Comparative, prospective, and randomized study between urotherapy and the pharmacological treatment of children with urinary incontinence / Estudo comparativo, prospectivo e randomizado entre uroterapia e tratamento farmacológico em crianças com incontinência urinária

OBJECTIVE: To verify and compare the results of behavioral modification plus pelvic floor muscle training and behavioral modifications plus oxybutynin chloride in children with nonmonosymptomatic enuresis. METHODS: A total of 47 children were randomized using opaque and sealed envelopes sequentially numbered. Group I was composed of 21 children who underwent antimuscarinic treatment (oxybutynin), and Group II was composed of 26 patients who underwent pelvic floor muscle training. Both groups were instructed as to behavioral modifications. RESULTS: The voiding diary results were compared each month between Groups I and II. In the first month of treatment, children in Group I presented 12.2 dry nights, 13.4 in the second month, and 15.9 in the last month. In Group II, the results were: 14.9 dry nights in the first month, 20.8 dry nights in the second and 24.0 dry nights in the last month. There was a significant difference between the groups in second and third months. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor exercises associated with behavioral changes were more effective than pharmacological treatment in children with urinary incontinence.

OBJETIVO: Verificar e comparar os resultados da modificação comportamental associado ao treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico e modificação comportamental associado ao uso de cloridrato de oxibutinina em crianças com enurese não monossintomática. MÉTODOS: Foram randomizadas 47 crianças por meio de envelopes opacos e selados com numeração sequencial. O Grupo I foi composto por 21 crianças que receberam tratamento com antimuscarínico (oxibutinina) e o Grupo II por 26 pacientes que receberam treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico. Ambos os grupos foram instruídos em relação à modificação comportamental. RESULTADOS: Os resultados do diário miccional foram comparados cada mês entre os Grupos I e II. No primeiro mês de tratamento, as crianças do Grupo I apresentaram 12,2 noites secas, 13,4 no segundo mês e 15,9 no último mês. No Grupo II, os resultados foram: 14,9 noites secas no primeiro mês, 20,8 no segundo mês e 24,0 no último mês. Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos no segundo e no terceiro mês. CONCLUSÃO: Os exercícios do assoalho pélvico associados a mudança comportamental foram mais efetivos do que o tratamento farmacológico em crianças com incontinência urinária.

An update on sperm retrieval techniques for azoospermic males

The use of non-ejaculated sperm coupled with intracytoplasmic sperm injection has become a globally established procedure for couples with azoospermic male partners who wish to have biological offspring. Surgical methods have been developed to retrieve spermatozoa from the epididymides and the testes of such patients. This article reviews the methods currently available for sperm acquisition in azoospermia, with a particular focus on the perioperative, anesthetic and technical aspects of these procedures. A critical analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of these sperm retrieval methods is provided, including the authors' methods of choice and anesthesia preferences.

Predictive factors for sperm retrieval and sperm injection outcomes in obstructive azoospermia: do etiology, retrieval techniques and gamete source play a role?

Obstructive azoospermia is a relatively common male infertility condition. The main etiologies of obstructive azoospermia include congenital, surgical-derived, traumatic and post-infectious cases. Although seminal tract reconstruction is a cost-effective treatment in most cases, this approach may not be feasible or desired in some cases. In such cases, assisted reproduction techniques offer a method for achieving pregnancy, notably via sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This process requires several considerations and decisions to be made, including the cause and duration of obstruction, which sperm retrieval technique to use, and whether to use fresh or frozen-thawed sperm. We present a review of obstructive azoospermia and assisted reproduction techniques, highlighting the most relevant aspects of the decision-making process for use in clinical practice.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy for xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: are there predictive factors for success?

OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic nephrectomy for xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is currently associated with great operative difficulty and surgical complications. Herein, we report on our single-center experience and describe predictive factors for successfully accomplishing this procedure. METHOD: Between March 1998 and April 2010, 66 patients (27 men and 39 women) underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy for the treatment of a unilateral nonfunctioning kidney. These patients had previous diagnoses of renal chronic inflammation associated with calculi and previous pyonephrosis. All of the nephrectomies were performed using the transperitoneal approach, and a similar technique was used for radical nephrectomy. RESULTS: Laparoscopic nephrectomy for the treatment of renal chronic inflammation was successful in 58/66 cases (87.9%). Eight cases were converted to the open technique because of difficulty in progression, which was related to the discovery of dense adhesions in the hilar or perirenal region. One major (colonic lesion) and two minor (wound infection) complications occurred in the conversion group. A diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis was confirmed pathologically for all of the specimens. Of the factors examined, a longitudinal renal length greater than 12 cm (laparoscopy group - 7.2±1.8 cm, versus open group - 13.6±1.5 cm; p<0.05) and time to access the renal vessels (laparoscopy group - 32±18 min, versus open group - 91±11 min; p<0.05) were associated with a higher conversion rate. Although the number of patients in the conversion group was small, the majority of these patients received right-sided nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic nephrectomy for the treatment of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is feasible and associated with low levels of morbidity. Factors including the time required to control the renal vessels, renal length and right-sided nephrectomy were associated with higher chances of conversion into an open procedure.

Laparoscopic treatment of lymphoceles after renal transplantation

OBJECTIVE: Lymphocele formation following renal transplantation is a frequent complication and may affect as many as 49% of patients. Operative treatment of symptomatic post transplant lymphocele (PTL) consists of wide drainage of the fluid collection into the abdominal cavity by excising its wall, connecting the lymphocele cavity to the intraperitoneal space. Laparoscopic fenestration seems to be the best treatment as it combines satisfying success rates with a minimally invasive approach. The aim of the study was to review a single center experience on the laparoscopic treatment of symptomatic PTL and detail relevant aspects of the surgical technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 25 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgical treatment for a symptomatic lymphocele following kidney transplantation were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data and surgical results were assessed. Detailed surgical technique is provided. RESULTS: Between 1996 and 2008, 991 patients received a kidney transplant at our institution. Twenty-five patients (2.52%) developed a symptomatic lymphocele and laparoscopic drainage was performed. The indications for surgical drainage were graft dysfunction (84%), local symptoms (16%) or both (32%). The mean time until surgical therapy was 14.2 ± 6 weeks. Mean hospital stay was 1.5 ± 0.2 days. Postoperative complications occurred in only 2 patients (8%) (one ureteral injury and one incisional hernia) and required reoperation. After a mean follow-up of 36.2 ± 4 months, only 1 patient had a symptomatic recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic fenestration is an effective surgical technique to treat symptomatic lymphocele following kidney transplantation with low recurrence rate and long standing results.

Sperm retrieval techniques for assisted reproduction

Different surgical methods such as PESA, MESA, TESA, TESE and micro-TESE have been developed to retrieve spermatozoa from either the epididymis or the testis according to the type of azoospermia, i.e., obstructive or non-obstructive. Laboratory techniques are used to remove contaminants, cellular debris, and red blood cells following collection of the epididymal fluid or testicular tissue. Surgically-retrieved spermatozoa may be used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and/or cryopreservation. In this article, we review the surgical procedures for retrieving spermatozoa from both the epididymis and the testicle and provide technical details of the commonly used methods. A critical analysis of the advantages and limitations of the current surgical methods to retrieve sperm from males with obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia is presented along with an overview of the laboratory techniques routinely used to process surgically-retrieved sperm. Lastly, we summarize the results from the current literature of sperm retrieval, as well as the clinical outcome of ICSI in the clinical scenario of obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia.

An update on the clinical assessment of the infertile male

Male infertility is directly or indirectly responsible for 60 percent of cases involving reproductive-age couples with fertility-related issues. Nevertheless, the evaluation of male infertility is often underestimated or postponed. A coordinated evaluation of the infertile male using standardized procedures improves both diagnostic precision and the results of subsequent management in terms of effectiveness, risk and costs. Recent advances in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) have made it possible to identify and overcome previously untreatable causes of male infertility. To properly utilize the available techniques and improve clinical results, it is of the utmost importance that patients are adequately diagnosed and evaluated. Ideally, this initial assessment should also be affordable and accessible. We describe the main aspects of male infertility evaluation in a practical manner to provide information on the judicious use of available diagnostic tools and to better determine the etiology of the most adequate treatment for the existing condition.

Surgical treatment of male infertility in the era of intracytoplasmic sperm injection - new insights

Assisted reproductive technology is an evolving area, and several adjuvant procedures have been created to increase a couple's chance of conceiving. For male infertility, the current challenges are to properly accommodate old and new techniques that are both cost-effective and evidence-based. In this context, urologists are expected to diagnose, counsel, provide medical or surgical treatment whenever possible and/or correctly refer male patients for assisted conception. Urologists are sometimes part of a multiprofessional team in an assisted reproduction unit and are responsible for the above-cited tasks as well as the surgical retrieval of sperm from either the epididymides or testicles. We present a comprehensive review of the surgical treatment options for infertile males, including the perioperative planning and prognostic aspects, with an emphasis on the role of microsurgery in the optimization of treatment results. This review also discusses current techniques for sperm retrieval that are used in association with assisted reproductive technology and includes sperm retrieval success rates according to the technique and the type of azoospermia. New insights are provided with regard to each surgical treatment option in view of the availability of assisted conception to overcome male infertility.

Dynamic evaluation of pelvic floor reconstructive surgery using radiopaque meshes and three-dimensional helical CT

PURPOSE: This prospective study was performed to achieve visualization of the reestablishment of anatomy after reconstructive surgery in the different pelvic compartments with non-absorbable radiopaque meshes, providing valuable anatomic information for surgeons implanting meshes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse, or both underwent surgical repair using radiopaque meshes after written informed consent. Patients with SUI underwent five different surgeries. Patients with anterior vaginal prolapse underwent a procedure using a combined pre-pubic and transobturator mesh, and those with posterior vaginal prolapse underwent posterior slingplasty. Three-dimensional reconstruction using helical CT was performed four weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: In all cases, the mesh was clearly visualized. Transobturator slings were shown at the midurethra, and the anchoring tails perforated the obturator foramen at the safety region. Mini-slings were in the proper place, and computed angiography revealed that the anchoring system was away from the obturator vessels. In patients undergoing procedure for anterior vaginal prolapse, both pre-pubic armpit and obturator slings were clearly seen and the mesh was in the proper position, supporting the bladder base and occluding the distal part of the urogenital hiatus. Transcoccygeal sacropexy revealed indirectly a well-supported "neo rectovaginal fascia" and the anchoring tails at the level of ischial spines. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional helical tomography images of the female pelvis using radiopaque meshes have a potential role in improving our understanding of pelvic floor reconstructive surgeries. These radiopaque meshes might be the basis of a new investigative methodology.

Use of traditional Chinese medicine in the management of urinary stone disease: [review]

Objective: To assess the evidence-based literature supporting the use of traditional Chinese medicine Kampo herbal and Acupuncture in stone disease management. Materials and Methods: Four of the most commonly used herbal components of Kampo medicine in the treatment of stone disease are described according to their in vitro and in vivo effects. We also reviewed the role of Acupuncture in urologic clinical setting as well as its proposed mechanisms of action and results. Medline database was assessed using isolated and conjugated key words (Chinese Medicine, Kampo, Chinese Herbal, Calculi, Stone Disease, Kidney, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine). Articles were reviewed and summarized. Results: Herbal medicine has been proven to be free from side-effects and therefore suitable for long term use therapy. Its antilithic beneficial effects include increased urinary volume, increased magnesium excretion (Takusya), inhibitory activity on calcium oxalate aggregation (Takusya, Wulingsan and Desmodyum styracyfolium), inhibition of calcium oxalate nucleation and hydroxyapatite internalization (Wulingsan). In contrast, acupuncture, has shown to be effective as a pre-treatment anxiolytic and analgesic during colic pain and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment, reducing the need for complementary sedative drugs. Conclusion: Chinese traditional medicine is promising as regards its role in stone prevention. An effort must be made in order to standardize study protocols to better assess acupuncture results since each procedure differs in regards to selected acupoints, electrostimulation technique and adjunct anesthetics. Similarly, standardization of Kampo formulations and acceptable clinical endpoints (imaging vs. symptomatic events) is needed.

Resiniferatoxin for detrusor instability refractory to anticholinergics

PURPOSE: We have evaluated the clinical and urodynamic effects of intravesical instillation of resiniferatoxin in patients with idiopathic detrusor instability refractory to anticholinergics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 30 women, median age 56 years old with detrusor instability for over 6 months and a history of anticholinergic use with no response or intolerable collateral effects. A 50 nM solution of resiniferatoxin was prepared for intravesical instillation. All patients were evaluated for urinary symptoms, as well as for urodynamic assessments before and 30 days after instillation. Tolerability was analyzed during the instillation. RESULTS: A clinical improvement was observed in 30 percent of the patients with urinary urgency and in 33 percent of the patients with urge-incontinence. The mean maximum cystometric capacity before application was 303.9 ± 78.9 and after application 341 ± 84.6. No significant difference was observed (p = 0.585). The mean maximum amplitude of the contractions diminished from 47.86 ± 29.64 to 38.72 ± 30.77 (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Resiniferatoxin, in this concentration, proved to be useful in a small percentage of patients regarding clinical detrusor instability. Maximum amplitude of the involuntary contractions was significantly reduced and in 33 percent patients the involuntary contractions disappeared. Further studies with different concentrations are recommended.