Robotic Low Anterior Resection and Partial Bladder Resection for Management of Locoregional Endometrial Cancer Recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a robotic tumor debulking for management of locoregional endometrial cancer recurrence. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Tertiary referral center in New Haven, CT. INTERVENTIONS: A 70-year-old patient with a history of stage IB endometrioid endometrial cancer presented with rectal bleeding 3 years after the completion of treatment. A mass involving the distal sigmoid colon/upper rectum and bilateral distal periureteral masses were visualized on imaging. There was no distant metastatic disease. Colonoscopic biopsies were consistent with endometrial cancer recurrence. Because the patient was symptomatic with rectal bleeding and had no distant metastasis, it was recommended that she undergo surgical resection for management of this locoregional recurrence. The patient was placed in reverse Trendelenburg position with a rightward tilt to mobilize the splenic flexure. Once the cephalad aspect of the descending colon mobilization was completed, the patient was placed in Trendelenburg lithotomy position to expose the pelvis. A robot was docked at this point and the pelvic avascular spaces were delineated. A medial-to-lateral approach was used in mobilization of the sigmoid colon mesentery. The left ureter was identified and the sigmoid branches of inferior mesenteric artery were sealed. The descending/sigmoid colon junction was stapled. After complete mobilization of the sigmoid colon, the tumor-free upper rectum was delineated and stapled. Attention was then turned to the distal peri-ureteral masses. The 2-cm mass on the right, which was densely adherent to the distal right ureter, was completely resected after extensive ureterolysis. The resection of the 4-cm mass on the left which involved both the distal left ureter and the bladder dome required an intentional cystotomy and a partial cystectomy to attain negative margins (Supplemental Figure 1). The procedure was continued with the bowel anastomosis. The anvil was introduced through the vagina and was placed into the proximal limb through an antimesenteric incision. An end-to-end tension-free anastomosis was performed and adequate vascularization was confirmed with intravenous indocyanine green. CONCLUSION: Robotic low anterior resection and partial bladder resection were performed without any complications with negative margins. Robotic tumor debulking should be considered in appropriate patients when managing locoregional recurrence of endometrial cancer [1,2].

An allied health rehabilitation program for patients following surgery for abdomino-pelvic cancer: a feasibility and pilot clinical study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of conducting a rehabilitation program for patients following surgery for abdomino-pelvic cancer. METHODS: A non-randomised controlled before-and-after study. Patients who had undergone surgery for stage I-III abdomino-pelvic cancer (colorectal, gynaecological or prostate cancer) were recruited. The rehabilitation group (n = 84) received an 8-week, bi-weekly education and exercise program conducted by a physiotherapist, exercise physiologist, health psychologist and dietician, supplemented by exercise diaries and telephone coaching sessions. The comparator group (n = 104) completed postal questionnaires only. Feasibility measures, functional exercise capacity, muscle strength, physical activity levels, pelvic floor symptoms, anxiety and depression, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and self-efficacy were measured at baseline (time 1), immediately post-intervention (time 2) and at 6 months post-baseline (time 3) and compared within- and between-groups. RESULTS: The consent rate to the rehabilitation program was 24%. Eighty-one percent of the rehabilitation group attended 85-100% of 16 scheduled sessions. Overall satisfaction with the program was 96%. Functional exercise capacity, handgrip strength in males, bowel symptoms, physical activity levels, depression and HRQoL were significantly improved in the rehabilitation group (p < 0.05) at time 2. The improvements in all these outcomes were sustained at time 3. The rehabilitation group had significantly improved physical activity levels, depression and HRQoL compared with the comparator group at times 2 and 3 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Recruitment to this oncology rehabilitation program was more difficult than expected; however, attendance and patient satisfaction were high. This program had positive effects on several important clinical outcomes in patients following abdomino-pelvic cancer treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ANZCTR 12614000580673.

Efficacy of prostatic urethral lift compared with transurethral resection of the prostate.

This article reviews the prostatic urethral lift (PUL) and its potential benefits and risks compared with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). TURP is the traditional procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and is associated with ejaculatory and erectile dysfunction. PUL is a minimally invasive option, but its efficacy has not been well studied. A literature review indicates that both procedures should be afforded equal consideration, and both have limitations. Further long-term research is needed to establish if PUL is superior to TURP.

Psychological perspectives to early surgery in the management of disorders/differences of sex development.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The review focuses on genitoplasty, performed on young children with disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) to 'typify' ambiguous external genitalia and intended to result in either male or female-appearing genitals. Consensus on whether or not early genitoplasty is optimal or appropriate has yet to be achieved. This article reviews arguments in favor of early surgery as well as those disputing their justification. RECENT FINDINGS: Arguments supporting early genitoplasty include the assumption that a child's genital anatomy should match their gender of rearing for optimal psychosocial development and that outcomes are better physically and psychologically than when surgery is deferred. Those disputing their justification argue that they deny patients the right to participate in irreversible decisions related to anatomy and gender, revoke the possibility of an open future, and violate basic human rights. Clinical management includes recommendations for interdisciplinary care integrating psychologists, and shared decision-making processes to assist families in carefully considering options. SUMMARY: Early genital surgery in DSD care is controversial with compelling arguments put forth by both proponents and opponents. Relevant issues can be examined from ethical, psychological, cultural and medical perspectives - all of which need to be accounted for in both research and standard of care development.

Laparoscopic vesiculectomy for large seminal vesicle cystadenoma.

Cystadenomas of the seminal vesicles are extremely rare. Here, we report a large seminal vesicle cystadenoma. A 37-year-old man presented a 6-month history of haemospermia, 10 days of Lower Urinary Tract symptoms (LUTSs) and gross haematuria. Transabdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed and revealed a large solid-cystic pelvic mass morphometrically measured 7.0 cm × 11.9 cm × 8.6 cm on the right seminal vesicle, which caused hydronephrosis of the right kidney. The prostate-specific antigen of the patient was 27.860 ng/dl. Laparoscopic exploration found the capsule of tumour was complete and the tumour came from the right seminal vesicle, in addition, the mass had a certain space with the bladder and prostate, which could be separated. So a nerve-sparing Laparoscopic Vesiculectomy was performed at last, even though the intraoperative frozen section analysis could not make sure the nature of the tumour either. The postoperative pathology revealed cystadenoma of the seminal vesicle.

Colpectomy Significantly Reduces the Risk of Urethral Fistula Formation after Urethral Lengthening in Transgender Men Undergoing Genital Gender Affirming Surgery.

PURPOSE: We assessed the effect of performing colpectomy before (primary) or after (secondary) gender affirming surgery with single stage urethral lengthening on the incidence of urethral fistula in transgender men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all transgender men who underwent gender affirming surgery with urethral lengthening between January 1989 and November 2016 at VU University Medical Center. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, fistulas and fistula management, and primary and secondary colpectomy were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated and incidence rates were compared. RESULTS: A total of 294 transgender men underwent gender affirming surgery with urethral lengthening. A urethral fistula developed in 111 of the 232 patients (48%) without colpectomy and in 13 of the 62 (21%) who underwent primary colpectomy (p <0.01). Secondary colpectomy resulted in 100% fistula closure when performed in 17 patients with recurrent urethral fistula at the proximal urethral anastomosis and the fixed part of the neourethra. CONCLUSIONS: Primary colpectomy decreases the incidence rate of urethral fistulas. Secondary colpectomy is also an effective treatment of fistulas at the proximal urethral anastomosis and the fixed part of the neourethra.

Long-term follow-up of anterior vaginal repair: A comparison among colporrhaphy, colporrhaphy with reinforcement by xenograft, and mesh.

AIMS: To assess the long-term complications and outcomes in patients treated for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with transvaginal anterior colporrhaphy (AC) alone, transvaginal naterior AC with reinforcement by using porcine Xenograft (AC-P) (Pelvisoft® Biomesh), and transvaginal anterior repair with polypropylene mesh (AC-M). METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 109/123 consecutive patients, who underwent cystocele repair: 42 AC, 19 AC-P, and 48 AC-M. Subjective outcomes included validated questionnaires as well as questions that had not been previously validated. Objective outcomes have been evaluated considering failure the anterior vaginal wall recurrence >2 stage POP-Quantification. Statistical analysis included the chi-square or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 94.80 ± 51.72 months (19-192 months). In all groups, the patient's personal satisfaction was high. There was no evidence of difference in outcome based on whether a biological graft was or was not performed, or whether synthetic mesh was used to reinforce the repair. Data showed a higher rate of complications in the AC-M group (P < 0.05) that could explain the lower subjective satisfaction of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated long-term outcomes to anterior vaginal repair over a period of more than 5 years in all the groups. Our data show that anterior vaginal repair with mesh and xenograft did not improve significantly objective and subjective outcomes. Rather, prosthetic device use leads to higher rate of complications.

Autologous rectus fascia sling placement in the management of female stress urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Autologous pubovaginal sling placement remains a treatment option in index patients, given high, long-term success rates. This video reviews the technical considerations for performing an autologous rectus fascia sling. METHODS: The patient is a 47-year-old woman with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) refractory to conservative management. First, a 10-cm rectus fascial segment is harvested and prepped with placement of nonabsorbable stay sutures for later sling passage. Then, an inverted U-shaped incision is made in the anterior vaginal wall based on the bladder neck, and perforation of the endopelvic fascia is performed. Following passage of the sling in the retropubic space, it is secured to periurethral tissue. Cystoscopy is then used to evaluate for bladder perforation and to confirm sling tensioning. RESULTS: The patient was discharged on the same day of surgery with a suprapubic tube in place, which was removed on postoperative day 7 after passing a capping trial. At 6 weeks' follow-up, the patient had complete resolution of SUI, with no de novo urgency symptoms, and could empty her bladder to completion. CONCLUSION: Autologous pubovaginal sling placement remains an effective treatment option for the management of female SUI. This video highlights important technical considerations for this procedure.

Comparative study of transobturator sling with and without concomitant prolapse surgery for female urodynamic stress incontinence.

AIM: To demonstrate the clinical and urodynamic outcomes of transobturator sling (TOT) with or without concomitant prolapse surgery for the treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence (USI). METHODS: We recruited 143 consecutive patients diagnosed with USI, who received outside-in TOT in a university hospital. Preoperative and postoperative examinations were implemented using structured urogynecological questionnaires, pelvic organ prolapse quantification examination and urodynamic testing. Patient demographics, surgical and urodynamic results were compared between TOT with and without concomitant prolapse surgery. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 30.1 months (range 12-57). Postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurred in 10 (7%) patients at 3 months and 10 (7%) patients at 12 months postoperatively. There was no significant difference in prevalence of postoperative SUI between groups of TOT only and TOT combined with pelvic surgery. Preoperative urodynamic results demonstrated that TOT only (n = 96) had a higher maximal flow rate and a lower residual urine amount when compared to TOT combined with pelvic surgery (n = 47). A significant decrease in maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) was found in 119 patients who received postoperative urodynamic examination. In comparison with preoperative urodynamic data, postoperative urodynamic results showed a significant decrease in MUCP in the TOT combined with prolapse surgery group, but no significant urodynamic changes in the group of TOT only. CONCLUSION: Both TOT and TOT combined with prolapse surgery can be effective in correcting SUI in patients with USI 12 months postoperatively, with significant changes in MUCP.

Long-term outcomes of transobturator tension-free vaginal tapes as secondary continence procedures.

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term patient-reported outcomes following TO-TVT as a secondary continence procedure in women with recurrent stress urinary incontinence (R-SUI). METHODS: A secondary analysis of the 9-year follow-up of the E-TOT study was performed: 341 women with predominant SUI symptoms were randomised to undergo either Inside-out or Outside-in TO-TVT between April 2005 and April 2007. Forty-six women had R-SUI following previously failed continence surgery at time of randomisation and are the basis of this analysis as a one single cohort. Primary outcome was the patient-reported success rate defined as very/much improved on Patient's Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). Secondary outcomes included late adverse events and impact on women's quality of life and sexual function. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: Sixty-three per cent completed the 9-year follow-up. The success based on the PGI-I was 62.1% with no significant difference between groups (OR 5.33; 95% CI 1.03, 27.76; p = 0.094). Clinically significant improvement in QoL was found in 84.2%. Adverse events included vaginal erosions (n = 3) and groin pain (n = 2). The small sample size is a limitation in this study; nevertheless, this is one of the largest cohorts reported for women with R-SUI and the first to report the long-term outcomes of TO-TVT as a secondary continence procedure. CONCLUSIONS: TO-TVT operations are associated with good patient-reported success rates (62%) in women with previous failed continence surgery with up to 9-years follow-up. There is a non-significant trend towards better outcomes with the inside-out TO-TVT.

Entry into the peritoneal cavity in posthysterectomy prolapse: an educational video.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Entry into the peritoneal cavity can be challenging in patients with posthysterectomy prolapse; however, it is important for vaginal surgeons to be able to enter the peritoneal cavity using various techniques to perform an intraperitoneal vaginal vault suspension. METHODS: We present surgical footage of various methods of accessing the peritoneal cavity in posthysterectomy prolapse using posterior, anterior and apical approaches. RESULTS: This video highlights surgical techniques that can be used to enter the peritoneal cavity in posthysterectomy prolapse in a safe and reliable manner. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal surgeons should be able to safely and confidently identify and enter the peritoneal cavity using various approaches to perform an intraperitoneal vaginal vault suspension.

Association of urodynamics and lower urogenital tract nerve growth factor after synthetic vaginal mesh implantation on a rat model.

AIM: By investigating the association of urodynamics and urogenital nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in vaginal mesh surgery, we may be able to associate the likelihood of postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms developing as a result of synthetic mesh implanted for pelvic floor reconstructive surgery. METHODS: Thirty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: mesh, sham (no mesh), and control. Urodynamic study and NGF analysis of the urogenital tissues were done and results were compared among all groups. The urodynamic studies of the mesh and sham groups were further divided into the 4th and 10th days. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: All rats survived and no complications were observed during the post-implantation period. Histological evaluation showed intense acute inflammatory reaction on days 4 and 7 in the mesh and sham groups when compared to the control. The mesh group showed a larger area of inflammation as compared to the sham. The NGF levels increased significantly in the mesh and sham groups on the 4th and 10th days when compared to the control (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Both the mesh and sham groups had shorter voiding interval and lower voiding volume on days 4 and 10 when compared to the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The magnitude on increasing NGF level and decreasing voiding interval and voiding volume was significantly more on the mesh group than the sham group. CONCLUSION: A higher level of NGF in the early days post-transvaginal mesh implantation is associated with a shorter voiding interval and a smaller bladder capacity, which represents abnormal lower urinary tract symptoms following transvaginal mesh implantation.

Use of indocyanine green angiography in microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy - lessons learned from our initial experience.

Microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSV) is generally considered the gold standard nowadays in view of the lower risk of complications and recurrence. To achieve complete ligation of veins while preserving testicular artery (TA) during the procedure remains challenging despite the application of high power optical magnification and micro-Doppler ultrasonography. The use of intraoperative indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) with infrared fluorescence operative micro-scope in MSV potentially lowers the incidence of TA injury and shortens the learning curve of nov-ice surgeons. We present our initial experience in the application of the technique in nine patients and explore the potential of the new adjunct.

Economic analyses of stress urinary incontinence surgical procedures in women.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the quality of economic analysis (EA) of surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. METHODS: A MEDLINE search on EA for SUI surgical procedures for the years 2000-2014 included the MeSH terms "tension-free vaginal tape," "TVT," "trans-obturator tape," "TOT," "Burch colposuspension" (BC), "stress urinary incontinence," "economic analysis," and "cost-effectiveness analysis." Important criteria for evaluating articles were selected from panels that set out criteria to evaluate EA [Scales CD, Jr., Christopher SS, American Urological Association 32:121-128, 2013], [Hsieh MH, Maxwell MV, J Urol 178 1867-1874, 2007], [Wu JM, Catherine CM, Conover MM, et al., Obstet Gynecol 123 1201-1206, 2014]. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were identified: TVT compared to BC (6), to other surgical procedures for SUI (1), to TOT (3) and to the mini-sling (1); open BC compared to laparoscopic BC (1), and analysis of various slings and meshes for various types of incontinence (1). Articles originated from: United States (3), Europe (4), United Kingdom (4), and Canada (2). Eight described cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), two cost-utility analysis, and three cost comparison. Follow-up time for patients ranged from 6 to 24 months in eight articles, with four having a minimum of 24 months follow-up. Studies mostly adhered to the criteria, however indirect costs, sensitivity analysis, and efficacy parameters varied. Long-term synthetic sling-related complications were not included. CONCLUSION: Although CEA for SUI surgery is a burgeoning field, study comparisons remain difficult due to some variability, including health care delivery systems. As women live longer, long-term data will become critical as complications and reoperations can affect the real cost of SUI corrective procedures. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:1040-1045, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Transabdominal sacrocolpopexy with autologous rectus fascia graft.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Extrusion and infection are potential postoperative complications when using synthetic mesh for abdominal sacrocolpopexy. Long-term follow-up in the Colpopexy and Urinary Reduction Efforts (CARE) trial revealed an estimated 9.9 % risk of mesh extrusion. There are 26 reports of spondylodiscitis after sacrocolpopexy with synthetic mesh. These surgical risks may be decreased by using autologous fascia. To date, there have been no reports of extrusion or spondylodiscitis after using autologous fascia for sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: This video demonstrates transabdominal sacrocolpopexy with an autologous rectus fascia graft. A 76-year-old woman with symptomatic stage 3 prolapse also had a history of diverticulitis and sigmoid abscess requiring sigmoid colectomy with end colostomy and incidental left ureteral transection with subsequent left nephrostomy tube placement. She presented for colostomy reversal, ureteral reimplantation, and prolapse repair. Given the need for concomitant colon and ureteral reconstruction, the risk of infection was potentially higher if synthetic mesh were used. The patient therefore underwent transabdominal sacrocolpopexy with autologous rectus fascia graft. RESULTS: At 4 months' follow-up the patient reported resolution of her symptoms and on examination she had no pelvic organ prolapse. CONCLUSION: Transabdominal sacrocolpopexy using autologous rectus fascia graft is a feasible option, especially in cases in which infection and synthetic mesh extrusion risks are potentially higher.

The effect of physical activity on varicocele pain and resolution of this pain by different varicocelectomy techniques.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the effect of physical activity on varicocele pain and how different varicocelectomy techniques relieve this pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2012 and January 2015, a total of 64 patients with left groin pain and clinical varicocele were enrolled in this study. A visual analogue scale (VAS) classifying the pain in ten scores was used to assess the severity of pain before and after beginning continuous physical activity, and after operations. Patients were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 had open sub-inguinal varicocelectomy, Group 2 had loupe-assisted sub-inguinal varicocelectomy and Group 3 had microscope-assisted sub-inguinal varicocelectomy. RESULTS: The mean VAS score of patients before and after beginning continuous physical activity was 3.10 +/- 0.9, and 7.65 +/- 0.93, respectively (p = 0.001). These values were 3.36 +/- 0.9, and 7.45 +/- 0.82 in Group 1 (p = 0.001), 2.90 +/- 0.83, and 7.54 +/- 1.29 in Group 2 and 3.06 +/- 1.06, and 7.87 +/- 0.71 in Group 3 (p = 0.001). After the operations, the mean VAS score decreased to 1.90 +/- 1.13 in Group 1 (p = 0.002), 1.63 +/- 1.32 in Group 2 (p = 0.003), and 0.81 +/- 0.71 in Group 3 (p = 0.001). Comparing the postoperative results among the groups, there was no statistical significance between Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.190), and Groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.378), but a statistically significant difference was determined between Groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity has a significant worsening effect on varicocele pain. Microscopic sub-inguinal varicocelectomy offers the best results for pain resolution.

Rapid excision of massive localized lymphedema of the male genitalia with vessel sealing device.

INTRODUCTION: To present a series of patients who underwent surgical treatment for massive localized lymphedema (MLL) of the male genitalia and explore the utility of the LigaSure hemostatic vessel sealing device (VSD) for resection of advanced cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Although conservative and microsurgical treatments have been reported, MLL of the male genitalia requires open surgical resection with primary reconstruction. We reviewed our prospectively maintained database of all lymphedema excisions performed between January 2007 and December 2014 comparing resection with Bovie electrocautery to resection with the LigaSure VSD. Our analysis focused on any significant differences in rate of resection, estimated blood loss (EBL), and recurrence. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with MLL of the male genitalia underwent excision with either LigaSure (8 patients) or conventional Bovie electrocautery (11 patients). Rate of resection was significantly faster with LigaSure compared to Bovie (33.74 g/min versus 5.32 g/min, p = .035). Additionally, estimated EBL per gram of tissue resected was decreased in the LigaSure group (0.41 mL/g versus 0.17 mL/g, p = .057). Two of the 11 Bovie patients (18%) had recurrence of lymphedema requiring repeat resection, while none of the LigaSure patients developed recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Resection of genital lymphedema using the LigaSure device offers promising results in managing advanced MLL of the male genitalia with the potential for faster resections, less EBL per tissue resected, and a lower rate of recurrence.

Penile Fracture: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To review the causes and management of penile fracture and to compare between surgical and conservative management as well as immediate and delayed interventions in terms of overall and specific complications. METHODS: A search of all reported literature was conducted for all articles reporting on the management and outcomes of penile fractures. Full texts of relevant articles were obtained and screened according to the inclusion criteria. Outcomes measures were numbers of patients receiving surgical or conservative management, aetiology of fracture, length of admission, complications as well as the specifics of diagnostic approaches and operative management. Data was collated and where possible meta-analysed using Revman software. RESULTS: A total of 58 relevant studies involving 3,213 patients demonstrated that intercourse accounts for only 48% of cases with masturbation and forced flexion accounting for 39%. Meta-analysis shows that surgical intervention was associated with significantly fewer complications vs. conservative management (p < 0.000001). Surgical intervention results in significantly less erectile dysfunction (ED), curvature and painful erection than conservative management. There was no significant difference in the number of patients developing plaques/nodules (p = 0.94). Meta-analysis shows that overall early surgery is preferable to delayed surgery but that rates of ED are not significantly different. DISCUSSION: Early surgical intervention is associated with significantly fewer complications than conservative management or delayed surgery. The combined outcome of rapid diagnosis by history and clinical examination and swift surgical intervention is key for reconstruction with minimal long-term complications.

Significant alterations of serum hormone levels in the spermatic vein plexus of patients with varicoceles.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of hormone variation between the peripheral blood and spermatic vein plexus in patients with varicoceles. A total of 23 patients diagnosed with varicoceles were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent a testicular artery-sparing microsurgical varicocelectomy. During the operation, a blood sample from the ipsilateral spermatic vein plexus and a peripheral blood sample were collected. A radioimmunoassay was performed to determine the total testosterone, free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and oestradiol levels. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the albumin level. The mean age of the patients was 32.3 ± 9.3 years. Compared with the hormone level in the peripheral blood, the total testosterone, free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and oestrogen levels were significantly increased in the left or right spermatic vein plexus (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the albumin levels in the peripheral blood and spermatic vein plexus (P > 0.05). The mean total testosterone, free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and oestradiol levels in the left spermatic vein plexus were 10.8-fold, 29.0-fold, 2.0-fold, and 26.6-fold those of the peripheral blood. The hormone concentration in the spermatic vein plexus was significantly higher than that in the peripheral blood in patients with varicoceles.

Randomised clinical trial of comparing effects of acupuncture and varicocelectomy on sperm parameters in infertile varicocele patients.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the acupuncture treatment on sperm parameters and pregnancy rates in patients with primary infertility. Between January 2008 and May 2010, 30 men with the primary infertility (one year of unprotected intercourse, healthy wife) and varicocele with normal hormone levels and abnormal semen analysis were randomised into two groups. Group 1 underwent subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy, and Group 2 underwent acupuncture treatment twice a week for 2 months. Both groups were evaluated with semen analysis at 6 months after the treatment. Patients in both groups evaluated with telephone calls and e-mail in terms of pregnancy. The mean age of the patients was 27.2, and groups were comparable regarding the age (P = 0.542). The pre-treatment sperm concentration, motility and morphological characteristics were similar in both groups. Sperm concentration and motility improved significantly in both groups after the treatment. Increase in sperm concentration was higher in the acupuncture group compared to the varicocelectomy group (P = 0.039). The average follow-up was 42 months, and pregnancy rates were emphasised 33% in both groups. Acupuncture treatment in primary infertile varicocele patients with semen abnormalities seems to be effective and has comparable results with the varicocelectomy treatment.