Predictors of forniceal rupture in patients with obstructing ureteral calculi: Analysis of multicenter data.

Background: Renal forniceal rupture (FR) is a unique complication of obstructive uropathy. This study aimed to identify the predictors of FR among patients presenting with renal colic due to obstructing ureteral calculi. Materials and Methods: After obtaining ethics approval, electronic records of patients from three National Guard hospitals in Saudi Arabia were reviewed between 2016 and 2020 to identify patients who presented with renal colic and were diagnosed with FR due to obstructive ureteric stones (FR group). An equivalent number of consecutive patients presenting with renal colic due to obstructing ureteric stones without FR was selected as a control group (non-FR group). Patients were grouped according to age group (<30, 30-40, 41-50, and >50 years), body mass index (BMI) class, gender, comorbidities, grade of hydronephrosis, location of the stone in the ureter, size of the stone (<3 mm, 3-7 mm, and >7 mm), and stone former status. Baseline patients' and stone characteristics were compared, and a regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of FR. Results: A total of 50 patients with FR were identified, and a control group of 50 patients without FR were selected. The baseline patients' and stone demographic characteristics in terms of age (P = 0.42), gender (P = 0.275), BMI (P = 0.672), comorbidity, grade of hydronephrosis (P = 0.201), and stone location (P = 0.639) were comparable between the FR group and the non-FR group. However, the stone size was statistically significant between both groups (P = 0.014). On multivariable analysis, it was found that the stone size was associated with a significantly higher increase in the incidence of FR (odds ratio [OR]: 6.5 [1.235-34.434]; P = 0.027). Furthermore, the age group between 30 and 40 years was potentially at a lower risk for FR (OR: 0.262 [0.069-0.999]; P = 0.049). Conclusion: This multicenter study showed that the stone size 3-7 mm had a six-fold increase in the chance of FR, and the age group between 30 and 40 years is potentially at a lower risk for FR.

Varicocelectomy outcomes among patients with azoospermia and severe oligasthenoteratozoospermia.

Background: Varicocele is a reversible cause of male infertility. However, there are conflicting data available concerning the benefit of varicocele repair for patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Objective: To address the benefit of varicocelectomy in patients with severe OAT and NOA with regard to their semen parameters and surgical sperm retrieval rate in those who underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or testicular sperm aspiration (TESA). Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on a sample of 13 patients diagnosed with NOA and severe OAT who underwent varicocelectomy for infertility treatment with no prespecified exclusion criteria. Results: Thirteen patients were enrolled. Five patients were diagnosed with NOA; eight were diagnosed with severe OAT. For improvements in the semen parameters postoperatively, the semen concentration of all patients was significantly increased compared to the preoperative concentration (3.59 ± 10.0.8 vs. 0.25 ± 0.31, P = 0.02) and the remaining parameters were unchanged. Regarding sperm retrieval, three patients underwent TESE and two patients underwent TESA, in which all had positive results. Conclusion: Varicocele repair was found to improve the semen parameters in patients with NOA and severe OAT and produced a successful surgical sperm retrieval rate in all patients who underwent TESA or TESE.

Effects of first year COVID-19 pandemic on urology practice in three major Arab Countries: Sub-Analysis of a survey by Arab association of urology research group.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic on March 11, 2020. The health care system faced tremendous challenges in providing ethical and high-quality care. The impact of COVID-19 on urological practices varied widely worldwide, including in Arab countries. This study aimed to compare the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on urology practice in Egypt, the KSA, and the UAE during the first year of the pandemic. METHODS: This sub-analysis assessed the demographics and COVID-19's effects on urological practice in terms of adjustments to hospital policy, including outpatient consultations, the management of elective and urgent surgical cases, and the continuation of education across the three countries. The availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and urologists' emotional, physical, and verbal intimidation during COVID-19 were also compared. RESULTS: Regarding the impact on hospital policy, consultations replaced by telemedicine were significantly higher in the KSA (36.15%), followed by the UAE (33.3%), then Egypt (10.4%) (P = 0.008). Elective cases requiring ICU admission were 65.1% in Egypt, 45.2% in the KSA, and 58.2% in the UAE and were performed only in high-risk patients. PPE was freely available in 20.8% of the Egyptian hospitals compared to 83.3% in the KSA and 81.8% in the UAE. Online courses were significantly higher in Egypt (70.8%), followed by the UAE (53%) and the KSA (41.7%) (P = 0.02). Emotional intimidation was higher than verbal intimidation, representing 80%, 75.9%, and 76% in the UAE, KSA, and Egypt, respectively. CONCLUSION: This sub-analysis outlined significant hospital policy changes across the three Arab countries. Exposure to emotional, verbal, and physical intimidation was observed. The development of teleconsultations and online platforms for educational purposes was observed.

A decade in focus: mixed germ cell tumors with choriocarcinoma components.

Introduction: This 10-year registry review aimed to investigate the clinical behaviour and outcomes of mixed germ cell tumours with choriocarcinoma components, a rare and aggressive subtype of testicular cancer, in Saudi Arabia. The study explores the demographic characteristics of affected patients, tumour profiles, and the mortality rate associated with this malignancy. Methods: Utilizing data from the Saudi Cancer Registry, the authors identified 33 cases of mixed germ cell tumours with choriocarcinoma components among 1001 testicular cancer cases recorded between 2008 and 2017. Demographic information, including age, marital status, region of residency, year of diagnosis, and 10-year survival status, were collected. Tumour factors, such as the basis of diagnosis, origin site, behaviour, grade, extension, and laterality, were also analyzed. Results: The majority of cases (78.8%) occurred in the young age group (18-45 years), and most tumours (97%) originated in normally descended testes. Grade IV (undifferentiated anaplastic) tumours and distant metastasis were present in 45.5% of patients. All cases exhibited malignant tumour behaviour. The overall mortality rate was 15%, with a mean time from diagnosis to death of 7.72 months (range: 0.5-21.5 months). Conclusion: Mixed germ cell tumours with choriocarcinoma components are rare and tend to affect younger populations. These tumours demonstrate aggressive clinical behaviour, with a significant proportion presenting with high-grade lesions and metastasis at diagnosis. The observed mortality rate underscores the poor prognosis associated with this malignancy. Our study provides essential insights into the clinical characteristics of this rare tumour subtype in the Saudi Arabian population, emphasizing the need for further research to identify prognostic factors and optimize management strategies for affected patients.

Perceptions of testicular cancer and self-examination in the general population of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Although testicular cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy in males between the ages of 18 and 50 years, little effort has been made to increase public awareness about TC and testicular self-examinations (TSEs). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness of TC and TSEs in the Saudi population. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed online through social media platforms. The questionnaire consisted of 11 questions related to TC and TSE. All relevant data were moved into an Excel sheet, and data analyses were carried out using SPSS. Results: A total of 849 responses were received. The proportion of respondents who knew any information about TC was 26.5%, with media or the Internet being the most common sources of information (16.3%). In addition, 5.5% of respondents knew how to perform a TSE, although only 4% actually performed TSEs. The patient age group was an independent significant predictor of this knowledge, with a P = 0.031. Conclusions: These findings suggest that there is a low level of public awareness and knowledge of TC and TSE in Saudi Arabia, and further efforts should be focused on raising public awareness.

Varicocelectomy for scrotal pain: Is it effective?

Introduction: Varicocelectomy is the prevailing management of scrotal pain secondary to varicocele. However, the literature is controversial on this topic. Some data showed that pain may persist after the surgery even if the varicocele is not detected postoperatively. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to identify the effect of varicocelectomy in patients with chronic scrotal pain, to report the association between the clinical grade and postoperative pain resolution, and to identify the need for a secondary procedure after varicocelectomy to control the pain. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 47 patients who underwent varicocelectomy between March 2016 and December 2018. Results: Postoperatively, the pain totally resolved after surgery in 64.3% of patients with scrotal pain; it improved in 21.4%, 11.9% have persistent pain, and the pain got worse in only 2.4%. Our study showed 100% complete resolution or improvement with Grade I, 85.7% in Grade II, and 81.3% in Grade III. In addition, all patients who underwent bilateral varicocelectomy had pain that either completely resolved or improved postoperatively. On the other hand, all patients who had persistent pain or pain worsening postoperatively had unilateral varicocelectomy. An additional intervention for postoperative pain control was needed in only 14% of patients, 7% of them underwent embolization, 4.7% had a cord block, and 2.3% were sent to a pain clinic. Conclusion: Varicocelectomy offers good outcomes in most patients with varicocele-related scrotal pain. The most significant predictor for success was low grade and bilaterality. However, there is a subset of patients whose symptoms will not improve postoperatively. Careful preoperative counseling and expectation management are crucial when discussing surgical options for those patients.

Is routine re-imaging for high-grade renal injury needed? Retrospective analysis of 1500 abdominal trauma patients from a tertiary care trauma center over 11 years.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The AUA and EAU guidelines recommend re-imaging in high-grade renal trauma, regardless of the clinical findings. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of re-imaging on the overall management and outcomes in these patients. METHODS: The trauma registry of our tertiary care Level-1 trauma center was reviewed from January 2007 till October 2018. Out of 1536 patients with abdominal trauma, 174 patients with isolated renal injury were identified. Renal injuries were classified based on the AAST classification. Variables retrieved were demographics, renal injury grade, presence of urinoma, repeated imaging findings, and intervention after initial and repeated imaging. RESULTS: Low-grade injury was found in 78.7% (137/174) compared to 21.3% (37/174) with high-grade injury. The majority (n = 136) of low-grade patients were managed conservatively except one patient with Grade III injury required angioembolization after initial imaging. Of the high-grade patients, 31/37 were treated conservatively except 6/37 patients required surgical intervention after initial imaging. Following re-imaging, only one patient required surgical intervention in the form of insertion of a drainage tube for a hematoma, which was possibly infected. The existence of urinoma (5 patients) or hematoma (47 patients) was not associated with significantly higher rate of intervention (p values: 0.717 and 0.138, respectively). No significant association was noted between hematoma size and rate of intervention (p value = 0.055). CONCLUSION: Re-imaging for high-grade renal injuries could be limited to the presence of urinary extravasation in initial imaging or the presence of clinical deterioration such as pain, fever or decrease in hemoglobin level.

AUA-recommended Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Primary Penile Implantation Results in a Higher, Not Lower, Risk for Postoperative Infection: A Multicenter Analysis.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to determine if the AUA-recommended prophylaxis (vancomycin + gentamicin alone) for primary inflatable penile prosthesis surgery is associated with a higher infection risk than nonstandard regimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective study of patients undergoing primary inflatable penile prosthesis surgery. Patients were divided into those receiving vancomycin + gentamicin alone and those receiving any other regimen. A Cox proportional-hazards model was constructed adjusted for major predictors. A subgroup analysis to identify the appropriate dosage of gentamicin was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 4,161 patients underwent primary inflatable penile prosthesis placement (2,411 received vancomycin + gentamicin alone and 1,750 received other regimens). The infection rate was similar between groups, 1% vs 1.2% for standard vs nonstandard prophylaxis. In the multivariable analysis, vancomycin + gentamicin (HR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4 to 5.4, P = .004) and diabetes (HR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.03 to 3.4, P = .04) were significantly associated with a higher risk of infection. Antifungals (HR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.19, P < .001) were associated with lower risk of infection. There was no statistically significant difference in infection rate between weight-based gentamicin compared to 80 mg gentamicin (HR: 2.9, 95% CI: 0.83 to 10, P = .1). CONCLUSIONS: Vancomycin + gentamicin alone for antibiotic prophylaxis for primary inflatable penile prosthesis surgery is associated with a higher infection risk than nonstandard antibiotic regimens while antifungal use is associated with lower infection risk. A critical review of the recommended antimicrobial prophylactic regimens is needed. Prospective research is needed to further elucidate best practices in inflatable penile prosthesis antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Trends of Acute Renal Colic During COVID-19 Lockdown: An Experience From Saudi Arabia.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented challenge for healthcare systems around the world. Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to experience a lockdown and postponement of elective surgical procedures. The objective of this study was to assess the trends of acute renal colic presenting to our emergency department. Methods This retrospective study targeted all patients who presented with acute renal colic during the lockdown period (March 23, 2019 to June 20, 2019). Patients' and stone data were collected. The patient's data included age, gender, BMI, and comorbidities. Stones' data included stone size, location, side, evidence of obstruction and UTI, and planned and conducted management. Results A total of 137 patients were identified; 92 (67.2%) patients were males with a mean age of 44 ± 16 years. Positive history of urolithiasis was reported in 47 (34.3%). The most common initial investigation was non-contrast CTs (93.4%). The majority of patients had a stone size of < 10 mm (93%) and ureteric stones (81.2%). A total of 32 patients (32.4%) had evidence of UTI and 63.4% had evidence of obstruction. Most of the patients (73.7%) were offered medical expulsive therapy (MET). Only 2.2% did not receive the planned management. Conclusion The observed pattern shows that the management during the lockdown did not differ from the original recommendations. This could be due to the fact that most patients had stone sizes between 5 and 10 mm and consequently were managed by METs. Larger data need to be conducted to provide concrete evidence. Such data are relevant to provide a clear guide for management and to establish protocols for emergency lockdown situations.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome symptoms significantly affect medical students' well-being.

Aims: This study aims to determine the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) symptoms among male-medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: It is a cross-sectional study at King Saudi Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, College of Medicine at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: A total of 300 male medical students were given a hardcopy questionnaire to be filled anonymously that includes demographic characteristics, several questions regarding the health status, habits of the participants, and the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index for evaluating CPPS symptoms. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS (v21) was used for the analysis. Qualitative data presented by frequencies and percentages and quantitative data presented by median and interquartile range (Q1 to Q3). The Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between the outcome variables with demographical data. Results: In total 300 male medical students were surveyed, 245 medical students returned the questionnaire giving a response rate of 81.6%. The prevalence of CPPS symptoms among all participants was 57.9%. Majority of the participants does not have any associated medical/psychological conditions 152 (62%). Students with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or/and anxiety have statistically significant association with CPPS symptoms (P < 0.05). A total of 23% of students with CPPS reported being impaired with their quality of life (QOL), while 77% are satisfied. Conclusions: The prevalence of CPPS symptoms among male medical students is high. Anxiety, IBS, and lack of activity might be associated with CPPS symptoms, which have a significant negative impact on the QOL. For the future direction, a large-scale global study should be conducted to link the effects of CPPS symptoms on male medical students well-being.

Recurrent urethral stricture with dual lumen managed by a single stage dorsal Onlay buccal mucosal graft Urethroplasty: a case report.

Urethral stricture is defined as any abnormal narrowing throughout the entire length of the male urethra. Anterior urethral stricture is the most common site which accounts for more than 90% of cases in developed countries. One of the possible long-term outcomes of urethral stricture treatment is stricture recurrence. Refractory urethral strictures to initial management present surgical challenges to the reconstructive surgeon. It has been reported in the literature that buccal mucosal grafts in complex anterior urethral strictures have lately become a well-established management modality for bulbar and penile urethral strictures. Here, we are presenting an interesting case of a patient with a dual lumen urethra due to recurrent urethral stricture.

Intraoperative diagnosis of seminoma in a man with cryptorchidism and Klinefelter Syndrome planning for m-TESE: A case report.

Undescended testes are more likely to undergo malignant transformation than normally descended testes. We present the case of a 33-year-old male smoker who had been suffering from primary infertility for 4 years. This patient had bilateral undescended testes and a frozen section specimen revealed seminoma. In this report, we discussed how important it is to use a combination of different diagnosis modalities to reach a diagnosis.

How did the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic affect urology practice in Arab countries? A cross-sectional study by the Arab Association of Urology research group.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess of the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on urology practice in the Arab world during the first year of the crisis. METHODS: An Internet-based questionnaire was created and sent out via email to members of the Arab Association of Urology (AAU) using 'Google Forms'. The survey assessed participants' demographics in terms of age, gender, country of origin, type of practice and position. Impacts of COVID-19 on urological practice were assessed in terms of the changes in hospital policies regarding consultations, and elective and emergency surgical cases. Moreover, impacts of COVID-19 on urologists were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 255 AAU members across 14 Arab countries (Emirates, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Algeria, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Sudan and Syria) completed the survey; 4% were female urologists. Consultations at outpatient clinics were closed or restricted to emergency cases or replaced by telemedicine in almost 15%, 40% and 25% of hospitals, respectively. Elective surgeries were stopped or reduced to under 25% of surgical capacity in >10% and about 25% of hospitals, respectively. Almost 90% (228) reported changes in the policy for emergency theatres. Nearly 65% of hospitals offered preoperative COVID-19 testing to patients and 50% of hospitals provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to their urologists. Of 99% (253) who reported a change in urological education, 95% relied on online webinars. About 56% of respondents had their own private practice, of whom 91% continued private practice during the crisis. About 38% of participants reported exposure to intimidation (75% emotional, 20% verbal and 5% physical). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major changes in hospitals' policies regarding outpatient consultations, elective and emergency operative cases, and the shift to telemedicine. Arab urologists have been facing major challenges either in both the governmental or the private sectors, and some of them were exposed to emotional, verbal and even physical intimidation.

Foley catheter erosion through bladder wall causing intraperitoneal bladder injury: a case report.

Bladder perforation due to indwelling catheters is regarded to be a very rare incident. Most cases of catheter-induced rupture were in patients with chronic catheterization due to chronic bladder diseases. An 80-year-old male with neurogenic bladder on chronic catheterization presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain and anuria. On CT, the tip of the catheter was eroding through the bladder into the peritoneum. The patient underwent a laparotomy with adhesiolysis. The tip of the Foley catheter was seen eroding through the bladder dome. A new open tip catheter was inserted per urethra to prevent the catheter tip from eroding again through the bladder wall. Bladder erosion or rupture is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Our case demonstrates the deleterious effects of chronic catheterization and the need for a high level of suspicion when dealing with such cases.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction causing a spontaneous collecting system rupture: A case report and review of the literature.

Stones are the most common cause of collecting system ruptures. There are few reported cases of a ruptured collecting system without an underlying pathological cause. We report a case of a 15-year-old female patient who presented with left flank pain that was associated with nausea and vomiting. Computed tomography revealed a large, left retroperitoneal fluid collection, which was associated with severe hydronephrosis without an obvious pathological cause. The patient was treated with the insertion of a left double-J stent, and a retrograde pyelography confirmed the cessation of extravasation. At follow up, she was treated surgically with left robotic-assisted pyeloplasty without complications.

Empirical therapy for male factor infertility: Survey of the current practice.

BACKGROUND: Empirical therapy is sometimes used by urologists who desire to improve the outcomes for infertility patients. However, the literature on empirical therapies is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to assess the clinical practice of urologists regarding the use of empirical therapy in the treatment of infertility patients. METHODOLOGY: An online survey using Google Forms was used to collect data during the Saudi Urological Association Annual Meeting, February 2019. Additional data were gathered electronically in March and April 2019 and sent to respondents. The study was closed in May 2019. No incentives were provided to the respondents. RESULTS: A total of 96 (80%) urologists participated in the survey, of whom 69.8% were consultants, and 20.8% were andrology-trained urologists. Empirical therapy was used by 86.5% of urologists for patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. The most commonly used empirical therapies were zinc, L-canitine, clomiphene citrate, and L-arginine. The main factors that influenced the selection of empirical therapy were follicle-stimulating hormone, total testosterone, and luteinizing hormone levels. CONCLUSION: Empirical therapy was used by more than three-quarters of the participants for idiopathic male infertility. There were no clear guidelines for the ideal therapy to be considered for individual patients while treating empirically. Our concern is that urologists use a wide variety of medications without significant data to support these medications.

Effect of hormonal manipulation using clomiphene citrate prior to microdissection testicular sperm retrieval.

INTRODUCTION: Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (micro-TESE) is a surgical method used for retrieving sperm from men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Clomiphene citrate (CC) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that stimulates luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) production. It is believed that treating patients with CC prior to micro-TESE increases the chance of sperm retrieval. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and included all patients who underwent Micro-TESE from August 2015 to November 2018. Data related to the pre-surgery hormonal levels, testicular volume, and associated genetic abnormalities were collected. chi-square and t-test were used to compare variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients were included in this study, with 30.0% (n=37) treated with CC. The overall sperm retrieval rate was 44.3%. Micro-TESE results were not statistically affected by age, testosterone levels, Klinefelter syndrome, or taking CC. However, higher testicular volumes and lower LH and FSH levels had more positive micro-TESE results. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Micro-TESE results were not affected by CC, age or testicular volume.

Current surgical procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia and impression of new surgical modalities.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is considered the most effective treatment for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and Transurethral resection of prostat (TURP) is considered the gold standard. The goal of this study is to assess the surgical interventions used in Saudi Arabia, the difference in surgical procedures done depending on age and years of experience and the participant's impression on the new modalities in the management of BPH. METHODOLOGY: An online survey using Google Forms was sent to the participants. The data were collected during Saudi Urological Association Annual Meeting February 2019. Additional data were gathered 2 months later. The study was closed in May 2019. No incentives were provided to participants. RESULTS: A total of 65 (54.1% response rate) urologist participated in the survey, of whom 41.5% of respondents were aged <40 years, while 40% of them aged between 40 and 60 years. Forty-seven (72.3%) out of 65 were consultants. The essential investigations used by most participants prior to surgical interventions are prostate specific antigen, urine culture, urinalysis, and abdominal ultrasound. The most used surgical interventions are unipolar transurethral resection (TURP), Bipolar TURP, and open prostatectomy. About 50% of respondents preferred open prostatectomy for prostate size above 100 g. In general, 40%-50% of participants believe that urethral lift, Rezum, Aquablation, prostate artery embolization, and robotic simple prostatectomy are useful options. CONCLUSION: TURP continues to be the main intervention for prostate sizes <100 g. Open prostatectomy is widely used intervention for prostate sizes more than 100 g. New modalities gained little acceptance among urologist practicing in Saudi Arabia. Hands on workshops may help in educating urologists and introduce these new modalities for the future use.

Can the Body Mass Index Predict Varicocele Recurrence Post-Intervention?

Purpose In this study, we investigated the association between the body mass index (BMI) and varicocele recurrence post-intervention in our local Saudi population. We also explored the association between recurrence and other predictors such as age, laterality, indication for surgery, type of intervention, clinical grade, testicular delivery, and method of ligation. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study, including all patients who had microscopic varicocelectomy surgery or radiographic embolization for varicoceles over a five-year period. The data included demographic information and intervention-related variables. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data. Results We included 147 patients who had microscopic varicocelectomy surgery or radiographic embolization. We categorized the patients according to their BMI as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. We found no statistical association between any BMI group and the recurrence of varicocele (P>0.05). However, there was a significant association between the clinical grade and recurrence (P<0.05). Conclusion This study did not show any significant correlation between height, weight, BMI, and varicocele recurrence after an intervention. The only predictor of varicocele recurrence was the clinical grade.

Seasonal variation in the incidence of acute renal colic.

Urolithiasis is a prevalent medical disease affecting the general population. Many epidemiological studies reported an association between a geographic area with a high mean daily temperature and urolithiasis disease. However, it is unclear if the seasonal variation in a high temperature geographical area will affect the acute presentation of renal colic to the emergency department. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of the seasonal variation on the presentation with acute urolithiasis disease. The design was a retrospective chart review, using the database in King Abdulaziz Medical City that was retrieved by the data management office in King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study period was from January 26, 2016, to the end of December 2019. All patients who presented with renal colic, and diagnosed with urolithiasis using a noncontrast-enhanced computed tomography scan, have been included. A total of 1057 patients were included in this study. The majority (71.24%, n = 753) were male, and the mean age was 42.33 ± 16.12 years. The highest proportion presented in summer (31.22%), followed by spring (26.87%), fall (24.12%), and winter (17.79%). The majority of the sample (84.77%) presented with ureteral stones, and 15.23%with kidney stones. Most of the sample (78.33%) had no history of previous stone formation, with 21.67% being current stone former. The acute presentation with urolithiasis is higher during summer, followed by spring, fall, and winter. A public educational program is highly recommended to increase awareness about stone formation and the appropriate avoidance methods. To this end, additional research is required to understand the stone composition and appropriate methods to avoid developing urolithiasis.