Epididymal disjunction anomalies in undescended testis - a factor associated with spermatic obstruction

ABSTRACT Background: To analyze the incidence of epididymal anomalies (EAs) associated to spermatic obstruction in patients with undescended testis (UT) according to testicular position and age. Materials and Methods: We studied 87 patients (110 testis) with cryptorchidism and analyzed the presence of EAs correlated with the testicular position, age and patency of the processus vaginalis (PV). To analyze the relations between the testis and epididymis we considered three situations: (a) Normal pattern: the epididymis was attached to the testis at the head and tail and epididymis totally attached to the testis; (b) EAs: when the epididymis was attached to the testis only at the head (Figure-1A) and (c) EAs associated to spermatic obstruction: epididymis was attached to the testis only at the tail (Figure-1B) and when there are no visible connection between testis and epididymis (Figure-1C). We used the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and the Chi-square test for contingency analysis (p <0.05). Results: The mean age of the patients was 5.18 years (SD=2.867). Of 110 testes analyzed, 14 were abdominal (12.72%); 83 inguinal (75.45%) and 13 suprascrotal (11.81%). Normal relationships between testis and epididymis were observed in 54 patients (62.1%) with no significant differences in relation to the patient's age (p=0.666). Epididymal tail disjunction was observed in 23 patients (26.44%), with no significant differences in relation to age (p=0.59). EAs associated to spermatic obstruction were observed in 16 patients (18.4%), also with no significant differences in relation to age (p=0.684). We did not observe significant correlation between the testis position and the incidence of EAs (p=0.119). We did not observe significant correlations between patency of the PV (64.7%) and incidence of EAs (p=0.742). Conclusions: Epididymal anomalies associated with spermatic obstruction are present in almost 20% of undescended testes, without significant correlation with age, testicular position and patency of the PV. This information needs to be correlated to the infertility risk of this congenital anomaly.

Use of flaps in inguinal lymphadenectomy in metastatic penile cancer

ABSTRACT Purpose: Reviewing surgical procedures using fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous flaps for inguinal reconstruction after lymphadenectomy in metastatic penile cancer. Material and Methods: We reviewed the current literature of the Pubmed database according to PRISMA guidelines. The search terms used were "advanced penile cancer", "groin reconstruction", and "inguinal reconstruction", both alone and in combination. The bibliographic references used in the selected articles were also analyzed to include recent articles into our research. Results: A total of 54 studies were included in this review. About one third of penile cancers are diagnosed with locally advanced disease, often presenting with large lymph node involvement. Defects in the inguinal region resulting from the treatment of metastatic penile cancer are challenging for the surgeon and cause high patient morbidity, rendering primary closure unfeasible. Several fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous flaps of the abdomen and thigh can be used for the reconstruction of the inguinal region, transferring tissue to the affected area, and enabling tensionless closure. Conclusions: The reconstruction of defects in the inguinal region with the aid of flaps allows for faster postoperative recovery and reduces the risk of complications. Thus, the patient will be able to undergo potential necessary adjuvant treatments sooner.

Cirugía robótica en el Centro Médico ABC: experiencia en los primeros 500 procedimientos realizados / Robotic surgery at ABC Medical Center: first 500 procedures experience

Resumen Antecedentes: La cirugía robótica se utiliza en múltiples especialidades quirúrgicas a nivel mundial. Objetivo: Documentar la experiencia inicial del programa de cirugía robótica en un hospital de práctica privada. Material y método: Se incluyen las primeras 500 cirugías robóticas realizadas en el Centro Médico ABC, abarcando un periodo de tres años. Se documentan especialidades involucradas así como datos transoperatorios principales. Resultados: De 500 pacientes, 367 (73.4%) fueron de sexo masculino y 133 (26.4%) de sexo femenino. Las tres cirugías más realizada fueron prostatectomía radical (269), seguido de histerectomía (64) y plastia inguinal (33). Un total de 40 médicos certificados de cinco especialidades realizaron la totalidad de los procedimientos. Conclusiones: El iniciar un programa en un centro médico privado tiene diversas implicaciones. La creación de un comité de cirugía robótica integrado por médicos especialistas certificados en cirugía robótica de cada especialidad y autoridades del hospital para la acreditación de lineamientos tanto para la certificación como la recertificación de sus médicos puede beneficiar a programas como el nuestro por crear un centro de excelencia de cirugía robótica, disminuyendo complicaciones y mejorando resultados.

Abstract Background: Robotic surgery is used in different surgical specialties worldwide. Objective: To documents the initial experience in a private hospital in the use robotic surgery in different surgical areas. Material and Methods: We included the first 500 robotic surgeries in our hospital in a 3 year period, documenting specialty and operative information. Results: Of the 500 patients, 367 (73.4%) were male and 133 (26.4%) female. The three most frequent surgeries performed were Radical Prostatectomy (269), Hysterectomy (64) an inguinal repair (33). A total of 40 certified surgeons ranging from 5 specialties performed the total number of surgeries. Conclusions: There are several implications in starting a robotic program in a private hospital setting. The creation of a robotic committee, formed by robotic certified physicians and hospital authorities, has helped in the certification process of its staff, lowering the complication rate and obtaining better surgical results.

The role of intra-abdominal pressure in human testicular migration

ABSTRACT Objectives: This review aims to study the role of the abdominal wall in testicular migration process during the human fetal period. Materials and Methods: We performed a descriptive review of the literature about the role of the abdominal wall in testicular migration during the human fetal period. Results: The rise in intra-abdominal pressure is a supporting factor for testicular migration. This process has two phases: the abdominal and the inguinal-scrotal stages. The passage of the testis through the inguinal canal occurs very quickly between 21 and 25 WPC. Bilateral cryptorchidism in Prune Belly syndrome is explained by the impaired contraction of the muscles of the abdominal wall; mechanical obstruction due to bladder distention and structural alteration of the inguinal canal, which hampers the passage of the testis during the inguinoscrotal stage of testicular migration. Abdominal wall defects as gastroschisis and omphaloceles are associated with undescended testes in around 30 to 40% of the cases. Conclusions: Abdominal pressure wound is an auxiliary force in testicular migration. Patients with abdominal wall defects are associated with undescendend testis in more than 30% of the cases probably due to mechanical factors; the Prune Belly Syndrome has anatomical changes in the anterior abdominal wall that hinder the increase of intra-abdominal pressure which could be the cause of cryptorchidism in this syndrome.

Redução de hérnia escrotal com protusão de omento em um cão / Reducing escrotal hernia with oment protusion in dog

Hérnia é uma protrusão de vísceras através de um orifício adquirido, tendo como constituintes o anel, conteúdo e saco herniário. As hérnias escrotais ocorrem quando, por algum defeito no anel inguinal, alguma víscera se desloca por ele, chegando até a bolsa escrotal. Sua etiologia não é completamenteelucidada, sendo a elevação da pressão intra-abdominal um dos prováveis desencadeadores. Em caninos, essa é uma condição rara e os poucos relatos citam em animais jovens. Objetivou-se descrever a ocorrência de uma hérnia escrotal unilateral esquerda com protrusão de omento maior em um cão da raça Dachshund com 14 anos de idade e com 12,1 kg de peso corporal. Para a redução do conteúdo à cavidade abdominal, foi necessária a realização de incisão na região inguinal cranial, abertura do saco herniário e a orquiectomia. Destaca-se a importância do tratamento cirúrgico da hérnia escrotal, bem como a inclusão dessa afecção no diagnóstico diferencial para afecções testiculares de cães adultos ou idosos.

Hernia is a protrusion of viscera through an acquired orifice, having as constituents the ring, contents and hernial sac. Scrotal hernias occur when, due to a defect in the inguinal ring, some viscera travel through it, reaching the scrotum. Its etiology is not completely elucidated, and the increase in intra-abdominal pressure is one of the probable triggers. In canines, this is a rare condition and the few reports mention it in young animals. The objective was to describe the occurrence of a left unilateral scrotal hernia with protrusion of the greater omentum in a 14-year-old Dachshund dog weighing 12.1 kg of body weight. To reduce the content of the abdominal cavity, it was necessary to make an incision in the cranial inguinal region, open the hernial sac and orchiectomy. The importance of surgical treatment of scrotal hernia is highlighted, as well as the inclusion of this condition in the differential diagnosis for testicular disorders of adult or elderly dogs.

Estudo experimental comparativo da resistência tensional da safena magna no tornozelo e na região inguinal / Experimental comparative assay of tensile resistance of greater saphenous vein from ankle and groin

Resumo Contexto A veia safena magna é usada como material de remendo em vários tipos de reconstrução arterial, incluindo no trauma e endarterectomias de carótida e femoral. Houve relatos de ruptura do remendo de safena, particularmente de veias colhidas na região do tornozelo. Há uma necessidade de medição objetiva da resistência tecidual da safena magna. Objetivos Mensurar a força tensional suportada pela veia safena magna e analisar a correlação entre resistência e diâmetro da veia. Métodos As veias foram coletadas durante operações de safenectomia por varizes dos membros inferiores. Foram analisados apenas segmentos sem refluxo. Foram analisados 10 membros de oito pacientes, com um total de 20 espécimes. Os espécimes foram submetidos a ensaio de tração em equipamento eletrônico, obtendo-se os valores de tensão máxima do material em quilogramas-força por centímetro quadrado (kgf/cm2; força máxima dividida pela área de secção transversa do segmento submetido à tração). Resultados A tensão máxima suportada pela veia safena do tornozelo variou de 74,02 a 190,10 kgf/cm2, e a tensão máxima da veia safena da crossa variou de 13,53 a 69,45 kgf/cm2 (p < 0,0001). O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson entre o diâmetro da veia distendida e a tensão máxima suportada foram iguais a -0,852 (correlação inversa moderada a forte). Conclusões A resistência tecidual da veia safena magna do tornozelo é maior do que a da crossa em mulheres submetidas a operação de varizes; há correlação negativa entre o diâmetro da veia e sua resistência tecidual nessa mesma população.

Abstract Background The great saphenous vein is used as patch material in several types of arterial reconstruction, including trauma and carotid and femoral endarterectomy. There have been reports of saphenous patch blowout, particularly of patches constructed with veins harvested from the ankle. There is a need for objective measurement of the resistance of saphenous vein tissues. Objectives To measure the tensile strength of the great saphenous vein harvested at the ankle and groin and analyze the correlation between diameter and tissue strength. Methods Venous samples were harvested during elective saphenous stripping in patients with symptomatic varicose veins. Only segments without reflux were included. Ten limbs from eight patients were studied, providing 20 samples in total. Venous segments were opened along their longitudinal axis and fitted to electronic traction assay equipment to obtain values for material maximum tension in kilograms-force per square centimeter (kgf/cm2; the maximum force resisted by the segment, divided by its cross-sectional area). Results The average maximum tension in the ankle saphenous vein group ranged from 74.02 to 190.10 kgf/cm2 and from 13.53 to 69.45 kgf/cm2 in the groin saphenous vein group (p < 0.0001). The Pearson coefficient for the correlation between vein diameter and maximum tension was -0.852 (moderate to strong inverse correlation). Conclusions Ankle saphenous vein tissue from female patients operated for varicose veins has significantly higher resistance than saphenous vein tissue from the groin and there is an inverse relation between vein diameter and resistance of tissue from the same population.

Carcinoma epidermoide metastásico asociado a epidermólisis ampollosa distrófica / Metastasic squamous cell carcinoma in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Caso clínico: femenino de 18 años con diagnóstico de epidermolisis ampollosa distrófica (EAD) quién desarrolló una neoformación nodular sobre una úlcera crónica. Se diagnosticó carcinoma epidermoide (CE) invasor al que se realizó resección. Sin embargo, 5 meses después del tratamiento quirúrgico presentó metástasis a ganglios, pulmón e hígado con desenlace fatal. Comentarios: el CE es la causa más importante de muerte en pacientes con EAD. Suele ser agresivo y metastásico. Se recomienda una vigilancia cada 3 a 6 meses para realizar diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos (AU)

Case report: 18-year-old female patient with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) who developed a tumor over a chronic ulcer. She was diagnosed with invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and underwent surgical resection. However, 5 months later she presented metastases to the lymph nodes, lung and liver with a fatal outcome. Comments: SCC is the most important cause of death in patients with DEB. It is usually aggressive and metastatic. Surveillance every 3 to 6 months is recommended for prompt diagnosis and treatment (AU)

Does a bilateral polypropylene mesh alter the duct deferens morphology, testicular size and testosterone levels? Experimental study in rats

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of a PP mesh on duct deferens morphology, testicular size and testosterone levels. Methods Forty adult male rats were distributed into groups: 1) no surgery; 2) inguinotomy; 3) mesh placed on the duct deferens; and 4) mesh placed on the spermatic funiculus. After 90 postoperative days, the inguinal region was resected, and blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum testosterone (pg/dl). The ducts deferens were sectioned in three axial sections according to the relationship with the mesh — cranial, medial and caudal. The wall thickness and duct deferens lumen area were measured. Results The morphology of the duct deferens was preserved in all groups. The mesh placement did not alter this morphology in any of the analyzed segments. Surgery, with or without mesh placement, did not alter the morphology, wall thickness or lumen area (p>0.05). In all operated groups, serum testosterone levels were similar (p>0.05) but there was a decrease in testicle size (p<0.05). Conclusion Surgery, with or without mesh placement, did not alter the morphology of the duct deferens and, although this treatment resulted in testicular size reduction, it did not affect serum testosterone levels.

External validation of nomogram to predict inguinal lymph node metastasis in patients with penile cancer and clinically negative lymph nodes

ABSTRACT Introduction Penile cancer (PC) occurs less frequently in Europe and in the United States than in South America and parts of Africa. Lymph node (LN) involvement is the most important prognostic factor, and inguinal LN (ILN) dissection can be curative; however, ILN dissection has high morbidity. A nomogram was previously developed based on clinicopathological features of PC to predict ILN metastases. Our objective was to conduct an external validation of the previously developed nomogram based on our population. Materials and methods We included men with cN0 ILNs who underwent ILN dissection for penile carcinoma between 2000 and 2014. We performed external validation of the nomogram considering three different external validation methods: k-fold, leave-one-out, and bootstrap. We also analyzed prognostic variables. Performance was quantified in terms of calibration and discrimination (receiver operator characteristic curve). A logistic regression model for positive ILNs was developed based on clinicopathological features of PC. Results We analyzed 65 men who underwent ILN dissection (cN0). The mean age was 56.8 years. Of 65 men, 24 (36.9%) presented with positive LNs. A median 21 ILNs were removed. Considering the three different methods used, we concluded that the previously developed nomogram was not suitable for our sample. Conclusions In our study, the previously developed nomogram that was applied to our population had low accuracy and low precision for correctly identifying patients with PC who have positive ILNs.

Five veins at the deep inguinal ring: can they reduce the chances of indirect inguinal hernia and increase the chances of varicocele? / Cinco venas en el anillo inguinal profundo. ¿pueden reducir las probabilidades de una hernia inguinal indirecta y aumentar las posibilidades de varicocele?

Complete duplication of testicular veins is a rare phenomenon. However, a few cases of duplication of gonadal veins have been reported. Here, I report a case of unusual formation and termination of the right testicular vein in an adult male cadaver. Five veins arose from the pampinniform plexus and entered the abdomen through the deep inguinal ring. The most medial among the five was large (3 mm in diameter) and it continued as a testicular vein and opened into the right edge of the inferior vena cava, 1 cm above the union of the common iliac veins. The other four veins were about 1 mm in diameter and they united to form two veins in front of the lower part of the right psoas and iliacus muscles (about 2 cm above the deep inguinal ring) and the two veins united to form upper testicular vein, 4 cm above the deep inguinal ring. This testicular vein was 3 mm in diameter and it opened into the inferior vena cava, 4 cm above the union of common iliac veins. Having five veins at deep inguinal ring might increase the chances of varicocele and decrease the chances of indirect inguinal hernia.

La duplicación completa de las venas testiculares es un fenómeno raro. Sin embargo, se han reportado algunos casos de duplicación de venas gonadales. En el presente trabajo se informa un caso de formación y terminación inusual de la vena testicular derecha en un cadáver de un hombre adulto. Cinco venas surgieron del plexo pampiniforme y penetraron en el abdomen a través del anillo inguinal profundo. El más medial entre los cinco fue de gran tamaño (3 mm de diámetro) y continuó como una vena testicular y se abrió hacia el margen derecho de la vena cava inferior, 1 cm por encima de la unión de las venas ilíacas comunes. Las cuatro venas restantes eran de 1 mm de diámetro aproximadamente, y se unieron para formar dos venas frente a la parte inferior de los músculos psoas e ilíaco derechos (aproximadamente 2 cm por encima del anillo inguinal profundo). Se unieron dos venas para formar la vena testicular superior, la cual medía 3 mm de diámetro y se abría hacia la vena cava inferior, 4 cm por encima de la unión de las venas ilíacas comunes. Cinco venas en el anillo inguinal profundo podrían aumentar las posibilidades de varicocele y disminuir las posibilidades de una hernia inguinal indirecta.

Initial experience of video endoscopic inguinal Lymphadenectomy in a center located at northeast brazilian region

ABSTRACT Introduction: Video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy - VEIL - has emerged as an alternative to reduce post-surgical complications (PSC) in patients with penile cancer submitted to inguinal lymphadenectomy (IL). In some series, these PSC are observed in more than 50% of patients. The objectives of the present study are to describe the initial experience of VEIL in a Hospital in Teresina, PI, Brazil, and to analyze PSC incidence. Material and Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of patients submitted to VEIL from March 2014 to November 2015. Data were collected regarding surgical time, bleeding, complications, lymph node number, conversion, global complications, drainage time, cellulitis, lymphocele, cutaneous necrosis, miocutaneous necrosis and hospitalization time. Results: 20 lower limbs of 11 patients were operated. Mean age was 51.4 (24-72) years. Mean surgical time was 85 (60-120) minutes. No patient showed intrasurgical complications, bleeding > 50 mL or conversion. Three surgeries evolved with lower limb edema, 2 with lymphoceles and one patient had cutaneous necrosis and another bulging of surgical wound. Mean time of hospitalization was 4 (2-11) days. A mean of 5.8 (1-12) lymph nodes were dissected in each surgery. Conclusion: VEIL is a safe and easy technique with lower incidence of PSC that can be reproduced in small centers.

Is Preoperative Ultrasonography Necessary in Pediatric Inguinal Hernia?

PURPOSE: Preoperative ultrasonography (USG) in pediatric inguinal hernia has controversy. In this study, we analyzed the cases of pediatric inguinal hernia with/without preoperative USG and discussed whether USG is necessary. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 1,441 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair in Seoul National University Children's Hospital between January 2011 and August 2016 retrospectively. RESULTS: Male were 69.3% and age at operation was 37.8±36.5 months old. There were 150 patients (10.4%) performed USG preoperatively. The department ordered to perform USG included department of surgery (n=71), emergency medicine (n=42), pediatrics (n=26), urology (n=10) and outside hospital (n=1). The reasons of performing USG included evaluation for hernia laterality (n=82), incarceration (n=28), testis (n=15), request of parents (n=14), scrotal mass (n=6) and incidentally found during evaluation for another disease (n=5). Excepting 5 cases of incidental finding, of 145 cases with USG, 12 (8.3%) cases changed the surgical plan; change to bilateral repair from unilateral repair (n=5), emergency operation due to incarceration (n=4) which include 1 salpingo-oophorectomy, 1 open abdomen surgery and 2 hernia repair after reduction of ovary, change to co-operation of orchiopexy (n=2) and change to laparoscopic surgery from open surgery due to herniation of both ovaries into one inguinal canal (n=1). In group without USG (n=1,291), 5 patients (0.4%) had unexpected problems during operation; 2 co-operation of orchiopexy because of transverse testicular ectopia (n=1) and right undescended testis (n=1), 2 hypertrophy of major labia and 1 retroperitoneal lymphangioma at inguinal area misdiagnosed as inguinal hernia. CONCLUSION: It was difficult to interpret the meaning of preoperative USG because not all patients had performed it. In this study, 10.4% of patients performed USG and 8.3% of them changed surgical plan. About 0.4% of patients without preoperative USG would have benefited from it for surgery if they had performed it. Since the percentage is too low, it is unreasonable to conclude that USG has diagnostic utility in inguinal hernia in this study.

Caracterización de pacientes tratados por cáncer de pene, con invasión de ganglios locorregionales en el Servicio de Urología del HCIPS de Asunción del Paraguay / Characterization of Patients treated for Penile Cancer with Locoregional Nodes Invasion in HCIPS Urology Unit, Asunción del Paraguay

Introducción: El cáncer de pene tiene una alta incidencia en Latinoamérica, siendo el carcinoma epidermoide el tipo histológico más frecuente. También es sabido que el cáncer de pene suele presentar diseminación a los ganglios linfáticos inguinales, antes de la progresión a la enfermedad metastásica. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes tratados por cáncer de pene con invasión locorregional en el Servicio de Urología del Hospital Central del Instituto de Previsión Social (HCIPS) de Asunción del Paraguay. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, de pacientes tratados con cáncer de pene con invasión locorregional entre los años 2014 y 2017. Se analizaron las siguientes variables: estadificación, tratamientos empleados según la clasificación y complicaciones. Resultados: Los 18 pacientes tratados por cáncer de pene con invasión locorregional fueron adultos mayores, con una edad media de 78,5 años. El tipo de intervención más frecuente fue la linfadenectomía inguinal bilateral (44%). Solo cuatro pacientes fueron sometidos simultáneamente a penectomía y linfadenectomía. Las complicaciones posoperatorias se presentaron en 8 casos (44%), siendo el linfedema la más frecuente. Conclusiones: Los factores pronósticos adversos más importantes son la presencia de adenopatías, el estadío clínico al diagnóstico y el grado de diferenciación celular. El tratamiento más eficaz del cáncer de pene es quirúrgico, reservando la quimioterapia y la radioterapia para adyuvancia o terapia de rescate, siendo las complicaciones más graves, mientras más radical sea la cirugía.(AU)

Introduction: Penile cancer has a high incidence in Latin America, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most frequent histological type. It is also known that penile cancer has a spread to the inguinal lymph nodes, before the progression to metastatic disease. Objective: Characterize the patients treated for penile cancer with locoregional invasion in the Urology Service of the Hospital Central del Instituto de Previsión Social (HCIPS), Asunción of Paraguay. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted of patients treated with penile cancer with locoregional invasion between 2014 and 2017. The following variables were analyzed: staging, treatments used according to the classification and complications. Results: The 18 patients treated for penile cancer with locoregional invasion were older adults, with an average age of 78.5 years. The most frequent type of intervention was the bilateral ilioinguinal (44%). Only four patients were subjected simultaneously to penectomy and lymphadenectomy. Postoperative complications occurred in 8 cases (44%), lymphedema being the most frequent. Conclusions: The most important adverse prognostic factors are the presence of adenopathies, the clinical stage at diagnosis and the degree of cell differentiation. The most effective treatment of penile cancer is surgical, reserving chemotherapy and radiotherapy for adjuvance or rescue therapy, being the complications more serious, the more radical the surgery is.(AU)

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

ABSTRACT 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 novice surgeons. We present our initial experience in the application of the technique in nine patients and explore the potential of the new adjunct.

Unilateral extravesical ureteral reimplantation via inguinal incision for the correction of vesicoureteral reflux: a 10-year experience

ABSTRACT Introduction and Objective: Multiple options exist for the surgical management of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). We report on our 10-year experience using the inguinal approach to extravesical ureteral reimplantation (EVR). Materials and Methods: Patient characteristics of age, gender, and reflux grade were obtained and outcomes of operative time, hospital stay, and radiographic resolution were assessed. Results: 71 girls and 20 boys with a mean age of 74 months (range 14-164) underwent inguinal EVR via a 3.5-cm inguinal mini-incision. Mean follow up was 10.9 months (range 0.4-69.7). Average grade of reflux was 2.80. Average operative time was 91 minutes (range 51-268). The procedure was successful in 87 of 91 patients (95.6%). The 3 cases of reflux that persisted were all grade 1 and managed expectantly. Contralateral reflux developed in 9 cases, all of which resolved after treatment with either Deflux or ureteral reimplant. There were 4 case of urinary retention that resolved after a brief period of CIC or indwelling catheterization. There were no cases of ureteral obstruction. Most patients were discharged on post-operative day 1 (85/91) and no hospitalization extended beyond 3 days. Conclusions: The inguinal approach to extravesical ureteral reimplantation should be considered as a potentially minimally invasive alternative to endoscopic and robotic treatment of VUR with a success rate more comparable to traditional open approaches. We feel it is the method of choice in cases of unilateral VUR requiring surgical correction.

Inguinodynia in patients submitted to conventional inguinal hernioplasty / Inguinodinia em pacientes submetidos à hernioplastia inguinal convencional

ABSTRACT Objective : to evaluate the incidence of chronic pain and its impact on the quality of life of patients submitted to inguinal hernioplasty using the Lichtenstein technique. Methods : this was a descriptive, cross-sectional study of patients operated under spinal anesthesia from February 2013 to February 2015 and who had already completed six postoperative months. We questioned patients about the presence of chronic inguinal pain and, if confirmed, invited them to a consultation in which we assessed the pain and its impact on quality of life. Results : out of 158 patients submitted to the procedure, we identified 7.6% as having inguinodynia. Of these, there was an impact on the quality of life in 25%. Conclusion : the incidence of inguinodynia after hernioplasty with repercussion in quality of life was similar to the one of found in the world literature.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a incidência de dor crônica e o seu impacto na qualidade de vida de pacientes submetidos à hernioplastia inguinal pela técnica de Lichtenstein. Métodos: trata-se de estudo transversal descritivo, de pacientes operados de hérnia inguinal pela técnica de Lichtenstein sob anestesia raquidiana, no período de fevereiro de 2013 a fevereiro de 2015, e que já haviam completado seis meses de pós-operatório. Os pacientes foram questionados sobre a presença de dor inguinal crônica e, caso confirmada, convidados a uma consulta na qual foi feita análise da qualidade da dor e seu impacto na qualidade de vida. Resultados: do total de 158 pacientes submetidos ao procedimento, 7,6% foram identificados como portadores de inguinodinia. Destes, houve impacto na qualidade de vida em 25%. Conclusão: observou-se incidência de inguinodinia pós-hernioplastia com repercussão na qualidade de vida semelhante à literatura mundial.

Anatomic application of the genitofemoral nerve in uroandrological surgery / 中华男科学杂志

The genitofemoral nerve (GFN) has its unique anatomic characteristics of location, run and function in the male urinary system and its relationship with the ureter, deferens and inguinal region is apt to be ignored in clinical anatomic application. Clinical studies show that GFN is closely correlated with postoperative ureteral complications and pain in the inguinal region after spermatic cord or hernia repair. GFN transplantation can be used in the management of erectile dysfunction caused by cavernous nerve injury. Therefore, GFN played an important role in the clinical application of uroandrology. This review summarizes the advances in the studies of GFN in relation to different diseases in uroandrology.

Bloqueio ilioinguinal e ílio-hipogástrico em anestesia pediátrica: comparação da analgesia entre as técnicas de visualização direta e a guiada por ultrassom / Ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block in pediatric anesthesia: a comparison of analgesia between direct and ultrasound-guided visualization techniques

Introdução: Comparar o grau de dor em pacientes pediátricos que foram submetidos a bloqueio dos nervos ilioinguinal e ílio-hipogástrico, através das técnicas de visualização direta e guiada por ultrassom em cirurgias de herniorrafia e orquidopexia em intervalos de 30 minutos, 3 e 6 horas após a saída da sala cirúrgica. Métodos: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico, randomizado, com 38 pacientes submetidos às cirurgias propostas, divididos em 2 grupos através de sorteio aleatório: grupo 1 bloqueio por visualização direta e grupo 2 por ultrassom. Os pacientes foram avaliados em 3 fases, nos intervalos aventados pelo estudo com a utilização das escalas FLACC e Comfort-Behavior, aplicadas de maneira observacional. Para a associação entre as variáveis de interesse, foram utilizados o teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson e o teste t de Student para a comparação entre médias. Os dados foram inseridos no Epi InfoT 3.5.4 e SPSS 18.0. Para verificar as variáveis de interesse, foram utilizados os testes de qui-quadrado e teste t de Student, sendo considerado nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 38 pacientes, com média de 3,44 anos de idade. A cirurgia mais realizada foi a de hérnia inguinal bilateral em 17 (44,7%) dos pacientes. 52,5% dos pacientes utilizaram analgésico, sendo que desses, 19 fizeram uso somente uma vez, desses, 8 necessitaram de analgesia 30 minutos após a saída da sala cirúrgica. Conclusão: O trabalho evidenciou superioridade na técnica de visualização direta na redução da dor no pós-operatório em relação à técnica por ultrassom (AU)

Introduction: To compare the degree of pain in pediatric patients who underwent ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block through direct and ultrasound-guided visualization techniques in herniorrhaphy and orchidopexy surgeries at 30-minute intervals, 3 and 6 hours after leaving the operating room. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 38 patients submitted to the proposed surgeries, divided randomly into 2 groups, group 1 block by direct visualization and group 2 by ultrasound. The patients were evaluated in 3 phases, at the intervals proposed by the study, using the FLACC and Comfort-Behavior scales applied observationally. For the association between the variables of interest, the Pearson chi-square test and Student's t-test were used to compare the means. The data was entered into Epi InfoT 3.5.4 and SPSS 18.0. Chi-square and Student's t-tests were used to verify the variables of interest. A level of significance of 5% was considered. Results: Thirty-eight patients with a mean of 3.44 years of age participated in the study. The most commonly performed surgery was for bilateral inguinal hernia in 17 (44.7%) of the patients. Analgesics were used by 52.5% of the patients, of whom 19 used them only once, and of these, 8 required analgesia 30 minutes after leaving the operating room. Conclusion: The work showed superiority of the technique of direct visualization in reducing postoperative pain as compared to the ultrasound technique (AU)

Microanatomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in relation to inguinal ligament and its clinical importance / Microanatomia do nervo cutâneo femoral lateral em relação ao ligamento inguinal e sua importância clínica

BACKGROUND: A better knowledge of the composition and properties of connective tissue related to the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (LFCN) and to the Inguinal Ligament may be important to understand the diagnosis and treatment applicable to injuries such as meralgia paresthetica. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative amounts of the non-fascicular components in the following areas: (i) proximal to the inguinal ligament [LFCN-1], (ii) deep to the inguinal ligament [LFCN-2], or (iii) distal to LFCN-2 [LFCN-3]. These amounts were discriminated as adipose [FAT] and non-adipose (connective) [NON-FAT] tissues. METHOD: Samples of LFCN-1, LFCN-2 and LFCN-3 from 21 human cadaveric samples were used. Paraffin sections of these structures were processed by Masson's trichrome stain for connective tissue. The number of fascicles was counted in each of these structures; FAT and NON-FAT areas were determined in the non-fascicular areas of the structures. RESULTS: There were more fascicles in LFCN-3 vs. LFCN-1 or LFCN-2; there was more NON-FAT vs. FAT in LFCN-2 vs. LFCN-1 and LFCN-3; inversely, there was more FAT vs. NON-FAT in LFCN-3 vs. LFCN-1 and LFCN-2. All of these comparisons were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The presence of a higher content of NON-FAT in LFCN-2 and FAT in LFCN-3 may help to explain meralgia paresthetica resulting from compression or focal entrapment of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve as it passes deep relative to the inguinal ligament.

TEMA: Um melhor conhecimento da composição e propriedades do tecido conjuntivo relacionadas ao Nervo Cutâneo Femoral Lateral (NCFL) e ao Ligamento Inguinal pode ser importante para compreender o diagnóstico e o tratamento aplicável a lesões como a meralgia parestética. OBJETIVO: Determinar as quantidades relativas dos componentes não-fasciculares nas seguintes áreas: (i) proximal ao ligamento inguinal [NCFL-1], (ii) em profundidade ao ligamento inguinal [NCFL-2], ou (iii) distal a NCFL-2 [NCFL-3]. Esses valores foram discriminados como tecido conjuntivo adiposo [FAT] ou não-adiposo [NON_FAT]. MÉTODO: Foram utilizadas amostras de NCFL-1, NCFL-2 e NCFL-3 a partir de 21 amostras de cadáveres humanos. As secções em parafina destas estruturas foram processadas por coloração Masson para tecido conjuntivo. O número de fascículos foi contado em cada uma destas estruturas; áreas de gordura e sem gordura foram determinadas nas áreas não-fasciculares das estruturas. RESULTADOS: Foram contados mais fascículos em NCFL-3 vs. NCFL-1 ou NCFL-2; havia mais NON-FAT vs. FAT em NCFL-2 vs. NCFL-1 e NCFL-3; inversamente, houve mais FAT vs. NON-FAT em NCFL-3 vs. NCFL-1 e NCFL-2. Todas estas comparações foram estatisticamente significativas. CONCLUSÃO: A presença de um maior teor de NONFAT em NCFL-2 e FAT em NCFL-3 pode ajudar a explicar o aparecimento de paresthetica meralgia resultante da compressão ou encarceramento focal do Nervo Cutâneo Femoral Lateral que passa profundamente ao ligamento inguinal.