Double dartos flap layer in tubularized incised plate urethroplasty to prevent urethrocutaneous fistula in uncircumcised patients with distal hypospadias / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Urethrocutaneous fistula may complicate hypospadias repair. We noticed that double-layered preputial dartos flaps added to tubularized incised plate urethroplasty can reduce the risk of urethrocutaneous fistula. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with double-layered preputial dartos flaps to with single-layered local fascial flaps in preventing urethrocutaneous fistula. A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2017 and December 2020 at Jordan University Hospital (Amman, Jordan). Boys who were aged between 6 months and 5 years, diagnosed with distal hypospadias, and not circumcised were included. The primary outcome was the occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula in patients who underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with a double-layered fascial flap. The results showed a total of 163 boys with distal hypospadias; among them, 116 patients underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with a single-layered fascial flap, and 47 underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with a double-layered fascial flap. The development of urethrocutaneous fistula was higher in the group receiving tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with a single-layered fascial flap than in the group receiving tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with a double-layered fascial flap after 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months (6.9% vs 0, 10.3% vs 0, and 5.2% vs 0, respectively), and the difference after 6 months was statistically significant (P = 0.02).

A modified fixation technique for the treatment of buried penis in children / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

For many years, surgical treatment of buried penis in children has been researched by several scholars, and numerous methods exist. This study aimed to explore the clinical effect of a modified fixation technique in treating buried penis in children. Clinical data of 94 patients with buried penis who were treated using the modified penile fixation technique from March 2017 to February 2019 in Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital (Fuzhou, China) were retrospectively collected, compared, and analyzed. Clinical data of 107 patients with buried penis who were treated using traditional penile fixation technique from February 2014 to February 2017 were chosen for comparison. The results showed that at 6 months and 12 months after surgery, the penile lengths in the modified penile fixation group were longer than those in the traditional penile fixation group (both P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative skin contracture and penile retraction in the modified penile fixation group was less than that in the traditional penile fixation group (P = 0.034 and P = 0.012, respectively). When the two groups were compared in terms of parents' satisfaction scores, the scores for penile size, penile morphology, and voiding status in the modified penile fixation group were higher than those in the traditional penile fixation group at 2-week, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups after surgery (all P < 0.05). We concluded that the modified penile fixation technique could effectively reduce the incidence of skin contracture and penile retraction and improve the penile length and satisfaction of patients' parents.

A comparative study of two single-stage oral mucosal substitution urethroplasty (Kulkarni and Asopa) in the surgical treatments of lichen sclerosus urethral strictures / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Long-segment lichen sclerosus (LS) urethral stricture is a challenge for urologists. Limited data are available for surgeons to make a surgical decision between Kulkarni and Asopa urethroplasty. In this retrospective study, we investigated the outcomes of these two procedures in patients with LS urethral stricture. Between January 2015 and December 2020, 77 patients with LS urethral stricture underwent Kulkarni and Asopa procedures for urethroplasty in the Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (Shanghai, China). Of the 77 patients, 42 (54.5%) underwent the Asopa procedure and 35 (45.5%) underwent the Kulkarni procedure. The overall complication rate was 34.2% in the Kulkarni group and 19.0% in the Asopa group, and no difference was observed ( P = 0.105). Among the complications, no statistical difference was observed in the incidence of urethral stricture recurrence ( P = 0.724) or glans dehiscence ( P = 0.246) except for postoperative meatus stenosis ( P = 0.020). However, the recurrence-free survival rate between the two procedures was significantly different ( P = 0.016). Cox survival analysis showed that antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy use ( P = 0.020), diabetes ( P = 0.003), current/former smoking ( P = 0.019), coronary heart disease ( P < 0.001), and stricture length ( P = 0.028) may lead to a higher hazard ratio of complications. Even so, these two techniques can still provide acceptable results with their own advantages in the surgical treatment of LS urethral strictures. The surgical alternative should be considered comprehensively according to the patient characteristics and surgeon preferences. Moreover, our results showed that antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy use, diabetes, coronary heart disease, current/former smoking, and stricture length may be contributing factors of complications. Therefore, patients with LS are advised to undergo early interventions for better therapeutic effects.

High grade persistent ventral curvature after multiple hypospadias surgery: how to correct?

ABSTRACT Introduction: A challenging situation in proximal hypospadias is the presentation of patients with successful urethroplasty but with persistent or recurrent ventral curvature (VC) after multiple hypospadias repair. Materials and Methods: We present a 13 year-old boy with 7 previous surgeries (long TIP, Duplay, meatoplasty) to treat hypospadias presenting with 60 degrees of VC, in spite of a well-accepted coronally neomeatus. We degloved the penis and artificial erection clearly appointed corporal disproportion causing curvature. We disconnected urethra from corpora. After excision of remnant fibrotic tissue, there was a residual curvature so a lenghtening corporoplasty with dermal graft from groin was performed. We have adjusted the urethral meatus position into a proximal penile shaft. We used a buccal mucosa graft placed in an inverted U-shape position planning a second stage urethroplasty (1). An indwelling silicone Foley tube was left for one week. The patient was discharged the day after surgery. Results: The aspect after corporoplasty proved satisfactory curvature correction. Patient had an excellent outcome and is scheduled for a second-stage after 6 months. Discussion: Snodgrass and Bush (2) reported that on 73 patients with an average of 2.7 operations for proximal shaft to perineal hypospadias; of which, 83% had VC at re-operation averaging 50°. We do believe that some good results with minimal dorsal plicature may recur in adolescence and therefore when these procedures may be considered, they should be performed by classic Nesbit technique (3). Otherwise, the choice for primary ventral lengthening should be taken. Conclusion: Severe curvature associated with hypospadias should undergo a major procedure at early stage to avoid decompensation after dorsal plicature in adolescence. We had a very satisfactory result, the patient awaits the second stage procedure (Figure-1). Figure 1 End aspect after complete healing of buccal mucosa. Notice that penis is straight and second stage will be performed after 6 months of interval.

Application of the Mathieu combined tunnel technique for repairing glans dehiscence after failed hypospadias repair / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Repairing glans dehiscence after failed hypospadias repair is challenging for pediatric surgeons. Here, we introduced and evaluated a newly modified Mathieu technique, Mathieu combined tunnel (MCT), which involves multiple custom-designed flaps for the shortage of flap source material after repeated operations; we also constructed a tunnel to avoid the glans incision that may carry new risks of dehiscence. This retrospective study included 26 patients who were consecutively admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (Guangzhou, China) for glans dehiscence repair after failed hypospadias repair from October 2014 to October 2020; sixteen patients underwent surgery using the MCT (MCT group) and ten patients underwent surgery using the tubularized incised plate (TIP) technique (TIP group). The operative time, blood loss, postoperative complications, normal urethral meatus rate, success rate, and Hypospadias Objective Penile Evaluation (HOPE) score were compared between the two groups. The MCT group achieved an overall satisfactory penile appearance and voiding function, with a higher rate of normal urethral meatus (15/16, 93.8%) and a lower rate of glans dehiscence (1/16, 6.2%), compared with the TIP group (70.0% and 30.0%, respectively). However, these differences were not statistically significant, possibly because of the limited number of patients (all P > 0.05). Mean postoperative HOPE scores were similar in the MCT group (mean ± standard deviation: 8.83 ± 0. 89) and TIP group (8.94 ± 0.57) (P > 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of blood loss and success rate, nor in the rates of various complications (e.g., fistula, urethral stricture, and glans dehiscence). In conclusion, the MCT technique appears to be feasible and reliable for repairing glans dehiscence after failed hypospadias repair.

The modern testicular prosthesis: patient selection and counseling, surgical technique, and outcomes / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The testicular prosthesis can be an afterthought for providers when performing an orchiectomy for testicular cancer, torsion, atrophic testis, or trauma. However, data suggest that patients find the offer of a testicular prosthesis and counseling regarding placement to be extremely important from both a pragmatic and a psychosocial perspective. Only two-thirds of men undergoing orchiectomy are offered an implant at the time of orchiectomy and of those offered about one-third move forward with prosthesis placement. The relatively low acceptance rate is in stark contrast with high patient satisfaction and low complication rates for those who undergo the procedure. The most common postoperative patient concerns are minor and involve implant positioning, size, and weight. Herein, we provide an up-to-date review of modern preoperative evaluation, patient selection, expectation management, surgical technique, and expected outcomes for testicular prostheses.

Modern treatment strategies for penile prosthetics in Peyronie's disease: a contemporary clinical review / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Peyronie's disease is a common condition resulting in penile deformity, psychological bother, and sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is one common comorbid condition seen in men with Peyronie's disease, and its presence significantly impacts treatment considerations. In a man with Peyronie's disease and significant erectile dysfunction who desires the most reliable treatment, penile prosthesis placement should be strongly considered. In some instances, such as those patients with relatively mild curvature, prosthesis placement alone may result in adequate straightening. However, many patients will require additional straightening maneuvers such as manual modeling, penile plication, and tunica albuginea incision with or without grafting. For patients with severe penile shortening, penile length restoration techniques may also be considered. Herein, we provide a comprehensive clinical review of penile prosthesis placement in men with Peyronie's disease. Specifically, we discuss preoperative indications, intraoperative considerations, adjunctive straightening maneuvers, and postoperative outcomes.

Hematologic parameters and neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio in the prediction of urethroplasty success

ABSTRACT Objective: The pathophysiology of urethral stricture and its recurrence remains vague and one of the important causes is progressive inflammation. It has been shown in recent years that the neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio is a marker of systemic inflammation and is associated with prognosis in many cardiovascular diseases, malignancies and chronic inflammatory diseases. We assessed simple systemic inflammation markers preoperatively and surgical techniques for urethral stricture recurrence after urethroplasty. Patients and Methods: After exclusion criteria applied, a total of 117 male cases operated with urethroplasty in our clinic between January 2012 and June 2017 were included in the study and analyzed retrospectively. Localization and length of the strictures of the patients, neutrophil counts and percentages, lymphocyte counts and percentages, and neutrophil / lymphocyte ratios in preoperative peripheral blood samples were statistically analyzed. Recurrent stricture during first 12 months follow-up after the surgery has been assessed as recurrence. Results: The mean age of the patients was 54.12 ± 16.35 and the mean urethral stricture length was 3.44 ± 1.83 cm. Recurrence was observed in 30.1% of cases who received buccal graft, 30% in penile skin applied cases and 26.1% of cases treated with end-to-end anastomosis and there was no statistically significant difference between neutrophil, lymphocyte, neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio and average stricture segment length between recurrent and non-recurrent cases (p > 0.005). Conclusions: We consider that neutrophil, lymphocyte counts and their ratio prior to urethroplasty and the technique performed are not parameters that can be used to predict stricture recurrence. Prospective and randomized new trials with larger patient populations are needed to make more accurate judgments about the role of these inflammatory parameters.

A novel "six stitches" procedures for pediatric and adult buried penis

ABSTRACT Introduction: The buried penis, if not treated before adolescence, will lead to psychological and physical disorders in adulthood. Therefore, early surgical intervention is necessary. At present, the common surgical methods include the penile corpus fixation, the Johnson's operation, the Devine's method, the modified Devine's method, Shiraki's method, etc. However, we found that these traditional surgeries showed various postoperative complications, such as long-term prepuce edema, avascular necrosis of skin flaps, stenotic prepuce, scarring, and poor appearance. This video shows the main technical steps of our innovative surgical procedure "Six Stitch" (SS) method for the buried penis. Materials and Methods: The designation of the so-called SS method was based on the total knots made (six knots were made for the SS procedure). After the crura penis was fully exposed via a longitudinal incision at the penoscrotal junction, at the 2 o'clock position (around the penis), the superficial layer of albuginea of the crura penis was sutured to the prepubic ligament with 2-0 non-absorbable sutures to prevent the retraction of the penis (the 1st knot). The same procedure was used for the 10 o'clock position (the 2nd knot); At the 2 o'clock position, the skin and subcutaneous tissue at the pubic mound were sutured to the prepubic ligament to reconstruct the appearance of dorsum penis (the 3rd knot). The same procedures were used for the 10 o'clock position (the 4th knot). At the 5 o'clock position, the ventral albuginea was sutured to the tunica dartos and subcutaneous tissue at the penoscrotal junction to reconstruct the penoscrotal angle (the 5th knot). The same procedures were used for the 4 o'clock position (the 6th knot). Finally, the gloved prepuce was reset and circumcision was conducted if the redundant prepuce existed. Results: We have done a total of 64 cases of SS procedures for concealed penis; mean length improvement was 3.8 ± 0.5 cm, with a satisfying 95 percent (61 / 64), which was much longer than the outcome of the above-mentioned methods. Mean operative time was 62.3 ± 12.1 minutes, and there was no serious intraoperative or postoperative complication (only 2 presented scar hyperplasia at the incision site). Conclusions: In conclusion, after the SS procedure, patients with buried penis can acquire an almost 4 cm improvement of penile length and covert incision at the midline of the scrotum, with an acceptable and low incidence of adverse events. This safe and effective procedure may be a viable option for the surgical management of pediatric and adult buried penis.

Complications of proximal hypospadias repair with transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty: a 15-year experience with long-term follow-up / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

There is still debate regarding the optimal surgical approach for proximal hypospadias. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes using transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty. A total of 320 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 40.2 months (range: 1-156 months). Complications were encountered in 125 patients (39.1%), including fistulas in 53 (16.6%), urethral strictures in 31 (9.7%), and diverticula in 41 (12.8%). The mean timing of presentation with a complication was 15.8 months (median: 1.7, range: 1-145), of which 79.2% were early complications and 20.8% were late complications. In all, 20.8% of the patients with complications presented after ≥1 year, and 12.8% presented after ≥5 years. Univariate analysis revealed that age at the time of surgery, flap length, and location of the urethral meatus were not correlated with complications. A stricture was present in 31.7% (13/41) of those with diverticula (P < 0.001), while late urethral diverticula were accompanied by urethral strictures in 11.1% (1/9) of cases (P = 0.213). These results indicate that transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty still has a high incidence of complications, even when performed by highly experienced physicians. Most complications of hypospadias are diagnosed within 1 year postoperatively, while fistulas and urinary strictures generally occur within 2 months and diverticula tend to be present by 1 year.

Double inlay plus ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft for simultaneous penile and bulbar urethral stricture

ABSTRACT Objectives: Buccal mucosa grafts and fascio-cutaneous flaps are frequently used in long anterior urethral strictures (1). The inlay and onlay buccal mucosa grafts are easier to perform, do not need urethral mobilization and generally have good long-term results (2-4). In the present video, we present a case where we used a double buccal mucosa graft technique in a simultaneous penile and bulbar urethral stricture. Materials and Methods: A 54 year-old male patient was submitted to appendectomy where a urethral catheter was used for two days in May 2015. Three months after surgery, the patient complained of acute urinary retention and a supra-pubic tube was indicated. Urethrocystography was performed two weeks later and showed strictures in penile and bulbar urethra with 3.5 cm and 3 cm in length respectively. Urethroplasty was proposed for the surgical treatment in this case. We used a perineal approach with a ventral sagittal urethrotomy in both strictures. Penile urethra stricture measuring 3.5 cm in length was observed and a free graft from the buccal mucosa was harvested and placed into the longitudinal incision in the dorsal urethra and fixed with interrupted suture as dorsal inlay. Bulbar urethra stricture measuring 3 cm was observed and a free graft from the buccal mucosa was harvested and placed into the longitudinal incision in the ventral urethra and fixed with interrupted suture as ventral onlay. The ventral urethrotomy was closed over a 16Fr Foley catheter and the skin incision was then closed in layers. Results: No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The patient could achieve satisfactory voiding and no complication was seen during the six-month follow-up. Postoperative imaging demonstrated a widely patent urethra, and the mean peak flow was 12 mL/s. Conclusion: The BMG placement can be ventral, dorsal, lateral or combined dorsal and ventral BMG in the meeting of stricture but the first two are most common (5, 6). Ventral location provides the advantages of ease of exposure and good vascular supply by avoiding circumferential rotation of the urethra (7). Early success rates of dorsal and ventral onlay with BMG were 96 and 85%, respectively. However, long-term follow-up revealed essentially no difference in success rates (8-11). Anterior urethral stricture treatments are various, and comprehensive consideration should be given in selecting individualized treatment programs, which must be combined with the patient's stricture, length, complexity, and other factors. Traditionally, anastomotic procedures with transection and urethral excision are suggested for short bulbar strictures, while longer strictures are treated by patch graft urethroplasty preferably using the buccal mucosa as gold-standard material due to its histological characteristics. The current management for complex urethral strictures commonly uses open reconstruction with buccal mucosa urethroplasty. However, there are multiple situations whereby buccal mucosa is inadequate (pan-urethral stricture or prior buccal harvest) or inappropriate for utilization (heavy tobacco use or oral radiation). Multiple options exist for use as alternatives or adjuncts to buccal mucosa in complex urethral strictures (injectable antifibrotic agents, augmentation urethroplasty with skin flaps, lingual mucosa, colonic mucosa, and new developments in tissue engineering for urethral graft material). In the present case, our patient had two strictures and we chose to correct the first stricture with a dorsal graft and the bulbar stricture with a ventral graft because of our personal expertise. We can conclude that the double buccal mucosa graft is easier to perform and can be an option to repair multiple urethral strictures.

Is circumferential urethral mobilization an overdo? A prospective outcome analysis of dorsal onlay and dorso - lateral onlay BMGU for anterior urethral strictures

ABSTRACT Introduction For dorsal onlay graft placement, unilateral urethral mobilization is less invasive than standard circumferential urethral mobilization. Apart from success in terms of patency of urethra, other issues like sexual function, overall quality of life and patient satisfaction remain important issues while comparing outcomes of urethroplasty. Aim To prospectively compare the objective as well as subjective outcomes of two approaches. Materials and Methods Between July 2011 and January 2015, 136 adult males having anterior urethral stricture with urethral lumen ≥ 6 Fr. were prospectively assigned between two groups by alternate randomization. Operative time, complications, success rate (no obstructive symptoms, no need of any postoperative intervention, Q max > 15mL/sec), sexual functions (using Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory) were compared. Results Baseline parameters were similar in both groups (68 in each group). Overall success rate was similar in both groups (89 % and 91 % respectively). Improvement in total LUTS scores was similar in groups. Changes in overall health status (VAS and EQ 5D) was equal in both groups. Erectile function score was significantly decreased in DO than DL group while ejaculatory function and sexual desire remained stable after urethroplasty in both groups. Conclusions In anterior urethral stricture buccal mucosa graft provides satisfactory results as onlay technique. No technique whether dorsolateral and dorsal techniques is superior to other. Dorsolateral technique needs minimal urethral mobilization and should be preferred whenever feasible.

A new technique, combined plication-incision (CPI), for correction of penile curvature

ABSTRACT Introduction Penile curvature (PC) can be surgically corrected by either corporoplasty or plication techniques. These techniques can be complicated by post-operative: penile shortening, recurrent PC, painful/palpable suture knots and erectile dysfunction. Objective To avoid the complications of corporoplasty and plication techniques using a new technique: combined plication-incision (CPI). Materials and Methods Two groups (1&2) were operated upon: group 1 using CPI and group 2 using the 16-dot technique. In CPI, dots were first marked as in 16 dot technique. In each group of 4 dots the superficial layer of tunica albuginea was transversely incised (3-6mm) at the first and last dots. Ethibond 2/0, passed through the interior edge of the first incision plicating the intermediate 2 dots and passed out of the interior edge of the last incision, was tightened and ligated. Vicryle 4/0, passed through the exterior edges of the incisions, was tightened and ligated to cover the ethibond knot. Results Twelve (57.1 %) participants in group 2 complained of a bothering palpable knot compared to none in group 1 with statistically significant difference (P=0.005). Postoperative shortening (5mm) of erect penis, encountered in 9 participants, was doubled in group 2 but with insignificant difference (P>0.05). Post-operative recurrence of PC, was encountered in only 1 (4.8%) participant in group 2, compared to none in group 1, with insignificant difference (P>0.05). Post-operative erectile rigidity was normally maintained in all participants. Conclusion The new technique was superior to the 16-dot technique for correction of PC.

"3-step" strategy of transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty for the simple pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect in male patients / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the clinical effect of "3-step" strategy of transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty for the simple pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect in male patients.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 162 male patients with simple traumatic posterior urethral stricture or stenosis admitted from January 2014 to October 2015. All had no complex complications, such as urethroperineal fistulas or urethrorectal fistulas. Before referral to Department of Urology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, 64 patients had undergone previous treatments: urethroplasty in 30 patients (18.5%), early urethral realignment in 17 patients (10.5%) and 17 patients (10.5%) who had undergone internal urethrotomy. The remaining 98 patients received the suprapubic cystostomy in the acute setting. All of them had received transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty with "3-step" strategy. Step 1, the bulbar urethra was circumferentially mobilized and tension-free anastomosis could be performed after the scar was completely incised and removed. Step 2, if after step 1 a tension-free anastomosis could not be achieved, were routed the distal urethra between the separated corporal bodies. Step 3, if the anastomosis still seemed to be under tension, we could perform pubectomy, partial or total removal, to get a better exposure of the apex of the prostate-membranous urethra.@*RESULTS@#The mean age of the patients included in this study was 36.3 years (rangingfrom 16-74 years). The mean time between incidents and operation was 13.5 months (ranging from 3-124 months) and the mean length of stricture was 2.7 cm (ranging from 0.5-6.5 cm).The mean time of operation was 92 (45-240) min and the mean evaluated blood lose was 120 (60-800) mL. Three patients (1.9%) received blood transfusing during or after the operations. The numbers of the patients who completed step 1, step 2 and step 3 were 50(30.9%), 74(45.7%) and 38(23.5%), respectively. There were 4 (2.5%) patients who needed the combined transpubic and transperineal approach for tension-free anastomosis after removing an entire wedge of anterior pubis. The mean follow-up was 19.5 months and 18 patients' strictures recurred with manifestation of decreased stream of dysuria. The overall success rate was 88.9%(144/162).@*CONCLUSION@#Based on the "3-step" strategy of transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty, patients with simple PFUDD can achieve a tension-free anastomosis. The present clinical data showed a successful rate of 88.9% (144/162).

An unanswered question in pediatric urology: the post pubertal persistence of prepubertal congenital penile curvature correction by tunical plication

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze post pubertal results of pre pubertal tunica albuginea plication with non-absorbable sutures in the correction of CPC. Materials and Methods: The files of patients who underwent tunica albuginea plication without incision (dorsal/lateral) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients younger than 13 years of age at the time of operation and older than 14 years of age in November 2015 were included. Patients with a penile curvature of less than 30 degrees & more than 45 degrees and penile/urethral anomalies were excluded. All of the patients underwent surgery followed by circumcision. Results: The mean age of patients at the time of the operation was 9.7 years (range, 6-13 years). The mean degree of ventral penile curvature measured during the operation was 39 degrees while it was 41 degrees in the lateral curvatures. All of the patients were curvature-free at the end of the operation. At the time of the follow-up examination, the mean age was 16.7 years (range, 14-25 years). Six patients had a straight (0-10 degrees) penis during erection and seven patients had recurrent penile curvatures ranging from 30 to 50 degrees. Conclusion: Pre pubertal tunica albuginea plication of congenital penile curvature (30-45 degrees) with non-absorbable sutures performed without incision is a minimal invasive method especially when performed during circumcision. However, recurrence might be observed in half of the patients after puberty.

Should azoospermic patients with varicocele disease undergo surgery to recover fertility? / Pacientes com azoospermia e varicocele devem ser submetidos à cirurgia para recuperar a fertilidade?

Summary Introduction: Varicocele disease is well-known cause of infertility in men. The presence of spermatic varices veins create a hostile environment to spermatogenesis. It results in reduced quality of the sperm production and in some cases can determine a total absence of sperm. The varicocelectomy procedure in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) can raise the rates of sperm in the semen analysis. A positive rate for sperm, even if very low, may be sufficient to enable the capture of sperm intended for in-vitro fertilization without the use of donor sperm. Objetive: To evaluate the raise of sperm in NOA patients with varicocele disease who were submitted to a bilateral procedure to recovery sperm production. Method: We analized the sperm results of 25 NOA patients who undergone to a bilateral varicocelectomy procedure. Results: From a total of 25 patients, three (12%) recovered sperm count four months after procedure. One year after the procedure, five (20%) patients recovered sperm production. Conclusion: Patients with varicocele disease and azoospermia, without genetic changes or obstruction of the spermatic tract, should undergo surgical procedure to recover sperm.

Resumo Introdução: A varicocele é sabidamente uma das causas de infertilidade nos homens. A presença de veias espermáticas dilatadas pode criar um ambiente hostil para a espermatogênese. Isso é causa de baixa qualidade e quantidade da produção do esperma; em alguns casos, pode determinar uma ausência total de espermatozoides. O procedimento de varicocelectomia em pacientes com azoospermia não obstrutiva pode aumentar as taxas de espermatozoides na análise do sêmen. Uma taxa positiva para o esperma, mesmo se muito baixa, pode ser suficiente para permitir a coleta e destinar-se ao processo de fertilização in vitro. Isso sem a necessidade de usar esperma de doador. Objetivo: Avaliar o aumento de espermatozoides em pacientes com varicocele associada à azoospermia não obstrutiva. Método: Foram analisados os espermas de 25 pacientes azoospêrmicos não obstrutivos submetidos a procedimento de varicocelectomia bilateral com magnificação microcirúrgica. Resultados: De um total de 25 pacientes, em três (12%) ocorreu recuperação da contagem de espermatozoides quatro meses após o procedimento. Após um ano de procedimento, em cinco (20%) ocorreu a recuperação. Conclusão: Pacientes com ausência de espermatozoides e varicocele, sem alterações genéticas, devem ser submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico a fim de recuperar a produção de espermatozoides.

Can a graft be placed over a flap in complex hypospadias surgery? An experimental study in rabbits

ABSTRACT Purpose: To develop a rabbit experimental study to test the hypothesis that surgical repair of hypospadias with severe ventral curvatures might be completed in one stage, if a graft, such as buccal mucosa, could be placed over the tunica vaginalis flap used in corporoplasty for ventral lengthening, with the addition of an onlay preputial island flap to complete the urethroplasty. Materials and methods: The experimental procedure with rabbits included a tunica vaginalis flap for reconstruction of the corpora after corporotomy, simulating a ventral lengthening operation. A buccal mucosa graft was placed directly on top of the flap, and the urethroplasty was completed with an onlay preputial island flap. Eight rabbits were divided into 4 groups, sacrificed at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively, and submitted to histological evaluation. Results: We observed a large number of complications, such as fistula (75%), urinary retention (50%) and stenosis (50%). There were two deaths related to the procedure. Histological evaluation demonstrated a severe and persistent inflammatory reaction. No viable tunica vaginalis or buccal mucosa was identified. Conclusions: In this animal model, the association of a buccal mucosa graft over the tunica vaginalis flap was not successful, and resulted in complete loss of both tissues.