Initial laparoscopy and optimized approach for unilateral nonpalpable testis: review of 8-year single-center experience.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the role of initial laparoscopy and optimized approach in cases of unilateral nonpalpable testis. METHODS: Seventy-four patients with nonpalpable testes were presented. We excluded 9 patients, with palpable testes under anesthesia. Laparoscopy was offered to 65 patients. Contralateral testis hypertrophy with length ≥ 1.8 cm was confirmed in 47 patients. Ultrasound results were available for 35 patients. RESULTS: Age ranged from 1 to 10 years. Of 65 nonpalpable testes, right side comprised 23 (35.4%) and the left 42 (64.6%). Laparoscopy revealed intra-abdominal testis in 18 patients (27.7%), blind-ending vessels and vas in 8 (12.3%), and vas and vessels traversing the internal ring in 39 (60%). Treatment of intra-abdominal testes included Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy in 7 patients, laparoscopic orchiopexy in 9, and laparoscopic orchiectomy in 2. In 8 patients with blind-ending vas and vessels, laparoscopy was terminated. In 39 patients with vas and vessels traversing the internal ring, scrotal exploration was performed in 36 patients with closed internal ring and inguinal exploration in 3 with open internal ring. Vanished testes were present in 43/47(91.5%) of patients with contralateral testis hypertrophy ≥ 1.8 cm. Ultrasound detected the presence of a testis in only 4/11 (36.3%) of patients, although it could not identify vanished testis. CONCLUSIONS: Initial laparoscopy should be retained as one of the standard treatment for nonpalpable testis. It was the only required modality in 26 patients (40%) and optimized further treatment in 39 patients (60%) by evaluation of the condition of the internal ring.

Transurethral Pneumatic Cystolithotripsy: A Novel Approach.

OBJECTIVE: Various endoscopic instruments used in treating renal stones have been used in managing bladder calculi. Our aim is to evaluate the use of transurethral ureteroscopic pneumatic cystolithotripsy for the management of large bladder calculi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study conducted between May 2005 and July 2011, 53 patients with solitary bladder stones were subjected to our technique, transurethral ureteroscopic pneumatic cystolithotripsy. The mean patient age was 54.3 years. The mean stone size was 4.8 cm. Diagnostic cystoscopy was performed first. A semirigid ureteroscope with a pneumatic probe was introduced through the cystoscope sheath, and pneumatic lithotripsy was performed. The cystoscope sheath works as a draining channel, allowing bladder evacuation. The bladder collapses over the stone and, subsequently, prevents stone migration, which shortens the lithotripsy's duration. Stone immobilization allows the transmission of full pneumatic power to the stone. The stone fragments were removed through periodic bladder irrigation using an Ellick evacuation-irrigation system, and a 16F Foley catheter was placed at the end of the procedure. RESULTS: Our technique was effective in all cases, including stone-free bladders. No surgical complications were detected. The mean operative time was 83 ± 21.0 minutes, which is comparable to that of standard management. The mean duration of lithotripsy and evacuation was 29.7 ± 18.4 minutes. In the postoperative period, patients were followed up for 18 months, with no urethral stricture being reported in any case. CONCLUSION: The transurethral ureteroscopic pneumatic cystolithotripsy procedure is a safe technique for the management of large bladder calculi. It allows the bladder to collapse over the stone, leading to stone immobilization and, subsequently, decreasing lithotripsy duration. Our procedure is associated with a minimal chance of postoperative urethral injury because all stone fragments are evacuated through the cystoscope sheath, without contact with the urethral urothelium.

Modified penile disassembly technique for boys with epispadias and those undergoing complete primary repair of exstrophy: long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To describe our experience performing the modified penile disassembly technique for boys with epispadias and for those undergoing complete primary repair of exstrophy. METHODS: Between January 2004 and July 2009, 34 boys underwent the modified penile disassembly technique at our institution. The first group included 15 boys with bladder exstrophy who underwent complete primary repair of exstrophy. The second group comprised 11 boys with penopupic epispadias after previous closure of bladder exstrophy. The third group included 8 boys with isolated complete epispadias. RESULTS: The age range was 3 months to 8 years (median, 9 months). The follow-up time ranged from 36 months to 8 years (mean, 63 months). A conical-shaped glans with the absence of any ischemic changes occurred in 94% of patients. A mild degree of penile dorsal tilt occurred in 11.7% of patients, urethrocutanous fistula in 17.6% and meatal stenosis 5.8%. In cases of complete primary repair of exstrophy, hydronephrosis occurred in 66.6% of patients. Vesicoureteral reflux appeared in 60% of patients; despite suppressive antibiotic therapy, 33.3% are awaiting reimplantation. Continence with volitional voiding with dry intervals of ≥3 h was achieved in 40% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The modified penile disassembly technique can be used in epispadias and complete primary repair of exstrophy with excellent cosmetic results. Preservation of the distal urethral plate along with both hemiglans avoids shortening and prevents occurrence of hypospadias. Complete primary repair of exstrophy is a feasible technique with positive effects on continence with preservation of kidney function.