Eosinophilic cystitis mimicking bladder tumor: A case report.

Eosinophilic cystitis (EC) is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration into the bladder wall. It often presents symptoms common to urological issues such as urinary tract infections, hematuria, bladder stones, or bladder neoplasms. Here, we describe a case of a 44-year-old male veteran with a history of multiple tuberculosis episodes who presented to the Emergency Department with dysuria, suprapubic pain, and gross hematuria. Initial imaging and cystoscopy concerned bladder neoplasia; however, subsequent pathological evaluation showed EC. This case underscores the importance of considering EC in the differential diagnosis of bladder tumors, especially when imaging describes bladder wall thickening in a patient without risk factors for bladder malignancy.

Chondroma in the Urinary Bladder: An Extremely Rare Finding.

Chondroma, commonly observed in the bones, has limited documentation when found in soft tissues. To date, only 8 chondromas in the urinary bladder have been reported, all in females. Here, we describe a 54-year-old female who presented with a chondroma located at the anterior wall of the urinary bladder. An incidental 5 mm enhanced focus was identified on the right bladder wall during a contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT). Subsequent cystoscopy did not reveal any abnormalities, and both urinalysis and urine cytology were unremarkable. However, a CT urogram reconfirmed suspicions of malignancy, which a cystoscopy validated. The patient underwent a transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, which was identified as a bladder chondroma. During the surgical incision, a submucosal lesion was found, which was further confirmed with histopathological evaluation. Over a year-long follow-up using imaging and urine cytology, no recurrence was observed. This case reinforces earlier findings and underscores the predilection for females between their 5th and 7th decades with a positive prognosis.

Combined holmium laser enucleation of the prostate with high-intensity focused ultrasound in treating patients with localized prostate cancer in a prostate with volume > 60 g: Oncological and functional outcomes from single-institution study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of combined High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) in treating patients with both localized prostate cancer (PCa) and prostate > 60 g. METHODS: All patients who underwent HIFU for treatment of localized PCa were prospectively enrolled in our study. We reviewed records of patients undergoing procedures from January 2016 to January 2023. For patients with prostate sizes > 60 g, HoLEP was offered before HIFU to prevent worsened urinary symptoms post-treatment. Oncological outcomes-prostatic-specific (PSA) kinetics, recurrence rates, treatment failure - and functional results-Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), and urinary complications were compared between patients undergoing combined HoLEP and HIFU with those underwent HIFU-monotherapy. RESULTS: Among 100 patients, 74 underwent HIFU-monotherapy and 26 underwent the combined HoLEP and HIFU. The majority had intermediate-risk PCa (67%). Pathologic assessment of HoLEP specimens showed no tumor evidence in 57% of cases. In comparison to the HIFU-only group, the combined group exhibited significantly lower PSA metrics across various intervals, however, no differences were found regarding overall and infield recurrences and treatment failure rates. While the combined treatment initially resulted in higher incontinence rates and shorter catheterization durations (P < 0.001), no significant difference in IPSS was observed during subsequent follow-ups. CONCLUSION: HoLEP and HIFU can be safely combined for the treatment of PCa in patients with >60 g prostate volume without compromising early oncological outcomes thereby expanding the therapeutic scope of HIFU in treating patients with localized PCa and large adenomas.

Acquired Urethral Diverticulum After Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: A Case Report.

Acquired urethral diverticula (UD) in males is an uncommon entity, and it is rarely reported after an open simple prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate. Here, we report a unique case of a UD presenting after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in a 69-year-old male with a prostate of 372 g who had five episodes of urine retention over one year despite combined medical treatment with tamsulosin 0.8 mg and finasteride 5 mg. The patient also has elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with five negative prostate biopsies over the last few years. The procedure lasted six hours with difficult morcellation due to beach balls that took 3.5 hours. There were no intraoperative complications. However, he continued to have mixed urine incontinence and recurrent (six) episodes of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the first postoperative year. On evaluation, his urodynamic study did not reproduce stress urinary incontinence (SUI); however, cystoscopy and retrograde urethrogram diagnosed a 6-cm UD in the bulbar penile urethra with penoscrotal mass. The patient underwent urethral diverticulectomy and urethroplasty with a buccal mucosa graft to correct the defect. Six months after his urethral reconstruction, he continued to have mixed urine incontinence needing two pads/day. Although male UD is a rare condition, our case report seeks to heighten awareness of such a potential rare complication in men with recurrent UTIs and refractory urinary incontinence after prolonged HoLEP for extremely large prostates.

Clinical variables associated with major adverse cardiac events following radical cystectomy.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the association between major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and clinical factors of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis using the 2015-2020 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was performed on patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer. MACE was defined as any report of cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, or thromboembolic events (pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis). A multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was conducted to identify clinical predictors of postoperative MACE. Results: A total of 10 308 (84.2%) patients underwent RC with incontinent urinary diversion (iUD), and 1938 (15.8%) underwent RC with continent urinary diversion (cUD). A total of 629 (5.1%) patients recorded a MACE, and on the multivariable-adjusted logistic regression, it was shown that MACE was significantly associated with increased age (OR = 1.035, 95% CI: 1.024-1.046, p < 0.001), obesity (OR = 1.583, 95% CI: 1.266-1.978, p < 0.001), current smokers (OR = 1.386, 95% CI: 1.130-1.700, p = 0.002), congestive heart failure before surgery (OR = 1.991, 95% CI: 1.016-3.900; p = 0.045), hypertension (OR = 1.209, 95% CI: 1.016-1.453, p = 0.043), and increase the surgical time (per 10 min increase, OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.003-1.017, p = 0.009). We also report that increased age, obesity, and patients undergoing cUD (OR = 1.368, 95% CI: 1.040-1.798; p = 0.025) are associated with thromboembolic events. Conclusion: By considering the preoperative characteristics of patients, including age, obesity, smoking, congestive heart failure, and hypertension status, urologists may be able to decrease the incidence of MACE in patients undergoing RC. Urologists should aim for lower operative times as this was associated with a decreased risk of thromboembolic events.

Incidental prostate cancer after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: Critical analysis of independent risk factors and impact on surgical outcomes.

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to evaluate the impact of incidental prostate cancer (iPCa) and its different grade group (GG) on the surgical outcomes of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and, furthermore, to assess the independent risk factors associated with the detection of iPCa. Patients or materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single institution for HoLEP cases that were performed between 2017 and 2022. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of prostate cancer and those without baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels within 1 year were excluded. Four hundred seventeen patients were divided into three groups: benign prostatic hyperplasia-377; clinically insignificant (GG 1)-29; and clinically significant prostate cancer (GG 2-5)-11. The preoperative parameters analysed included age, body mass index, race/ethnicity, use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, PSA, prostate size, PSA density, and history of negative prostate biopsy. To evaluate the association between clinical and demographic variables, a multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed. We also assessed intraoperative and post-operative outcomes among these three groups. Results: A total of 417 patients were analysed; 40 (9.6%) patients had iPCa, of which 29 (72.5%) and 11 (27.5%) were clinically nonsignificant and significant prostate cancer, respectively. Of all the demographic and preoperative variables analysed, hypertension was significantly associated with overall prostate cancer diagnosis (p < 0.05), and no other variable including patient age, preoperative PSA, PSA density, prostate size, or prior prostate biopsy were associated with increased risk of overall prostate cancer or clinically significant prostate cancer diagnosis. Most cases of iPCa were GG1, and 34 (85%) were managed with active surveillance. Conclusion: The rate of iPCa after HoLEP was 9.6%, with most cases being GG 1 (72.5%) and managed through active surveillance. Age, prostate size, baseline PSA, and prior negative prostate biopsies were not associated with increased risk of iPCa.

Minimally invasive techniques in quest of Holy Grail of surgical management of enlarged prostates: a narrative review.

PURPOSE: Past decade has seen a renewed interest in minimally invasive surgical techniques (MISTs) for management of enlarged prostate. This narrative review aims to explore newer MIST for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which are not yet integrated into established societal guidelines. METHODS: We conducted a literature search across PubMed, Google Scholar, and FDA ClinicalTrials.gov databases on June 1st, 2023, to identify studies published within the past decade exploring various MISTs for BPH. Additionally, we gathered insights from abstracts presented in meetings of professional associations and corporate websites. We broadly classified these procedures into three distinct categories: energy-based, balloon dilation, and implant/stent treatments. We collected detail information about the device, procedure details, its inclusion and exclusion criteria, and outcome. RESULTS: Our review reveals that newer energy-based MISTs include Transperineal Laser Ablation, Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation, and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. In the sphere of balloon dilation, Transurethral Columnar Balloon Dilation and the Optilume BPH Catheter System were gaining momentum. The noteworthy implants/stents that are on horizon include Butterfly Prostatic Retraction Device, Urocross Expander System, Zenflow Spring System, and ProVee Urethral Expander System. CONCLUSION: The exploration of various MISTs reflects ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and address limitations of existing treatments. This review provides a bird-eye view and valuable insights for urologists and researchers seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of MISTs in the quest for effective and minimally invasive solutions for enlarged prostates.

Evaluating Patient Tolerability for Urological Procedures Under Conscious Sedation: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate patient-reported tolerability and surgical outcomes of urologic procedures with conscious sedation with or without local anesthesia. Administration of general or spinal anesthesia is associated with anesthetic-related complications, long wait times, and high costs. Using intravenous conscious sedation and/or local anesthesia is an emerging alternative for a myriad of urologic procedures. METHODS: Patients were enrolled from June-August 2021 at a tertiary care hospital. All procedures were completed using fentanyl, midazolam, or both with patient and procedural data recorded upon completion. Patients were telephoned 4-6 weeks post-procedure with a standardized patient tolerability questionnaire. A multivariable adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate whether a patient would opt for conscious sedation again as opposed to general anesthesia. RESULTS: A total of 196 procedures were performed by 6 attending urologists with an overall success rate of 98.5% and 0% intraoperative complication rate. At 4-6 weeks follow-up, 85.6% of patients reported they would opt for conscious sedation as opposed to general anesthesia. Predictors of opting for conscious sedation in the future were older age (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.049; P = .017) and surgeon perceived level of patient tolerability (OR: 2.124; P <.001, scored 1-10). CONCLUSION: Physician directed, nursing administered IV conscious sedation is a viable alternative for various urologic procedures and has minimal risk of perioperative complications.

Correction: Neonatal Circumcision: What Are the Factors Affecting Parental Decision?

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19415.].

Is Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate Truly Size-Independent? A Critical Evaluation at the Extreme Ends of the Spectrum.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) at the extremes of the size spectrum, comparing whether the results are consistent for very large and small prostates. METHODS: A retrospective review of 402 patient charts was conducted to compare the outcomes of HoLEP in patients with prostate size ≤40 g (group 1), 41-200 g (group 2), and >200 g (group 3). Various preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative variables were collected. RESULTS: HoLEP showed comparable voiding outcomes among all 3 groups, although patients with small prostates had a higher International Prostate Symptom Score during follow-up (P = .022). We noted a higher rate of perioperative blood transfusion in patients with very large prostates (P = .019) and a higher rate of transient acute urinary retention (AUR) in group 1 when compared to group 3 (P = .048). Patients with smaller prostates had a higher rate of bladder neck stenosis and urethral strictures, but the differences were not found to be statistically significant. The incidence of other complications, length of hospital stay, and catheterization duration did not differ significantly among the groups. CONCLUSION: HoLEP has consistent and safe outcomes across a wide range of prostate sizes. Although, the risk of blood transfusion is higher in patients with very large prostates and the risk of transient AUR is greater in patients with small glands, the overall efficacy and safety of HoLEP are not significantly influenced by prostate size.

Histopathological assessment of depth of coagulation necrosis with Holmium, Moses, and Thulium fiber lasers in human prostate tissue.

PURPOSE: To evaluate coagulation necrosis depth (CND) of Holmium (HL), Moses (ML), and Thulium fiber laser (TFL) in ex vivo human prostate tissue at various energy settings. METHODS: After endoscopic HL enucleation, small prostate tissue fragments were removed from the bladder with graspers and used for study. Immediately after surgery, a single incision was made on the surface of the tissue kept under normal saline at room temperature using a hand-held 550-µm laser fiber. Variable energy settings were tested for all three lasers. Two pathologists measured the CND with light microscopy using ocular micrometer. Impact of various laser settings on CND was analyzed. The differences in CND of all three lasers at similar laser power were compared. RESULTS: Mean CND was 0.56 ± 0.53 mm for long-pulse HL, 0.54 ± 0.53 mm for ML, 0.67 ± 0.67 mm for low-pulse TFL, and 0.81 ± 0.78 mm for high-pulse TFL. There was no significant difference between mean CND of HL and ML at various laser settings ranging from 10 to 120 W and CND with long- and short-pulse settings of TFL at settings from 10 to 60 W. There was a trend of increasing CND in HL and ML with increasing laser power; however, it was not statistically significant. TFL had similar tissue effects as HL and ML. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in CND of HL, ML, and TFL in ex vivo human prostate tissue. Other factors besides laser type and settings need to be studied to explain clinical differences among various lasers used for prostate enucleation.

Insurance approval rates for collagenase clostridium histolyticum prior to discontinuation: a Canada-wide analysis.

Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCh), the first approved non-surgical treatment for Peyronie's disease (PD), was withdrawn from the European, Canadian, and Asian markets due to poor demand and lack of government reimbursement options. We sought to assess insurance approval rates and usage of CCh across Canada to understand the factors that led to its withdrawal. Data on patients prescribed CCh for PD or Dupuytren's contracture was obtained through collaboration with BioScript Solutions to assess the association of variables with insurance approval and prescription filling. We identified 3297 insurance coverage applications for Xiaflex® from April 2018 to June 2020. Of all applications for PD, 92.9% applications were approved while 7.1% were rejected. Despite the withdrawal of CCh from Canadian markets, coverage application approval rates for 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 86.5%, 90.1%, and 89.1%, respectively. Of 2921 approved applications, 88.8% prescriptions were filled. For the 376 rejected applications, 66.4% of prescriptions were filled. Overall, 90% of the cost of Xiaflex® was covered in Canada among those with extended health benefits, with an out-of-pocket expense of $210.4. Insurance coverage requests for Xiaflex® were approved at a high rate in Canada with approved patients being very likely to proceed with therapy, despite interprovincial variation.

Efficacy of Clomiphene Citrate Versus Enclomiphene Citrate for Male Infertility Treatment: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction Infertility and hypogonadism in males can greatly affect their reproductive health and overall well-being. Since exogenous testosterone administration for hypogonadism management may disrupt the normal hormonal cascade necessary for spermatogenesis, clomiphene citrate (CC) and enclomiphene citrate (EC) are medications often used to manage hypogonadism and male infertility. This study aims to directly compare the effects of CC and EC on serum testosterone levels and semen parameters in men to determine which medication may have an advantage in managing these conditions. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed ≥18-year-old men presenting with primary infertility, abnormal semen parameters, or hypogonadism who received CC or EC monotherapy for at least three months between January 2021 and December 2022. We compared baseline and follow-up hormone levels, semen parameters, and demographics. Variables were compared using paired and unpaired t-tests. Significance was assessed at p<0.05. Results A total of 46 men received EC and 32 men received CC. The median age was 42 (IQR: 34-47.75) years in men who received EC and 41 (IQR: 36-44) years in men who received CC (p=0.450). The two treatment groups exhibited a significant increase in serum total testosterone, while only EC had a statistically significant increase in FSH and LH. Semen volume and concentration did not significantly change with either treatment. Sperm motility increased in both groups, but total motile sperm count (TMSC) only significantly increased in men who received EC.  Conclusions Our study found that EC and CC are effective treatments in increasing total testosterone without negatively affecting spermatogenesis. EC demonstrated to be more effective in raising gonadotropin levels and TMSC.

Incidence and predictors of deep incisional and organ/space surgical site infection following radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical risk factors associated with postoperative deep incisional or organ/space surgical site infections (SSI) following radical cystectomy (RC) in a well characterized and large contemporary cohort. METHODS: We used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify adult patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer between 2015 and 2020 (n = 13,081). We conducted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression and Cox adjusted proportional hazards regression analysis to identify clinical predictors of deep incisional or organ/space SSI in the 30-day postoperative-period following RC. RESULTS: Deep incisional or organ/space SSI risk increased with continent urinary diversion (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.38-1.88; P < 0.001), obesity (HR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.35-1.90; P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.13-1.51; P < 0.001), and being functionally dependent before surgery (HR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.44-3.03; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative deep incisional or organ/space SSIs following RC occur more frequently in patients who were obese, diabetic, functionally dependent before surgery, and those who underwent continent urinary diversion. These findings may assist urologists in preoperative counseling, medical optimization, and choice of urinary diversion approach, as well as improved patient monitoring and identification of candidates for intervention postoperatively.

Complications associated with minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST) for surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database review.

PURPOSE: MAUDE database houses medical device reports of suspected device-related complications received by Food and Drug Administration. In the present study we aim to evaluate the MAUDE database for reported complications of MIST procedures. METHODS: The database was queried using keywords: rezum, urolift, prostate embolization (PAE), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), prostate stent and Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device (iTIND) on 10/1/22 to extract information regarding device problems and procedure-related complications. Gupta classification system was used to stratify complications. Statistical analysis was performed to compare frequency of complications among MIST procedures. RESULTS: We found a total of 692 reports (Rezum-358, urolift-226, PAE-53, TUNA-31, TUMT-19, prostatic stent-4, and iTIND-1). Most complications related to device or users were minor (level 1 and 2) and there was no significant difference among various MIST procedures. The screen/system error was responsible for 93% and 83% aborted cases in Rezum and TUNA, respectively, and PAE showed 40% of device component detachment/fracture. Overall Urolift and TUMT were associated with statistically significant higher incidence of major (level 3 and 4) complications (23% and 21%, respectively) as compared with Rezum (7%). Most major complications needing hospitalization after Urolift included hematoma and hematuria with clots and those after Rezum included urinary tract infection and sepsis. Thirteen deaths were reported, mostly due to cardiovascular events, which were classified as not associated with the proposed treatment. CONCLUSION: MIST for BPH can occasionally cause significant morbidity. Our data should assist urologists and patients in shared decision-making process.

Risk Assessment of Dyslipidemias, Hyperglycemia, Hyperuricemia, and Hypertension Utilizing Self-Reported Body Silhouettes.

Objective: Self-reported body silhouette is an anthropometric instrument that has been utilized as a screening tool for underweight, overweight, obesity, and other abnormal anthropometric variables. Herein, we analyzed the risk associated with the self-reported body silhouette in the scope of dyslipidemias, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and hypertension. Methods: Adult participants of the Health Workers Cohort Study enrolled between March 2004 and April 2006 were included. Then, risk analysis was performed considering dyslipidemias as serum triglycerides, high total cholesterol, high LDL-C, low HDL-C, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and hypertension. Results: A total of 2,297 males and 5,003 females were analyzed. The median ages of the studied population was 39 (30-49) and 41 (31-50) years for males and females, respectively. Overall, there is a stepwise increase in the risk of presenting dyslipidemias, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and hypertension as the self-reported body silhouette number increases, this tendency was observed in both males and females. Conclusion: Self-reported body silhouette is a useful risk assessment tool for dyslipidemias, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and hypertension in Mexican adults. Applications of questioners containing this silhouette might be considered a valuable public health instrument due to their low cost, relative simplicity, and absence of specialized equipment, training, or respondent knowledge.

Prevalence of secondary erythrocytosis in men receiving testosterone therapy A matched-cohort analysis of intranasal gel, injections, and pellets.

INTRODUCTION: Increased hematocrit (HCT) is a common adverse effect in men on testosterone therapy (TTh). We aimed to uncover differences in HCT changes among men receiving different forms of TTh. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective, matched-cohort study of patients treated for testosterone deficiency (TD) to investigate the effect of three TTh regimens on HCT. We included men who received intranasal testosterone (NT), intramuscular testosterone (TC), or subcutaneous testosterone pellet (TP) regimens between January 2011 and December 2020. We matched treatment cohorts 1:1:1 for age, body mass index (BMI), and history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Those taking TTh for <16 weeks were excluded. Comparison between groups was performed with Mann-Whitney U test, Student's t-test, ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis test as appropriate. RESULTS: Seventy-eight matched-cohort individuals with TD received either NT, TC, or TP. The most common TD symptoms prior to initiation of TTh were erectile dysfunction (38%), low libido (22%), and lack of energy (17%). Baseline serum testosterone and HCT were higher in NT recipients (p<0.05). As expected, all men receiving TTh were found to have increased serum testosterone levels at followup (p<0.001). Relative to their respective baselines, men receiving TC experienced the greatest increase in serum testosterone (240.8 ng/dL to 585.5 ng/dL), followed by NT (230.3 ng/dL to 493.5 ng/dL) and TP (210.8 ng/dL to 360.5 ng/dL) (all p<0.001). TC and TP were associated with significant increases in HCT (4.4% and 1.7%) while NT was associated with a decrease in HCT (-0.8%) at 16-week followup. CONCLUSIONS: When controlled for age, BMI, and OSA, men receiving NT experienced decreased HCT compared to TC or TP at 16-week followup. Intranasal testosterone, while able to increase serum testosterone levels to reference range, does not appear to have a significant impact on HCT compared to the longer-acting forms of TTh.

Association between body mass index, metabolic syndrome and common urologic conditions: a cross-sectional study using a large multi-institutional database from the United States.

INTRODUCTION: The study aims to determine whether body mass index (BMI), metabolic syndrome (MS) or its individual components (primary hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemias) are risk factors for common urological diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study with data collected on February 28, 2022 from the TriNetX Research Network. Patients were divided in cohorts according to their BMI, presence of MS (BMI > 30 kg/m2, type 2 diabetes mellitus, primary hypertension and disorders of lipoprotein metabolism) and its individual components and its association with common urological conditions was determined. For each analysis, odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Statistical significance was assessed at p < .05. RESULTS: BMI > 30 kg/m2 was associated with increased risk of lithiasis, kidney cancer, overactive bladder, male hypogonadism, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and erectile dysfunction (p < .05). On the contrary, BMI was inversely associated with ureteral, bladder and prostate cancer (p < .05). In all urological diseases, MS was the strongest risk factor, with prostate cancer (OR = 2.53) showing the weakest and male hypogonadism the strongest (OR = 13.00) associations. CONCLUSIONS: MS and its individual components were significant risk factors for common urological conditions. Hence holistic approaches with lifestyle modification might prevent common urological disease.Key messagesOverall, metabolic syndrome is the strongest risk factor for all the analysed urological diseases.Abnormally high body mass index can be a risk or protective factor depending on the threshold and urological disease that are being evaluated.Metabolic syndrome and increased BMI should be considered important factors associated to the prevalence of common urological diseases.

Comparison of Intratesticular Testosterone between Men Receiving Nasal, Intramuscular, and Subcutaneous Pellet Testosterone Therapy: Evaluation of Data from Two Single-Center Randomized Clinical Trials.

PURPOSE: Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can potentially cause decreased spermatogenesis and subsequent infertility. Recent studies have suggested that 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is a reliable surrogate for intratesticular testosterone (ITT) that is essential for spermatogenesis. We evaluated data from two ongoing open-label, randomized, two-arm clinical trials amongst different treatment preparations (Trial I) subcutaneous testosterone pellets (TP) and (Trial II) intranasal testosterone (NT) or intramuscular testosterone cypionate (TC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five symptomatic hypogonadal men (2 serum testosterone <300 ng/dL) were randomized into open label randomized clinical trials. Eligible subjects received 800 mg TP, 11 mg TID NT or 200 mg ×2 weeks TC. 17-OHP and Serum testosterone were evaluated at baseline and follow-up. The primary outcome was changes in 17-OHP. Secondary outcome was changes in serum testosterone. Data was analyzed by two-sample and single-sample t-tests, and determination of equal or unequal variances was computed using F-tests. RESULTS: Median participant age was 45 years old, with overall baseline 17-OHP of 46 and serum testosterone of 223.5 ng/dL. 17-OHP significantly decreased in subjects prescribed long-acting TP or TC. The 4-month change in 17-OHP in the NT group (-33.3% from baseline) was less than the change seen in TC (-65.3% from baseline) or TP (-44% from baseline) (p=0.005). All testosterone formulations increased serum testosterone levels at follow-up, with the largest increase seen in TC (+157.6%), followed by NT (+114.3%) and TP (+79.6%) (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Short-acting nasal testosterone appear to have no impact on serum 17-OHP especially in comparison to long-acting testosterone formulations. All modalities saw significant increases in serum testosterone levels at follow-up. NT and other short acting testosterone formulations may better preserve ITT and be beneficial for hypogonadal men seeking to maintain fertility potential while on TRT.