Global Practice Patterns in the Evaluation of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey and Expert Recommendations.

PURPOSE: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the persistent absence of sperm in ejaculate without obstruction, stemming from diverse disease processes. This survey explores global practices in NOA diagnosis, comparing them with guidelines and offering expert recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 56-item questionnaire survey on NOA diagnosis and management was conducted globally from July to September 2022. This paper focuses on part 1, evaluating NOA diagnosis. Data from 367 participants across 49 countries were analyzed descriptively, with a Delphi process used for expert recommendations. RESULTS: Of 336 eligible responses, most participants were experienced attending physicians (70.93%). To diagnose azoospermia definitively, 81.7% requested two semen samples. Commonly ordered hormone tests included serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (97.0%), total testosterone (92.9%), and luteinizing hormone (86.9%). Genetic testing was requested by 66.6%, with karyotype analysis (86.2%) and Y chromosome microdeletions (88.3%) prevalent. Diagnostic testicular biopsy, distinguishing obstructive azoospermia (OA) from NOA, was not performed by 45.1%, while 34.6% did it selectively. Differentiation relied on physical examination (76.1%), serum hormone profiles (69.6%), and semen tests (68.1%). Expectations of finding sperm surgically were higher in men with normal FSH, larger testes, and a history of sperm in ejaculate. CONCLUSIONS: This expert survey, encompassing 367 participants from 49 countries, unveils congruence with recommended guidelines in NOA diagnosis. However, noteworthy disparities in practices suggest a need for evidence-based, international consensus guidelines to standardize NOA evaluation, addressing existing gaps in professional recommendations.

Global Practice Patterns and Variations in the Medical and Surgical Management of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey, Guidelines and Expert Recommendations.

PURPOSE: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common, but complex problem, with multiple therapeutic options and a lack of clear guidelines. Hence, there is considerable controversy and marked variation in the management of NOA. This survey evaluates contemporary global practices related to medical and surgical management for patients with NOA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 56-question online survey covering various aspects of the evaluation and management of NOA was sent to specialists around the globe. This paper analyzes the results of the second half of the survey dealing with the management of NOA. Results have been compared to current guidelines, and expert recommendations have been provided using a Delphi process. RESULTS: Participants from 49 countries submitted 336 valid responses. Hormonal therapy for 3 to 6 months was suggested before surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) by 29.6% and 23.6% of participants for normogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism respectively. The SSR rate was reported as 50.0% by 26.0% to 50.0% of participants. Interestingly, 46.0% reported successful SSR in <10% of men with Klinefelter syndrome and 41.3% routinely recommended preimplantation genetic testing. Varicocele repair prior to SSR is recommended by 57.7%. Half of the respondents (57.4%) reported using ultrasound to identify the most vascularized areas in the testis for SSR. One-third proceed directly to microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in every case of NOA while others use a staged approach. After a failed conventional TESE, 23.8% wait for 3 months, while 33.1% wait for 6 months before proceeding to mTESE. The cut-off of follicle-stimulating hormone for positive SSR was reported to be 12-19 IU/mL by 22.5% of participants and 20-40 IU/mL by 27.8%, while 31.8% reported no upper limit. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest survey to date on the real-world medical and surgical management of NOA by reproductive experts. It demonstrates a diverse practice pattern and highlights the need for evidence-based international consensus guidelines.

Management of Male Infertility with Coexisting Sexual Dysfunction: A Consensus Statement and Clinical Recommendations from the Asia-Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine (APSSM) and the Asian Society of Men's Health and Aging (ASMHA).

Male infertility (MI) and male sexual dysfunction (MSD) can often coexist together due to various interplay factors such as psychosexual, sociocultural and relationship dynamics. The presence of each form of MSD can adversely impact male reproduction and treatment strategies will need to be individualized based on patients' factors, local expertise, and geographical socioeconomic status. The Asia Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine (APSSM) and the Asian Society of Men's Health and Aging (ASMHA) aim to provide a consensus statement and practical set of clinical recommendations based on current evidence to guide clinicians in the management of MI and MSD within the Asia-Pacific (AP) region. A comprehensive, narrative review of the literature was performed to identify the various forms of MSD and their association with MI. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for the following English language articles under the following terms: "low libido", "erectile dysfunction", "ejaculatory dysfunction", "premature ejaculation", "retrograde ejaculation", "delayed ejaculation", "anejaculation", and "orgasmic dysfunction" between January 2001 to June 2022 with emphasis on published guidelines endorsed by various organizations. This APSSM consensus committee panel evaluated and provided evidence-based recommendations on MI and clinically relevant MSD areas using a modified Delphi method by the panel and specific emphasis on locoregional socio-economic-cultural issues relevant to the AP region. While variations exist in treatment strategies for managing MI and MSD due to geographical expertise, locoregional resources, and sociocultural factors, the panel agreed that comprehensive fertility evaluation with a multidisciplinary management approach to each MSD domain is recommended. It is important to address individual MI issues with an emphasis on improving spermatogenesis and facilitating reproductive avenues while at the same time, managing various MSD conditions with evidence-based treatments. All therapeutic options should be discussed and implemented based on the patient's individual needs, beliefs and preferences while incorporating locoregional expertise and available resources.

Clinical recommendations on penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgery: a consensus statement from the Asia-Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine.

Introduction: Penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgery remains a highly specialized field where potential complications can be devastating, and unrealistic patient expectations can often be difficult to manage. Furthermore, surgical practice can vary depending on locoregional expertise and sociocultural factors. Methods: The Asia Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine (APSSM) panel of experts reviewed contemporary evidence regarding penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgery with an emphasis on key issues relevant to the Asia-Pacific (AP) region and developed a consensus statement and set of clinical practice recommendations on behalf of the APSSM. The Medline and EMBASE databases were searched using the following terms: "penile prosthesis implant," "Peyronie's disease," "penile lengthening," "penile augmentation," "penile enlargement," "buried penis," "penile disorders," "penile trauma," "transgender," and "penile reconstruction" between January 2001 and June 2022. A modified Delphi method was undertaken, and the panel evaluated, agreed, and provided consensus statements on clinically relevant penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgery, namely (1) penile prosthesis implantation, (2) Peyronie's disease, (3) penile trauma, (4) gender-affirming (phalloplasty) surgery, and (5) penile esthetic (length and/or girth enlargement) surgery. Main outcome measures: Outcomes were specific statements and clinical recommendations according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and if clinical evidence is lacking, a consensus agreement is adopted. The panel provided statements on clinical aspects of surgical management in penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgery. Results: There is a variation in surgical algorithms in patients based on sociocultural characteristics and the availability of local resources. Performing preoperative counseling and obtaining adequate informed consent are paramount and should be conducted to discuss various treatment options, including the pros and cons of each surgical intervention. Patients should be provided with information regarding potential complications related to surgery, and strict adherence to safe surgical principles, preoperative optimization of medical comorbidities and stringent postoperative care are important to improve patient satisfaction rates. For complex patients, surgical intervention should ideally be referred and performed by expert high-volume surgeons to maximize clinical outcomes. Clinical implications: Due to the uneven distribution of surgical access and expertise across the AP region, development of relevant comprehensive surgical protocols and regular training programs is desirable. Strengths and Limitations: This consensus statement covers comprehensive penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgery topics and is endorsed by the APSSM. The variations in surgical algorithms and lack of sufficient high-level evidence in these areas could be stated as a limitation. Conclusion: This APSSM consensus statement provides clinical recommendations on the surgical management of various penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgeries. The APSSM advocates for surgeons in AP to individualize surgical options based on patient condition(s) and needs, surgeon expertise, and local resources.

Simultaneous transurethral bipolar enucleation of the prostate, supine ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy and open cystolithotomy: A feasible and safe approach.

Management of the coexisting hard renal pelvic stone, large urinary bladder stone and benign prostatic hyperplasia is not common which can be difficult. Here we reported a case of a 70-year-old Asian male who presented with 1.5cm renal pelvic stone, 5cm large bladder stone and 96 cc benign enlarged prostate, which were managed by simultaneous transurethral bipolar enucleation of the prostate (BipoLEP), supine ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and open cystolithotomy. Simultaneous transurethral BipoLEP, supine ultrasound-guided PCNL and open cystolithotomy are feasible and safe, with the advantage of minimizing the patient's operation and anesthesia time.

Magnetic resonance cholangiogram patterns and clinical profiles of ketamine-related cholangiopathy in drug users.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Recreational ketamine use has emerged as an important health and social issue worldwide. Although ketamine is associated with biliary tract damage, the clinical and radiological profiles of ketamine-related cholangiopathy have not been well described. METHODS: Chinese individuals who had used ketamine recreationally at least twice per month for six months in the previous two years via a territory-wide community network of charitable organizations tackling substance abuse were recruited. Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) was performed, and the findings were interpreted independently by two radiologists, with the findings analysed in association with clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Among the 343 ketamine users referred, 257 (74.9%) were recruited. The mean age and ketamine exposure duration were 28.7 (±5.8) and 10.5 (±3.7) years, respectively. A total of 159 (61.9%) had biliary tract anomalies on MRC, categorized as diffuse extrahepatic dilatation (n = 73), fusiform extrahepatic dilatation (n = 64), and intrahepatic ductal changes (n = 22) with no extrahepatic involvement. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level (odds ratio [OR] 1.007; 95% CI 1.002-1.102), lack of concomitant recreational drug use (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.11-3.58), and prior emergency attendance for urinary symptoms (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.03-3.70) had high predictive values for biliary anomalies on MRC. Among sole ketamine users, ALP level had an AUC of 0.800 in predicting biliary anomalies, with an optimal level of ≥113 U/L having a positive predictive value of 85.4%. Cholangiographic anomalies were reversible after ketamine abstinence, whereas decompensated cirrhosis and death were possible after prolonged exposure. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified distinctive MRC patterns in a large cohort of ketamine users. ALP level and lack of concomitant drug use predicted biliary anomalies, which were reversible after abstinence. The study findings may aid public health efforts in combating the growing epidemic of ketamine abuse. LAY SUMMARY: Recreational inhalation of ketamine is currently an important substance abuse issue worldwide, and can result in anomalies of the biliary system as demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging. Although prolonged exposure may lead to further clinical deterioration, such biliary system anomalies might be reversible after ketamine abstinence. Clinical trial number: NCT02165488.

Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Global GreenLight Laser Study: Outcomes from a contemporary series of 713 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome in patients undergoing photoselective vaporization of the prostate for benign prostatic obstruction as part of the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Global GreenLight Laser Study. METHODS: Data were collected on 713 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction undergoing photoselective vaporization of the prostate at 25 centers worldwide, between April 2010 and April 2012. Three types of GreenLight laser powers were used: 80 W, 120 W or 180 W. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Outcome parameters measured at baseline, 6-12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months were: uroflow measurements, International Prostate Symptom Score; prostate-specific antigen and International Index of Erectile Function. RESULTS: Operating time was shortest with the 180-W laser at 53.8 min. Intraoperatively, bleeding occurred in 3.1% of patients. Statistically significant changes were reported in maximum flow rate, postvoid residual urine, International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score and prostate-specific antigen (P < 0.01) at each time-point assessed for the 80- and 120-W lasers as well as for the 180-W laser, with the exception of prostate-specific antigen at 6 months and 12 months. There were 14 Clavien-Dindo grade III-A complications and two grade III-B. The incontinence rate at 12 months was 6.3%, 4.5%, and 2.6% for the 80, 120 and 180 W lasers, respectively. The overall blood transfusion rate was 0.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Objective and subjective improvement after GreenLight laser treatment worldwide was significant at 1-year follow up. Morbidity and complications were low. Although not a randomized control study, the data can provide an indication of the outcome of the different GreenLight laser powers.

Pneumovesicum approach to en-bloc laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision for upper tract urothelial cancer: midterm oncological results.

INTRODUCTION: We reported the pneumovesicum (PV) approach to lower ureter and bladder cuff excision and closure. We believe that this approach bears the closest resemblance to the laparoscopic skill set of intravesical dissection and suturing. Herein, we report the midterm oncological results of the approach's use in a series of patients with upper tract urothelial cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2004 to May 2010, 10 patients with upper tract urothelial cancer who underwent PV-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) were reviewed. Laparoscopic ports were inserted into the bladder via a suprapubic route, and carbon dioxide PV was induced. Laparoscopic dissection of the lower ureter and excision of the bladder cuff were then performed. The bladder defect was securely closed using laparoscopic suturing, and standard LNU followed. RESULTS: Nine men and one woman with a mean age of 71.6 years (47-82) underwent the procedure. Six of the patients had renal pelvic tumor, two had upper ureter tumor, one had midureter tumor, and one had synchronous renal pelvis and upper ureter tumor. In terms of final pathology, there were three, two, and five patients with T1, T2, and T3 diseases, respectively. All of the patients had grade 2 (G2) disease, except for two with grade 3 (G3) disease. Over a median follow-up of 46 months (22-67 months), four patients developed superficial bladder tumor recurrence. The bladder and systemic recurrence rates were 40% and 10%, respectively. There was no port site recurrence. CONCLUSION: Based on our midterm follow-up information, it can be concluded that the PV approach to en-bloc bladder cuff excision and LNU for upper tract urothelial cancer provides intermediate oncological results comparable to those of other approaches to en-bloc excision of the bladder cuff.

Pneumovesicum method in en-Bloc laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff resection for upper-tract urothelial cancer.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A novel technique for managing the distal ureter and bladder cuff during laparoscopic nephroureterectomy is introduced. TECHNIQUE: The procedure consists of three steps: (1) cystoscopy and PediPort (Tyco) insertion; (2) establishment of pneumovesicum and intramural ureter mobilization; and (3) laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. The use of PediPorts, a 5-mm lens, and Ski needles greatly facilitates the pneumovesicum. The ureteral orifice is closed, and the intramural ureter is dissected out with the patient in the lithotomy position. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy is then accomplished with the patient in the lateral position. RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful, and the pathology examination showed clear margins. CONCLUSION: Pneumovesicum is a minimally invasive approach that provides an excellent endoscopic view. It is an oncologically sound method, as the ureteral orifice is closed early, and the chance of cancer-cell spillage is minimized by the use of gas instead of liquid in the bladder. Moreover, the procedure is not technically demanding.