Seminal human papillomavirus infection: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections that can lead to malignant pathologies as well as fertility problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV infection in males, its impact on semen parameters, and reproductive consequences. We also evaluated potential measures that could prevent negative outcomes of HPV infection in males. METHODS: A systematic literature search using PubMed/Medline and Embase databases was performed to search for English articles published until July 2023. We explored three different aspects: (1) prevalence of HPV semen infection and its impact on seminal parameters; (2) the relationship between HPV semen infection and infertility risk and reproductive outcomes; and (3) potential measures that could prevent the negative outcomes related to HPV seminal infection. The identified studies were first screened and assessed independently by one author, and then validated by two additional authors. Data were extracted from 19 studies. RESULTS: The prevalence of seminal HPV infection was higher among infertile males. In addition to controversies about the real interference of seminal HPV infection on sperm parameters, a growing number of studies have demonstrated a correlation between unexplained infertility and seminal HPV infection. Semen HPV infection is also associated with lower rates of pregnancy and higher rates of miscarriage. Prevention measures such as HPV vaccination seem promising. CONCLUSION: Further studies are required to confirm not only the association between HPV infection and reproductive outcomes but also the benefit of preventive measures.

Training of European urology residents in laparoscopy: results of a pan-European survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the participation of European urology residents in urological laparoscopy, their training patterns and facilities available in European Urology Departments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey, consisting of 23 questions concerning laparoscopic training, was published online as well as distributed on paper, during the Annual European Association of Urology Congress in 2012. Exposure to laparoscopic procedures, acquired laparoscopic experience, training patterns, training facilities and motivation were evaluated. Data was analysed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: In all, 219 European urology residents answered the survey. Conventional laparoscopy was available in 74% of the respondents' departments, while robotic surgery was available in 17% of the departments. Of the respondents, 27% were first surgeons and 43% were assistants in conventional laparoscopic procedures. Only 23% of the residents rated their laparoscopic experience as at least 'satisfactory'; 32% of the residents did not attend any course or fellowship on laparoscopy. Dry laboratory was the most frequent setting for training (33%), although 42% of the respondents did not have access to any type of laparoscopic laboratory. The motivation to perform laparoscopy was rated as 'high' or 'very high' by 77% of the respondents, and 81% considered a post-residency fellowship in laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Urological laparoscopy is available in most European training institutions, with residents playing an active role in the procedure. However, most of them consider their laparoscopic experience to be poor. Moreover, the availability of training facilities and participation in laparoscopy courses and fellowships are low and should be encouraged.

Tumor de ureter diagnosticado por biópsia transrectal ecoguiada / Ureteric tumor diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy

The transrectal route is currently the preferred one for the performance of prostatic and seminal vesicles biopsies, and its safety and good tolerance are well proved. Transrectal ultrasound, further to be commonly used to guide these biopsies, enables this route to be used for the biopsy of other pelvic organs or masses. However, this has been used only rarely for other organs than prostate or seminal vesicles. We reported a case where a transrectal biopsy was used to diagnose a suspected ureteral metastasis from a rectal adenocarcinoma. The anatomo-pathological study showed that the mass was an urothelial carcinoma of the ureter