Topographic Anatomy and its development in Urology in the 20th Century. The work of Salvador Gil Vernet

Salvador Gil Vernet was a mid-twentieth-century Spanish anatomist and urologist who made highly significant advances in the field of urological anatomy with his studies on the topographic anatomy of the male pelvis and perineum. He was the first author in the twentieth century to precisely and accurately describe the anatomy of the external urethral sphincter, detrusor, posterior urethra and prostato-urethral musculature. In addition, his contributions to pelvic plexus neuroanatomy, with the description of the cavernous nerves and autonomic innervation of the external urethral sphincter, were used to develop a modern and less invasive surgical technique for treating urogenital disease. His research on the embryology and topographical anatomy of the prostate gland also helped him to define the first regional anatomical model of the prostate, which would act as the cornerstone for the development of current zonal anatomy. In this paper we present a summary of his most important discoveries, which have led him to be considered one of the pioneers of urological anatomy of the previous century

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BAES Scrotal flap: anatomical bases and usefulness in complex urethral reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomical characteristics and vascularization of the biaxial hair free scrotal flap (BAES-flap) and to detail its surgical application to reconstruction of the more complex urethral strictures. METHODS: We performed macro and micro anatomical dissections of the scrotum in 15 cryopreserved cadavers for the study of the arterial microvascularization of the BAES flap, and this anatomical knowledge has been implemented with the aim to improve the anterior and posterior urethra reconstructive surgical technique. For scrotal skin conditioning we performed definitive hair removal with the alexandrite laser. RESULTS: The BAES flap, thanks to its rich biaxial vascularization, its anatomical disposition over the urethral axis, and the suitable characteristics of hair free scrotal skin, has allowed us to perform successful one-step urethral reconstruction in complex cases such as panurethral disease, multioperated hypospadias, failed urethroplasties and obliterative stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Detailed study of scrotal skin arterial vascularization is essential to design reliable and versatile genital skin flaps that result appropriate for the most complex reconstructive urethral surgery. The BAES scrotal flap complies with these requirements offering the patient a one step reconstructive option with a very satisfactory surgical experience over more than 20 years.

Colgajo escrotal "BAES": Bases anatómicas y utilidad en reconstrucción uretral compleja / BAES Scrotal flap: Anatomical bases and usefulness in complex urethral reconstruction

OBJETIVO: Describir las características anatómicas y la vascularización del colgajo escrotal biaxial depilado ("BAES-flap"), y detallar su aplicación quirúrgica en la reconstrucción de las estenosis uretrales más complejas. MÉTODOS: Se han realizado macro y microdisecciones anatómicas de la bolsa escrotal en 15 cadáveres criopreservados para estudiar la microvascularización arterial que posee el colgajo "BAES", y este conocimiento anatómico ha sido implementado con la intención de mejorar la técnica quirúrgica reconstructiva de la uretra anterior y posterior. Para el acondicionamiento cutáneo escrotal se ha empleado la técnica de depilación definitiva con láser de Alejandrita. RESULTADOS: El colgajo "BAES" gracias a su abundante vascularización bi-axial, a su disposición anatómica sobre el eje uretral y a las características idóneas de la piel escrotal depilada, nos ha permitido desde el año 1989 reconstruir con éxito la uretra en un tiempo quirúrgico en casos complejos como son la enfermedad panuretral, los hipospadias multioperados, las uretroplastias fracasadas y las estenosis obliterantes. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio detallado de la vascularización cutánea arterial es fundamental para diseñar colgajos de piel genital fiables y versátiles que resulten aptos para la cirugía reconstructiva uretral más compleja. El colgajo escrotal "BAES" cumple con estos requisitos ofreciendo al paciente una opción reconstructiva en un solo tiempo con una experiencia quirúrgica muy satisfactoria de más de 20 años

OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomical characteristics and vascularization of the biaxial hair free scrotal flap (BAES-flap) and to detail its surgical application to reconstruction of the more complex urethral strictures. METHODS: We performed macro and micro anatomical dissections of the scrotum in 15 cryopreserved cadavers for the study of the arterial microvascularization of the BAES flap, and this anatomical knowledge has been implemented with the aim to improve the anterior and posterior urethra reconstructive surgical technique. For scrotal skin conditioning we performed definitive hair removal with the alexandrite laser. RESULTS: The BAES flap, thanks to its rich biaxial vascularization, its anatomical disposition over the urethral axis, and the suitable characteristics of hair free scrotal skin, has allowed us to perform successful one-step urethral reconstruction in complex cases such as panurethral disease, multioperated hypospadias, failed urethroplasties and obliterative stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Detailed study of scrotal skin arterial vascularization is essential to design reliable and versatile genital skin flaps that result appropriate for the most complex reconstructive urethral surgery. The BAES scrotal flap complies with these requirements offering the patient a one step reconstructive option with a very satisfactory surgical experience over more than 20 years

Experiencia en el tratamiento de las fístulas rectouretrales post-prostatectomía radical / Experience in the treatment of rectourethral fistulae after radical prostatectomy

OBJETIVO: Presentar las características clínicas de las fistulas rectouretrales (FRU) tras prostatectomía radical (PR) así como nuestra experiencia en el manejo y tratamiento de las mismas.MÉTODO: Presentamos la experiencia de nuestro centro en el tratamiento de las FRU atendiendo a sus características clínicas y la presencia de factores de complejidad asociada. En todos los casos, tras la historia clínica y el examen físico el estudio se completó con uretrocistografía, enema opaco y uretrocistoscopia. Desde enero de 2000 a julio de 2010 hemos tratado 12 pacientes con FRU. La edad media fue de 64 años (rango 56-74 años). La etiología fue cirugía abierta en dos casos y cirugía laparoscópica en diez. La clínica se presentó en un plazo de 4 a 60 días.RESULTADOS: En nuestra experiencia los hallazgos endoscópicos y radiológicos tuvieron una buena correlación. Dos fístulas fueron pequeñas -menos de 5 mm- y en la vertiente uretral de la anastomosis permitiendo el tratamiento conservador el cierre espontáneo. Diez pacientes presentaron fístulas mayores, en la vertiente vesical de la anastomosis o con complejidad asociada, que requirieron para su resolución de un abordaje transesfinteriano posterior de York-Mason con buena recuperación urinaria y fecal posterior.CONCLUSIÓN: La FRU tras PR es una complicación relevante y de difícil resolución. Proponemos la cirugía reconstructiva precoz en las FRU grandes o con complejidad asociada. El cierre con abordaje transesfinteriano posterior de York-Mason ha permitido la resolución de la FRU en todos los casos(AU)

OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical charac-teristics of recto-urethral fistula (RUF) after radical prosta-tectomy (RP) as well as our experience managing them.METHODS: We present our experience in the treatment of RUF based on their clinical characteristics and the pre-sence of associated complexity factors. After medical history and physical examination, the diagnostic work up was completed in all cases with urethrograms, cystoscopy and barium enema. From January 2000 to July 2010 we treated 12 patients with RUF. Mean age was 64 years (range 56-74 years). The etiology was open sur-gery in two cases and laparoscopic surgery in ten. Clinical presentation varied from 4 to 60 days after surgery.RESULTS: In our experience, endoscopic and radiolo-gical findings were well correlated. Two fistulae were small -less than 5 mm- on the urethral side of the anasto-mosis allowing spontaneous closure after conservative treatment. Ten patients had larger fistulas on the bladder side of the anastomosis and/or were associated with com-plexity factors that required a posterior trans-sphincteric York-Mason approach for resolution, with good reco-very of urinary and fecal continence.CONCLUSION: The RUF is a significant compli-cation after RP and it is difficult to solve. We propose early recons-tructive surgery in large or complex RUF. The posterior trans-sphincteric York-Mason approach has allowed the repair in all cases(AU)

Experience in the treatment of rectourethral fistulae after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical characteristics of rectourethral fistula (RUF) after radical prostatectomy (RP) as well as our experience managing them. METHODS: We present our experience in the treatment of RUF based on their clinical characteristics and the presence of associated complexity factors. After medical history and physical examination, the diagnostic work up was completed in all cases with urethrograms, cystoscopy and barium enema. From January 2000 to July 2010 we treated 12 patients with RUF. Mean age was 64 years(range 56-74 years). The etiology was open surgery in two cases and laparoscopic surgery in ten. Clinical presentation varied from 4 to 60 days after surgery. RESULTS: In our experience, endoscopic and radiological findings were well correlated. Two fistulae were small-less than 5 mm- on the urethral side of the anastomosis allowing spontaneous closure after conservative treatment. Ten patients had larger fistulas on the bladder side of the anastomosis and/or were associated with complexity factors that required a posterior transsphincteric York-Mason approach for resolution, with good recovery of urinary and fecal continence. CONCLUSION: The RUF is a significant complication after RP and it is difficult to solve. We propose early reconstructive surgery in large or complex RUF. The posterior transsphincteric York-Mason approach has allowed the repair in all cases.

Superficial dorsal penile vein thrombosis: a little-known complication of subinguinal varicocelectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment of superficial thrombosis of the dorsal penile vein - the most common complication of subinguinal varicocelectomy - and analyse the possible mechanisms involved in the development of the condition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical records of 326 patients who underwent varicocele repair during the last 10 years was reviewed. The technique used was subinguinal varicocelectomy with arterial preservation. A mini-Doppler probe was used during surgery for artery identification. We report on the postoperative complications of varicocelectomy, with special attention to superficial dorsal penile vein thrombosis, and provide a detailed description of the anatomy of the superficial venous system of the penis. RESULTS: Complications usually associated with varicocele surgery occurred in less than 1% of patients. However, the most common complication in our series was superficial dorsal penile vein thrombosis, which occurred in 2.1% of patients. The use of the mini-Doppler probe allowed us to identify and preserve the arteries in all 326 patients. CONCLUSION: Subinguinal varicocelectomy with intra-operative use of a mini-Doppler probe is a rapid and safe technique. The outcomes and complications are similar to those reported for subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy. Superficial dorsal penile vein thrombosis is a benign self-limited condition whose association with subinguinal varicocelectomy has not been previously reported.

Intravesical migration and spontaneous expulsion of a Hem-o-lok polymer ligating clip after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

We present a rare postoperative complication occurring after a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with nerve-sparing procedure carried out with the placement of 3 Weck Hem-o-lok-L clips in the right neurovascular bundle, in a patient with clinically localized prostate cancer. The procedure was completed without any complications and the urethral catheter was removal at 15 days. We report a case of intravesical migration and subsequent calculus formation with spontaneous expulsion of Hem-o-lok clip. To date, this is the only reported case of intravesical migration and subsequent calculus formation with a spontaneous expulsion.

Empleo de bandas libres de tensión asociadas a la cirugía reconstructiva del suelo pelviano / The use of tension-free vaginal tape associated with pelvic floor reconstructive surgery

Objetivos: Presentar nuestros resultados a medio-largo plazo en la utilización de la cinta vaginal sin tensión (TVT) en la incontinencia urinaria (IUE) de esfuerzo femenina cuando se asocia a la corrección quirúrgica de los defectos del suelo pelviano para su resolución integral. Material y métodos: Entre enero de 2000 y mayo de 2008 se intervino quirúrgicamente a 171 pacientes con trastornos del suelo pelviano mediante TVT. En 117 se colocó una TVT de forma aislada como tratamiento de su IUE. A las restantes 54 pacientes, que presentaban diversos trastornos del suelo pelviano, la TVT se asoció a tratamiento para estos defectos (cistocele, rectocele, prolapso uterino) con el objetivo de corregirlos. Resultados: La media de seguimiento fue 36 (12-108) meses. La media de edad de las pacientes fue 55 (35-78) años en el grupo de TVT (grupo 1) y 57 (43-76) años en el grupo de TVT y cirugía vaginal (grupo 2). La paridad fue 2,23 (0-6) en el grupo 1 y 3,12 (1-6) en el grupo 2. Hay diferencias en cuanto al motivo de consulta para ambos grupos. La media de estancia fue de 24 h en el grupo 1 y de 4 días en el grupo 2. La complicación más grave fue la perforación vesical durante el acto quirúrgico, que sucedió en siete ocasiones y la más frecuente, la aparición de hiperactividad detrusora sintomática de novo que fue similar para los dos grupos. Conclusiones: La TVT es el estándar para la IUE femenina, con resultados demostrados en la literatura, su asociación a cirugía reconstructiva se presenta como una alternativa segura y satisfactoria para la resolución integral de los defectos del suelo pelviano, sin incrementarse por ello la morbilidad de la técnica (AU)

Objective: We present our medium- to long-term results for the use of TVT for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) employed concomitantly with surgical correction of pelvic floor prolapse in order to provide an integral solution. Material and methods: Between January 2000 and May 2008, 171 women with pelvic floor disorders underwent a surgical procedure with TVT. 117 of those women received TVT as a sole treatment for SUI; in the 54 remaining patients who suffered from some type of pelvic organ prolapse, TVT was associated with a vaginal procedure to correct the prolapsed (cystocele, rectocele, prolapsed uterus).Results: Mean follow-up time was 36 months (range 12-108). The mean age was 55 years (35-78) in group 1 and 57 years (range 43-76) in the group for which TVT was associated with a pelvic floor correction. The parity was 2.23 (range 0-6) in group 1 and 3.12 (1-6) in group 2. There are some differences in the initial medical complaints among both groups. The mean hospitalisation time was 24 hours in group 1 and 4 days in group 2. The most serious complication was bladder perforation during surgery, which occurred in seven patients. The most frequent complication was the onset of de novo urge symptoms (overactive bladder), which was similar in both groups. Conclusions: TVT remains the gold standard treatment for female SUI with proven results in the literature, and may be safely and effectively associated with pelvic floor reconstructive surgery without increasing the technique’s morbidity rate (AU)

Holmium laser enucleation of prostate: outcome and complications of self-taught learning curve.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the self-learning curve of a single surgeon with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and outcome of the procedure after 2 years of experience. METHODS: The data from the first 125 patients who underwent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The patient evaluations included serum prostate-specific antigen measurement, peak urinary flow rate determination, postvoid residual volume measurement, and symptom scores. To assess the effect of the learning curve on the perioperative data and complications, the patients were divided into subgroups of 25 consecutive patients. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 71.4 years. The average prostate volume was 75.8 mL, and the mean weight of the enucleated tissue was 46.7 g. The average operative time was 109.8 minutes. The operative times and enucleation and morcellation efficiency rates improved significantly during the learning process. The mean hemoglobin loss was 1.7 g/dL. The median catheter time and hospital stay was 44 and 30 hours, respectively. Compared with baseline, at 1 year postoperatively, the median postvoid residual urine volume had declined by 99 mL, the mean peak urinary flow rate had increased by 19 mL/s, and the mean American Urological Association symptom score had decreased by 16.5 points. All changes observed were significant and regardless of the prostate size. Persistent stress urinary incontinence (4.8%) occurred with the first enucleations of large-size prostates. Other complications included bladder neck contracture (4%) in small-size prostates and bulbar urethra stricture (1.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is a safe, reproducible and effective surgical modality. Case selection is necessary to avoid the morbidity associated with the first stages of the self-taught learning curve, mainly urinary incontinence.

The use of tension-free vaginal tape associated with pelvic floor reconstructive surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To present our medium-to-long term results for the use of TVT in female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) employed concomitantly with surgical correction of pelvic floor prolapse for an integral solution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and May 2008, 171 women with pelvic floor disorders underwent a surgical procedure with TVT. 117 of those women received TVT as a sole treatment for SUI. In the remaining 54 patients, who suffered from some type of pelvic organ prolapse, TVT was combined with a vaginal procedure to correct the prolapse (cystocele, rectocele, prolapsed uterus). RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 36 months (range 12-108). The mean age was 55 years (35-78) in the TVT group (group 1) and 57 years (range 43-76) in the TVT and pelvic floor correction group (group 2). The number of childbirths was 2.23 (range 0-6) in group 1 and 3.12 (1-6) in group 2. There were some differences in the initial medical complaints in both groups. Mean hospitalisation time was 24 hours in group 1 and 4 days in group 2. The most serious complication was bladder perforation during surgery, which occurred in seven patients. The most frequent complication was the onset of de novo detrusor overactivity (overactive bladder), which was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: TVT is the reference standard treatment for female SUI with proven results in the literature. Its association with reconstructive surgery is presented as a safe and satisfactory alternative for comprehensive resolution of pelvic floor defects, without increasing the morbidity of the technique.

Arteries of the scrotum: a microvascular study and its application to urethral reconstruction with scrotal flaps.

OBJECTIVE: To study scrotal microvascularization and apply the findings to the design of reliable skin flaps for reconstructive surgery of complex urethral or panurethral stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 15 cryopreserved male cadavers, scrotal skin vascularization was explored using macro- and microdissections, and the scrotal sac made transparent using the Spalteholtz method. A meticulous descriptive analysis of the arterial network was conducted out in all cases to evaluate the number, distribution and anastomosis of the cutaneous arteries of the scrotum. RESULTS: Scrotal skin is irrigated by two main vascular systems, through the inferior external pudendal arteries and the perineal arteries, which branch into multiple scrotal arteries. These arteries are distributed in three cutaneous territories, two lateral and one central, which are widely inter-anastomosed. Each lateral territory receives an inferior external pudendal artery which accesses at the midpoint of the scrotal root and fans out to cover the entire corresponding hemiscrotum. The central cutaneous territory is vascularized through the branches of two main scrotal arteries which are a continuation of the perineal arteries and which access via the posterior face, running deeply on both sides of the septum. CONCLUSIONS: The special anatomical distribution of scrotal branches stemming from perineal arteries enables the construction of adequate reliable longitudinal median island scrotal flaps for the reconstructive surgery of panurethral stenosis, as profuse axial vascularization is ensured.

Open testicular biopsy without a surgical assistant using a scrotal Rumel tourniquet.

PURPOSE: The main current indication for open testicular biopsy is the extraction of sperm cells for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in patients with azoospermia. Usually the surgical assistant or operator holds the testicle with the nondominant hand throughout the operation. We propose using a scrotal device in the shape of a Rumel tourniquet to maintain the testicle fixed and tight against the scrotal wall all the time with no need to be held by the hand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Rumel tourniquet is made of a Penrose-type rubber drain and a piece of plastic tube. It is placed at the base of the scrotum to include the 2 testicles, while tension is adjusted until the skin becomes tense and the scrotal wall is held tightly against the testicles. Placing the eyelid retractor is unnecessary since the various scrotal wall layers become spontaneously separated. RESULTS: We have used this device in 20 consecutive testicular biopsies in patients with obstructive azoospermia and for histopathological diagnosis. It was useful in all cases. No device related complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This straightforward scrotal device simplifies the procedure since no surgical assistant is required, the surgeon can use 2 hands during the operation and testicular biopsy is achievable through a small incision.

Hemiscrotectomy with contralateral testicular transposition for scrotal cancer.

PURPOSE: Wide excision of scrotal tumors results in serious defects to such an extent that in some cases the contents of the scrotum cannot be preserved. We describe a hemiscrotectomy technique with transposition of the testis to the contralateral hemiscrotum that facilitates closure of the surgical wound and allows preservation of the testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our procedure was used in 3 patients with scrotal neoplasia, including 2 with squamous cell carcinoma and 1 with extramammary Paget's disease. After excision of the hemiscrotum affected by the tumor, which includes all layers of the scrotal wall, the testis is transposed into the contralateral hemiscrotum through a slit made in the medial scrotal septum. The defect is easily closed by apposing the surgical wound edges. RESULTS: The 3 men were disease-free 8, 7 and 4 years after surgery, respectively. After intervention they remained pain-free. None had hydrocele or epididymitis secondary to placement of the 2 testes in the same hemiscrotum. CONCLUSIONS: In appropriate candidates this technique allows the scrotal defect to be easily reconstructed after tumor excision without any need for skin flaps or free skin grafts. The procedure makes it possible to preserve the scrotal content and perform more radical treatment since the scrotal wall is completely excised.