Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Is smaller better for kidney stones in patients with neurogenic bladder?

INTRODUCTION: Patients with neurologic bladder are at an increased risk for urolithiasis, and currently, data on mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in this population are limited. Our objective was to compare mini (15F)-percutaneous nephrolithotomy, standard (24F)-PCNL and flexible ureteroscopy in terms of efficacy and safety in treatment of kidney stones in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective monocentric study in our neuro-urological referral centre. All consecutive patients with NLUTD and a cumulative size of renal calculi greater than 15mm or 10mm in the lower calyx, who had extraction surgery between 2005 and 2020, were included. The primary endpoint was the one-session stone-free rate (SFR) at 3 months on a CT scan. The secondary endpoints were complication (Clavien-Dindo grading system), operative time, blood loss and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: We performed 76 standard PCNL (sPCNL), 46 flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy (fURL) and 25 miniaturized PCNL (mPCNL). The one-session SFR was 37.5% for the mPCNL group, 38.2% for the sPCNL group and 37% for the fURL group with no significant difference between the three procedures (P=0.99). Early complications, blood loss and transfusion rates were lower in the mPCNL group than in the sPCNL group (P=0.047) and comparable to fURL group. The final SFRs after a second intervention for mPCNL, sPCNL and fURL were 48%, 61.8% and 63%, respectively (P=0.67). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of mPCNL in patients with NLUTD was not different from other techniques, but a significantly lower rate of complications than sPCNL was observed. LEVEL OF PROOF: 3.

[Genital gender affirming surgery in trans men]. / Chirurgie génitale de masculinisation des hommes trans.

OBJECTIVE: Genital surgery for masculinisation in the context of gender incongruence is characterised by the reconstruction of male genitalia using multiple surgical techniques - free flap phalloplasty, pedicled flap phalloplasty or metaoidioplasty - which this article aims to describe. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A narrative review of the literature on these trans surgeries was carried out. RESULTS: Each technique has specific advantages and disadvantages, and does not produce the same results in terms of surgical risks, size of the reconstructed phallus, sensitivity, sexual function and urinary function. CONCLUSION: This surgical decision must therefore be shared with the person concerned, based on a clear understanding of their expectations and objectives. Long-term follow-up is recommended.

[Genital gender affirming surgery in trans women: Vulvo-vaginoplasty review]. / Chirurgie génitale d'affirmation de genre pour les femmes trans : revue des vulvo-vaginoplasties.

INTRODUCTION: A trans woman is a woman who was assigned male at birth, and who has a female gender identity. The majority are requesting a gender affirming genital surgery by vulvo-vaginoplasty. The objective is to review this surgery based on its history, then by presenting the different surgical techniques and their success and complication rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A narrative review was performed, based on a bibliography search with keywords from 2000 to 2022 on Pubmed. RESULTS: Vulvo-vaginoplasty for trans women began in 1931, and the first case series date from 1969. The procedure includes excision of scrotal skin, orchiectomy, clitoroplasty, urethroplasty, labioplasty, recto-vesico-prostatic dissection and creation of a vaginal cavity (performed by penile skin inversion and graft, intestine, or peritoneum). Vulvo-vaginoplasty by penile skin inversion (VPPI) is today the reference surgical technique. It represents the vast majority of surgeries performed with the longest follow-up. The majority of trans women are satisfied with the procedure aesthetically (90%) and functionally (80%), with an active sexuality. Major complications are rare (< 5%), they correspond to fistulas or vaginal stenosis. CONCLUSION: VPPI is the gold standard technique with satisfactory overall results, but long-term follow-up is requested.

[Complications in urological surgery: Monitoring and classification]. / Les complications en chirurgie urologique. Recueil et classification.

The objective of this article was to discuss the statistics of surgical complications in urology and the methods of collection and classification. In the absence of a comprehensive national registry of complications, we used statistics from insurance companies as indicators. They are limited by the exclusion of complications that did not result in a claim. Overall, urology is less exposed to claims than other surgical specialties. It comes far behind orthopedic surgery, gynecology-obstetrics and visceral surgery. The new techniques in urological surgery and in particular the rise of robotic surgery do not seem to have modified the number of claims handled by medical insurance companies. It is unfortunate that complications in urological surgery are not collected, reported, and discussed in order to develop prevention, treatment, and strategies for educational purposes. The lack of an established definition and classification of surgical complications, as well as methodological differences in the collection of related information, has hampered the evaluation of their public health and health economics impact. Awareness of this problem is growing among learned societies and practitioners. Complication reporting should be organized on a national basis and should respect the following points: - definition of the collection process according to a validated system. For urology, the Martin table revised by the EAU working group would be adapted; - classification of complications according to a validated system such as Clavien-Dindo or CCI.

[Complications of radical nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy: What are they? How can they be anticipated and managed?] / Les complications de la néphrectomie totale et de la néphrectomie partielle : quelles sont-elles, comment les prévenir et les prendre en charge ?

INTRODUCTION: Surgical techniques of radical and partial nephrectomy have changed over the last 20years. Indications for partial nephrectomy have widened and mini-invasive surgery (laparoscopy and robotic assistance) has become widely used. However, both still have a significant morbidity. The objective of this article is to review complications of renal surgery and their predictive factors and to offer algorithms of management. METHODS: Recent literature regarding complications of radical and partial nephrectomy was queried using Pubmed engine search. The most relevant articles were analyzed and served as a basis for this work. RESULTS: The literature on complications of radical and partial nephrectomy has a low level of evidence. There are only retrospective series. The most frequent complications of radical nephrectomy occur during surgery in 5-10% of the cases: wound of the pedicle or of an adjacent organ. The management can often be conservative. Laparoscopy has a similar morbidity compare to the open approach but has greatly increased postoperative outcomes and comfort. Partial nephrectomy has a 20% complication rate. Many factors have an impact on the risk of complications (tumor size, inflammation of perirenal fat, access, surgeon experience, centre volume, comorbidities and age of the patient) and must be taken into consideration before advising partial nephrectomy. The two most feared complications of partial nephrectomy are bleeding (per- or postoperative, 10% of the cases) and urinary fistula (<5% of the cases). Robotic assistance is associated with a lower morbidity in many publications. CONCLUSION: Complications after partial and radical nephrectomy are quite frequent but have decreased with the improvement of surgical techniques. French urologists should maintain their interest in novel technologies and simplification of perioperative pathway to further improve patients' outcomes.

[Complications in urological surgery. Prevention]. / Complications chirurgicales en urologie adulte. La prévention.

The objective of this article was to summarize the means and tools of prevention and safety of care to reduce non-random surgical complications in urology, related to the care environment and the patient. The prevention of complications is an essential strategy to be applied in a standardized way in urological surgery, as in the world of aeronautics, from which we can draw valuable lessons. This prevention is multifactorial and concerns interventions, systems and human factors. The essential points listed below must be traceable: the quality of the assessment of the patient and his co-morbidities. This is a multidisciplinary task; the relevance of the surgical indication, which must take into account the state of the art at the time it is given; the expertise of the urologist and his continuing education; the relevance of the surgical indication, which must take into account the state of the art at the time it is given; the quality of the information provided to the patient and his family, and to the medical and paramedical team involved in the patient's care; the quality of the professional environment and equipment; compliance with recommended safety rules (e.g. checklist, identity check). All these points are not isolated but interdependent. They must be recorded in the patient's file, the quality and completeness of which is essential to the patient's follow-up, to the prevention and management of complications and to the understanding, if necessary, of the truth of the medical facts.

[Complications in urological surgery: Bladder surgery]. / Les complications chirurgicales en urologie adulte : chirurgie de la vessie.

CONTEXT-OBJECTIVE: The management of bladder tumors is based on two major interventions, the risks of complications of which can be significant. The objective of this work is to provide an update on the complications related to bladder surgery, to detail the preventive measures and management strategies in practice. METHODS: Bibliographic search using Medline bibliographic database (Pubmed) using the following keywords: transurethral resection of the bladder, cystectomy, neobladder, Bricker, complications, anastomotic strictures. RESULTS: Trans-urethral resection of the bladder (TURB) essentially exposes to the risk of hemorrhage (2 to 4%) and bladder perforation (1 to 3%). Total cystectomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, despite recent technical advances. The most frequent early complications are ileus (23 to 30%) and infectious complications (29 to 38%). Late complications included by functional complications (urinary and sexual), anastomotic strictures (7 to 12%), metabolic complications of continent derivation (25 to 46%) and stomial complications in case of non-continent derivation. The management of complications is well codified. It is however essential to anticipate and put in place preventive measures, especially for infectious and thromboembolic complications, including an exhaustive pre-operative assessment, prehabilitation of the patient and enhanced recovery after surgery. CONCLUSION: Preventing, analyzing and understanding complications in bladder surgery is essential to reduce mortality and morbidity.

[Complications in urological surgery: Prostate surgery]. / Les complications chirurgicales en urologie adulte : chirurgie de la prostate.

Prostate surgery mainly addresses the treatment of the two most common pathologies of the prostate: benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), symptomatic or complicated, and prostate cancer (PCa). The objective of this manuscript was to present after review of the literature the main intraoperative and postoperative surgical complications associated with radical prostatectomy and surgery of the BPH whatever the surgical approach. The incidence and type of these complications may vary depending on the patient's comorbidities and the type of surgery. Regarding radical prostatectomy, the main complications are hemorrhagic, digestive and urinary. During or after surgery of BPH, hemorrhagic and urinary complications dominate. The management of these complications relies on general principles based on a low level of evidence, but usually associate a structured diagnostic pathway and an appropriate treatment decision.

[Complications in endourology: Ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy]. / Complications en endo-urologie : urétéroscopie et néphrolithotomie percutanée.

If surgical treatment of urinary stones is indicated, the urologist has now different modalities depending on each situation. This includes extracorporeal lithotripsy, ureteroscopy (rigid and flexible), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Ureteroscopy is also performed for diagnostic purposes, and for the treatment of upper urinary tract tumors. Indications, as well as the steps of each of these techniques will not be discussed in this review. Only intra- and postoperative complications of ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy will be reviewed, including diagnostic, management, and preventive measures.

[Surgical complications in adult urology: Pelvic and perineal surgery]. / Les complications chirurgicales en urologie adulte : chirurgie du pelvis et du périnée.

Pelvic and perineal surgeries and in particular those for stress urinary incontinence and prolapse are functional surgeries, which require careful selection of patients and assessment of discomfort to expect satisfactory surgical results and reduce failure rates and of complications. Before offering pelvic and perineal surgery, the risk of potential complications should be carefully assessed and discussed with patients. Recent attention to the potential complications prosthetic mesh has raised awareness in the urological community to report complications. This chapter will focus on the complications of surgeries used for stress urinary incontinence (synthetic retropubic or transobturator suburethral slings, colposuspension, pubovaginal slings, artificial urinary sphincter, adjustable periurethral balloons and periurethral injections of bulking agents) and sacrocolpopexies. The epidemiology of complications, the minimum assessment to be carried out, treatment and prevention will be discussed.

[Surgical complications in adult urology: Surgery of the external genitalia]. / Les complications chirurgicales en urologie adulte : chirurgie des organes génitaux externes.

AIM: Define and present the complications of surgery of the external genitalia (EG), as well as their management. METHOD: Bibliographic search using the Medline (NLM Pubmed tool) and Embase bibliographic databases using the following keywords: scrotal surgery, orchidopexy, hydrocele, varicocele, testicular biopsy, vasectomy, cryptorchidism, orchiectomy, testicular implant, subcapsular orchiectomy, spermatic cord cyst, posthectomy, penis curvature surgery, penile implant, urethral strictures. RESULTS: EG surgery is common in urology, it includes scrotal surgeries and penile surgeries, which are performed openly. They expose to complications such as bleeding, infection, scar disunity requiring early reassessment especially in case of ambulatory procedure. Rare complications must be known, some of which must lead to expert management. CONCLUSION: Complications of surgical treatment of EG should be identified and managed. This report should allow a better understanding and management of these complications.

[Complications in urological surgery. The urologist as a player in risk management]. / Les complications en chirurgie urologique. L'urologue acteur de la gestion des risques.

The first part of this article deals with accreditation of the quality of the professional practice of urologists and medical teams working in public or private health care institutions. This is a voluntary national risk management process based on the reporting and analysis of medical risk events and the development and implementation of recommendations. The fundamental objective of the system is to reduce the frequency and severity of adverse events associated with care for the patient. The second part aims to describe the mechanisms and management of surgical complications. The perception of complications by the urologist is discussed, as it may be distorted by cognitive biases leading to inappropriate actions. Two important points were also emphasized: communication with the patient following an injury, therapeutic hazard or complication following an error, and proper maintenance of the medical record. A joint effort to cultivate a culture of safety and quality in urological surgical practice should be encouraged. Collective actions by urologists in the future should help to maintain a proactive attitude: - generalization of quality accreditation of urologic physicians' professional practice; - national registry: which has demonstrated its advantages in the world of aeronautics; - creation of a specific module "Management of complications in urology" in teaching (ECU) and continuing education (SUC, website); - creation of an AFU "Complications" Committee; - management of social networks.

[Congenital penile curvature: Guidelines from the Andrology and Sexual Medicine Committee of the French Association of Urology (CAMS-AFU)]. / Courbures congénitales du pénis : recommandations du Comité d'andrologie et de médecine sexuelle de l'Association française d'urologie.

INTRODUCTION: Guidelines regarding congenital penile curvature (CPC) are lacking, and this pathology has not been the subject of French recommendations to date. The Andrology and Sexual Medicine Committee (CAMS) of the French Association of Urology (AFU) propose a series of clinical practice recommendations (CPR) by answering five clinical questions concerning the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After a bibliographic research between 2000 and 2021, followed by a critical reading according to the CRP method. These recommendations were written to answer five questions: (1) What are the different types of CPC? (2) What are the reasons for consultation? (3) What are the assessment methods for CPCs and their consequences? (4) What are the indications for CPCs treatment? (5) What are the corrective modalities for the treatment of CPC? RESULTS: There are two main phenotypes: CPC type 4 (the most common) and chordee without hypospadias. The diagnosis of CPC is clinical and established through enquiry and clinical examination associated with photos of the erect penis. Support can be offered if the curvature is responsible for a disability and/or sexual dissatisfaction linked to a deformation making penetration difficult and/or in the event of significant psychological impact. Only surgical treatments have demonstrated their effectiveness. For type 4 CPCs, corporoplasty (excisional, incisional, or incisionless techniques) is the gold standard. CONCLUSION: These recommendations provide support for the management of patients consulting with CPC.

[Safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with neurogenic bladder]. / Néphrolithotomie percutanée chez les patients neurologiques : efficacité et morbidité à long terme.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the efficacy and morbidity of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNLT) in the treatment of renal stones in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). METHODS: Retrospective, monocentric study including all patients with NLUTD who had undergone PNLT between 2005 and 2017. Pre-operative clinical data (neurological condition, voiding mode, preoperative urine culture…), peri-operative and post-operative data (success and morbidity) were collected from the patients' charts. Success was defined by the absence of residual fragment (RF), on imaging or intraoperative endoscopy. Partial efficacy was defined by the presence of RF lower than 4mm. Early complications were reported according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: In all, 53 PNLTs were performed, in 35 patients, mostly with spinal cord injury. The success and partial efficacy rates were 66.0% and 71.7% respectively. The failure rate was correlated with increased stone burden (P=0.03), increased size of the largest stone (P=0.02), and the presence of complex stones (P<0.02). The rate of early complications was 41.5%, with 27.3% major, mostly septic, and bleeding. The retreatment rate within 3 years was 41.5%. CONCLUSION: In patients with NLUTD, PNLT allows a high success rate, but with a significant rate of retreatment and infectious complications. However, NLPC remains the gold standard in this population, especially for renal stones larger 20mm, allowing a higher success rate than ureteroscopy and a lower retreatment rate.

Koyanagi urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias: A stage procedure?

OBJECTIVE: To report experience and technical refinements with the Koyanagi urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted between 2004 and 2017. Medical records of patients treated by the Koyanagi technique were investigated. The penile ventral skin was closed either with a Byars flap or using an "Ombredanne's chasuble" (OC). The cohort was divided chronologically into two groups of the same number of patients (early -E- and late experience group-LEG-). Demographics, anatomical findings and surgical outcomes were compared between groups using univariate analysis. A logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with the occurrence of a postoperative urethrocutaneous fistula or urethroplasty dehiscence (UD). RESULTS: The Koyanagi urethroplasty was performed in 67 patients, 33 in the EEG and 34 in the LEG. The overall surgical complication rate was 64.2% (n=43), including 42 fistula or UD, higher in the EEG (81.8%) than in the LEG (44.1%, P<0.01). However, in the LEG, patients underwent the surgery older and the use of OC more frequent. After multivariate analyses, factors associated with a postoperative fistula or UD were the year of surgery (OR=0.71 [0.53-0.96] P=0.02), the age at surgery (OR=1.11 [1.01-1.22], P=0.03); contrary to the skin coverage method or the stenting duration (P>0.05). An urethral stenosis occurred in 1 patient (1.5%). At last follow-up, 64.2% of patients required a further procedure and 80.6% of urethral meatus were glandular. CONCLUSION: In this study the complication rate, particularly the urethrocutaneous fistula, remained high. Urethral stenosis, were rare but the follow-up was too short to clearly identified them. Considering as a 2 stage procedure koyanagi uretroplasty allows to obtain finally good results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Repeated detrusor injection of botulinum toxin A for neurogenic bladder in children: A long term option?

AIMS: Evaluation of repeated (at least 4) intra-detrusor injections of toxin botulinum A (IDI-TBA) for neurogenic bladder in a pediatric cohort. METHODS: Patients who underwent at least 4 IDI-TBA between 2005 and 2017 for neurogenic bladder related issues were included (detrusor overactivity and low compliance). Clinical and cystometric data were collected before and after the first injection and after the last injection. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with non-abnormal cystometry (no detrusor overactivity and normal compliance). Secondary outcomes were the evolution of the observed bladder capacity/expected ratio, surgical complications and acquired kidney impairment. RESULTS: From the 832 patients referred to our institution for neurogenic bladder, 48 underwent IDI-TBA, and 17 at least 4 injections. Among them, a total of 95 procedures were performed (median per patient 5 [4-8]). While the first injection had a significant effect for 82.3% patients, the last injection improved the medical condition for only 53.0% cases. The bladder capacity ratio, initially 36.1%, increased to 80.3% after the first injection but decreased to a level of 57.1% at last. After a median follow-up of 57 [34-102] months, no severe complications were reported but 11.8% of patients presented with repeated pyelonephritis. A bladder augmentation surgery was finally indicated for 35.3% cases. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a low complication rate and impressive cystometric results after the first injection, IDI-TBA efficacy decreased with time and repetition. These findings prone a long-term follow-up and a "à-la-carte" management of this specific population depending on the long-term response to IDI-TBA.

[Which management for anterior urethral stricture in male? 2021 guidelines from the uro-genital reconstruction urologist group (GURU) under the aegis of CAMS-AFU (Committee of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the French Association of Urology)]. / Quelle prise en charge pour les sténoses de l'urètre antérieur chez l'homme ? Recommandations 2021 du Groupe d'urologue de reconstruction uro-génitale (GURU) sous l'égide du CAMS-AFU (Comité d'andrologie et de médecine sexuelle de l'association française d'urologie).

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this first french guideline is to provide a clinical framework for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of anterior urethral strictures. The statements are established by the subgroup working on uro-genital reconstruction surgery (GURU) from the CAMS-AFU (Andrology and Sexual Medicine Committee from the French Association of Urology). MATERIAL AND METHODS: These guidelines are adapted from the Male Urethral Stricture : American Urological Association Guideline 2016, updated by an additional bibliography from January 2016 to December 2019. Twenty-seven main scenarios seen in clinical practice are identified: from diagnosis, to treatment and follow-up. In addition, this guidelines are powered by anatomical diagrams, treatment algorithms, summaries and follow-up tables. RESULTS: Anterior urethral strictures are a common condition (0,1 à 1,4 %) in men. The diagnosis is based on a trifecta including an examination with patient reported questionnaires, urethroscopy and retrograde urethrography with voiding cystourethrography. Short meatal stenosis can be treated by dilation or meatotomy, otherwise a urethroplasty can be performed. First line treatment of penile strictures is urethroplasty. Short bulbar strictures (<2cm) may benefit from endourethral treatment (direct visual internal urethrotomy or dilation). In case of recurrence or when the stenosis measures more than 2 cm, a urethroplasty will be proposed. Repeated endourethral treatment management are no longer recommended except in case of palliative option. Urethroplasty is usually done with oral mucosa graft as the primary option, in one or two stages approach depending on the extent of the stenosis and the quality of the tissues. Excision and primary anastomosis or non-transecting techniques are discussed for bulbar urethra strictures. Follow-up by clinical monitoring with urethroscopy, or retrograde urethrography with voiding cystourethrography, is performed at least the first year and then on demand according to symptoms. CONCLUSION: Anterior urethral strictures need an open surgical approach and should be treated by urethroplasty in most cases. This statement requires a major paradigm shift in practices. Training urologist through reconstructive surgery is the next challenge in order to meet the demand.

[French Urological Association (AFU) guidelines for Peyronie's disease assessment and treatment]. / Recommandations pour l'évaluation et la prise en charge de la maladie de Lapeyronie : rapport du comité d'andrologie et de médecine sexuelle de l'AFU.

INTRODUCTION: Peyronie's disease is a common cause for consultation in urology. Many controversies surround its treatment. No French Guidelines have been published so far. The Committee of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the French Association of Urology therefore offers a series of evidence-based recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: These recommendations are made according to the ADAPTE method, based on European (EAU, ESSM), American (AUA, ISSM) and Canadian (CAU) recommendations, integrating French specificities due to the availability of treatments, and an update of the recent bibliography. RESULTS: The assessment of the disease is clinical. Patients with functional impairment or significant psychological repercussions may be offered treatment. The benefits and drawbacks of each treatment should be explained to the patient. Regarding non-surgical treatments, no available treatment has market authorization in France. Vitamin E is not recommended. Analgesic (oral or low-intensity shock waves) or proerectile treatments may be offered as needed, as well as traction therapy. Due to the unavailability of collagenase injections, verapamil injections may be offered. Surgical treatments are to be considered in the stabilized phase of the disease, and consist of performing a plication, an incision-graft or the placement of a penile implant according to the patient's wishes, the curvature and the penis size, as well as erectile function. Combination treatments can be offered. CONCLUSION: The management of Peyronie's disease is complex, and the levels of evidence for treatments are generally low. The success of treatment will depend on the quality of the initial assessment, the patient's information and understanding of the expected effects, and the practitioner's experience.

[Recommendations of the Committee of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the AFU concerning the management of andrological and sexual medicine pathologies during the COVID-19 crisis]. / Recommandations du Comité d'andrologie et de médecine sexuelle de l'AFU concernant la prise en charge andrologique et en médecine sexuelle en contexte et en sortie de crise sanitaire liée au COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To assist urologists in the management of andrological and sexual medicine pathologies during the COVID-19 crisis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Use of the formalized consensus method. RESULTS: The medical and surgical management of patients in andrology and sexual medicine must be adapted. Consultations should, as far as possible, be carried out by tele-consultation. For operative procedures, the delay between the operative decision and the date of (re)scheduling of the procedure will depend on: (1) the level of criticality of the clinical situation; (2) the type of intervention; (3) the functional and psychological repercussions, including quality of life while waiting for the procedure; (4) the notion of losing the chance of having an optimal outcome; (5) the risk of potential complications from delaying a procedure for too long; and (6) taking into account the patient's risk factors for severe forms of COVID-19. The protection of urologists from COVID-19 should be considered. Each urologist must make the best decision for the patient, taking into account the acceptable time frame and quality of life impact before surgical management, the COVID risk parameters, the technical and anesthetic feasibility and the structural possibility of the health care institution to ensure a specific dedicated pathway during the COVID-19 health crisis. CONCLUSION: The management of andrological and sexual medicine pathologies must be adapted to the COVID-19 crisis context. Some patients may require surgery, including in emergency. These recommendations are transitional and will end with the COVID-19 crisis.

[Recommendations of the Committee of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the AFU concerning the management of Varicocele]. / Recommandations du Comité d'Andrologie et de Médecine Sexuelle de l'AFU concernant la prise en charge de la Varicocèle.

The diagnosis of varicocele is clinical, carried out in supine and standing position and in Valsalva maneuver. Only clinical varicoceles have to be treated. A scrotal ultrasound with Doppler is generally performed as part of the infertile man's evaluation or in case of examination difficulties. The main indication for varicocele treatment is the adult man with clinical varicocele and abnormalities of sperm parameters, in a context of infertility of couple, with a partner having a satisfactory ovarian reserve and no cause of female infertility or a curable infertility cause. The decision to treat varicocele must therefore be taken after evaluation of the two partners of the couple. Adults with symptomatic varicocele and those with spermogram abnormalities may also be offered a cure for their varicocele even in the absence of a paternity plan, as well as adolescents with reduced testicular growth, an ipsilateral decrease testicular volume, or a size gradient between the 2 testes. The cure of varicocele can be carried out by surgery or by percutaneous embolization. Microsurgery (inguinal or subinguinal) offers lower rates of recurrence and complications than high surgical approaches (laparoscopic or not) and surgeries without magnification. It is therefore the reference surgical technique. Percutaneous retrograde embolization is a minimally invasive alternative to microsurgery offering satisfactory outcomes with rare and often benign complications. The cure for varicocele results in an improvement in sperm parameters and recent data seem to confirm that it increases the natural pregnancy rate. These results appear after a delay of 3 to 9 months (at least 1 to 2 cycles of spermatogenesis). When the sperm involvement was severe (azoospermia, severe oligospermia), the improvement of the spermogram allow (1) to avoid surgery testicular sperm extraction or (2) perform intrauterine insemination rather than ICSI.