Urology Journal
Volume:7 Issue: 2, Spring 2010

Loss of the penis can have a devastating effect on the lives of sufferers with significant psychogenic implications. Penile reconstruction or phallus construction poses a difficult challenge and a demanding problem to the urologists and plastic surgeons. Different techniques have been used for construction of a total penis and reconstruction of severely injured penis. The objective of this review was to determine the efficacy, advantages and disadvantages of the most popular penile reconstruction (PR) and phallus construction techniques. We searched without language restriction MEDLINE, Pre-MEDLINE EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from January 1960 to January 2009. In addition, we searched the citation lists of relevant articles and book chapters. Studies evaluating the functional and cosmetic results of different techniques of total phallus construction (TPC) and penile reconstruction (PR) were identified. Two authors independently evaluated studies for selection, study quality, and extracted data. The primary outcome was creation of a sensate and cosmetically acceptable phallus. The secondary outcomes were competent neourethra that allows voiding in comfortable position, sexual intercourse, and the rate of complications. One hundred and forty-six studies with a total of 1622 patients were included in this review. Data from the available studies are insufficient to recommendany technique for TPC or PR. In the absence of evidence to support any method, the review authors recommend the one-stage TPC or PR. Further studies are warranted, preferably multi-centered studies.

While medical and surgical approaches to urolithiasis are different for single and recurrent stone former (RSF), the RSF definition itself is commonly overlooked. Moreover, despite consensus on association between family history (FH) and urolithiasis, more epidemiologic evidence is required to clarify the nature of this relationship. Our purpose was to propose a more precise definition of RSF, and also to investigate how family history may affect urolithiasis. Using a multistage stratified sampling in 4 seasonal phases, 6127 subjects with imaging-proven urolithiasis were detected in 12 Iranian regions. The FH of urolithiasis and the average interval between episodes (cycles) were determined by an informed interview. Of 6127 patients with the mean age of 41.8 ± 15.1 years, 42% had FH, and 22.2% were RSF of whom 61% were men. The patients with FH had a greater chance of recurrence (OR = 1.2, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.1 to 1.4). Furthermore, patients with positive FH had more episodes (P =. 0001), comparable cycles and younger ages at the onset (P =. 02) than those patients without a FH. In the RSF group, the 90th percentiles of the cycle were 60 months and the estimated mean stone cycle for the population was 25.34 months (99% CI, 23.0 to 27.7). Family history seems very common in Iranian population and is a risk factor for recurrence. Moreover, RSF could be identified by the estimated average cycle in the population (25.3 months) or by the percentiles.

Fluoroscopic guidance is a routine practice in endourology; both the physician and the assistances are exposed to some radiation via radiation scatter. Measurement of radiation doses in staff is important, but often these data are not reported. We measured radiation exposure during 100 cases of percutaneous nephrolithotomy using lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters placed at the head, eye glasses, the fingers, and the legs of the operating surgeon, the assistant, and the circulating nurse. The mean screening time was 4.5 minutes (range, 1 to 8 minutes) with mean fluoroscopy tube potential of 73 kVp, and mean tube current of 2.8 mA. The estimated scatter exposure rate at 40 cm from the x-ray beam was 0.47, 0.04, 0.21, and 4.1? Gy to the head, eye glasses, the fingers, and the legs of the operating surgeon, respectively. The estimated scatter exposure rate at different points from the x-ray beam was 0.05, 0.01, 0.025, and 0.1? Gy to the head, eye glasses, the fingers, and the legs of the assistant, respectively and the estimated scatter exposure rate at all different points from the x-ray beam for circulating nurse was 0? Gy. Fluoroscopic screening results in radiation exposure of the medical staff. The surgeon received the maximum radiation exposure, mostly to the legs and very least to the eyes. The assistant received less radiation exposure than the surgeon and the nurse did not receive significant amount of radiation.

Simple renal cysts are asymptomatic incidental findings; however, for a small subset of benign renal cysts, patients may present with pain, hematuria, recurrent infection, pyelocaliceal obstruction, or hypertension. Laparoscopic cyst ablation is an effective minimally invasive modality for the treatment of symptomatic benign renal cysts. We describe a simple laparoscopic cyst excision technique. Between June 2003 and May 2008, 28 patients underwent laparoscopic renal cyst excision via retroperitoneal approach. In our technique, retroperitoneum and Gerota’s fascia were dissected with finger blindly before insertion of the trocars to the retroperitoneal space. Following finger dissection, 3 trocars were placed and the cyst walls were excised at the level of renal cyst and base of the cysts were cauterized with electrocautery scissors. Mean patients’ age was 59.3 years (range, 31 to 72 years). Mean operation duration time was 46 minutes (range, 27 to 102 minutes). Symptomatic and radiological success were achieved in 26 (92.8%) and 27 (96.4%) patients, respectively, with a median follow-up of 28 months (range, 6 to 56 months). No serious complications were encountered. Laparoscopy is a versatile minimally invasive modality ideal for treating benign symptomatic renal cysts. According to our experience, we think that the finger assisted laparoscopic cyst excision is an easy and noninvasive procedure.

Our aim was to determine association of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and idiopathic hypercalciuria in children with recurrent and single episode of urinary tract infection (UTI). The study group consisted of 45 children with VUR and recurrent UTI, and 2 control groups: 45 normal healthy children (control group 1) and 45 children with VUR and single episode of UTI (control group 2). Idiopathic hypercalciuria was defined as urine calcium to creatinine ratio more than 0.8 (mg/mg) in infants younger than 1 year old, and more than 0.2 (mg/mg) in older children (without any detectable causes for hypercalciuria). The study group consisted of 26 (57.8%) girls and 19 (42.2%) boys, with the mean age of 41.14 ± 22.1 months. Nine (20%) subjects had hypercalciuria. The control group 1 composed of 22 (48.9%) girls and 23 (51.1%) boys, with the mean age of 43.98 ± 16.23 months. In this group, 6 subjects(13.3%) with hypercalciuria were detected. The control group 2 composed of 23 (51.1%) girls and 22 (48.9%) boys, with the mean age of 39.96 ± 24.2 months. In group 2, 7 subjects (15.6%) with hypercalciuria were detected. Comparison between such results was not statistically significant. Despite reports of different studies about accompanying of hypercalciuria with recurrent UTI with or without anatomical abnormalities, according to the present study, idiopathic hypercalciuria is not a major contributing factor to recurrent UTI in children with VUR.

Our aim was to determine a more predictive cut-off value for free to total prostate-specific antigen ratio (f/tPSA) to better differentiate prostate cancer (PCa) from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in Iranian patients with serum PSA levels between 4 and 20 ng/mL. This study was performed on 332 men with serum tPSA level of 4 to 20 ng/mL. All patients underwent transrectal ultrasound guided biopsies. Serum levels of tPSA and fPSA were measured by Roche immunoassay Elecsys 2010. Relationship between f/tPSA and cases of PCa was determined. Prostate cancer detected in 49 (15%) patients. Incidence of PCa for serum tPSA level < 10ng/mL and serum tPSA level of 10.1 to 20 ng/ mL was 17 (6.7%) and 32 (39.5%), respectively. Mean f/tPSA value was significantly lower in PCa patients (0.12 ± 0.01) than in benign histology group (0.16 ± 0.03). Among patients with serum PSA level of 4 to 10 ng/mL (n = 251), mean f/tPSA in benign histology group (n = 234) was 0.16 ± 0.08 and in PCa group (n = 17) was 0.13 ± 0.06 (P <. 05). For serum PSA level of 10.1 to 20 ng/mL (n = 81), mean f/tPSA in benign histology group (n = 49) was 0.16 ± 0.08 and in PCa group (n = 32) was 0.12 ± 0.05 (P <. 05). The cut-off value of 0.12 produced 76% sensitivity and 71 % specificity, whereas the cut-off value of 0.14 yielded 83.5 % sensitivity and 61% specificity. Determination of f/tPSA ratio improves differentiation of Pca from BPH. We recommend a cut-off value of 0.14 to be applied to Iranian patients.

The aim of this study was to determine left ventricular (LV) mass index via echocardiography in end-stage renal disease patients (ESRD) before and after renal transplantation, and its association with one-year survival. Forty-seven patients with ESRD who were candidate for renal transplantation were evaluated with echocardiography before and 4 months after the operation. Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), LV mass, and LV mass index were determined. All of the patients were followed up for 1 year. Mean LVEF was 51.6% which increased to 53.7% after renal transplantation (P =. 001). Mean LV mass was 209 gr before the operation which decreased to 189 gr after the operation (P =. 001). Mean LV mass index before the operation was 120 gr/m2 which decreased to 110 gr/m2 following the operation (P =. 002). All of the patients survived during 1-year follow-up, and no death was reported. Renal transplantation had beneficial effects in terms of LV function in young patients with ESRD.

Due to various reasons, spermatogenesis might not improve after varicocelectomy. Inhibin B, a sertoli cell glycoprotein, has proved itself as a marker of spermatogenesis. In this study, we measured serum level of inhibin B in patients with varicocele and through comparing pre and post operative semen analysis data, we tried to use serum level of inhibin B as a predictor of spermatogenetic improvement. This prospective clinical trial was carried out between September 2007 and September 2008 on 36 infertile men with high grade unilateral or bilateral varicocele. Scrotal ultrasonography and measurement of seminal parameters and serum level of inhibin B were performed for the patients and after confirmation of impaired spermatogenesis, they underwent a subinguinal nonmicroscopic varicocelectomy by a single surgeon. Physical examination, scrotal ultrasonography, and semen analysis were repeated at postoperative months of 3 and 6. Statistical data analysis was done by independent and paired sample t test and Spearman’s Rho test. Mean size of the testis remained the same (P =. 5), but mean sperm density, normal morphology, and motility all increased statistically significant after the operation (P <. 05, P =. 042, P =. 023). A significant relationship was found between serum levels of inhibin B and the testis sperm count and morphology (P <. 05), but not sperm motility (P > 0.05). It seems that serum level of inhibin B can be used as a reliable pre-operative marker of testicular potential activity and can also predict chance of spermatogenesis after varicocelectomy and save patients from useless surgical procedures.

Complication rates with ventral onlay technique of oral mucosa graft urethroplasty have been attributed to the poor ventral support for the graft. We herein describe a new technique which overcomes these problems and also discuss the short-term follow-up. In a prospective study conducted between January 2006 and June 2008, 13 patients with proximal stricture of the bulbar urethra underwent ventral bulbar augmentation. In this technique, the graft was sutured only to the bulbar urethra and the rest of spongiosal tissue was closed superficially. Longitudinal incisions were given in the partial depth of the bulb, adjacent to the suture line and were sutured together over the first suture line. The mean follow-up period was 16.4 months (range, 6 to 30 months). Two of the patients developed restricture; one at the proximal anastomosis of the graft with native urethra and one at the distal anastomosis. Remaining 11patients have satisfactory postoperative uroflow rates and are doing well. The success rate at the last follow-up was 84.6%. This technique exploits the local bulbar anatomy by successfullymoving the lateral bulbar tissue medially, below the ventrally placed mucosal graft. This results in a thicker ventral bulbar platform which provides enhanced support to the graft.

To assess the efficacy of tunica albuginea urethroplasty for pan urethral stricture management as an alternative approach to conventional dorsal buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty, especially in cases with unavailability of healthy buccal mucosa. Eighty-six patients with panurethral strictures underwent tunica albuginea urethroplasty at our center with follow-ups at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Results were assessed by comparative analysis of preoperative and postoperative patient’s satisfaction (based on symptoms) along with retrograde urethrography, urethrosonography, and uroflowmetry. Ten patients from the successful group underwent postoperative urethroscopic examination. Counting good and fair results as successful (satisfied and not requiring revision urethroplasty), success (good + fair) rate was 95.3% at immediate postoperative and at 6 months. Results reduced to 93% at 12 months, 90.7% at 24 months, and 89.5% at the end of 36 month follow-up. Failure (poor results requiring revision urethroplasty) rate was 10.5% at the end of the 3 years of follow-up. Tunica albuginea urethroplasty runs over the concept of urethral groove and the ease of procedure with adequately satisfactory results provides decent outcomes. Tunica albuginea urethroplasty gives advantage of local availability and achieving patent distensible urethra without any graft. Urethroscopy of these subjects, by direct visualization shows the area of roof formed by tunica appears well covered with urothelium, further substantiating its ability to maintain patency and distensibility of the urethra.