Single-Port Robotic Posterior Urethroplasty Using Buccal Mucosa Grafts: Technique and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique, feasibility and short-term outcomes of buccal mucosa grafts in robotic lower urinary tract reconstruction. METHODS: We reviewed 9 patients who underwent single-port robotic posterior urethroplasty with buccal mucosa graft from May-December 2019. Variables included patient demographics, diagnosis/etiology, and intraoperative parameters. Intraabdominal or extraperitoneal transvesical approaches are used for the stricture via supraumbilical access, and if necessary, perineal dissection is performed. Cystoscopy identifies the extent of stenosis. Anastomosis is completed with buccal mucosal graft and rectus abdominis, omental or gracilis flaps as needed. RESULTS: The mean age was 65.4 years. Robotic urethroplasty with buccal mucosa graft was performed for vesicourethral anastomotic strictures (n = 7), urethral strictures (n = 4), pubic fistula after robotic posterior urethroplasty (n = 1), and anastomotic distraction (n = 1). Strictures occurred after prostate cancer treatments (n = 8) and trauma (n = 1). All patients had prior failed endoscopic interventions: balloon dilatation, resection/incision of bladder neck, internal urethrotomy under direct vision, urethral stents, and posterior urethroplasty. Mean defect length was 3.9 cm. Five of 9 patients had ancillary procedures including rectus abdominis (n = 3), omental or gracilis (both n = 1) flap harvests. No intraoperative complications occurred. Median operative time was 377 minutes, blood loss was 200 mL, and length of stay was 2 days. Postoperative 30-day complications included urinary tract infection, epididymitis, anemia, recurrent stricture, and small bowel obstruction requiring surgery (all n = 1). Median follow-up was 11.7 months. CONCLUSION: Buccal mucosa grafts with ancillary maneuvers such as flap interposition or adjacent tissue transfer in robotic lower tract reconstruction is durable, safe, and comparable to open approaches.

Mechanical and Ablative Minimally Invasive Techniques for Male LUTS due to Benign Prostatic Obstruction: A Systematic Review according to BPH-6 Evaluation.

The treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic obstruction represents one of the major interesting aspects in urological clinical practice. Although transurethral resection of the prostate is still considered the surgical gold standard for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with prostate volume <80 mL, various minimally invasive surgical treatments (MITs) have been developed to overcome the limitations of the "conventional" surgery. To date, there are no validated tools to evaluate the surgical outcomes of MITs; however, in the past, BPH-6 has been used for this purpose. In this systematic review, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of MITs according to BPH-6 score system. We focused our attention on MITs based on mechanical devices (prostatic urethral lift and the temporary implantable nitinol device) and techniques for prostate ablation (image guided robotic waterjet ablation and convective water vapor energy ablation). Evidence shows that MITs are capable of leading to an improvement in LUTS without having an overwhelming impact on complications and are a valid alternative to other treatments in patients who wish to preserve their sexual function or in case of inapplicability of conventional surgery. However, comparative studies between these techniques are still missing.

Scrotoscopy and traditional open surgery shows a high degree of consistency in the diagnosis of testicular torsion: An initial report.

Traditional open surgery (OS) is usually necessary when testicular torsion (TT) cannot be excluded by scrotal ultrasound. Scrotoscopy has been used as a minimally invasive technique to diagnose or treat scrotal diseases, and it may also play a role in diagnosing TT.A retrospective analysis was performed for patients with TT to evaluate the consistency of scrotoscopy and OS in the diagnosis of TT. In the cases where preoperational Color Doppler ultrasonography was performed, scrotoscopy, open surgery, and confirmed TT were included for future analysis.A total of 43 patients were studied. Twisted testes were retained in 11 cases (25.59%), and the remaining 32 patients (74.41%) underwent orchiectomy. There were significant differences in the diagnostic value between the grading of scrotoscopy and ultrasound, as well as between ultrasound grading and blood supply grading (BSG) (both P < .05). However, no significant difference was observed between the grading of scrotoscopy and BSG in traditional OS (P > .05), but a high degree of consistency existed between scrotoscopy grading and BSG in traditional OS (Kappa = 0.733, P ≤ .001).Our limited data indicate that the diagnosis of testicular torsion by scrotoscopy is highly consistent with that of traditional surgical exploration. Therefore, further studies are necessary to confirm its application value in the future. Scrotoscopy may have potential application value for the patients whom testicular torsion are insufficiently diagnosed but cannot be excluded.

A decade of grafting techniques as a sole treatment for Peyronie's disease.

BACKGROUND: Peyronie's disease (PD) can be a cosmetically and functionally devastating condition. Surgical approaches have been proposed in the chronic stages of PD as plication or plaque incision/excision with grafting to preserve penile size in complex cases. Although several surgeons nowadays are inclined toward the utilization of non-autologous grafts owing to the ease of their preparation and availability, synthetic graft procedures still await more technical improvements and supporting evidence before their consideration for standard care. OBJECTIVES: In this review, our goal is to facilitate an insight into the most promising grafting materials used for the management of PD and techniques associated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PubMed review was conducted for all the studies on our topic within the past ten years (January 2009 until December 2019). The outcome parameters we documented and compared comprised of operative time, follow-up time, postoperative penile cosmesis and function, and, finally, overall patient satisfaction related to each technique. RESULTS: Our search yielded 23 English-written original study articles in addition to a single case report on the various grafting techniques utilized as the sole treatment for PD, each demonstrating different outcomes and points of comparison. CONCLUSION: A successful grafting procedure for PD requires an appropriately tailored surgical modality and an experienced surgeon. Nevertheless, proper preoperative patient counseling on all aspects of his condition and opted treatment modality while setting clear and realistic expectations remains key for overall patient satisfaction.

The Role of Postoperative Imaging after Ventral Onlay Buccal Mucosal Graft Bulbar Urethroplasty.

PURPOSE: Our primary objective was to determine the incidence of extravasation on imaging at the time of catheter removal after ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single center retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft bulbar urethroplasty from 2007 to 2017. Patients with imaging at the time of catheter removal were included. Urethroplasty success was defined as the ability to pass a 17Fr cystoscope at the time of followup cystoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 229 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 110 with a ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft and 119 with an augmented anastomotic urethroplasty with a mean stricture length of 4.4 cm. Imaging consisted of a voiding cystourethrogram in 210 and retrograde urethrogram in 19 patients at a median of 21.7 days after surgery. The incidence of extravasation was 3.1% (7/229). Of patients who had a documented followup cystoscopy (60%, 137/229), those with extravasation on imaging had a worse urethroplasty success rate (60%, 3/5) compared to those who did not (94%, 117/130) (p=0.047). On multivariate analysis those who had 5 or more endoscopic interventions were 9.6 times more likely to demonstrate extravasation (OR 9.6, p=0.0080). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of radiological extravasation after ventral onlay using a single buccal mucosal graft, with or without augmented anastomotic urethroplasty, is 3.1%. Given this low rate it is reasonable to omit routine imaging at the time of Foley removal in this population. It appears that extravasation may be associated with a worse cystoscopic patency rate but does not lead to more complications.

Intraoperative and postoperative complications of penile implant surgery. Diagnosis and treatment. / Complicaciones intraoperatorias y postoperatorias de la cirugía de prótesis de pene. Diagnóstico y tratamiento.

We describe the most frequent complications associated with penile implant surgery, paying special attention to their practical management. We have analyzed preoperative complications and postoperative complications separately. The intraoperative include perforation of the corpora cavernosa during dilation, cylinder cross-over or cross-placement and urethral injury during implantation. The most frequent postoperative complications are mechanical failure, cylinder erosion and prosthesis infection. We emphasize on rescue surgery and reimplantation techniques in cavernous tissue fibrosis.

Retropubic vs transobturator Argus adjustable male sling: Results from a multicenter study.

AIMS: To comparatively analyse outcomes after ARGUS classic and ArgusT adjustable male sling implantation in a real-world setting. METHODS: Inclusion criteria encompassed: non-neurogenic, moderate-to-severe stress urinary incontinence (≥2 pads), implantation of an ARGUS classic or ArgusT male sling between 2010 and 2012 in a high-volume center (>150 previous implantations). Functional outcomes were assessed using daily pad usage, 24-hour pad testing, and International Consultation on Incontinence (ICIQ-SF) questionnaires. Continence was defined as zero pads per 24 hours. Complications were graded using Clavien-Dindo scale. For multivariate analysis, binary logistic regression models were used (P < .05). RESULTS: A total of 106 patients (n = 74 [ARGUS classic], n = 32 [ArgusT]) from four centers were eligible. Median follow-up was 44.0 months (24-64). Patient cohorts were well-balanced. We observed a statistical trend in favor of ARGUS classic regarding postoperative urine loss based on standardized 24-hour pad test (71 ± 162 g [ARGUS classic] vs 160 ± 180 g [ArgusT]); P = .066]. Dry rates were 33.3% (ARGUS classic) and 11.8% (ArgusT, P = .114). In multivariable analysis, ArgusT male sling could not be confirmed as an independent predictor of decreased success (OR, 0.587; 95% CI; 0.166-2.076, P = .408). There were no Clavien IV and V complications. Inguinal pain was significantly higher after ArgusT implantation (P = .033). Explantation rates were higher for ArgusT compared to ARGUS classic (14.0 vs 23.3%; P = .371). Longer device survival for the ARGUS classic male sling was observed in Kaplan-Meier analysis (P = .198). CONCLUSIONS: In the largest comparative analysis of ARGUS classic and ArgusT male sling with the longest follow-up to date, we observed low continence rates with superior functional outcomes and decreased explantation rates after ARGUS classic implantation.

Male Slings for Postprostatectomy Incontinence: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Male slings are recommended by the European Association of Urology guideline for the treatment of mild to moderate postprostatectomy incontinence. However, none of them has been proved to be superior to the others, and there are no defined guidelines to preference of a given sling model. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of the different types of male slings in the treatment of postprostatectomy incontinence. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. A systematic literature search in the databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane using the keywords "incontinence," "prostatectomy," and "male sling/system" was conducted in June 2018. Studies in English with at least 15 patients and a minimum follow-up of 12 mo were included. As the primary endpoint, we assessed the cure rate of the different sling types. As secondary endpoints, we assessed the improvement rate, subjective cure rate, overall complication rate, explantation rate, risk factors for failure, and effect on patients' quality of life. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The literature search identified 833 articles. A total of 64 studies with 72 patient cohorts were eligible for inclusion. Fixed slings were implanted in 55 (76.4%) of the patient cohorts. The objective cure rate varies between 8.3% and 87% (pooled estimate 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-0.56, I2=82%). Subjective cure was achieved in 33-94.4%. Adjustable slings showed objective cure rates between 17% and 92% (pooled estimate 0.61, 95% CI 0.51-0.71, I2=88%). The subjective cure rate varies between 28% and 100%. In both types of slings, pain was the most common complication, but chronic painful conditions were really rare (1.3% in fixed slings and 1.5% in adjustable slings). The most common complication after pain was urinary retention in fixed slings, and infection and consequential explantation in adjustable slings. CONCLUSIONS: Both fixed and adjustable slings are beneficial for the treatment of postprostatectomy incontinence. Although adjustable slings might lead to higher objective cure rates, they might be associated with higher complication and explantation rates. However, at present, due to significant heterogeneity of the data, this cannot be said with certainty. More randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up and the same definition for continence are needed. PATIENT SUMMARY: Fixed and adjustable slings are effective treatment options in mild to moderate postprostatectomy incontinence.

Jaboulay's technique contrasted with a novel hydrocelectomy technique using a vessel sealer in the treatment of adult hydrocele: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: The study aims to compare the clinical efficacy, complications, and patient satisfaction rates of two open hydrocelectomy techniques, Jaboulay's technique, and sac excision hydrocelectomy using a LigaSure™ device, in a prospective and randomized fashion. METHODS: Eighty-two (82) patients were randomized, one-to-one into two groups. All surgeries were carried out by a single surgeon. Jaboulay's technique and hydrocelectomy with excision of the sac were carried out in the first and the second groups, respectively. The patients' data were collected prospectively on the first day, the first week, the first month, and the sixth month after surgery. Patient demographics, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and sixth-month cosmetic satisfaction rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: We observed better patient satisfaction [73.2% confer (cf.) 92.9%], shorter hospital stay (1.66 cf. 1.29 days), and less incidence of postoperative edemas (31.7% cf. 6%) in the sac excision hydrocelectomy group (p = 0.017, p = 0.011, and p = 0.029, respectively). CONCLUSION: We can report that hydrocelectomy with an excision of the sac using a vessel-sealing device, namely LigaSure™, provides less incidences of postoperative edemas and better patient satisfaction rates respective to the Jaboulay's technique in the treatment of adult hydrocele. The statistical difference between hospital stay times is mostly affected by social factors in our study. Clinically, all patients were amenable to discharge in the first day.

Distal hypospadias repair using the needle point bipolar cutting-coagulation forceps.

INTRODUCTION: To determine the outcome of distal hypospadias repairs performed using bipolar diathermy (BD) for all the dissection. METHODS: Retrospective review of 310 patients undergoing distal hypospadias (264 subcoronal/distal penile and 46 coronal/glanular) over a 11-year period. Median age at surgery was 2.0 years (range 9 months-15 years). Caudal anesthesia was performed in all patients. All children underwent an in situ tubularization of the urethral plate, which was combined with midline incision of the plate in 30 (10%). Preputial reconstruction was performed in 303 (98%) patients. BD forceps was used for coagulation and for all the dissection including skin incision, elevation of glans wings, separation of the corpus spongiosum from the corpora cavernosa, and urethral plate incision, when deemed appropriate. The authors assessed surgical complications and cosmetic results. The latter using the hypospadias objective score (HOSE), with a score ≥ 14 considered as acceptable. RESULTS: The average operative time was 70 min. There was no postoperative bleeding or hematomas that required surgical intervention. There were no wound infections or necrosis. Complications occurred in 37 patients (11.9%). Urethral fistula formation was the commonest (n = 18). Postoperative persistent preputial swelling occurred in 3.5% of cases. Two hundred twelve patients (90.6%) had a HOSE score ≥ 14, and no patient required revision surgery for skin problems after a median follow-up of 8.1 (range 1.2-13.1) years. DISCUSSION: The study is limited by its retrospective nature and by the fact that a number of other pre-operative, intra-operative, and postoperative variables can affect outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar diathermy can be safely used for distal hypospadias repairs. It allowed careful control of intra-operative bleeding and also clear visualization of tissue planes. Complication rate overall compares favorably with the literature, and cosmetic results were satisfactory.

Long-term Success Durability of Transobturator Male Sling.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term outcome of transobturator sling for male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) clustered according to preoperative SUI severity, and to identify predictors of treatment success durability and failure occurrence in long-term follow-up. METHOD: A nonconcurrent study was conducted on all transobturator male sling cases performed from August 2006 to June 2012 by a single surgeon. Preoperative SUI severity was clustered into mild (≤2 ppd), moderate (3-4 ppd) or severe (≥5 ppd). Success was defined as complete dryness with 0 pads used (cured), and a patient with ≥50% improvement, satisfied without further procedures needed. Otherwise it was considered a treatment failure. Clinical variables significantly associated with long-term treatment success were determined. Time-to-event (Kaplan-Meier) and Multiple-Cox regression analysis were performed to determine predictors of long-term treatment outcome. RESULTS: A total of 215 patients (mild-59, moderate-94, and severe-62) with a mean follow-up of 56.4 ± 41.6 months were included. On long-term follow-up, 150 (69.8%) patients-maintained treatment success and 96 (44.7%) were dry. The long-term outcome success clustered according to SUI severity as mild, moderate, and severe was 84.7%, 72.3%, and 51.6%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier with Log-rank test and Multiple Cox-regression determined that both concomitant urge incontinence and preoperative SUI severity were independent predictors of long-term durability of treatment success and failure occurrence. Preoperative SUI severity was the only predictor of long-term cure sustainability. CONCLUSION: The time to event analysis with an average of ∼5 years postoperative follow-up has determined that the preoperative severity and presence of concomitant urge incontinence were independent predictors for long-term outcome.

Introduction: Reproductive surgery: glimpses into the past and thoughts for the future (part 1).

This month's Views and Reviews sets the stage for a two part series regarding reproductive surgery. The development, importance, and implications for reproductive surgery in the setting of assisted reproductive technology is discussed. Images and videos augment the authors' reflections of the past, present, and/or future. This series will not include a focus on uterine transplantation as this will be a future topic of its own.

The Rezum system - a minimally invasive water vapor thermal therapy for obstructive benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and accompanying lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) sits in the top ten prominent and costly disease conditions in men over 50 years of age. In the United States it is the most common diagnosis made by urologists for men 45 to 74 years of age. Twenty percent of the population will reach 65 years of age or older by 2030, and those over 85 years will represent the fastest growing segment of our population. The prevalence of symptomatic BPH increases proportionally with the aging population. It is estimated that BPH now affects 6% of the male population worldwide. Moreover, in Canada, the estimated BPH prevalence is more than 1 million men aged 50 years and older. Among the various surgical treatments, Rezum water vapor thermal therapy has been developed as a unique, rapid and reproducible minimally invasive surgical treatment exhibiting safe and early effective relief of LUTS/BPH. The targeted prostate tissue ablation is amenable to all zones of the prostate including intravesical median lobes. We present our experiences with this technique, which can be quickly performed under local anesthesia in an office setting.

Use of a Stent in Distal Hypospadias Repaired by Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty: A Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: We present our experience of stented and unstented distal hypospadias repaired by tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of 84 patients who were operated by TIPU method in 2 hospitals were retrospectively analyzed, and they were invited to be included in the study. Sixty-six patients agreed to participate in the study and were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 38 boys operated in Sütçü Imam University Hospital on using a stent between 2015 and 2017. Group 2 consisted of 28 boys operated in Private Hospital of Megapark on without a stent between 2016 and 2017. The hypospadias objective scoring evaluation (HOSE) scale was used to compare the groups. RESULTS: The median age was 2.81 years in group 1 and 1.95 years in group 2 (p = 0.243). The mean follow-up duration was 25.74 ± 4.62 and 24.5 ± 4.19 months in groups 1 and 2 respectively (p = 0.268). The HOSE scores were similar in both groups with comparable results (p = 0.622). CONCLUSIONS: No difference was observed between the groups in this study, regarding functional and cosmetic outcomes according to the HOSE score. However, the results should be supported by prospective studies with a sufficient number of patients.

Surgical treatment for primary premature ejaculation with an inner condom technique.

To explore a novel surgical treatment for primary premature ejaculation using an inner condom technique.A total of 20 males with premature ejaculation, who admitted our andrology clinic from June 2016 to July 2017, were enrolled. By surgery, an inner condom made of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was transferred to the subcutaneous pocket of the penis. The prolongation of intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) after the surgery was examined. The perioperative complications were also studied.The surgical intervention significantly increased the average IELT in patients, from 0.67 to 2.37 min (P = .009). No serious perioperative complications and adverse psychosexual effects were seen. Patients could resume sexual activity 6 weeks after the surgery.The novel inner condom using ADM is an effective and safe surgical treatment for males with premature ejaculation. The efficacy of this new treatment modality warrants further investigation in independent cohorts.

Urethral reconstruction in patients previously treated with Memokath™ urethral endoprosthesis. / Reconstrucción uretral en pacientes previamente tratados con endoprótesis uretral Memokath™.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role and success rate of urethral reconstruction in patients with urethral stricture previously treated with thermos-expandable Memokath™ urethral endoprosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A case series of patients with urethral stricture and Memokath™ endoprosthesis treated with urethroplasty is presented. Reconstruction was decided due to stricture progression or complications derived from primary stent treatment. Age, stricture and stent length, time between stent placement and urethroplasty, mode of stent retrieval, type of urethroplasty, complications and voiding parameters before and after urethroplasty were evaluated. Successful outcome was defined as standard voiding, without need of any postoperative procedure. RESULTS: Eight cases with bulbar urethra stricture were included. Memokath™ was endoscopically retrieved before urethroplasty in 6 (75%) and by open urethrotomy at the time of urethroplasty in 2 (25%). Technique of urethroplasty was dorso-lateral onlay buccal mucosa graft in 5 (62.5%) cases and excision and primary anastomosis, anastomotic urethroplasty, and dorsal onlay buccal mucosa graft in one (12.5%) case each. There was no failure at 26±21.5 months median follow-up. Total IPSS, QoL, Qmax and postvoid residual significantly improved (P<.05). The only complication presented was epididymitis and penile shortening in one patient (12.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Urethroplasty after re-stricture or other complications in patients with temporary Memokath™ urethral stent is a viable and definite option of reconstruction with excellent results in the short term and few complications. One-side dorsolateral onlay buccal mucosa graft augmentation is the optimal technique for this indication.

[Is transition from pure laparoscopic to robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy associated with increase of surgical procedures for urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction?] / L'introduction de la chirurgie robot-assistée pour la prostatectomie totale s'accompagne-t-elle d'une modification du nombre d'interventions secondaires pour troubles fonctionnels génito-urinaires ?

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of changing the technique of radical prostatectomy [pure laparoscopic radical (PR-Lap) to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RP-Rob)] on the rate of secondary procedures for urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). MATERIAL: Retrospective study evaluating the number and type of surgical procedures for post-RP UI and DE between 2008 and 2015, according to the technique of (RP-Lap or RP-Rob). RESULTS: Between 2008 et 2015, 2046 RP were performed in our department including 372 RP-Lap and 1674 RP-Rob. Among these patients, 84 (4%) had a surgical procedure for post-RP UI (18 AMS800, 9 balloons Pro-Act, and 57 male slings) and 15 (0.7%) had implantation of penile prosthesis for post-RP ED; 16 (0.7%) patients had both procedures. The mean delay between RP and UI surgery decrease from 3.2 years in 2008 to 1 year in 2015 and remain stable for penile prosthesis implantation (mean delay: 3.4 years). The overall rates of secondary procedures for UI and DE remained stable and below 5% and 1.7%, respectively, even during the transition period. For each year of PR studied, the rates of secondary procedure were higher in the RP-Lap group. CONCLUSION: Changing the technique of RP from RP-Lap to PR-Rob has a favorable impact on the rate of secondary procedures for UI and ED from the outset.

Is stent type used in snodgrass method a factor in fistula formation?

CONTEXT: Snodgrass method (tubularized incised plate urethroplasty [TIPU]) is a widely used technique for hypospadias repair. AIM: It was aimed to compare the outcome of hypospadias repair with stenting using feeding tube compare with those with Foley catheter. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The demographic characteristics of the 123 patients who underwent hypospadias repair with Snodgrass method, the success of the applied method, and the factors affecting fistula complication were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: those operated before January 2010 (Group A) and those who were operated after (Group B). In Group A patients, urethroplasty was performed using silicone Foley catheters, in which balloon of these catheters was filled by saline at appropriate size. In Group B, urethroplasty was performed using feeding catheter. RESULTS: Group A and Group B consisted of 32 and 91 patients, respectively. Fistula developed in 10 (31.3%) and 4 (4.39%) patients in Group A and Group B, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the development of fistula complication (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: The use of a feeding catheter in TIPU could be a more advantageous than using a Foley catheter.

Repair of injured urethras with silk fibroin scaffolds in a rabbit model of onlay urethroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical validation of scaffold-based technologies in animal models of urethral disease is desired to assess wound healing efficacy in scenarios that mimic the target patient population. This study investigates the feasibility of bilayer silk fibroin (BLSF) scaffolds for the repair of previously damaged urethras in a rabbit model of onlay urethroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A focal, partial thickness urethral injury was created in adult male rabbits (n = 12) via electrocoagulation and then onlay urethroplasty with 50 mm2 BLSF grafts was carried out 2 wk after injury. Animals were randomly divided into three experimental groups and harvested at 2 wk after electrocoagulation (n = 3), and 1 (n = 3) or 3 (n = 6) months after scaffold implantation. Outcome analyses were performed preoperatively and at 2 wk after injury in all groups as well as at 1 or 3 mo after scaffold grafting and included urethroscopy, retrograde urethrography (RUG), and histological and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: At 2 wk after electrocoagulation, urethroscopic and RUG evaluations confirmed urethral stricture formation in 92% (n = 11/12) of rabbits. Gross tissue assessments at 1 (n = 3) and 3 (n = 6) mo after onlay urethroplasty revealed host tissue ingrowth covering the entire implant site. At 3 mo post-op, RUG analyses of repaired urethral segments demonstrated a 39% reduction in urethral stenosis detected following electrocoagulation injury. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed the formation of innervated, vascularized neotissues with α-smooth muscle actin+ and SM22α+ smooth muscle bundles and pan-cytokeratin + epithelium at graft sites. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the feasibility of BLSF matrices to support the repair of previously damaged urethral tissues.

Male synthetic sling versus artificial urinary sphincter trial for men with urodynamic stress incontinence after prostate surgery (MASTER): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a frequent adverse effect for men undergoing prostate surgery. A large proportion (around 8% after radical prostatectomy and 2% after transurethral resection of prostate (TURP)) are left with severe disabling incontinence which adversely effects their quality of life and many are reliant on containment measures such as pads (27% and 6% respectively). Surgery is currently the only option for active management of the problem. The overwhelming majority of surgeries for persistent bothersome SUI involve artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) insertion. However, this is expensive, and necessitates manipulation of a pump to enable voiding. More recently, an alternative to AUS has been developed - a synthetic sling for men which elevates the urethra, thus treating SUI. This is thought, by some, to be less invasive, more acceptable and less expensive than AUS but clear evidence for this is lacking. The MASTER trial aims to determine whether the male synthetic sling is non-inferior to implantation of the AUS for men who have SUI after prostate surgery (for cancer or benign disease), judged primarily on clinical effectiveness but also considering relative harms and cost-effectiveness. METHODS/DESIGN: Men with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) after prostate surgery, for whom surgery is judged appropriate, are the target population. We aim to recruit men from secondary care urological centres in the UK NHS who carry out surgery for post-prostatectomy incontinence. Outcomes will be assessed by participant-completed questionnaires and 3-day urinary bladder diaries at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months. The 24-h urinary pad test will be used at baseline as an objective assessment of urine loss. Clinical data will be completed at the time of surgery to provide details of the operative procedures, complications and resource use in hospital. At 12 months, men will also have a clinical review to evaluate the results of surgery (including another 24-h pad test) and to identify problems or need for further treatment. DISCUSSION: A robust examination of the comparative effectiveness of the male synthetic sling will provide high-quality evidence to determine whether or not it should be adopted widely in the NHS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Registry: Number ISRCTN49212975 . Registered on 22 July 2013. First patient randomised on 29 January 2014.