through extended dorsal incisions in Buck's fascia, and limited external corporal rotation 90 degrees only at the base of the penis. RESULTS: Between November 2019 and March 2022, 18 boys aged 11 to 35 months met the inclusion criteria and underwent the modified penile reconstruction. Surgical procedures and postoperative period did not include any major complications. Total corporal covering of the urethral sutures was achieved in 15 of 18 patients. No urethra-cutaneous fistulas were observed within 2 years of follow-up. All individuals demonstrated spontaneous erections, and the absence of dorsal curvature was documented. CONCLUSION: The modified technique of incomplete penile disassembly applied in a homogenous group of patients with classic bladder exstrophy allows penile shaft elongation, improved aesthetic outcomes, preserved erections, and eliminates dorsal curvature. The technique demonstrated feasibility and reliability while maintaining positive effects on tissue circulation. The absence of urethra-cutaneous fistulae is attributed to the complete corporal covering of the urethral sutures and supports the initial hypothesis.