A novel technique for unilateral dissection of the penile neurovascular bundle to prevent loss of penile sensation during treatment of Peyronie's disease-Initial results of a pilot study.

Background: Plaque incision/excision and grafting are surgical techniques used to treat patients with Peyronie's disease who are refractory to less invasive interventions, have severe penile curvature, or have an hourglass deformity. However, the procedure carries the risk of penile sensory loss because of the need for dissection of the neurovascular bundle (NVB). The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a novel technique for unilateral NVB dissection and its ability to preserve penile sensitivity while maintaining adequate correction of the penile curvature. Materials and methods: Charts of patients who underwent unilateral NVB dissection during Peyronie's plaque incision/excision and grafting were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received preprocedural intracavernosal injections of TriMix, and the curvature was measured to be >70 degrees. In 3 cases, an incision and minimal excision of the plaque were performed at the point of maximum curvature on the concave side of the curvature. In 3 cases, Tutoplast allografts (Coloplast US, Minneapolis, MN) were used, whereas autografts were used in 2 other cases. All patients were examined at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure when curvature and penile sensation were assessed. Results: Five patients underwent this procedure. The mean age of patients was 55 years (45-70 years). All plaques were dorsally located. The mean preoperative curvature was 78 degrees (75-90 degrees). At the 6-month follow-up, all patients had <15 degrees residual curvature and were satisfied with their cosmetic results. Only 1 patient continued with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors to improve potency at the 6-month follow-up. All patients reported normal penile glans sensation. Four patients experienced decreased sensation at the site of NVB dissection, but this was only detected when compared with the contralateral side. Only 2 patients reported a difference after 6 months, and only a minor area of involvement was noted. Conclusions: Unilateral NVB dissection is a feasible technique that does not compromise surgical success in curvature correction and helps avoid sensory injury to the penile glans.

Laser enucleation of the prostate (LEP) vs. simple prostatectomy: an analysis of hospital charges and comparison of practice trends.

PURPOSE: Laser enucleation of the prostate (LEP) and simple prostatectomy (SP) are surgical treatment options for large gland Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. While multiple studies compare clinical outcomes of these procedures, there are limited data available comparing hospital charges in the United States. Here, we present current practice trends and a hospital charge analysis on a national level using an annual insurance claims data repository. METHODS: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample and Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample databases for 2018 were queried. CPT and ICD-10PCS codes identified patients undergoing LEP or SP, who were then compared for practice setting, total hospital charges, and payor. Laser type for LEP and surgical approach for SP could not be differentiated. RESULTS: The median hospital charge of 5782 LEPs and 973 SPs is $26,689 and $51,250 (p < 0.001), respectively. LEP independently predicts a decreased hospital charge of $16,464 (p < 0.001) per case. Medicare is the primary payor for both procedures. More LEP procedures are completed in the outpatient setting (87.8%) vs. SPs (5.7%, p < 0.001). Median length of stay is longer for SP (LEP: 0, IQR: 0; SP: 3, IQR: 2-4; p < 0.001). In the Western region, LEP is least commonly performed (184, p < 0.001), most expensive ($43,960; p < 0.001), and has longer length of stay (2, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LEP should be considered a cost-effective alternative to SP. Regions of the U.S. that perform more LEPs have shorter length of stay and lower hospital charges associated with the procedure.

Staged Urethroplasty for Reconstruction of Long Complex Pendulous Strictures of a Neophallic Urethra.

BACKGROUND: Post-phalloplasty, patients may present with urologic complications, including strictures, urethrocutaneous fistulas and vaginal cavity remnants.1-3 OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of staged repairs for long complex neophallus strictures. METHODS: All post-phalloplasty patients who underwent pendulous (pars pendulans) or panurethral urethroplasty for strictures >7 cm were identified. In preparation for surgery patients were co-managed with their local providers, whenever possible, in treating symptomatic infections with culture-specific antibiotics, draining abscess and managing suprapubic catheters. During Stage-1, a ventral incision through the perineum and neophallus was created to expose remnants of the neo-urethral plate. Additional findings (fistula/remnant cavity) were treated at this stage if found, along with re-mobilization of a previously placed gracilis flap. The neourethral plate was augmented with buccal mucosal graft (BMG) with a goal of achieving an approximately 3-cm-wide plate. The lateral neourethral edges were sutured to the edges of the skin incision creating a temporary perineal urethrostomy. Stage-2 was performed in a delayed fashion and included mobilization and tubularization of the neourethra, with additional oral mucosa inlay (BMG or lingual), if needed, followed by a multi-layer closure. Postoperatively, patients were assessed in clinic when possible, or via telemedicine appointments for urethral patency, and queried using patient-reported outcome measures. Failures were defined as need for additional revisions or urethral instrumentation. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients presented between December 2013 and July 2021 with urinary obstruction due to long penile strictures. Seventeen patients, mean age 33 (22-58), elected to undergo staged reconstruction. Prior phalloplasty techniques included radial forearm flap phalloplasty in 15/17 and anterolateral thigh flap in 2/17. In 11/17 patients BMG was previously used during phalloplasty for urethral prelamination.4 Mean stricture length was 12 cm (7-17). Concurrent procedures during Stage-1 included re-harvesting BMG (11/17), gracilis flap re-mobilization (7/17) and redo-vaginectomy (5/17).5 During Stage-2, 14 patients (82%) required additional oral graft inlays: lingual 6/14 (including 2 bilateral), BMG 5/14 (including 1 bilateral) and lingual+BMG in 3/14. At a mean follow-up of 24 months (4-77), there were 2 failures (12%). Thirteen patients completed follow-up questionnaires and all reported upright voiding and at least a moderate improvement in their condition on Global Response Assessment: +3 (markedly improved) in 11/13 (85%), and +2 (moderately improved) in 2/13 (15%). CONCLUSION: A staged urethroplasty is a feasible option for transgender men with long complex penile strictures of the neophallus. This technique demonstrates promising early functional outcomes and high patient satisfaction.

A buccal mucosal graft subcoronal resurfacing technique to treat recurrent penile adhesions: the buccal belt.

OBJECTIVE: To outline our step-by-step surgical technique using a subcoronal buccal mucosal graft (BMG) resurfacing technique for the treatment of recurrent penile adhesions. METHODS: To perform the 'buccal belt' procedure a subcoronal circumferential segment of diseased skin was excised. An appropriately sized BMG was circumferentially secured subcoronally with a proximal and distal anastomosis to the edges of the wound. Quilting stitches were also placed to allow proper graft fixation. A petroleum jelly bolster was secured as a tie-over dressing. Patients were discharged with a Foley catheter and the bolster dressing in place. The bolster and Foley catheter were removed 7 days postoperatively. The patients were then seen for follow-up at 4- to 6-month intervals. A retrospective, international multi-institutional review was conducted to include all patients who underwent this procedure. Surgical complications, evidence of recurrence, and patient-reported outcome measures including visual analogue scale (VAS) and global response assessment (GRA) questionnaires were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-one men underwent the procedure across six institutions between March 2014 and September 2020. The mean (range) surgical time was 59 (25-95) min. At the mean (range) follow-up of 27 (4-79) months all patients reported resolution of presenting symptoms and no recurrence of adhesions. The mean VAS score was 8.9 and 9.0 for aesthetics and functional outcomes, respectively. On GRA, overall improvement was reported by all patients (61%, +3; 25%, +2; 14%, +1). CONCLUSION: There are limited options for the treatment of recurrent penile adhesions. A subcoronal BMG resurfacing is feasible, with no recurrence and overall high satisfaction seen in an initial patient cohort.

Comparative analysis of 1152 African-American and European-American men with prostate cancer identifies distinct genomic and immunological differences.

Racial disparities in prostate cancer have not been well characterized on a genomic level. Here we show the results of a multi-institutional retrospective analysis of 1,152 patients (596 African-American men (AAM) and 556 European-American men (EAM)) who underwent radical prostatectomy. Comparative analyses between the race groups were conducted at the clinical, genomic, pathway, molecular subtype, and prognostic levels. The EAM group had increased ERG (P < 0.001) and ETS (P = 0.02) expression, decreased SPINK1 expression (P < 0.001), and basal-like (P < 0.001) molecular subtypes. After adjusting for confounders, the AAM group was associated with higher expression of CRYBB2, GSTM3, and inflammation genes (IL33, IFNG, CCL4, CD3, ICOSLG), and lower expression of mismatch repair genes (MSH2, MSH6) (p < 0.001 for all). At the pathway level, the AAM group had higher expression of genes sets related to the immune response, apoptosis, hypoxia, and reactive oxygen species. EAM group was associated with higher levels of fatty acid metabolism, DNA repair, and WNT/beta-catenin signaling. Based on cell lines data, AAM were predicted to have higher potential response to DNA damage. In conclusion, biological characteristics of prostate tumor were substantially different in AAM when compared to EAM.

One or Two Stage Buccal Augmented Urethroplasty has a High Success Rate in Treating Post Phalloplasty Anastomotic Urethral Stricture.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of single-stage and staged repairs in properly selected patients with phalloplasty anastomotic strictures. METHODS: A bi-institutional retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent anastomotic stricture repairs between 7/2014-8/2020. Those who had prior augmented urethroplasties or poorly vascularized tissue underwent two-stage repairs (Group-2), all others underwent single-stage repair with a double-face (dorsal inlay and ventral onlay) buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (Group-1). Postoperatively, urethral patency and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with anastomotic strictures were identified. Fourteen patients met inclusion criteria and had 1-year follow-up (9 in Group-1; 5 in Group-2). Nine patients (64%) had prior failed interventions (56% Group-1; 80% Group-2). At a mean follow-up of 33.9 (Group-1) and 35.2 months (Group-2) there were two stricture recurrences in Group-1 (22%) and none in Group-2. PROMs were completed by 12 patients. All patients reported the ability to void standing. Post-void dribbling was present in the majority of patients (7/7 Group-1; 2/4 in Group-2). Mean IPSS was 3.9 (0-14) for Group-1 and 1 (0-3) for Group-2. All reported at least a moderate improvement in their condition on GRA (Group-1 +3 71%, +2 29%; Group-2 +3 100%). CONCLUSION: Single-stage repairs are feasible for patients with anastomotic strictures who have well vascularized tissue and no prior single-stage buccal mucosa augmented urethroplasty failures. Staged repairs are feasible for patients with poor tissue quality. Proper patient selection is important for successful reconstruction.

Preoperative Modified Spermatic Cord Block Predicts Success in Candidates for Microscopic Spermatic Cord Denervation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the utility of a modified spermatic cord block (MSCB) that targets known contributors to refractory chronic scrotal content pain (CSCP) at predicting postoperative pain relief following a microscopic spermatic cord denervation (MSCD). METHODS: A MSCB was performed in all patients with refractory CSCP. This was performed by injecting anesthetic circumferentially around the vas deferens and over the external ring. Patients with >50% pain reduction were offered MSCD. Baseline, post-block, and postoperative pain was assessed. Age, prior groin surgery, and post-block pain free period were recorded. A multivariate linear regression model was used to determine predictors of surgical success. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients underwent a MSCB. Forty-six (88%) had an adequate response and underwent MSCD. All patients saw improvement in pain postoperatively with an average reduction of 80% (4 < 50%; 7 50-69%; 35 ≥ 70%). On multivariate linear regression analysis, pain reduction following MSCD was an independent predictor of postoperative improvement (P < 0.001). No other factors, including post-block pain free period or prior surgery predicted success. CONCLUSIONS: The described MSCB can be utilized as an independent predictor of success following MSCD. Post-block pain free period was not associated with postoperative pain level. The MSCB may help identify candidates for MSCD that would be missed with the traditional block.

Single-stage Double-face Buccal Mucosal Graft Urethroplasty for Neophallus Anastomotic Strictures.

OBJECTIVE: After gender-affirming phalloplasty the anastomosis between the perineal urethra (pars fixa) and the penile urethra is the most common site of stricture.1 Excisional urethroplasty after phalloplasty is known to have high failure rates due to poor vascularization of neourethra.2 Our objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of a single-stage repair of neophallus anastomotic strictures using a "double-face" urethroplasty technique. METHODS: All patients who presented with anastomotic neophallus strictures and underwent a "double-face" buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty were identified. Preoperatively, all patients had retrograde urethrogram and voiding cystourethrogram. Intraoperatively, pars fixa was exposed through a perineal dissection. A ventral sagittal urethrotomy followed by a dorsal urethrotomy was carried 1-2 cm beyond the stenotic area. An Asopa-type BMG inlay was performed by securing an appropriately sized BMG dorsally.3 A separate ventral graft was placed in a "double-face" technique described by Palminteri.4 Surrounding tissue analogous to Martius flap was rotated medially to support the ventral graft. Retrograde urethrogram and voiding cystourethrogram and voiding trials were performed three weeks postoperatively. Patients were followed for stricture recurrence and patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients presented for neophallus stricture repair between December 2014 and December 2019. Of these, 9 underwent a single-stage repair of an anastomotic stricture after radial forearm flap phalloplasty, 8 were available for follow-up. At a mean follow-up of 31 months (10-56), there were 2 (25%) stricture recurrences treated with perineal urethrostomy in 1 patient and staged urethroplasty in another. Ultimately, 7 of 8 patients reported the ability to void in upright position and all reported an improvement in their condition following surgery. Mean International Prostate Symptom Score postoperatively was 3.1 (0-11), International Prostate Symptom Score -QOL 0.9 (0-3). CONCLUSION: A single-stage double-face BMG urethroplasty is a feasible option for select patients with post-phalloplasty anastomotic strictures,5 demonstrating promising early surgical success rates and high patient satisfaction on patient-reported outcome measures.

The buccal belt: a buccal mucosal graft sub-coronal resurfacing for recurrent penile adhesions in patients with lichen sclerosus.

BACKGROUND: Penile adhesions may cause pain, bleeding, disfigurement and distress. In the setting of lichen sclerosus (LS), they often recur but current treatment options are limited. We present a novel surgical technique for treatment of recurrent penile adhesions using sub-coronal buccal mucosal graft (BMG) resurfacing. METHODS: A retrospective, international multi-institutional study was conducted to include patients with refractory penile adhesions who were treated with this technique. Patients with > 12-month follow-up were included in analysis. The procedure involved circumferential excision of the diseased skin and replacement with a BMG. The primary outcomes were recurrence and surgical complications. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire and Global Response Assessment (GRA) questionnaire measuring functional and esthetic outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-five men underwent the procedure across six institutions between 3/2014 and 11/2019. Twenty-one men met inclusion criteria. Mean operative time and hospital stay for sub-coronal resurfacing were 40 min (25-50) and 0.76 days (1-2), respectively. At the mean follow-up of 18 months (12-61), no patients developed recurrence. All patients who presented with pain and postcoital bleeding saw improvement on follow-up (18/18). There was a significant improvement in SHIM scores after the operation (14.4 pre-op, 17.0 post-op; p = 0.003). Overall improvement of symptoms was reported by all patients: 57% GRA + 3; 29% GRA + 2; 14% GRA + 1. Baseline penile sensation was preserved in 17/21 (81%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent penile adhesions in the setting of LS are notoriously difficult to treat. A sub-coronal BMG resurfacing is feasible. This initial patient cohort demonstrated no recurrence and overall high satisfaction.

Discrepant Rates of Hypospadias Surgical Complications: A Comparison of U.S. News & World Report and Pediatric Health Information System® Data and Published Literature.

PURPOSE: Complication rates of 5% to 10% and 12% to 23% have been observed following distal and proximal hypospadias repair, respectively. However, these rates may be overreported. We hypothesized that data from the Pediatric Health Information System would corroborate the complication rates reported in the literature and refute the rates established by U.S. News & World Report as quality metrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Pediatric Health Information System database was interrogated for hypospadias and revision CPT® codes. To evaluate the appropriateness of the U.S. News & World Report code list to identify revisions, 3 CPT groups were defined. Group A included codes sought by U.S. News & World Report, group B included group A plus codes for acquired urethrocutaneous fistula in males and group C included group B plus any revision codes associated with the index procedures. To evaluate the appropriateness of U.S. News & World Report followup interval, we assessed revision rates with ever increasing followup intervals out to 7 years. Yearly revision rates were summarized by median and quantile to correlate whether median revision rates changed significantly depending on whether increased followup or enhanced code lists were used. RESULTS: Average complication rates for group A were 3.32% (range 0.48% to 7.36%) and 12.29% (3.48% to 36.36%) for distal and proximal repairs, respectively. Revision rates increased significantly from group A (median 3.32%) by inclusion of a more expansive list of CPT codes associated with revision procedures (group B, 4.26%, p <0.001 and group C, 6.37%, p <0.001) in distal hypospadias. Among proximal hypospadias cases this difference was not significant when comparing group A (12.29%) to group B (12.53%, p=0.813), but was significant when comparing group A to group C (22.14%, p <0.001). Median revision rates for distal and proximal hypospadias increased with longer followup for all 3 groups, although the upward trend was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on how one defines hypospadias revision, no hospital within the Pediatric Health Information System data set meets the U.S. News & World Report definition of perfection, a finding that is supported by recent reports from some of the largest, most prolific and most highly regarded pediatric urology programs. We posit that the U.S. News & World Report quality metrics do not accurately reflect the nature of hypospadias surgery complication rates.

Integrating surgery and genetic testing for the modern surgeon.

The field of cancer genetics is rapidly evolving and several genetic mutations have been identified in hereditary cancer syndromes. These mutations can be diagnosed via routine genetic testing allowing prompt intervention. This is especially true for certain variants of colorectal, breast, and thyroid cancers where genetic testing may guide surgical therapy. Ultimately, surgical intervention may drastically diminish disease manifestation or progression in individuals deemed as high-risk based on their genetic makeup. Understanding the concepts of gene-based testing and integrating into current surgical practice is crucial. This review addresses common genetic syndromes, tests, and interventions salient to the current surgeon.

Renal capillary haemangioma associated with renal cell carcinoma and polycythaemia in acquired cystic disease.

Capillary haemangiomas are relatively common tumours, typically occurring in the subcutaneous tissue during childhood. However, visceral occurrence is very rare. These tumours make up a subset of vascular lesions that have previously, although rarely, been described in case reports in association with the kidney. Here we review the literature and describe a capillary haemangioma occurring in the renal hilum found to be coexistent with end-stage renal disease, renal cell carcinoma and polycythaemia. To our knowledge, this is the first case report to describe the occurrence of this tumour in the renal hilum in association with this constitution of renal pathologies.

Primary blast injury causes cognitive impairments and hippocampal circuit alterations.

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) and its long term consequences are a major health concern among veterans. Despite recent work enhancing our knowledge about bTBI, very little is known about the contribution of the blast wave alone to the observed sequelae. Herein, we isolated its contribution in a mouse model by constraining the animals' heads during exposure to a shockwave (primary blast). Our results show that exposure to primary blast alone results in changes in hippocampus-dependent behaviors that correspond with electrophysiological changes in area CA1 and are accompanied by reactive gliosis. Specifically, five days after exposure, behavior in an open field and performance in a spatial object recognition (SOR) task were significantly different from sham. Network electrophysiology, also performed five days after injury, demonstrated a significant decrease in excitability and increase in inhibitory tone. Immunohistochemistry for GFAP and Iba1 performed ten days after injury showed a significant increase in staining. Interestingly, a threefold increase in the impulse of the primary blast wave did not exacerbate these measures. However, we observed a significant reduction in the contribution of the NMDA receptors to the field EPSP at the highest blast exposure level. Our results emphasize the need to account for the effects of primary blast loading when studying the sequelae of bTBI.

Significant head accelerations can influence immediate neurological impairments in a murine model of blast-induced traumatic brain injury.

Although blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is well recognized for its significance in the military population, the unique mechanisms of primary bTBI remain undefined. Animate models of primary bTBI are critical for determining these potentially unique mechanisms, but the biomechanical characteristics of many bTBI models are poorly understood. In this study, we examine some common shock tube configurations used to study blast-induced brain injury in the laboratory and define the optimal configuration to minimize the effect of torso overpressure and blast-induced head accelerations. Pressure transducers indicated that a customized animal holder successfully reduced peak torso overpressures to safe levels across all tested configurations. However, high speed video imaging acquired during the blast showed significant head accelerations occurred when animals were oriented perpendicular to the shock tube axis. These findings of complex head motions during blast are similar to previous reports [Goldstein et al., 2012, "Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Blast-Exposed Military Veterans and a Blast Neurotrauma Mouse Model," Sci. Transl. Med., 4(134), 134ra160; Sundaramurthy et al., 2012, "Blast-Induced Biomechanical Loading of the Rat: An Experimental and Anatomically Accurate Computational Blast Injury Model," J. Neurotrauma, 29(13), pp. 2352-2364; Svetlov et al., 2010, "Morphologic and Biochemical Characterization of Brain Injury in a Model of Controlled Blast Overpressure Exposure," J. Trauma, 69(4), pp. 795-804]. Under the same blast input conditions, minimizing head acceleration led to a corresponding elimination of righting time deficits. However, we could still achieve righting time deficits under minimal acceleration conditions by significantly increasing the peak blast overpressure. Together, these data show the importance of characterizing the effect of blast overpressure on head kinematics, with the goal of producing models focused on understanding the effects of blast overpressure on the brain without the complicating factor of superimposed head accelerations.