Prospective results of the minimally invasive laser enucleation of the prostate (MiLEP).

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study is to prospectively analyze the prostate enucleation procedure with Holmium Laser using the minimally invasive technique (MiLEP), comparing the outcomes and their variables pre- and postoperatively. METHODS: We studied men aged 40 years or over, with prostate volumes greater than or equal to 35 cm³ with lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH. We performed flowmetry and administered the IPSS questionnaire before and 6 months after the MiLEP procedure. The patients were operated on with a 60 W Holmium Laser (Cyber-Ho Quanta System®) using 54 W of power (energy 1.8 J and frequency of 30 Hz). Enucleation was performed using the en bloc technique with early sphincter release. After enucleation, the tissue was morcellated using a 22 Fr morcescope (RZ-Medizintechnik GmbH, Tuttlingen, Germany) and Piranha (Richard Wolf) morcellator. The final Hemostasis after morcelation was made using laser with 30wW power, energy at 1,0 joules and frequency at 30 Hertz. Student's T test and Man-Whitney was used to statistical analysis (p < 0.05). RESULTS: After selection we submitted 73 patients (mean age= 68.2 years) to MiLEP procedure with a follow up of 6 months. The prostate volume presented an average of 94.53 cm³ (65 to 112 cm³, SD = 5.363) preoperatively. The urinary continence rate after the procedure was greater than 95% after 1 week and 99% in the 1st month. All patients were continent after 6 months. The IPSS questionnaire before (mean = 21.18 points/SD = 6.557) and after (mean = 7.92 points/SD = 2.408) the MiLEP had statistical significance (p < 0.001). The flowmetry(ml/s) before (9.02/SD = 2.842) and after (21.07/SD = 6.228) the MiLEP had statistical significance (p < 0.001). The average time of the procedure was 78.5 min and the bladder catheter was removed after 18 h in mean. In 4 patients (5.8%) we observed hematuria and in 1 case (1.47%) the patient needs urinary catheterization. CONCLUSION: MiLEP is a safe and effective procedure, with significant improvement in urinary flow and symptoms in the short term. Although the results of this study were satisfactory and the urinary incontinence rate was lower compared to HoLEP data found in the literature, multicenter studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.

Development of nerves and vessels in the penis during the human fetal period.

INTRODUCTION: Although nerves and vessels of the penis play important role in erection, there are few studies on their development in human fetus. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to analyze, quantitatively, in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum, the development of the nerves and vessels in the fetal penis at different gestational ages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-six fresh, macroscopically normal human fetuses aged from 13 to 36 weeks post-conception (WPC) were used. Gestational age was determined by the foot length criterion. Penises were immediately fixed in 10% formalin, and routinely processed for paraffin embedding, after which tissue sections from the mid-shaft were obtained. We used immunohistochemical staining to analyze the nerves and vessels in the corpus cavernous and in the corpus spongiosum. These elements were identified and quantified as percentage by using the Image-J software. RESULTS: The quantitative analysis showed that the percentage of nerves varied from 3.03% to 20.35% in the corpora cavernosa and from 1.89% to 23.88% in the corpus spongiosum. The linear regression analysis indicated that nerves growth (incidence) in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum correlated significantly and positively with fetal age (r2=0.9421, p<0.0001) and (r2=0.9312, p<0.0001), respectively, during the whole fetal period studied. Also, the quantitative analysis showed that the percentage of vessels varies from 2.96% to 12.86% in the corpora cavernosa and from 3.62% to 14.85% in the corpus spongiosum. The linear regression analysis indicated that vessels growth (appearance) in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum correlated significantly and positively with fetal age (r2=0.8722, p<0.0001) and (r2=0.8218, p<0.0001), respectively, during the whole fetal period studied. In addition, the linear regression analysis demonstrated a more intense growth rate of nerves in the corpus spongiosum during the 2nd trimester of gestation, when compared with nerves in the corpora cavernosa. In addition, the linear regression analysis demonstrated a more intense growth rate of vessels in the corpus spongiosum when compared with the corpora cavernosa, during the whole fetal period studied. CONCLUSIONS: In the fetal period, the human penis undergoes major developmental changes, notably in the content and distribution of nerves and vessels. We found strong correlation between nerves and vessels growth (amount) with fetal age, both in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. There is significant greater proportional number of nerves than vessels during the whole fetal period studied. Also, nerves and vessels grow in a more intense rate than that of the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum areas.

Kidney collecting system anatomy applied to endourology - a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical anatomy of the kidney collecting system through a narrative review of the literature, highlighting its importance during diagnosis and its approach during surgical procedures for the treatment of renal stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a review about the anatomy of the kidney collecting system. We analyzed papers published in the past 40 years in the databases Pubmed, Embase and Scielo, and we included only papers in English and excluded case reports, editorials and opinions of specialists. RESULTS: Renal collecting system could be divided in four groups: A1 - kidney midzone (KM), drained by minor calyx that are dependent on the superior or the inferior caliceal groups; A2 - KM drained by crossed calyx, one draining into the superior caliceal group and another draining into the inferior caliceal group; B1 - KM drained by a major caliceal group independent of both the superior and inferior groups; and B2 - KM drained by minor calyx entering directly into the renal pelvis. Some details and anatomic variations of the collecting system are related to clinical and radiological aspects, particularly perpendicular calyces, interpyelocalyx space, position of calyces in relation to renal border, classification of the renal collecting system, infundibular diameter and the angle between the lower infundibulum and renal pelvis. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of intra-renal collecting system divisions and variations as the angle between the renal pelvis and lower infundibula, position of the calices in relationship with renal edge and the diameter and position of the calyces are important for the planning of minimally invasive renal surgeries.

Role of Gubernaculum testis inervation during the process of testicular migration in human fetuses.

PURPOSE: The gubernaculum seems to be the most important anatomical structure in the testicular migration process. The objective of this paper is to review current literature regarding the role of gubernaculum testis nerves in testicular migration. We conducted a comprehensive literature review about the gubernaculum testis innervation. A PubMed database search was performed in April 2024, focusing on gubernaculum testis and cryptorchidism and genitofemoral nerve (GFN) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) gene. The gubernaculum has its own nerve supply, the GFN, descending on the anteromedial surface of the psoas muscle from L1-L2 segments. The second phase of testicular descent is regulated by androgens and CGRP, released from the sensory nucleus of the GFN. The GFN doesn't directly play a role in testicular migration but there is a theory that shows a regulatory function of this nerve in hormonal action during this process. The gubernaculum testis has important structural alterations during the testicular migration and the genitofemoral nerve and CGRP gene are of great importance in this process. The genitofemoral nerve provides motor innervation to the cremaster muscle and gubernaculum, which helps regulate the position of the testes within the scrotum.

Evidence of restorative therapies in the treatment of Peyronie disease: A narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the evidence of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Stem cells therapy (SCT) and Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWL) for the treatment of Peyronies disease (PD), including information from the main urological society guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review of PubMed articles published between 2000 and 2023 was conducted, utilizing keywords such as "Peyronie's Disease", "Penile curvature", "Platelet Rich Plasma", "Stem cells", and "Extracorporeal shockwave therapy". Only full-text articles in English were included, excluding case reports and opinions. RESULTS: A considerable number of clinical trials were conducted using PRP penile injections for therapy of PD, showing reduction of curvature, plaque size and improvement in quality of life. Preclinical studies in rats have shown the potential benefit of adipose-derived stem cells, with improvements in erectile function and fibrosis. Human studies with mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated promising results, with reduction of curvature and plaque size. ESWL effects on PD were investigated in randomized clinical trials and demonstrated no significant impact in curvature or plaque size, but reasonable effect on pain control. CONCLUSION: Restorative therapies has emerged as an innovative treatment option for PD and the results from current studies appear to be promising and demonstrated good safety profile. Unfortunately, due to scarce evidence, PRP and SCT are still considered experimental by American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. ESWT is recommended, by the same guidelines, for pain control only. More high-quality studies with long-term follow-up outcomes are needed to evaluate efficacy and reproducibility of those therapies.

The landscape of biomedical research funding in Brazil: a current overview.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this narrative review is to discuss the current state of research funding in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is based on the most recent edition of the course Funding for Research and Innovation in the University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine which was a three-day course with 12 hours of instruction. The course brought together leading experts in the field to comprehensively discuss the current state of research funding in Brazil. Each speaker provided a presentation on a specific topic related to research funding. After the workshop, speakers assembled relevant topics in this manuscript. RESULTS: collaborative research is critical for securing research funding. It optimizes proposal competitiveness, amplifies societal impact, and manages risks effectively. As such, fostering and supporting these collaborations is paramount for both researchers and funding agencies. To maintain the highest integrity in research, investigators involved in these collaborations must disclose any relationships that could potentially influence the outcomes or interpretation of their projects. CONCLUSIONS: In Brazil, the mainstay of research funding stems from public entities, with agencies such as CNPq, CAPES, and state bodies like FAPESP, FAPERJ, FAPEMIG and others at the forefront. Concurrently, industry funding offers viable pathways, especially through industry-sponsored studies, investigator-led projects, and collaborative initiatives. The Brazilian funding landscape is further enriched by innovative platforms, including crowdfunding and the contributions of institutions like the Serrapilheira Institute. Internationally, esteemed organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation stand out as potential funders.

A complete year of urology residency training under COVID-19: impact on education and health.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemics on clinical and surgical practice, educational activities, health and lifestyle behavior of Brazilian urology residents after 1 year of socio-economic restrictions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic survey was e-mailed to all postgraduate (PG) students registered by the Brazilian Society of Urology. The survey inclu-ded an assessment of socio-demographic, clinical practice, educational, health-related and behavior parameters. We also evaluated which subareas of urology were predominantly affected. A similar survey was adapted and sent to the directors of all urology residency programs. RESULTS: COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the clinical, surgical, and educational activities of urology residents in Brazil. Urology residents reported >50% decrease in multiple surgical modalities. We highlight kidney transplantation surgeries (66.2%), minor surgeries (62.3%), endoscopic surgeries (42.6%) and reconstructive surgeries (38.8%). This could represent a critical skills gap that residents may face beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, PG students faced stressful situations that caused worsening of mental and physical health, such as getting redirected to assistance of COVID-19 patients (66.9%), and high rate of infection by SARS-CoV-2 (58.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the clinical, surgical, and educational activities of urology residents in Brazil. This could represent a critical skills gap that residents may face beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. PG students faced stressful situations that caused worsening of mental and physical health such as redirection to assistance of COVID-19 patients, concern about their own contamination and of family members.

Changes in male sexuality after urologic cancer: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the most common sexual problems and changes experienced by male urological cancer survivors, focusing on evidence-based practices for assessment and intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We search the PubMed, Embase, and SciELO databases between 1994 and 2022, using the following key words: "urological cancer", "urological malignances", "genitourinary cancer", "male sexual health", and "male sexual dysfunction". RESULTS: This narrative review provides an overview of the current literature involving the impact of diagnosis and treatment of urological cancers on male sexual function. Male "genital" or "reproductive" tumors, such as prostate, penile, and testicular tumors, clearly appear to affect sexual function. However, tumors that do not involve genital parts of the body, such as the bladder and kidney, can also affect male sexual function. CONCLUSION: Male sexual dysfunction is very common after urologic cancer diagnosis and treatment. Changes in body image and anatomical damage can be associated with impaired masculinity and sexual function, especially after prostate, penile or testicular cancer treatment. Moreover, anxiety, depression, and fear of recurrence have an impact on quality of life and sexual function regardless of the cancer location. Therefore, patients need be counseled about the likely changes in sexual function before treatment of any urological cancer.

Anatomy of the lower hypogastric plexus applied to endometriosis: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the anatomy of the inferior hypogastric plexus, correlating it with urological pathologies, imaging exams and surgeries of the female pelvis, especially for treatment of endometriosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a review about the anatomy of the inferior hypogastric plexus in the female pelvis. We analyzed papers published in the past 20 years in the databases of Pubmed, Embase and Scielo, and we included only papers in English and excluded case reports, editorials, and opinions of specialists. We also studied two human fixed female corpses and microsurgical dissection material with a stereoscopic magnifying glass with 2.5x magnification. RESULTS: Classical anatomical studies provide few details of the morphology of the inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) or the location and nature of the associated nerves. The fusion of pelvic splanchnic nerves, sacral splanchnic nerves, and superior hypogastric plexus together with visceral afferent fibers form the IHP. The surgeon's precise knowledge of the anatomical relationship between the hypogastric nerve and the uterosacral ligament is essential to reduce the risk of complications and postoperative morbidity of patients surgically treated for deep infiltrative endometriosis involving the uterosacral ligament. CONCLUSION: Accurate knowledge of the innervation of the female pelvis is of fundamental importance for prevention of possible injuries and voiding dysfunctions as well as the evacuation mechanism in the postoperative period. Imaging exams such as nuclear magnetic resonance are interesting tools for more accurate visualization of the distribution of the hypogastric plexus in the female pelvis.

Abdominal testicular vessel distribution in human fetuses - basis for fowler-Stephens surgery.

PURPOSE: To analyze the histology and distribution of abdominal testicular vessels in human fetuses Patients and Methods: We studied 19 fetuses (34 testes) ranging in age from 12 to 19 weeks post-conception. The fetuses were evaluated regarding crown-rump length (CRL), total length (TL) and body weight immediately before dissection. Each testis was dissected and embedded in paraffin, from which 5 µm thick sections were obtained and stained with Masson's trichrome and Anti-CD31 antibody to quantify the vessels. The stereological analysis was carried out with the Image Pro and Image J programs, using a grid to determine volumetric densities (Vv). Means were statistically compared using the unpaired T-test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The fetuses presented mean weight of 222.5g, mean CRL of 15.3 cm and mean TL of 23.2 cm. All testes were in the abdominal position. The mean percentage of vessels (Vv) in the upper portion of the testis was 7.6% (4.6 to 15%) and in the lower portion the mean was 5.11% (2.3 to 9.8%), with a significant difference (p=0.0001). In the analysis between the upper portion of the right and left testes (p=0.99) and in the analysis of the lower portion of the right and left testes (p=0.83), we did not observe significant differences. CONCLUSION: The upper portion of the abdominal testis in human fetuses had a higher concentration of vessels than the lower portion. These results suggest that manipulation of the lower end of the testis during Fowler-Stephens surgery should be avoided in order to preserve the collateral circulation.

Vaginal development during 2nd gestational trimester: translational study in human female fetuses with disorders of the neural tube.

PURPOSE: One of the most common malformations of the central nervous system is related to embryonic neural tube alterations. We hypothesized that anencephaly affects the development of the vagina during the human second trimester of pregnancy. Our study compared the biometric parameters of the vagina in human female fetuses with neural tube defects. METHODS: In our study, 34 female fetuses were analyzed, 22 normal and 12 anencephalic, aged between 12 and 22 weeks post conception (WPC). After dissection of the pelvis and individualization of the genital tract, we evaluated the length and width of the vagina using the Image J software. We compared the means statistically using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and performed linear regression. RESULTS: We do not identify statistical significance between the groups for the measurements of vaginal length (Control 3.12-18.33 mm/mean = 9.08 mm/SD +  - 3.77 vs. Anencephalic 2.91-13.10 mm/mean = 7.24 mm/SD +  - 2.28, p = 0.3469) and vaginal width (Control 1.04-4.86 mm/mean = 2.71 mm/SD + - 0.94 vs. Anencephalic 1.35-3.17 mm/mean = 2.13 mm/SD + - 0.65; p = 0.2503). The linear regression analysis indicated that 78.57% significance was found in the correlations in normocephalic fetuses and 57.14% significance in anencephalic fetuses (12.3-18.6 WPC). CONCLUSIONS: We do not find differences in the length and width of the vagina in anencephalic fetuses but the vaginal length and width shows a lesser tendency of growth in the anencephalic fetuses during the second trimester suggesting that anencephaly can impact the development of the vagina.

Lower pole anatomy of horseshoe kidney and complete ureteral duplication: Anatomic and radiologic study applied to endourology.

PURPOSE: To analyze the 3-dimensional intrarenal anatomy of horseshoe kidneys (HK) and kidney with complete ureteral duplication (CUD), in polyester resin endocasts of the collecting system and in patients submitted to 3D computerized tomography scan (CT-scan). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed seven 3-dimensional polyester resin endocasts of the kidney collecting system obtained from 6 fresh adult cadavers (4 with unilateral CUD and 2 with horseshoe kidney) and CT-scan reconstruction images of kidneys from 24 patients: 6 patients with HK, 8 with CUD and 10 patients without renal anomalies that were used as controls. We analyzed the spatial distribution of the calices, the infundibula diameters, the angle between the lower infundibulum and the renal pelvis (LIP) and the angle between the lower infundibulum and the inferior minor calyces (LIICA). Measurements of the width and length of the inferior infundibulum and the infundibula of the minor calyces, as well as the angles (LIP and LIICA) were made with the aid of the LibreOffice 6.3 software. The data were analyzed with the IBM® SPSS® Statistics. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the inferior pole measurements between the groups with anomalies and the control group, both in polyester resin endocasts and CT-scan reconstruction images for LIP. When we compared the LIP in the CT-scan between HK versus CUD (p= 0.003), and HK versus the control group (p= 0.035), we observed statistical difference. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of spatial anatomy of lower pole is of utmost importance during endourologic procedures in patients with kidney anomalies. In the present study we observed that horseshoe kidneys had more restrictive anatomic factors in lower pole than the complete ureteral duplication.

Epididymal disjunction anomalies in undescended testis - a factor associated with spermatic obstruction.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the incidence of epididymal anomalies (EAs) associated to spermatic obstruction in patients with undescended testis (UT) according to testicular position and age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 87 patients (110 testis) with cryptorchidism and analyzed the presence of EAs correlated with the testicular position, age and patency of the processus vaginalis (PV). To analyze the relations between the testis and epididymis we considered three situations: (a) Normal pattern: the epididymis was attached to the testis at the head and tail and epididymis totally attached to the testis; (b) EAs: when the epididymis was attached to the testis only at the head (Figure-1A) and (c) EAs associated to spermatic obstruction: epididymis was attached to the testis only at the tail (Figure-1B) and when there are no visible connection between testis and epididymis (Figure-1C). We used the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and the Chi-square test for contingency analysis (p <0.05). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 5.18 years (SD=2.867). Of 110 testes analyzed, 14 were abdominal (12.72%); 83 inguinal (75.45%) and 13 suprascrotal (11.81%). Normal relationships between testis and epididymis were observed in 54 patients (62.1%) with no significant differences in relation to the patient's age (p=0.666). Epididymal tail disjunction was observed in 23 patients (26.44%), with no significant differences in relation to age (p=0.59). EAs associated to spermatic obstruction were observed in 16 patients (18.4%), also with no significant differences in relation to age (p=0.684). We did not observe significant correlation between the testis position and the incidence of EAs (p=0.119). We did not observe significant correlations between patency of the PV (64.7%) and incidence of EAs (p=0.742). CONCLUSIONS: Epididymal anomalies associated with spermatic obstruction are present in almost 20% of undescended testes, without significant correlation with age, testicular position and patency of the PV. This information needs to be correlated to the infertility risk of this congenital anomaly.

Kidney surface development in human fetuses: study applied to radiological diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anatomical aspects of the kidney surface in human fetuses during the second gestational trimester. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 108 kidneys obtained from 54 human fetuses (29 males and 25 females). The kidney was dissected and the number of clefts was counted. The renal volume was also assessed. To compare the quantitative data in both sexes, the Students-t-test was used (p < 0.05). Simple linear correlations were calculated for all kidney measurements, according to fetal age. Statistical analysis was performed with the R program (Version 3.5.1). RESULTS: The fetuses ranged in age between 11.4 to 23 weeks post-conception. The renal volume of the right kidney ranged from 0.09 to 2.397 cm (mean=0.8479) and the renal volume of the left kidney ranged from 0.07 to 2.416 cm (mean=0.8036). The mean number of renal clefts in fetuses studied was 15.25 (7 to 28). There was no statistical significant difference in renal clefts between the sides either in males (p = 0.646) or in females (p = 0.698). Also, there was no significant difference in the mean number of renal clefts between male and female fetuses in right kidney (p = 0.948) and in left kidney (p = 0.939). CONCLUSIONS: The number of renal clefts has a great variation, weak correlation and no tendency to decrease during the 2nd gestational trimester. The number of clefts in right kidney of total sample and female fetuses has a significant development with age.

Prostate and testicular growth analysis in human fetuses during the second gestational trimester.

BACKGROUND: The second gestational trimester is a very important period for male genital development. We analyzed the testicular and prostatic volume growth and compared them to the biometric parameters in human fetuses. METHODS: We studied 64 testes and 32 prostates from 32 fetuses, aged 10-22 weeks postconception. Fetuses were evaluated regarding total length, crown-rump length, and bodyweight. The same observer performed all the measurements. After testicular and prostatic dissection, the prostate and testicular length, width and thickness were recorded with the aid of computer programs (Image Pro and ImageJ software, version 1.46r). Testicular volume (TV) and prostatic volume (PV) were calculated using the ellipsoid formula. Statistical analysis was performed with the GraphPad Prism program (version 6.01). RESULTS: The fetuses presented PV between 6.1 and 297.18 mm2  (mean = 77.98 mm3 ). Linear regression analysis indicated that the PV in these fetuses increased significantly and positively with fetal age (r2 = .3120; p < .0001). We did not observe significant differences between the TV (right testis: 0.39-63.94 mm3 ; mean = 19.84 mm3 ; left testis: ​​​​​​0.52-55.37 mm3 , mean = 17.25 mm3 ). Linear regression analysis also indicated that the right and left TV (right: r2 = .6649; p < .0001 and left: r2 = .6792; p < .001) increased significantly and positively with fetal age. CONCLUSION: The prostatic growth was slower during the second gestational trimester, with significant correlations with fetal biometric parameters. The testicular growth was moderate and showed a significant correlation with fetal parameters during the studied period in human fetuses.

Urethral and bladder development during the 2nd gestational trimester applied to the urinary continence mechanism: translational study in human female fetuses with neural tube defects.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that anencephaly impacts female lower urinary tract development during the human fetal period. The aim of the present study is to compare the biometric parameters of the bladder and urethra in female human fetuses with and without neural tube defects. METHODS: We studied 34 female fetuses (22 normal and 12 anencephalic), aged 12 to 22 weeks post-conception (WPC). After pelvic dissection and individualization of the urinary tract structures, we evaluated the bladder and urethra length and width using Image J software. Means were statistically compared using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, and linear regression was performed. RESULTS: We identified statistical significance between the groups regarding bladder length [normal: 6.58-19.98 mm (mean = 12.13 ± 3.21 SD) vs. anencephalic: 4.59-15.27 mm (mean = 8.79 ± 3.31 SD, p = 0.0048] and urethral length [normal: 2.22-7.04 mm (mean = 4.24 ± 1.45 SD) vs. anencephalic: 0.81-6.36 mm (mean = 3.25 ± 1.71 SD, p = 0.05]. We did not observe significant differences in bladder and urethra width between the two groups. The linear regression analysis indicated that the bladder length in anencephalic fetuses increased faster than in normal fetuses. CONCLUSIONS: We observed significant differences in the development of the bladder and urethra in fetuses with anencephaly during the fetal period studied, proving that anencephaly can affect the development of the female fetal lower urinary tract.

A new option to prevent fistulas in anterior urethroplasty in patients with kippered urethra: the tunica vaginalis flap.

The objective of this study is describing a technique with the use of a tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) to cover the suture line during anterior urethroplasty in patients with kippered urethra due to chronic indwelling catheterization (CIC). We studied 5 patients (mean age=50.2) with a neurogenic bladder that developed urethral erosion after a long period of CIC. Foley catheter was removed on the 14th postoperative day. One patient developed wound infection and utethrocutaneous fistula, which was conservatively managed and after 12 months of follow-up all the patients didn't report difficulties in intermittent self-catheterization. In conclusion, a urethroplasty with TVF technique may be a viable method for repairing penile urethral erosions, but further studies are required with a bigger sample to confirm our results.

Use of flaps in inguinal lymphadenectomy in metastatic penile cancer.

PURPOSE: Reviewing surgical procedures using fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous flaps for inguinal reconstruction after lymphadenectomy in metastatic penile cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the current literature of the Pubmed database according to PRISMA guidelines. The search terms used were "advanced penile cancer", "groin reconstruction", and "inguinal reconstruction", both alone and in combination. The bibliographic references used in the selected articles were also analyzed to include recent articles into our research. RESULTS: A total of 54 studies were included in this review. About one third of penile cancers are diagnosed with locally advanced disease, often presenting with large lymph node involvement. Defects in the inguinal region resulting from the treatment of metastatic penile cancer are challenging for the surgeon and cause high patient morbidity, rendering primary closure unfeasible. Several fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous flaps of the abdomen and thigh can be used for the reconstruction of the inguinal region, transferring tissue to the affected area, and enabling tensionless closure. CONCLUSIONS: The reconstruction of defects in the inguinal region with the aid of flaps allows for faster postoperative recovery and reduces the risk of complications. Thus, the patient will be able to undergo potential necessary adjuvant treatments sooner.

Testicular torsion: a modified surgical technique for immediate intravaginal testicular prosthesis implant.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to propose a modified surgical technique for immediate intravaginal prosthesis implantation in patients undergoing orchiectomy due to testicular torsion, and to evaluate the wound healing process and patient's satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 137 patients with testicular torsion admitted to our facility between April 2018 and May 2020. Twenty-five patients who underwent orchiectomy were included in this study. Fifteen had a testicular prosthesis implanted at the same time as orchiectomy using a modified intravaginal technique (summary figure) and 10 received implants 6 to 12 months after orchiectomy. Wound healing was evaluated at a minimum of four checkpoints (on days 15, 45, 90 and 180 after surgery). At the end of the study, a questionnaire was administered to measure patients' satisfaction rate. Student's t test was used for comparison of quantitative data between negative vs. positive cultures (p<0.05). The chi-square test was used to verify associations between categorical variables and immediate vs. late prosthesis implantation (p <0.05). RESULTS: Patient's ages ranged from 13 to 23 years (mean 16.44 years). Overall time lapse from symptoms to orchiectomy ranged from 10 hours to 25 days (mean 7.92 days). Only one extrusion occurred and it happened in the late implant group. All wounds were healed in 72%, 88%, 95.8% and 100% of the cases on the 15th, 45th, 90th and 180th days after implant, respectively. At the end of the study, all patients stated they would recommend it to a friend or relative. The only patient that had prothesis extrusion asked to have it implanted again. CONCLUSION: There was no prosthesis extrusion using the modified intravaginal surgical technique for immediate testicular prosthesis implantation, which proved to be an easily performed and safe procedure that can avoid further reconstructive surgery in patients whose testicle was removed due to testicular torsion.

Impact of COVID-19 on education, health and lifestyle behaviour of Brazilian urology residents.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on clinical and surgical practice, educational activities, health and lifestyle behavior of Brazilian urology residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to 468 Brazilian urology residents from postgraduate years (PGY) 3 to 5 to collect data on clinical practice and training after 4 months of COVID-19. We also assessed health-related and behavior changes, rate of infection by SARS-CoV-2, deployment to the front line of COVID-19, residents' concerns, and access to personal protective equipment (PPE). RESULTS: Massive reductions in elective and emergency patient consultations, diagnostic procedures and surgeries were reported across the country, affecting PGY 3 to 5 alike. Most in-person educational activities were abolished. The median damage to the urological training expected for 2020 was 6.0 [3.4 -7.7], on a scale from 0 to 10, with senior residents estimating a greater damage (P < 0.001). Educational interventions developed included online case-based discussions, subspeciality conferences and lectures, and grand rounds. Most senior residents favored extending residency to compensate for training loss and most younger residents favored no additional training (p< 0.001). Modifications in health and lifestyle included weight gain (43.8%), reduced physical activity (68.6%), increased alcoholic intake (44.9%) and cigarette consumption (53.6%), worsening of sexual life (25.2%) and feelings of sadness or depression (48,2%). Almost half were summoned to work on the COVID-19 front-line and 24.4% had COVID-19. Most residents had inadequate training to deal with COVID-19 patients and most reported a shortage of PPE. Residents' concerns included the risk of contaminating family members, being away from residency program, developing severe COVID-19 and overloading colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 had a massive impact in Brazilian urology residents´ training, health and lifestyle behavior, which may reflect what happened in other medical specialties. Studies should confirm these findings to help developing strategies to mitigate residents' losses.