Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae causing possible gonorrhoea treatment failure with ceftriaxone plus azithromycin in Austria, April 2022.

We describe a gonorrhoea case with ceftriaxone plus high-level azithromycin resistance. In April 2022, an Austrian heterosexual male was diagnosed with gonorrhoea after sexual intercourse with a female sex worker in Cambodia. Recommended treatment with ceftriaxone (1 g) plus azithromycin (1.5 g) possibly failed. Worryingly, this is the second strain in an Asian Neisseria gonorrhoeae genomic sublineage including high-level azithromycin-resistant strains that developed ceftriaxone resistance by acquisition of mosaic penA-60.001. Enhanced resistance surveillance and actions are imperative to prevent spread.

Does Determining Tumor Markers from the Testicular Vein Enable Better Diagnosis and Prognosis?

INTRODUCTION: ß-HCG has been the only tumor marker evaluated in testicular vein (VT) blood until now. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between the tumor markers ß-HCG, AFP, PLAP, and LDH from the VT and peripheral blood as well as their significance in predicting tumor recurrence and tumor stage. METHODS: Patients with testicular cancer undergoing orchiectomy were studied retrospectively over a period of 20 years. Tumor stage, tumor histology, time to tumor recurrence, and tumor markers from VT and peripheral blood were analyzed. Minimal follow-up was 2 years. Statistical analysis was performed by means of Cox- and logistic regression models and Spearman rank correlation coefficients. RESULTS: A total of 172 patients with an average follow-up of 9.9 years were investigated. The overall recurrence rate was 18% (seminoma patients 20.8%, nonseminoma patients 14.5%). Marker values measured from VT blood were higher than in peripheral blood and correlated strongly with the peripherally measured values. AFP obtained from peripheral blood was the only tumor marker allowing a statement on the recurrence probability. Tumor markers from VT blood showed no correlation with tumor stage. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Tumor markers from VT blood are significantly higher than in peripheral blood. Tumor markers obtained from VT blood do not provide clinical advantage in terms of assessing tumor stage and recurrence probability.

Multiple magnetic resonance imaging in patients with implanted sacral nerve stimulator.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess possible impacts of multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans on the function of InterStim™ sacral neurostimulator systems (SNS; Medtronic Inc.) devices and on patient's safety. METHODS: Over the course of 17 years, a total of 16 patients required 72 MRI examinations in various parts of the body. Each time an MRI was performed, the implanting urologist evaluated the SNS device function and deactivated the implant before the scan. Patients were monitored continuously during and after the procedure. After the MRI session, the site of the implanted device was examined, and the SNS device was reactivated. RESULTS: None of the patients experienced pain or discomfort during or after the MRI scan. Impedances and stimulation amplitudes were recorded before and after MRI and showed no statistically significant changes regarding implant function. Micturition-time charts after MRI procedures were compared with previous records and showed no deviations either. No negative consequences of multiple MRIs have been observed. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of patients successfully undergoing multiple MRI scans despite a previously implanted SNS. Sixteen patients underwent more than one MRI scan, with no negative effect on the functional outcome of SNS or negative side effects for the patients.

The Microbiome in Benign Renal Tissue and in Renal Cell Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The renal bacterial colonization has not been explored so far. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the renal microbiome and to determine differences of the renal microbiome in healthy and tumor-bearing parenchyma. METHODS: Ten biopsies from patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal carcinoma with no history of urinary tract infections within the last 6 months were included in this study. The identification of all microorganisms was done using 16S DNA sequencing. The beta diversity analysis was performed by Bray-Curtis dissimilarity. RESULTS: In all kidney samples, a plethora of microorganisms was found, with significant differences between benign and malignant renal tissue (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that healthy kidney tissue as well as renal cell cancer tissue have a specific microbiome, thus opening new perspectives in renal physiology and tumor pathogenesis.

Postmicturition Dribble: A Physiological Phenomenon?

BACKGROUND: Postmicturition dribble (PMD) is a common condition in the male population. OBJECTIVES: Despite its common occurrence, there are only a few studies on this topic so far. The aim of this study was to investigate possible physiological aspects of PMD. METHOD: Seventeen men complaining of PMD and 10 healthy subjects were assessed via uroflometry, IPSS questionnaire, IIEF-5 questionnaire, and an adapted visual analogue scale (VAS) for ejaculation force -(0-10) and the amount of bother concerning PMD (0-10) were completed. In addition to that, a retrograde urethrography at 40 and 60 cm water column as pressure unit to measure the width of the bulbar urethra was performed, and the amount of PMD was measured with an adjusted pad test. RESULTS: The PMD group showed a significantly worse IPSS score, a lower Qmax rate in uroflowmetry, a worse IIEF-5 score, and a worse VAS score concerning ejaculation force. In both groups, worse IPSS levels correlated with a low bulbar urethral diameter at 40 and 60 cm water column. -Another correlation was found between a high maximum urine flow rate and a larger bulbar urethral diameter at 40 and 60 cm. Both groups showed urine loss after micturition, with no bother (VAS 0) in the control group, whereas the PMD group showed a VAS of 6. CONCLUSIONS: PMD should be regarded as a physiological occurrence in men rather than a disease by itself. Suffering is only to be expected in combination with other lower urinary tract symptoms.

Diversity of Bacterial Urine and Prostate Gland Tissue Cultures in Patients Undergoing Transurethral Prostate Gland Resection.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to identify the types of bacterial colonization of the prostate gland tissue and urine pre- and postoperatively in patients undergoing a transurethral resection (TUR) of the prostate gland. In addition, clinical symptoms and histopathological findings were included. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty three patients were investigated. Urine test strips and urine cultures were taken pre- and postoperatively and intraoperatively prostate resection chips were taken for culture. RESULTS: A positive bacterial culture was found in 20 of 43 (46.5%) patients. Preoperatively, a positive bacterial culture was found in 12 patients and postoperatively in 7 patients. Thirteen patients showed a positive culture of the prostate gland tissue. No patient showed the same bacterial isolates in all 3 samples. Postinterventionally, 6 patients of the group with positive bacterial cultures developed complications. From the group of patients without bacterial growth, only one patient developed a postoperative complication. CONCLUSION: The bacterial colonization in the 3 different cultures showed an inhomogeneous spectrum of bacteria without a reproducible pattern. Nevertheless, it clearly demonstrates that the group with a positive culture is at great risk to develop postoperative complications.

Prevalence and incidence of clinical symptoms of the retroaortic left renal vein.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence and incidence of clinical symptoms of retroaortic left renal vein (RLRV) diagnosed incidentally over 10 years by computed tomography (CT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 7,929 consecutive patients (out- and inpatients) were studied with multidetector CT from January 2000 to April 2011. We retrospectively reviewed RLRV patients' medical records and analyzed their clinical characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 61 out of 7,929 patients had a RLRV, therefore the prevalence was 0.77%. Only 4 of 61 (6.6%) RLRV patients diagnosed by CT scan were clinically symptomatic. RLRV was associated with flank pain and microhematuria in one patient (1.6%), in another one with microhematuria only and in one with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Furthermore, one patient suffered from arterial hypertension associated with a RLRV. CONCLUSIONS: RLRV is a rare finding, and only a small minority of RLRVs causes symptoms.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in an Austrian urological department: 10 years experience covering 95.161 patients.

PURPOSE: So far, few data is available on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in urology. To obtain a better insight into MRSA infections, we studied prevalence, colonization and infection site and clinical implications of MRSA in a urological department over a 10-year period. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with MRSA for the first time over a 10-year period was set-up. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2009, a total of 95.161 in- and outpatients were seen at our department. The prevalence of patients with newly diagnosed MRSA was low, that is, <0.1 % per year (mean 0.07%, 0.02-0.1 %). In total, 62 MRSA cases were identified over a 10-year period. MRSA incidence was 10 times higher in inpatients (0.2 %) than in outpatients (0.02 %). Asymptomatic MRSA colonization was present in 25/62 patients (40.3 %), the remaining 59.7 % (37/62) showed clinical symptoms: MRSA positive swabs from open wounds were seen in 10/62 patients (16.1 %). Urinary tract infections were seen in 26/10 patients (41.9 %), while life-threatening MRSA sepsis occurred in one patient only over a decade. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we observed very low rates of MRSA colonization and infection. Still, complications like delayed wound healing, development of abscess and even sepsis may occur.

Laparoscopic Simple Prostatectomy: A Single Center Experience with A Long-Term Follow Up.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the long-term outcomes and safety of laparoscopic simple prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2012 and 2019 80 patients with prostates volumes ≥ 80 mL were treated with laparoscopic simple prostatectomy at our department. Uroflowmetry, post void residual volume and standardized questionnaires were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Perioperative complications were categorized using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: The mean specimen weight was 83 grams, and the mean operation time was 156 minutes. At a mean follow-up time of 40 months patients showed a significant improvement of Qmax (P = .002), IPSS (P < .001) and QoL (P < .001). Post void residual volumes decreased significantly. Complications occurred in 11 patients (13.8%), nine had mild (grade 1 - 2) and two had severe (grade 3b - 4a) complications. One conversion to open surgery due to massive prostatic adherence from previous abscess formation was recorded and one patient needed blood transfusion intraoperatively. CONCLUSION: laparoscopic simple prostatectomy is an effective and safe procedure for large volume prostate glands with a significant and stable long term symptoms improvement.

Female incontinence: long-term results of slings.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Several different sling procedures are currently in use and most of them are newly developed. Despite the fact that they are widely in use, knowledge about their long-term efficacy, morbidity, and functional sequeal is scarce. The aim of the present review is to provide an update of several different procedures. RECENT FINDINGS: The tension-free vaginal tape is the best studied and documented procedure with excellent long-term outcome data and low rates of complications. Tension-free vaginal tape appears to be followed by significantly higher objective cure rates than transobturator tape. Concerning comparison of different types of transobturator tape, no significant differences were found so far. Minislings still need to be evaluated concerning long-term safety and efficacy. SUMMARY: Tension-free vaginal tape and transobturator tape are equally effective; for assessment of new approaches, surgical long-term data are mandatory.

The natural history of the overactive bladder syndrome in females: a long-term analysis of a health screening project.

AIM: To analyze the natural history of the overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in women over a period of 6.5 years. METHOD: Women participating in a health screening survey in the area of Vienna in 1998/1999 underwent a detailed health investigation and completed the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom (BFLUTS) Questionnaire. In 2005 all women who were still living in the area of Vienna, were contacted by mail to complete the BFLUTS questionnaire again. RESULTS: A total of 386 women with a mean age of 54 years (range: 21-81 years) entered this study and were all followed for a mean of 6.5 years. At baseline, the prevalence of OAB was 19.4% (n = 75/386) and increased to 27.2% (105/386) 6.5 years later resulting in an average annual progression rate of 1.2%. The incidence was 19.3% (n = 60/311; average annual rate: 2.9%), a remission was seen in 40% (n = 30/75; average annual rate: 6.2%), stable disease in 41.3% (n = 31/75; average annual rate: 6.4%), a progression was noticed in 6.7% (n = 5/75; average annual rate: 1.0%) and an improvement in 12% (n = 9/75; average annual rate: 1.8%). Women with a full remission were 49.9 years (± 13 years), those with stable disease 58.2 years (± 9.3 years), those with improvement 57.4 years (± 10.4 years), those with deterioration 61.8 years (± 12.8 years) and those with de novo OAB 57.3 years (± 12.3 years). CONCLUSION: OAB is a dynamic disease with long-lasting stable disease courses as well as remissions and progressions.

Quality of life after SPARC sling procedure: a long-term retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: To asses the effects on quality of life (QoL) in women with stress urinary incontinence after a SPARC sling procedure. METHODS: This is a long-term retrospective study. The study cohort consisted of 54 women: 46 were available for follow-up examination and 8 were contacted by telephone. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 5.3 years. The QoL assessed by using a visual analogue scale improved significantly from 6.9 at baseline to 2.8. The IIQ-7 (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form) general score decreased from an average of 56.7 at baseline to 17.5 at the follow-up investigation. Using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire, 57.4% of women characterized themselves as very much better, 20.4% as much better and 11.1% as a little better. Eighty-seven percent of women regarded themselves as satisfied, but 13% were dissatisfied with the outcome of the SPARC sling procedure. CONCLUSION: In this study a significant and stable long-term improvement in QoL could be observed in women undergoing SPARC sling procedure.

Impact of overactive bladder symptoms on sexuality in both sexes.

OBJECTIVES: To define the epidemiological impact of the overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) on sexual life. We therefore analyzed this issue in a large cohort of individuals participating in a health screening project. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 2,365 men and women completed the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Questionnaire (BFLUTS). OAB was defined according to the International Continence Society (ICS). The impact of OAB on sexual life was assessed by a single question: 'In general, how do your micturition problems affect your sexual life'. RESULTS: A total of 1.199 men and 1.166 women with were analyzed. The overall prevalence of OAB was 13.9% (n = 329): 9.7% had OAB(dry) and 4.2% OAB(wet). A total of 17.6% (n = 58) of individuals with OAB reported a negative impact of OAB on sexual life as compared to 4.7% of those without OAB (p < 0.001). One of 4 with OAB(wet) reported a negative impact on sexual life (25%) as compared to 14.4% in those with OAB(dry) (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction is frequently reported in individuals with OAB. Individuals with OAB(wet) are experiencing a more profound impact on sexuality. Therefore, patients with OAB should be assessed regarding sexual dysfunction by the urologist.

First Report of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Implanted InterStim Twin (model 7427T) Sacral Nerve Stimulator.

PURPOSE: To detect possible effects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans on the function of an InterStim Twin sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) device and on patient's health. There is no authorization for MRI scans in InterStim Twin SNS at all. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 10 patients with Interstim Twin sacral nerve stimulator implants underwent a singular MRI scan. Before the MRI was performed, the SNS device function was evaluated and the device was deactivated be the implanting urologist. A continuous monitoring took place during MRI procedure. Micturition-time chart pre- and post MRI procedures were conducted. After the MRI session was completed, the implanted device was examined once more and reactivated, function then was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients required MRI examinations in 8 different body regions. No patient reported pain or discomfort during and after the MRI scan. After reactivation of the InterStim Twin device following the MRI, impedances and stimulation amplitude, micturition frequency, urgency, and incontinence episodes remained stable. No significant differences between pre- and post MRI were found (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the first report of patients successfully undergoing a MRI scan despite a previously implanted Interstim Twin sacral nerve stimulator. No negative effect of SNS function or negative side effects for the patients were observed.

The Correlation of Prostate Volume and Prostate-specific Antigen Levels With Positive Bacterial Prostate Tissue Cultures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels with bacterial growth in prostate tissue cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty male patients who underwent transurethral prostate resection were investigated prospectively. Resection chips from the prostate gland were added to brain-heart infusion medium and incubated. PSA levels were determined preoperatively at our urology ward. The prostate gland volume was estimated by transabdominal ultrasound examination preoperatively. RESULTS: Persons with positive bacterial prostate tissue cultures have a greater prostate volume. This is significant in patients with and without histopathologic signs of prostatitis. Persons with positive bacterial prostate tissue cultures have higher PSA values. This is significant in patients without histopathologic signs of prostatitis. CONCLUSION: People with positive bacterial prostatic tissue culture have a higher prostate volume in comparison with patients with negative culture findings and show a tendency toward increased PSA levels as well.

Renal Autotransplantation in Metachronous Solitary Contralateral Ureteral Metastasis from Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Ureteral metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare and usually confined to the ipsilateral ureter. In literature, about 50 cases have been reported so far. Of these, only 14 metastasized metachronously to the contralateral ureter.A seventy-one-year-old man was hospitalized with recurrent painless severe haematuria. Seven years previously, he had undergone radical nephrectomy of the right kidney due to a clearcell renal cell carcinoma (cRCC), Fuhrman grad 2. Intravenous urography and a retrograde ureterogram revealed a filling defect (25 mm) in the left distal ureter, which we expected to be an urothelial carcinoma. Biopsy was not possible, due to ureteral stricture. Diagnostic workup revealed no other sites of metastasis. To preserve kidney function and quality of life we refrainedfrom performing nephroureterectomy and opted for an autotransplantation of the solitary left kidney with ureteral reimplantation in the bladder. We resected the ureter and histopathologicial examination showed a metastasis of cRCC, Fuhrman grade 2.Postoperatively, the patient developed an acute postrenal failure, hence a nephrostomy and a bladder catherization were performed. After this, the patient improved significantly and the drains could be removed. Currently the patient is free of complaints. The residual and contralateral ureter is a potential metastatic site after RCC. Autotransplantation is an option forsurgical treatment.

The suprapubic arch sling procedure for treatment of stress urinary incontinence: a 5-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Up to now, numerous similar products concerning the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) have been developed. OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of the suprapubic arch (SPARC) sling system in women with SUI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a long-term retrospective study. All patients underwent a comprehensive pre- and postoperative evaluation. Forty-six women were available for clinical follow-up investigation after SPARC sling placement. INTERVENTION: Eighty-six women with SUI and a positive cough test underwent SPARC sling placement between June 2001 and January 2004. MEASUREMENTS: At follow-up all 46 patients underwent a cough test, a pad test, uroflowmetry, and sonographic postvoid residual volume measurement. Women rated their subjective continence status (continent, slightly incontinent, incontinent) and were asked if they would undergo the procedure again and if they would recommend it to a friend. Objective cure was defined as a pad weight 0-1g and a negative cough test. Subjective cure was defined as no use of pads. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The median follow-up was 5.2 yr. The objective cure rate was 76%; the subjective cure rate was 52%. Sixty-three percent of the patients rated themselves as continent, 33% as slightly incontinent, and 4% as severely incontinent. Most of the women (98%) would recommend the SPARC procedure to a friend and would undergo the procedure again. CONCLUSIONS: The SPARC sling system is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of female SUI. Patient satisfaction is independent of complete dryness.

Is the metabolic syndrome an independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction?

PURPOSE: We determined the role of the metabolic syndrome as an independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Men participating in a health screening project completed the International Index of Erectile Function-5. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the 2005 International Diabetes Federation consensus definition. Multiple linear regression, ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to investigate the impact of the metabolic syndrome on erectile dysfunction. RESULTS: A total of 2,371 men with a mean age of 46.1 years (SD 9.9, range 30 to 69) were analyzed. Of the men 33.4% (652) had no erectile dysfunction (International Index of Erectile Function-5 score 22 to 25), 59.7% (1,166) had mild erectile dysfunction (International Index of Erectile Function-5 score 17 to 21) and 6.9% (134) had moderate to severe erectile dysfunction (International Index of Erectile Function-5 score 5 to 16). The metabolic syndrome was present in 33.8% (794). In a multiple linear regression analysis an increased waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.01) and metabolic syndrome (p = 0.01) turned out to be independently associated with a decreased International Index of Erectile Function-5 score. When stratified according to age, the metabolic syndrome was correlated to erectile dysfunction only in men 50 years old or older with an increase of severe erectile dysfunction by 48% (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The metabolic syndrome and an increased waist-to-hip ratio are independently associated with a decreased International Index of Erectile Function-5 score. The metabolic syndrome in men older than 50 years is significantly associated with a higher proportion of moderate to severe erectile dysfunction.

The natural history of lower urinary tract symptoms in females: analysis of a health screening project.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse over 6.5 yr the natural history of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of continent women participating in a health investigation. METHODS: Women participating in a health screening survey in the area of Vienna in 1998-1999 underwent a detailed health investigation and completed the Bristol Female LUTS questionnaire. In 2005, all women still living in the area of Vienna were contacted by mail to complete the Bristol LUTS questionnaire again. For the current study, only women without urinary incontinence at baseline and follow-up were eligible. RESULTS: A total of 223 women (mean age, 50.3 yr; range, 21-79) were included in this 6.5-yr longitudinal study. At baseline, 80 women (35.9%) reported LUTS; this number increased to 105 (47.1%) 6.5 yr later. The calculated mean annual incidence of LUTS was 5.3% and revealed no clear dependency on age: 20-39 yr, 5.6%; 40-59 yr, 5.9%; > or =60 yr, 3.7%. The mean annual remission rate of LUTS was 4.6% without clear age dependency. Symptoms most likely to improve were "urgency"; "frequency"; "nocturia" and "feeling of incomplete bladder emptying" had the highest tendency of worsening. CONCLUSIONS: This longitudinal study on the natural history of LUTS in women without urinary incontinence provides estimates for incidence and remission rates over 6.5 yr. Compared with men, LUTS in women are a dynamic rather than a necessarily progressive disorder.

Prevalence of the overactive bladder syndrome by applying the International Continence Society definition.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of the overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in an urban population by using the International Continence Society (ICS) definition and to determine its impact on quality of life and sexual function. METHODS: Women and men participating in a health screening project in the area of Vienna completed the Bristol Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) questionnaire. To assess the prevalence of OAB the 2002 ICS definition was applied. In addition, all participants underwent a detailed health examination, including physical assessment, evaluation of life style factors, laboratory study and urinalysis. RESULTS: A total of 1199 men and 1219 women aged 20-91 years were analysed. The prevalence of OAB in men (48.5+/-13.1 years) was 10.2% (OABdry: 8.4%; OABwet: 1.8%) and 16.8% in women (49.5+/-13.5 years; OABdry:10.3%; OABwet: 6.5%). In women, the prevalence of OABdry remained fairly stable over 6 life decades, while OABwet increased substantially after the age of 40 years. In men OABwet and OABdry increased after the third life decade. In men with OAB, 48% did not report a negative impact on quality of life, 36% had minimal, 9.8% moderate and 2.5% severe impairment; the respective percentages for women were 53%, 33%, 7.3% and 6.3%. OABwet had a more profound impact on quality of life. A negative impact of OAB on sexuality was reported by 24% of men and 31% of women. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of OAB in this population, its negative impact of quality of life and sexuality underline the importance of this syndrome.