Prevalence of LUTS and urodynamics results in obese women.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for lower urinary tract disorders. Lifestyle plays an essential role in the etiology of the symptoms, negatively affecting self-esteem and quality of social, professional, and sexual life. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms and urodynamic patterns in obese women and to compare to nonobese volunteers. METHODS: Overactive bladder (OAB) questionaries (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire [ICIQ]-OAB) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (ICIQ-short form) were applied to the participants. They underwent a physical exam and urodynamics except for the control group. RESULTS: A total of 109 women completed the protocol and 20 were in the control group. The average age was 43.0 years, and the average body mass index was 45.12 ± 7.64 kg/m2 and control was 44.5 years, and 29.95 ± 5.08 kg/m2 . The OAB symptoms in the obese group were 31.20%, 55.95% higher than the control group (20.0%). The prevalence of SUI in the obese group was 20.20%, an increase of 34.53% compared with the control group (15.00%). The urodynamic study (UDS) showed that the morbidly obese women have a first sensation earlier than the obese or severely obese, as well as the first desire to void. The Valsalva leak point pressure of morbidly obese women was significantly higher than the others. CONCLUSION: Among obese women, either the prevalence of SUI or OAB is significantly higher than the nonobese female population. Regarding UDS, the pattern is similar to the clinic diagnostic. The grade of obesity is directly associated with an impairment of the patient's cystometric capacity.

Double opposite tape incision for obstructive sling.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Stress urinary incontinence affects about 34% of all adult women. The mid-urethral sling (MUS), considered the gold-standard treatment, has widespread use but also potential complications. This study aims to demonstrate a new surgical technique that releases urethral obstruction caused by MUS with urinary continence maintenance. METHODS: This video presents a 43-year-old patient with acute urinary retention after a suburethral sling procedure treated with a double opposite tape incision through a "U"-shaped inverted incision at the anterior vaginal wall. RESULTS: The patient resumed her usual activities 1 week later with urinary continence. After 6 weeks, she was allowed to resume physical activities and sexual intercourse. At 3-month follow-up, she is still satisfied without urine leakage recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The double opposite tape incision is feasible and effective for urethral loosening after the MUS procedure. Concerned that this is a unique case, further studies are required to compare this technique to other surgical treatment options.

A novel histologic finding in male patients with bladder outlet obstruction: a possible etiopathogenesis of Marion's disease?

PURPOSE: George Marion first described primary bladder neck obstruction in 1933. Even today, the etiopathogenesis of this condition is unknown. The objective of this study is to associate a novel histologic finding with Marion's disease to contribute to its etiopathogenesis, and to seek the reason why the lower urinary tract symptoms of some patients was not relieved after pharmacological treatment. METHODS: The retrospective study was carried out with patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate from 2009 to 2019. Patients with histological diagnosis did not present hyperplastic nodules, and the presence of skeletal muscle fibers were included in the study. The frequency of cases with presence of skeletal muscle fibers was assessed as well as the area occupied by these fibers in each resected fragment. As a control group, fragments of bladder neck of surgical specimens from 50 radical prostatectomies were analyzed. RESULTS: In 14 patients with skeletal muscle fibers in the resected fragments the extent of each positive fragment was < 25%, > 25-50%, > 50-75%, and > 75% in 28.6%, 28.6%, 21.4%, and 21.4% fragments, respectively. In the control group, 20% (10/50) of the patients had skeletal muscle fibers and, in all cases, they occupied < 25%. CONCLUSION: In these 14 cases, the presence of skeletal muscle fibers is frequent and predominant in TURP fragments, which stands in striking contrast to the control group. We consider that presence of skeletal muscle fibers may be related to Marion's disease, thus contributing to explain its etiopathogenesis and the unsuccessful alpha-blocker treatment in these patients.

Sacrospinous hysteropexy with an autologous rectus fascia sling for treatment of advanced apical pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: There is a great interest in avoiding mesh usage in vaginal surgeries. We propose using the autologous rectus fascia to repair apical vaginal prolapse in a similar way it has been successfully used in urinary stress incontinence surgery. This study aims to demonstrate the technique of sacrospinous hysteropexy using autologous rectus fascia for apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) treatment. METHODS: We present a video of a 63-year-old female with stage IV pelvic organ prolapse and urinary obstruction. A rectus fascia sling of approximately 90 × 10 mm was harvested through a Pfannenstiel incision. It was used in vaginal surgery to suspend the cervix and fix the apical POP. RESULTS: The patient resumed her usual activities after 1 week and waited 2 months to resume physical activities and sexual intercourse. She is satisfied at 6 months follow-up, without complications or prolapse recurrence. CONCLUSION: The sacrospinous hysteropexy using autologous rectus fascia is a feasible technique with excellent results and low risk of complication. Further studies are required to compare POP repair using autologous rectus fascia and polypropylene meshes.

Step-by-Step Approach for Nerve-sparing Reduction Clitoroplasty.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe a stepwise demonstration of a vaginal approach for nerve-sparing reduction clitoroplasty. DESIGN: Video of a case report. SETTING: Tertiary, academic hospital (Women's Hospital, University of Campinas). INTERVENTIONS: An 18-year-old nulliparous woman consulted with complaints of primary amenorrhea, small development of breasts, and an increase of the clitoris in the last months. A physical examination revealed a 5-cm clitoromegaly, normal but small breasts, and normal vulvar pili. Laboratory examinations showed XY karyotype and increased levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and follicle stimulating hormone. Surgical planning for reduction clitoroplasty, laparoscopic bilateral gonadectomy, plus removal of the rudimentary uterus was done and performed. The main steps were as follows: The patient was discharged 20 hours after the procedure. The immediate and late postoperative periods occurred with no complications (wound dehiscence, hematoma), and clitoral sensitivity was restored according to the patient's self-report. CONCLUSION: This case shows the importance of nerve-sparing reduction clitoroplasty for reducing the risk of sensitivity loss and/or other complications.

Sacrospinous hysteropexy with a low weight transvaginal polypropylene mesh for treatment of complete uterovaginal eversion.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a common condition in elderly resulting from the weakening of the organ suspension elements of multifactorial origin. It compromises significantly the quality of life and can affect more than 50% of multiparous women. Stage IV prolapse or complete uterovaginal eversion corresponds to 10% of the cases and the only form of curative treatment is the surgical correction. The aim of this video is to demonstrate our technique of sacrospinous hysteropexy with a low weight transvaginal polypropylene mesh for treatment of this challenge condition, focusing on technical details in order to prevent mesh related complications. Major, but rare complications, include: infection, prolapse recurrence, abscess formation, bladder perforation and urinary fistula. These situations are related mostly to low volume centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 70 years old female with a stage IV POP had obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms. Only after reducing prolapse, it was possible to urinate, but without stress urinary incontinence. No topic estrogen was prescribed before the surgery and she also didn´t take any kind of hormone replacement therapy. Transvaginal ultrasound and the Pap smear screening were done with normal results. Cystoscopy wasn´t employed at anytime of this procedure. Hydrodissection of vaginal wall was followed by longitudinal incision from the level of bladder neck to the cervix. Notice that the ideal dissection should maintain the vaginal thickness, and address the plane of the connective tissue between the bladder and the vagina. Bladder base is then released from the anterior aspect of the cervix in order to create a site to pericervical ring repair and to fix the apex of the Calistar Soft® with polypropylene 3.0 stitches. A blunt dissection extended downwards through the lateral aspect of the levator ani fascia till the identification of the ischial spine and sacrospinous ligaments bilaterally. Two polypropilene 2.0 threads mounted on a specially designed tissue anchor system (TAS) are then fixed into each sacrospinous ligament 1.5 to 2 cm away from the ischial spine and repaired for further prosthesis anchoring. Then, a longitudinal incision is done at the posterior vaginal wall and the recto-vaginal fascia detachment from the posterior aspect of the pericervical ring is identified and corrected with interrupted polypropylene 2.0 stitches to the cervix and to the pericervical aspect of elongated uterosacrus ligaments bilaterally. The Calistar Soft A (anterior) and P (posterior)® prosthesis were fixed at the anterior and posterior aspects of the cervix, respectively, with interrupted polypropylene 3.0 stitches and meshes' arms are fixed to the sacrospinous ligament using the previously implanted TAS. Then, the distal Calistar Soft A® arms were bilaterally fixed into the internal obturator muscles using its fish spine-like multipoint fix device in order to prevent mesh folding. Finally, perineal body repair was done and vaginal wall was closed with individual absorbable interrupted polyglactin 2.0 sutures and a 16 Fr Foley catheter as well as a vaginal pack embedded on neomicin-bacitracin cream were kept overnight. RESULTS: A high satisfaction rate has been computed with synthetic mesh to POP surgery correction. Approximately 10% of cases of mesh exposure may occur, most of them oligosymptomatic and easy handed by excision or with topic estrogen preparations. After 1 year follow-up, our patient is still satisfied without any complain and no relapse. CONCLUSION: We described a successful treatment of stage IV POP in an old female patient. This technique can be used for advanced end stage POP patients, especially those with some contraindication to sacropromontopexy, but who want to keep vaginal length and uterus. Anatomical knowledge, obedience to technical care, and intensive training are the keys for minimizing the risk of complications. Although we had success with this technique, more studies with proper randomization are necessary to compare success and complications of sacrospinous hysteropexy with a low weight transvaginal polypropylene mesh to sacropromontopexy.

Prevalence and clinical implications of biochemical hypogonadism in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia undergoing infertility evaluation.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and clinical implications of biochemical hypogonadism in infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Design: Cohort study. Setting: University-affiliated tertiary center for male reproductive health. Patients: 767 consecutive normogonadotropic or hypergonadotropic patients with NOA undergoing infertility evaluation from 2014 to 2021. Intervention: Patients aged 23-55 years underwent comprehensive clinical, hormonal, genetic, semen analysis, and histopathology evaluations and were classified on the basis of predefined baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (12 IU/L) and total testosterone (350 ng/dL) serum levels cutpoints into four groups: hypergonadotropic hypogonadal, hypergonadotropic eugonadal, normogonadotropic hypogonadal, and normogonadotropic eugonadal. All patients were naïve regarding previous sperm retrieval (SR) or hormonal therapy use. Main Outcome Measures: The period prevalence of biochemical hypogonadism, defined as testosterone levels of <350 ng/dL, and the distribution of patients per group were computed. The associations between hypogonadism, clinical factors, and SR success were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Adjusted relative risks (aRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association between SR and patient classification. Results: The overall period prevalence of biochemical hypogonadism was 80.8% (95% CI 77.9%-83.4%). The prevalence of patients by group was hypergonadotropic hypogonadal (42.4%, 38.9%-45.9%), normogonadotropic hypogonadal (38.5%; 35.1%-41.9%), hypergonadotropic eugonadal (8.3%; 6.6%-10.5%), and normogonadotropic eugonadal (10.8%; 8.8%-13.2%). Reduced testicular volume and lower estradiol levels were associated with an increased likelihood of hypogonadism. Paternal age was also an independent predictor, with higher age linked to an increased likelihood of hypogonadism. Hypogonadism was less likely in patients with germ cell maturation arrest and more likely in those with Sertoli cell-only. Patients with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism had lower SR success than normogonadotropic eugonadal counterparts (aRR 0.611; 95% CI 0.398-0.855). In the subset of hypogonadal men, hypergonadotropic patients had lower SR success than normogonadotropic participants (aRR 0.632; 0.469-0.811). Conclusion: The prevalence of biochemical hypogonadism among men with NOA is substantial. Hypogonadism is associated with testicular volume, estradiol levels, age, and histopathology patterns. This condition impacts SR success and emphasizes the need for improved care for men with NOA.

Clinical factors impacting microdissection testicular sperm extraction success in hypogonadal men with nonobstructive azoospermia.

OBJECTIVE: To explore factors influencing microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) success in hypogonadal men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). DESIGN: A cohort study. SETTING: University-affiliated male reproductive health center. PATIENT(S): A total of 616 consecutive patients with NOA and hypogonadism (total testosterone [T] levels <350 ng/dL) underwent micro-TESE between 2014 and 2021. All patients had no prior sperm retrieval (SR) history. INTERVENTION(S): Patients aged 23-55 years underwent comprehensive clinical, laboratory, and histopathological diagnostic evaluation for NOA and were further categorized into two cohorts on the basis of pre-SR hormonal stimulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): A multivariable logistic regression analysis explored the associations between patient variables and micro-TESE success, defined as the presence of viable spermatozoa in extracted specimens. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to assess the relationship between SR success and relevant predictors. Sperm retrieval rates were compared between patients receiving or not hormonal stimulation, and logistic regression analysis evaluated the effect of baseline follicle-stimulating hormone levels (i.e., normogonadotropic vs. hypergonadotropic classes) on SR success. RESULT(S): The overall micro-TESE success rate was 56.6%. Baseline follicle-stimulating hormone levels (aOR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99), pre-SR hormonal stimulation (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.64-3.93), presence of clinical varicocele (aOR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.51), history of previous varicocelectomy (aOR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.26-5.16), and testicular histopathology were independent predictors of SR success. Among hormone-pretreated patients, pre-micro-TESE T levels and delta T (an absolute increase in T levels from baseline) were associated with SR success. A pre-micro-TESE T level of 418.5 ng/dL (area under the curve value: 0.78) and a delta T of 258 ng/dL (area under the value: 0.76) distinguished patients with positive and negative SR outcomes. Subgroup analysis showed that pre-SR hormonal stimulation yielded a greater benefit for normogonadotropic patients than for those who were hypergonadotropic. CONCLUSION(S): This study underscores the association between clinical factors and micro-TESE success in hypogonadal men with NOA. Although causality is not established, our findings suggest that these patients may benefit from pre-SR interventions, particularly hormonal stimulation and varicocele repair. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05110391.

Eligibility for the medical therapy among men with non-obstructive azoospermia-Findings from a multi-centric cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Existing literature does not provide accurate epidemiological data regarding the true prevalence of men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) who would be eligible for hormonal optimization therapy, according to specific pre-treatment criteria. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the characteristics of those men with NOA who would qualify for the medical therapy prior to any SR procedure in a large multi-centric cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Complete data from 1644 NOA patients seeking medical help for primary infertility at three tertiary referral centers from USA, Brazil, and Italy were analyzed. Baseline serum hormone levels were collected for all patients. NOA was confirmed after two consecutive semen analyses. Genetic tests, including karyotype analysis and Y microdeletions, were performed on all patients. Patients with secondary hypogonadism (total testosterone (T) levels less than 300 ng/dL and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels less than 8 mIU/mL) were earmarked as potential candidates for receiving clomiphene citrate (CC) and/or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Patients with a T to 17ß-estradiol (E2) ratio < 10 were classified as eligible for aromatase inhibitors (AIs) therapy (e.g., anastrazole). A third sub-cohort was created by combining the criteria of the first two sub-cohorts. Descriptive statistics was used to detail overall characteristics and differences between the different sub-cohorts. RESULTS: Among the 1,644 men, 28% (n = 460) had T < 300 ng/dL and LH < 8 mIU/mL, thereby being potentially suitable for CC and/or hCG, while 37% (n = 607) had a T to E2 ratio < 10 thus potentially suitable for AIs. Lastly, 17.7% (n = 280) met the criteria for potential eligibility for both CC and/or hCG and AIs. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this multicentric cross-sectional study reveal that about 30% of men with NOA were eligible for hormonal treatment with CC and/or hCG while 37% were found to be potential candidates for AIs, and 17% for both therapies. Therefore, these findings show that a only a small subset of NOA patients can benefit from medical therapy prior to considering any SR procedures.

Non-Obstructive Azoospermia and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: Unveiling the Chances of Success and Possible Consequences for Offspring.

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is found in up to 15% of infertile men. While several causes for NOA have been identified, the exact etiology remains unknown in many patients. Advances in assisted reproductive technology, including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and testicular sperm retrieval, have provided hope for these patients. This review summarizes the chances of success with ICSI for NOA patients and examines preoperative factors and laboratory techniques associated with positive outcomes. Furthermore, we reviewed possible consequences for offspring by the use of ICSI with testicular sperm retrieved from NOA patients and the interventions that could potentially mitigate risks. Testicular sperm retrieved from NOA patients may exhibit increased chromosomal abnormalities, and although lower fertilization and pregnancy rates are reported in NOA patients compared to other forms of infertility, the available evidence does not suggest a significant increase in miscarriage rate, congenital malformation, or developmental delay in their offspring compared to the offspring of patients with less severe forms of infertility or the offspring of fertile men. However, due to limited data, NOA patients should receive specialized reproductive care and personalized management. Counseling of NOA patients is essential before initiating any fertility enhancement treatment not only to mitigate health risks associated with NOA but also to enhance the chances of successful outcomes and minimize possible risks to the offspring.

Male infertility and gonadotropin treatment: What can we learn from real-world data?

Gonadotropin therapy to treat specific male infertility disorders associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is evidence-based and effective in restoring spermatogenesis and fertility. In contrast, its use to improve fertility in men with idiopathic oligozoospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia remains controversial, despite being widely practiced. The existence of two major inter-related pathways for spermatogenesis, including FSH and intratesticular testosterone, provides a rationale for empiric hormone stimulation therapy in both eugonadal and hypogonadal males with idiopathic oligozoospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia. Real-world data (RWD) on gonadotropin stimulating for these patient subsets, mainly using human chorionic gonadotropin and follicle-stimulating hormone, accumulated gradually, showing a positive therapeutic effect in some patients, translated by increased sperm production, sperm quality, and sperm retrieval rates. Although more evidence is needed, current insights from RWD research indicate that selected male infertility patients might be managed more effectively using gonadotropin therapy, with potential gains for all parties involved.

Neural mobilization reverses behavioral and cellular changes that characterize neuropathic pain in rats.

BACKGROUND: The neural mobilization technique is a noninvasive method that has proved clinically effective in reducing pain sensitivity and consequently in improving quality of life after neuropathic pain. The present study examined the effects of neural mobilization (NM) on pain sensitivity induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rats. The CCI was performed on adult male rats, submitted thereafter to 10 sessions of NM, each other day, starting 14 days after the CCI injury. Over the treatment period, animals were evaluated for nociception using behavioral tests, such as tests for allodynia and thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia. At the end of the sessions, the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays for neural growth factor (NGF) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). RESULTS: The NM treatment induced an early reduction (from the second session) of the hyperalgesia and allodynia in CCI-injured rats, which persisted until the end of the treatment. On the other hand, only after the 4th session we observed a blockade of thermal sensitivity. Regarding cellular changes, we observed a decrease of GFAP and NGF expression after NM in the ipsilateral DRG (68% and 111%, respectively) and the decrease of only GFAP expression after NM in the lumbar spinal cord (L3-L6) (108%). CONCLUSIONS: These data provide evidence that NM treatment reverses pain symptoms in CCI-injured rats and suggest the involvement of glial cells and NGF in such an effect.

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in men with infertility due to nonobstructive azoospermia: summary of current literature.

PURPOSE: Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is associated with intrinsic testicular defects that severely impair sperm production. Although NOA invariably leads to infertility, focal sperm production may exist in the testicles of affected patients, which can be retrieved and used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to generate healthy offspring. However, geographic locations of testicular sperm producing-areas are uncertain, making microsurgical-guided sperm retrieval (microdissection testicular sperm extraction; micro-TESE) an attractive method to identify and retrieve sperm in patients with NOA due to spermatogenic failure. Given the widespread use of micro-TESE, its effectiveness in harvesting sperm and related potential complications need to be clarified. METHODS: We queried PubMed/MEDLINE for studies published in English, from inception to May 2021, concerning the effect of micro-TESE on sperm retrieval rate (SRR), complication rate and ICSI pregnancy rate-using retrieved testicular sperm in subfertile couples where the male had NOA. RESULTS: We found 116 articles, including 70 original papers, 32 review articles, and 14 systematic reviews. The evidence accounted for 4895 patients. Micro-TESE retrieved sperm in 46.6% of men with NOA, but SRRs varied considerably (18.4-70.8%) and were mainly related to the treated population characteristics. Concerning the general population of NOA patients who have not undergone previous sperm retrieval (naïve population), the SRR by micro-TESE was 46.8% (1833 of 3914 patients; range 20-70.8%; 28 studies). In studies reporting SR by micro-TESE for men who had failed percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration or non-microsurgical testicular sperm extraction, the SRR was 39.1% (127 of 325 patients; range 18.4-57.1%; 4 studies). Data on adverse events indicated that micro-TESE was associated with low (~ 3%) short-term postoperative complication rates. The fertilizing ability of testicular sperm retrieved by micro-TESE and used for ICSI was adequate (~ 57%), whereas clinical pregnancy and live birth were obtained in 39% and 24% of couples who had an embryo transfer, respectively. The health of the resulting children seems reassuring, but the evidence is limited. The procedure increases sperm retrieval success compared to non-microsurgical retrieval methods, particularly in men with Sertoli cell-only testicular histopathology. CONCLUSION: We concluded that micro-TESE is an effective and safe method to retrieve sperm from men with NOA-related infertility, with potential advantages over non-microsurgical methods. Nevertheless, high-quality, head-to-head comparative randomized controlled trials by sperm retrieval method, focusing on SRR, live birth rate and assessing long-term adverse events and health of children conceived using testicular sperm from NOA patients are lacking. Therefore, further research is required to determine the full clinical implications of micro-TESE in male infertility treatment.

Methods of surgical sperm extraction and implications for assisted reproductive technology success.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection offers a chance to surpass severe forms of male factor infertility, including azoospermia. Retrieval of the male gamete from the epididymis or testis provides the chance for biological parenthood for the affected men. In this review, we scrutinize the recent evidence about the surgical sperm retrieval methods for use in association with ICSI. We provide a historical overview of the surgical sperm retrieval methods development, its indication in both azoospermic and non-azoospermic men, and the technical aspects of each method. We also present and critically discuss the evidence concerning the success of ICSI using non-ejaculated sperm and the consequences of this approach to the health of resulting offspring.