Erectile function after partial penectomy for penile cancer

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the erectile function in patients who underwent partial penectomy and identify factors associated with penile functional status. Materials and Methods: We identified patients who underwent partial penectomy due to penile cancer between 2009 and 2014. Clinical and pathological characteristics included patient age at the time of diagnosis, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking, metabolic syndrome, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status, penile shaft length, tumor size, primary tumor stage (pT), clinical nodal status, and local recurrence. Erectile function was assessed prospectively with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) at least 3 months after partial penectomy. Results: A total of 81 patients met analysis criteria. At the diagnosis, the median age was 62 years (range from 30 to 88). Median follow-up was 17 months (IQR 7-36). Of total patients, 37 (45%) had T2 or higher disease. Clinically positive nodes were present in 16 (20%) patients and seven (8.6%) developed local recurrence. Fifty patients (62%) had erectile dysfunction (ED) after partial penectomy, 30% had moderate or severe erectile dysfunction scores. Patients with ED versus without ED were similar in baseline characteristics except for age, penile shaft length, and presence of inguinal adenopathy (p <0.05). Multivariate analysis using logistic regression confirmed that older patients, shorter penile shaft length, and clinically positive lymph node were significantly associated with ED. Conclusion: Partial penectomy due to penile cancer provides adequate local control of the disease, however, proper counselling is important especially in relation to ED consequences. Preservation of penile length yields to more optimal erectile recovery.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the dysfunctional voiding score symptom (DVSS) questionnaire for Brazilian children

PURPOSE: To translate and culturally adapt the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS), questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 10-item Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS) was translated into Brazilian Portuguese according to a standard methodology: translation, synthesis, back-translation, Expert Committee, and pre-testing. After the translation process the final version was pre-tested and patient responses were analyzed to identify necessary modifications. Reliability was evaluated using the test-retest method, and internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. RESULTS: The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated in the test and retest phases. Internal consistency was found to be satisfactory, as confirmed by a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.76 for the test and 0.77 for the retest. A high degree of stability was found in the test/retest, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.960 (p < 0.001; 95 percent CI: 0.943-0.972). CONCLUSION: The cross-cultural adaptation process of the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score questionnaire to be used on Brazilian children was successfully completed following internationally accepted methodologies.

Histopathological evaluation of urethroplasty with dorsal buccal mucosa: an experimental study in rabbits

PURPOSE: Buccal mucosa is a widely accepted tissue for urethroplasty. The exact healing and tissue integration process, mainly the histological characteristics of dorsal buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty when used dorsally to reconstruct the urethral plate has not previously been assessed, and thus we developed an experimental model to address this question. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 12 New Zealand rabbits (weight 2.5 kg) we surgically created a dorsal penile urethral defect. A buccal mucosa graft was sutured to the corpora and tunica albuginea, and the ventral urethra anastomosed to this new urethral plate. The animals were divided in three groups and sacrificed 1, 3 and 6 weeks after surgery (groups 1, 2 and 3). A retrograde urethrogram was obtained at autopsy in the last group and the penis analyzed histologically with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's staining. RESULTS: The urethrograms showed no evidence of fistula or stricture. In group 1 the histopathological analysis showed submucosal lymph-mononuclear inflammatory edema, numerous eosinophils and squamous epithelium integrated into the adjacent urothelium. In group 2 there was no evidence of an inflammatory response but rather complete subepithelial hyaline healing, which was more marked in group 3. CONCLUSION: Healing of buccal mucosa grafts to reconstruct the urethral plate can be achieved by total integration of the squamous epithelium with the urothelium, maintaining the original histological properties of the graft with no fibrosis or retraction.

The tunica vaginalis dorsal graft urethroplasty: initial experience

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, buccal mucosa grafts are the most successful method to reconstruct bulbar urethral strictures. Dorsal placement of the graft has been recently proposed, allowing the graft to be spread fixed on the tunica albuginea of the corporal bodies overlying the stricture. The dorsal graft is ingenious and represents a useful addition to the surgical armamentarium, since it offers a better chance for graft take than does the spongiosum when the urethra is diseased and poorly vascularized. We developed an additional reconstructive option using tunica vaginalis grafts, placed dorsally, for the treatment of anterior urethral strictures. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A total of 11 patients with anterior urethral strictures were treated with a tunica vaginalis graft urethroplasty. The surgical technique was done as described by Barbagli. The urethra was dissected from the corpora cavernosa and rotated 180 degrees. The dorsal urethral surface was exposed and fully opened. Both the distal and proximal lumina were calibrated. The tunica vaginalis graft was sutured, splayed and quilted over the corpora cavernosa using 6-0 PDS running stitches. The left side of the urethral mucosa was sutured to the graft using 6-0 PDS sutures. A 18F silicone Foley catheter was inserted at this point. The urethra was rotated back to its original position and sutured laterally to the right side of the graft. At the end of the procedure, the graft was completely covered by the urethra. With a follow-up ranging from 7 weeks to 5 months, all patients were voiding well (uroflowmetry > 14 mL per second). CONCLUSION: This initial experience in 11 patients indicates that tunica vaginalis dorsal graft urethroplasty may be considered within the reconstructive armamentarium of genitourinary surgeons.

Spontaneous resolution rates of vesicoureteral reflux in Brazilian children: a 30-year experience

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated clinical characteristics of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in infants in a 30-year period in Brazil with special reference to the relation of renal parenchymal damage to urinary tract infection and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1975 through 2005, 417 girls (81.6 percent) and 94 boys (18.4 percent) with all grades of reflux were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized by the worst grade of reflux, maintained on antibiotic prophylaxis and underwent yearly voiding cystourethrography until the reflux was resolved. VUR was considered resolved when a follow-up cystogram demonstrated no reflux. Surgical correction was recommended for those who fail medical therapy, severe renal scarring or persistent VUR. RESULTS: Grades I to V VUR resolved in 87.5 percent, 77.6 percent, 52.8 percent, 12.2 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively. Renal scars were present at presentation in 98 patients (19.2 percent). Neither gender nor bilaterality versus unilaterality was a helpful predictor of resolution. The significant difference was found among the curves using the log rank (p < 0.001) or Wilcoxon (p < 0.001) test. CONCLUSION: Despite the current use of screening prenatal ultrasound, many infants are still diagnosed as having vesicoureteral reflux only after the occurrence of urinary tract infection in our country. Scarring may be associated to any reflux grade and it may be initially diagnosed at any age but half of the scars are noted with higher grades of reflux (IV and V). The incidence of reflux related morbidity in children has significantly diminished over the last three decades.

Simplified upper pole nephrectomy: initial experience

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of an upper pole nephrectomy technique on 5 children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Upper pole nephrectomy was performed on 5 children, including 4 females and 1 male. Age ranged from 3 to 6 years old. The technique was performed without initial dissection of the renal pedicle. The upper pole is incised and removed. Upon its complete dissection, the segment that drains the upper pole is easily identified, clamped and sectioned. RESULTS: Three children with ureterocele and 2 with ectopic ureter underwent this procedure. There was no intra- or postoperative complication with this technique. DSMA scintigraphy showed no decrease in renal function in the remaining kidney following the procedure. CONCLUSION: The polar nephrectomy technique is simple, and has the advantage of not approaching the renal hilum, which makes surgery less laborious and prevents risk of renal damage, hemorrhage and decreased function in the remaining renal portion.

Findings in cystourethrography that suggest lower urinary tract dysfunction in children with vesicoureteral reflux

PURPOSE: Children with lower urinary tract dysfunction and vesicoureteral reflux, at cystography assessment, frequently present alterations in the lower urinary tract anatomy such as dilated posterior urethra, irregularity of the bladder wall and diverticula. However, the significance of these findings is unknown. The objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence of these findings, their time of disappearance and their correlation with the severity of the reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 193 children with vesicoureteral reflux, considered simple, in the age group above 5 years at the moment of diagnosis, were analyzed. The recommendation for follow-up of these patients was one voiding cystoureterography (VCUG) each year. Only patients with a minimum of 2 VCUGs performed in a period of at least 6 months were considered. The VCUGs were classified as positive and negative in relation to findings that were characteristic of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). RESULTS: From the 193 children analyzed, 50 (26 percent) presented positive VCUG and 143 negative VCUG. From the patients without symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction (n = 135), 12 (9 percent) presented positive VCUG and 123 (91 percent) a negative VCUG. From the patients with negative VCUG, 68 (48 percent) presented unilateral reflux and 75 (52 percent) presented bilateral reflux. From those with positive VCUG, 26 (52 percent) had unilateral reflux and 24 bilateral reflux (48 percent). This difference was not statistically significant. A higher incidence of grade II reflux was more evident in patients with negative VCUG and degree III in patients with positive VCUG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that 64 percent of the patients with LUTD and reflux presented findings in the VCUG that suggest dysfunction.

Efficacy of intrarectal lidocaine hydrochloride gel for pain control in patients undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of intrarectal lidocaine hydrochloride gel in reducing pain in patients undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period from June to Noviber 2002, 72 patients undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy at an outpatient service were prospectively randomized. Patients were divided into 2 groups. In group 1, 20 mL of 2 percent lidocaine gel were administered by intrarectal route 15 minutes before biopsy. In group 2 (placebo), 20 mL of ultrasound gel were administered under the same conditions. At the end of the procedure, patients were asked to classify the discomfort degree observed during the procedure through a verbal pain scale. Statistical analysis was performed through qui-square test. RESULTS: The majority of patients in both groups presented slight pain on the examination, and 26 patients (76.4 percent) from group 1, and 26 (68.3 percent) patients from group 2 reported slight pain or no pain at all (p > 0.05). Moderate or intense pain was felt by 23.4 percent of patients in group 1 and 31.5 percent of patients in group 2 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that lidocaine probably exerts a minimal effect on patientsÆ tolerance to pain on transrectal prostate biopsy.

Spontaneous nephrocutaneous fistula

Spontaneous renal fistula to the skin is rare. The majority of cases develop in patients with antecedents of previous renal surgery, renal trauma, renal tumors, and chronic urinary tract infection with abscess formation. We report the case of a 62-year old woman, who complained of urine leakage through the skin in the lumbar region for 2 years. She underwent a fistulography that revealed drainage of contrast agent to the collecting system and images suggesting renal lithiasis on this side. The patient underwent simple nephrectomy on this side and evolved without intercurrences in the post-operative period. Currently, the occurrence of spontaneous renal and perirenal abscesses is extremely rare, except in patients with diabetes, neoplasias and immunodepression in general.

Cake kidney drained by single ureter

Cake kidney is a rare congenital anomaly of the urogenital tract, with a few more than 20 cases described in the literature. It can be diagnosed at any age range. Normally, drainage is achieved by 2 ureters, and there are only 5 reports in the literature of cake kidney drained by a single ureter. The authors describe one more case of this rare malformation of the urinary tract.

Ultrasound evaluation of renal scarring in children with vesicouretral reflux / Avaliação ultra-sonográfica das cicatrizes renais em crianças com refluxo vesico-ureteral

Introdução: Um dos objetivos do tratamento do refluxo vesicoureteral (RVU) é evitar o aparecimento de cicatrizes renais. O exame de escolha para avaliação do parênquima renal é a cintilografia com DMSA (99mTc ácido dimercaptossuccínico). Por outro lado, a ultra-sonografia, devido a sua praticidade, ausência de morbidade e baixo custo, tem-se tornado um exame rotineiro no acompanhamento dos pacientes portadores de patologias urológicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a acurácia da ultra-sonografia na detecção de cicatrizes renais nos pacientes portadores de RVU. Material e métodos: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente 88 pacientes tratados em nossa instituição que realizaram ultra-som e DMSA durante a avaliação urológica. Todos os exames ultra-sonográficos foram revisados por um único radiologista com experiência em patologias renais. As cicatrizes renais foram classificadas como focais ou generalizadas. Os achados ao ultra-som foram comparados à cintilografia, e foram determinados os seguintes parâmetros: valor preditivo positivo, valor preditivo negativo, sensibilidade e especificidade do método. Resultados: Dos 41 pacientes que apresentavam sinais sugestivos de cicatriz renal ao ultra-som, houve confirmação deste achado em 36. Por outro lado, dentre os 47 pacientes que apresentavam ultra-som normal, houve o achado de 14 cicatrizes renais. O valor preditivo positivo, valor preditivo negativo, sensibilidade e especificidade da ultra-sonografia foram de 87,5 porcento, 61 porcento, 66 porcento e 84 porcento, respectivamente. A estratificação dos pacientes demonstrou que quando as cicatrizes são focais a correlação é de apenas 32 porcento, enquanto que é de 96,5 porcento, quando a lesão é generalizada. Conclusão: O exame ultra-sonográfico renal, quando realizado por operador experiente e em equipamento de alta resolução, apresenta boa acurácia, na detecção de cicatrizes generalizadas do rim, no entanto tem um papel limitado na detecção de cicatrizes focais.