Safety and feasibility of percutaneous needle tunneling with platelet-rich plasma injections for Peyronie's disease in the outpatient setting: a pilot study.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the combined simultaneous percutaneous needle tunneling coupled with injection of platelet-rich plasma in the outpatient department for the treatment of Peyronie's disease. This prospective, non-randomized, cohort and preliminary study included patients who underwent this procedure from November 2020 to July 2022. The main outcome was an improvement in penile curvature. Fifty-four patients were enrolled and underwent 6 sessions under local anesthesia followed by vacuum therapy for the treatment of Peyronie's disease in our outpatient unit. The amendment of the curvature angle was significant with a median correction percentage of -44.40% interquartile range (-66.70 to (-39.70)), [p-value = 0.001, 95% CI (-29.76 to (-18.02)), paired Student's t-test]. The median pre-treatment curvature angle was 45° (40-75), and the median post-treatment was 30° (20-40). The median score for pain during the procedure was 3 (0-4.25) according to a 10-point visual analogic scale. After two hours, 20.37% of patients still had pain but none required any pain medication. 50% of patients had a minor hematoma and 75.93% patients reported penile ecchymosis. A single patient reported an injection site skin infection. In our experience percutaneous needle tunneling with platelet-rich plasma injections for Peyronie's disease in the outpatient setting is a safe, effective, and feasible treatment of penile deformity for PD.

The role of surgical therapy in the management of premature ejaculation: a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual disorder among male adults and negatively impacts a man's sexual life. Currently, the mainstay treatment of PE is still medical therapy which has drawbacks among patients as a consequence of side effects. Despite the new definitions, the evolution of medical therapy, and the consensus for the management of PE, it remains challenging to treat for many clinicians especially when medical treatment fails. However, the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) and the American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines ignored surgical therapy due to conflicting medical reports and doubts about the safety of surgical management. This article discusses the surgical management of PE based on recent guidelines, reviews, and evolving techniques. Methods: We reviewed the literature using PubMed and searched for the following keywords: premature ejaculation, selective dorsal neurectomy, hyaluronic acid, dorsal nerve neuromodulation, cryo-ablation of the dorsal nerve and inner condom technique until May 2023. Seventeen studies were found. Key Content and Findings: Even though the widespread use of many surgical modalities in Asia such as glans penis augmentation (GPA) using hyaluronic acid (HA) selective dorsal neurectomy (SDN), cryo-ablation of the dorsal nerve, neuromodulation of the dorsal nerve (NMDN), and circumcision are still considered as controversial for the guidelines. Conclusions: The mainstay treatment of PE is still pharmaceutical. However, the current body of evidence on surgical treatments for PE is limited. Men considering surgical therapy for PE should be counseled well for the risks and benefits as there may be chronic disabilities. Further, well-designed trials are needed to establish safety and efficacy for the surgical treatment.

[French language validation of the SSIPI questionnaire assessing the satisfaction of patients with penile implant]. / Validation linguistique française du questionnaire SSIPI évaluant la satisfaction des patients porteurs d'une prothèse pénienne.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to propose a French version of the satisfaction survey for inflatable penile implant (SSIPI) questionnaire. MATERIAL: Questionnaire validation was performed in three steps: translation into French by two urologists, its validation by the committee of andrologist and sexual medicine (CAMS) and an independent translation in English by another urologist to exclude any distortion with the original version. Furthermore, the questionnaire was tested in few patients having penile implant. RESULTS: The andrology committee approved the French version of the questionnaire. The final version of the questionnaire was successfully tested on all patients. Every patient (n=10) confirmed the good comprehension and pertinence of the questions, and the easy response selection. CONCLUSION: This French version of the SSIPI questionnaire will allow French-speaking urologists to assess the satisfaction of their patients with a penile implant on a large scale. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Management of proximal penile prosthetic cylindrical complications: a novel direct crural approach.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with proximal penile prosthetic cylindrical complications (PPPCC) can be treated with a direct crural technique without using the original traditional approach. In this article we present our novel direct crural approach for management of patients with PPPCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2014 and 2019, data were retrospectively collected from 13 patients who underwent surgical revision using our novel direct crural approach for PPPCC. The procedure commences with identification of the affected zone. The patient is in a low lithotomy position. A 2-centimeter longitudinal incision is made directly over the affected site. Dissection is carried down through Colles' fascia, followed by a longitudinal incision through the tunica albuginea at the proximal part of the affected cylinder. Via the incision we can deliver out the cylinder and manage its problem. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 40 min. No intra or post-operative complications were reported. All patients (Mean age = 57) were discharged on the same day. Postoperative follow-up found correction of all existing deformities at month 1, 3 and 6. All patients were satisfied and reported less pain and faster recovery than the first procedure. CONCLUSION: Our technique, which can be used for all types of penile prosthesis, is both feasible and safe. It may simplify PPPCC revision by avoiding adhesions below the original incision, without jeopardizing the already implanted materials or the urethra. It may also improve patients' safety and satisfaction, by reducing iatrogenic injury and post-operative recovery time.

Hard flaccid syndrome: state of current knowledge.

INTRODUCTION: Hard-flaccid syndrome is gaining increased interest among male sexual dysfunctions in the last years. It is poorly understood and defined. Most of the information comes from online forums. This paper is a review of current knowledge on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, pathophysiological mechanisms and treatments of this newly recognized condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature review was conducted on MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PASCAL databases and google scholar, using the terms: hard, flaccid, syndrome. The research identified 16 articles published between 2018 and February 2019. After reference lists review and duplicates removal, 7 full text references were eligible and useful for our review that follows PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: The condition is acquired, chronic and painful. It is characterized by a constantly semi-rigid penis at the flaccid state and a loss in erectile rigidity. Patients have penile sensory changes, urinary symptoms, erectile dysfunction, pelvic floor muscles contraction and psychological distress. Symptoms are worse in standing position. The majority of the cases aged between their second and third decades. A traumatic injury at the base of an erect penis is the initial event. Neurovascular structures damage and subsequent sensory, muscular and vascular changes follow. Initial symptoms trigger emotional distress and reactional sympathetic stimulation that worsen symptoms. Diagnosis is based on patient's history. Imaging and blood tests are normal. Differential diagnosis includes high-flow priapism and non-erecting erections. A multimodal treatment has been so far the most beneficial strategy, consisting of behavioral modifications to reduce stress and decrease pelvic floor muscles contraction, evaluation and treatment of the associated psychological conditions, and medical therapy for pain control and the treatment of the associated erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Hard-flaccid syndrome is poorly recognized in the daily clinical experience and not well defined. A multimodal approach seems so far the most efficient strategy for treatment. Additional evidence based studies with better quality are needed to define the exact pathophysiological mechanisms and subsequently more efficient therapeutic strategies.

CONTEXTE: Le syndrome de la détumescence rigide (STR) fait le sujet de plusieurs discussions en ligne concernant les dysfonctions sexuelles. Cette entité est. mal définie et peu reconnue. Nous présentons dans cet article une revue de la littérature sur la présentation clinique, le diagnostic, les mécanismes physiopathologiques et les stratégies de thérapeutique du STR. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: La revue de la littérature a été réalisée selon les recommandations PRISMA. En cherchant sur MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PASCAL et google scholar les termes « hard, flaccid et syndrome ¼, on a identifié 16 articles publiés entre 2018 et février 2019. Après la revue des références des articles et le triage des doublons, 7 articles ont été retenus. RÉSULTATS: Il s'agit d'une pathologie acquise, chronique et douloureuse, caractérisée par une verge semi rigide à l'état flaccide avec une perte de rigidité lors des érections. Les patients souffrent de troubles sensitifs péniens et érectiles avec une contracture permanente des muscles pelviens ainsi que des troubles urinaires et psychologiques. Les symptômes sont aggravés par la position debout. La notion de traumatisme de la base de la verge est. rapportée par la majorité des patients. Ce traumatisme semble entrainer une altération des structures nerveuses et vasculaires péniennes à l'origine des troubles sensitifs et érectiles. Ces derniers créent des troubles émotionnels avec une stimulation sympathique réactionnelle qui engendre une contraction surajoutée des muscles pelviens et qui empire les symptômes. Le diagnostic est. clinique et les examens paracliniques sont normaux. Le traitement est. multimodal, il englobe les thérapies comportementales, la prise en charge des altérations psychologiques et de la douleur, afin d'agir sur la contraction des muscles pelviens et sur le stress associé à la dysfonction érectile. CONCLUSION: Le syndrome de la détumescence rigide reste peu connu et mal défini dans la pratique clinique. Une approche thérapeutique multimodale parait la plus adéquate actuellement. Des études supplémentaires sont nécessaires afin de mieux cerner cette entité dans le but d'améliorer sa prise en charge.

Alternative surgical approach for inflatable penile prosthesis removal.

BACKGROUND: The Inflatable penile prostheses (IPP) are used as definitive treatment for severe erectile dysfunction. Removal of an IPP can be challenging, especially for the non-andrologists and junior urologists. The classic penoscrotal incision for explanation can disrupt anatomy, which increases the risk of complications and makes future re-implantation difficult. This article aims to describe a simple surgical method for the removal of IPP, which avoids the penoscrotal incision and reduces the risk of urethral damage and additional fibrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between November 2015 and February 2019, 15 patients underwent IPP removal using the same technique. Multiple incisions were performed directly over each component of the IPP for their removal. Four incisions of 2 cm each were made at the following sites: one incision on both sides of the ventral base of the penis, one inguinal incision, and one scrotal incision. Each incision provides direct access to one component of the IPP (cylinders, reservoir, and pump). RESULTS: The mean duration of the surgery was 41 min (between 35 and 48 min). All procedures were completed successfully with a smooth course. None of the patients had any residual component of the IPP at the time of surgery. Neither complications (urethral or intestinal injury) nor excessive bleeding (> 100 mL) were documented in all patients. CONCLUSION: Our approach provides direct exposure of all components of the IPP. It reduces the risk of urethral iatrogenic injury and the local fibrosis (which is greater with the penoscrotal incision) that may impair future reinsertion of IPP. It is simple, safe, reproducible and easy to be performed by junior or unexperienced urologists in urgent cases. CONTEXTE: Les implants péniens hydrauliques (IPH) constituent le traitement définitif des dysfonctions érectiles. Le retrait de ces prothèses peut être difficile, surtout pour les jeunes urologues. L'incision classique péno-scrotale est. peu anatomique. Elle est. associée à un risque de plaies urétrales et de fibrose pouvant limiter l'insertion ultérieure de nouvelles prothèses. Nous présentons dans cet article une méthode alternative simple pour le retrait des IPH qui permet d'éviter l'incision péno-scrotale et les risques qui s'y associent. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Entre novembre 2015 et février 2019, 15 patients ont été opérés pour extraction d'IPH infectés, en utilisant la même technique chirurgicale. Une incision de 2 cm est. réalisée en face de chaque élément de l'IPH pour permettre son extraction: une incision scrotale, une autre inguinale et une de chaque côté de la base ventrale du pénis. RÉSULTATS: La durée moyenne de l'intervention était de 41 min (entre 35 et 48 min). Toutes les interventions ont été bien tolérées. Les éléments des IPH ont été retirés sans fragments résiduels. Aucune complication n'a été notée. CONCLUSION: L'approche décrite permet l'exposition directe des composantes des IPH. Elle permet la réduction du risque des lésions urétrales iatrogène et de fibrose ultérieure. Celle-ci est. plus fréquente avec l'incision péno-scrotale et peut limiter l'éventuelle insertion de nouveaux implants. Notre technique est. reproductible et simple pour être appliquée sans danger par les jeunes urologues peu expérimentés.

Sleep related painful erection: an algorithm for evaluation and management.

BACKGROUND: Sleep related painful erection (SRPE) is a rare parasomnia consisting of nocturnal penile tumescence accompanied by pain that awakens the individual. Normal non-painful erections are experienced when awake. No penile anatomic abnormalities are present. No conclusive randomized clinical trial is present in the literature about the management of this rare condition. The aim of this article is to review the current knowledge about the management of SRPE and to suggest an algorithm to help physicians evaluate and manage SRPE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature review was conducted through PubMed database using the terms: sleep, pain, painful, penile, and erection. The reference lists of the articles were also reviewed. The search returned 23 references that were published between 1987 and 2019. Results were presented in a descriptive manner. RESULTS: Treatment decision for now is based on reports of the treatment success, the sustainability of remission, the tolerability by the patients and the potential side effects of each medication. From data available in literature, Baclofen is the mostly used medication with a tolerable profile of adverse effects. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are considered potential treatments and are already widely used and tolerated for other indications, but so far only 2 successful trials have been reported for SRPE. Cinitapride is very promising, but only one case was studied and no side effects were reported. Clozapine can be very dangerous although highly effective. CONCLUSION: Based on the limited number of treatment trials and reported cases, the low level of evidence and the lack of randomized clinical trials, no treatment consensus for SRPE can be reached. We suggested a useful tool for clinicians: an algorithm for the management of SRPE to facilitate their access to the literature without exhaustive return to case reports and series upon each case faced.

CONTEXTE: L'érection nocturne douloureuse est. une parasomnie, caractérisée par des épisodes de tumescence douloureuse provenant exclusivement lors du sommeil, avec une anatomie normale et des érections indolores lorsque le patient est. réveillé. La prise en charge de cette maladie est. inconnue vue le petit nombre de cas et le manque d'études randomisées. Nous présentons dans cet article une revue de la littérature concentrée sur les stratégies thérapeutiques décrites. Un algorithme est. suggéré pour faciliter l'évaluation et la prise en charge des patients. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: La revue de la littérature a été réalisée en utilisant la base de donnée PubMed et les termes: « sleep, pain, painful, penile, erection ¼. Les références des articles ont été revues. En total 23 références ont été utiles pour notre revue. Les résultats ont été présentés d'une manière descriptive. RÉSULTATS: Les stratégies thérapeutiques actuelles se basent sur les essais décrits dans la littérature à travers un nombre limité de patients. La durée de la rémission et les effets secondaires minimes rendent certains traitements supérieurs. Le baclofen est. le plus utilisé grâce à son efficacité et à son faible potentiel d'effets secondaires. Le cinitapride a été très efficace lors d'un essai unique chez un seul patient, sans effets secondaires rapportés. Les inhibiteurs de la phosphodiesterase de type 5, largement utilisés en urologie, ont été trouvés utiles pour le traitement des érections nocturnes douloureuses chez 2 patients. La clozapine qui est. très efficace, présente un profil d'effets secondaires dangereux. CONCLUSION: A cause du faible nombre de cas et des essais thérapeutiques rapportés, le meilleur traitement des patients ayant des érections douloureuses nocturnes reste indéterminé. Nous suggérons un algorithme utile aux praticiens pour l'évaluation, le diagnostic et la prise en charge de ces patients.

Post orgasmic illness syndrome: what do we know till now?

BACKGROUND: Peri orgasmic dysfunctions are very rare and little information exists on their diagnosis and treatment. One of these conditions is post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS), manifesting by a debilitating cluster of symptoms affecting men within seconds, minutes, or hours after ejaculation. The aim of this article is to do a thorough literature review about POIS, in order to elucidate the pathophysiology, the diagnosis and the management of this rare disease. RESULTS: Updated literature review on Pubmed was done, using the following terms: "orgasm illness", "post-orgasmic" and "postorgasmic illness syndrome". The references of the 17 identified publications were also reviewed for additional 8 relevant articles that were all included in the results.POIS has 5 preliminary diagnostic criteria and criterion 1 has 7 described clusters. Pathophysiological hypotheses include: immunological phenomenon (most relevant), opioid-like withdrawal, neuroendocrine response, transient deregulation of the autonomic nervous system, hypersensitivity and disordered cytokines. Differential diagnoses include: chronic prostatitis, orgasmolepsy, benign orgasmic cephalgia, sneezing and rhinorrhea, postcoital dysphoria, post-coital asthma and rhinitis. Patients have been symptomatically treated with antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and benzodiazepines. A trial of hyposensitization therapy with autologous semen was successful. CONCLUSION: POIS is a rare condition that is underdiagnosed, most probably because of its unclear pathophysiology leading to a lack of treatment options. Further studies are warranted to investigate the prevalence, pathophysiology, and management of this debilitating condition.

CONTEXTE: Les dysfonctions péri-orgasmiques sont très rares et nous disposons de peu d'informations sur leurs diagnostic et traitement. L'une de ces affections est le syndrome de la maladie post-orgasmique (SMPO), qui se manifeste par un groupe de symptômes handicapants affectant les hommes durant les secondes, minutes ou heures après l'éjaculation. Le but de cet article est de faire une revue approfondie de la littérature sur le SMPO, afin d'élucider sa physiopathologie et son diagnostic pour mieux gérer cette maladie rare. RÉSULTATS: Nous avons réalisé une revue de la littérature actualisée sur Pubmed en utilisant les termes suivants: "orgasm illness", "post-orgasmic" and "postorgasmic illness syndrome". Les références des 17 publications identifiées ont également été examinées pour inclure 8 autres articles pertinents dans les résultats.Le SMPO est défini par 5 critères diagnostiques préliminaires et le critère 1 comprend 7 groupes de symptômes. Les hypothèses physiopathologiques comprennent: un phénomène immunologique (le plus pertinent), un sevrage des opioïdes endogènes, une réponse neuroendocrine, une dérégulation transitoire du système nerveux autonome, une hypersensibilité et des désordres des cytokines. Les diagnostics différentiels incluent: la prostatite chronique, l'orgasmolepsie, la céphalée orgasmique bénigne, l'éternuement et la rhinorrhée, la dysphorie post-coïtale, l'asthme post-coïtal et la rhinite. Les traitements n'ont été que symptomatiques par antihistaminiques, anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens, inhibiteurs sélectifs de la recapture de la sérotonine et benzodiazépines. Un essai thérapeutique de désensibilisation avec du sperme autologue a été couronné de succès. CONCLUSION: Le SMPO est une maladie rare sous-diagnostiquée, probablement à cause de sa physiopathologie peu claire, conduisant à un manque d'options thérapeutiques. Des études supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour étudier la prévalence, la physiopathologie et la prise en charge de cette maladie débilitante.

Transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter implantation as a salvage surgical procedure for challenging cases of male stress urinary incontinence: surgical technique and functional outcomes in a contemporary series.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the surgical technique of transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation. To assess the efficacy of the AUS on continence and erectile function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective evaluation was conducted between December 2007 and October 2012 at a tertiary referral centre of all male patients treated by transcorporal AUS (AMS800™, AmericanMedicalSystems, Minnetonka, MN, USA) implantation for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) recurrence, after failure of previous anti-incontinence surgery. Functional urinary outcomes were assessed according to daily pad use, the Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire, and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short-Form. Erectile function was evaluated using the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire and patient satisfaction was assessed by Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire. Data were collected by telephone interview. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were included. Their mean (sd; range) age was 70 (7; 60-85) years. Of these, 18 patients had urethral atrophy and/or erosion after placement of AUS (11 patients), male sling (four patients) or both (three patients), and five patients had severe urethral atrophy after pelvic radiation therapy. The implantation of the AUS with transcorporal cuff placement was successful in all patients, with no peri-operative complications. Follow-up data over 1 year were available for 17 patients. After a median (sd; range) follow-up of 20 (15; 2-59) months, eight patients were perfectly dry (no pad use and no symptoms), five achieved social continence (less than one pad/day), and four still had SUI (required two or more pads/day). Among six patients who had good preoperative erectile function and were sexually active, four had no decrease in their IIEF-5 score. CONCLUSIONS: Transcorporal AUS cuff placement is a useful alternative for challenging cases of male SUI after failure of previous surgical treatment, urethral atrophy or erosion. Erectile function can be maintained despite dissection of the corporal body.

The AdVance transobturator male sling for postprostatectomy incontinence: clinical results of a prospective evaluation after a minimum follow-up of 6 months.

BACKGROUND: Transobturator male slings have been proposed to manage stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after prostatic surgery, but data are still lacking. OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and prospectively evaluate the clinical outcome after management of SUI after prostatic surgery by placement of a transobturator male sling. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a prospective evaluation on 102 patients treated in a single center between 2007 and 2009 for mild to moderate SUI following prostatic surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Placement of a suburethral transobturator sling and clinical follow-up. MEASUREMENTS: Patients were evaluated by medical history, preoperative urodynamics, maximum flow rate measurement, 24-h pad test, and daily pad use. During follow-up, data on patients' pad use, complications, and answers to the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire were collected. Cure was defined as no pad usage or one pad for security reasons and improvement as reduction of pads≥50%. Median follow-up was 13 mo (range: 6-26). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Most patients (95%) presented post-radical prostatectomy incontinence (PRPI). Hospital stay was 2 d in 97 cases, and all patients were catheterized for 24h except two (48 h). Of 102 patients, 64 were cured, 18 were improved, and 20 were not improved. According to the PGI-I questionnaire, 85%, 11%, and 4% of patients described a respectively better, unchanged, and worse urinary tract condition, respectively. Previous radiation was associated with higher rate of failure (p=0.039). Neither severe complication nor postoperative urinary obstruction was noted during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of a transobturator sling is a safe and effective procedure, giving durable results after >1 yr of follow-up. Further evaluation and high-quality controlled, randomized studies are needed to assess long-term efficacy and precise indications of this procedure for post-prostatic-surgery SUI management.

[Evaluation of visual stimulation combined with intracavernous injections for the treatment of severe erectile dysfunction]. / Evaluation de la stimulation visuelle combinée aux injections intra-caverneuses pour le traitement de la dysfonction érectile sévère.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of visual sexual stimulation combined with intracavernous injections (ICI) in patients treated for severe erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with severe erectile dysfunction were prospectively included in this study between 2005 and 2006. The outpatient protocol consisted of comparing the efficacy of alprostadil ICI alone on D0 and ICI combined with erotic stimulation on D8. End-points were: time to onset and rigidity of erection. A subjective score (1 to 5) was used to quantify erection. RESULTS: Forty patients with a mean age of 64.5 years (range: 52-70 years) were included in the study. All patients had an IIEF5 score less than 15. Erectile dysfunction was secondary to urological surgery in 35% of cases. The mean time to onset of erection was 10 min 18 s (range: 2-20 min) on D0 and 10 min 50 s (range: 2-20 min) on D8. No significant difference for rigidity and quality of erection was observed between D0 and D8 and erections were scored as 5 in 30 cases (75%), 4 in 8 cases (20%) and 3 in 2 cases (5%) at each visit. CONCLUSION: Visual sexual stimulation has not been demonstrated to be truly effective in the hospital setting in combination with intracavernous injections. In order to increase the patient satisfaction rate, the urologist must above all educate the patient in the intracavernous injection technique in an appropriate environment.

[Prospective evaluation of the effects of a practical introduction to urology session on the recruitment of urology intern in Paris: final results]. / Evaluation prospective des effets du stage d'initiation pratique sur le recrutement des internes d'urologie 'a Paris: résultats définitifs.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a practical introduction to urology session on the recruitment of Parisian interns since introduction of the National Classifying Examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since 2004, all surgery interns appointed in Paris have participated in a practical introduction to urology session before starting work in hospital. They were asked to complete a questionnaire. The prospective survey studied: age, gender, urology training as a medical student and the intern's preferences in relation to 11 surgical specialties. Interns were recontacted annually to determine their choice of specialization. RESULTS: Population. 255 interns participated, including 145 females (56.9%) and 110 males (43.1%). The mean age was 24.6 +/- 5 years (range: 22-31). 173 interns were attached to a Parisian teaching hospital (67.8%) and 82 (32.2%) were attached to a provincial teaching hospital. 52 interns (21.2%) had completed at least one attachment in a urology department during their medical training. Surgical specialties. Orthopaedics was most frequently listed (n = 48 ; 28.9%). Urology was chosen by 32 interns (12.5%), 28 of whom had completed an urology attachment during their medical training. At the end of the introductory training sessions, 18 interns were tempted by urology. At one year, 31/34 interns (91.2%) confirmed their choice in favour of urology. CONCLUSION: A practical training sessions very early in the training of young surgeons is a good solution to introduce them to urology. Based on a more informed choice, the most motivated interns are encouraged to preferentially choose this discipline.

[How to anticipate specialization at the Examen National Classant (National Entrance Examination) to encourage interns to choose urology]. / Comment anticiper la filiarisation à l'Examen National Classant pour motiver les internes vers l'urologie?

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the value of an introduction to urology session to recruit interns following the Examen National Classant (ENC) (National Entrance Examination). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 2-year period, interns appointed to surgery in Paris participated in a one-day introduction to urology session before starting work as surgical interns. A questionnaire at the beginning of internship recorded: age, gender, teaching hospital, student attachment in urology and desired specialization as a function of the surgical training programmes proposed by the ENC. Items concerning the desired specialization were resubmitted to the interns at the end of the session. RESULTS: Population. 166 interns, 98 females (59%) and 68 males (41%) with a mean age of 24.8 +/- 5 years (range: 22-31) participated in this study. 110 interns had trained at a Parisian teaching hospital (66.2%) and 56 (33.8%) had trained at a provincial teaching hospital. 31 interns (18.7%) had completed at least one urology attachment during their medical training. Desired specialization: Orthopaedics was the discipline most frequently cited (n=48; 28.9%). Urology was selected by 19 interns (11.4%), 17 of whom had completed an urology attachment during their medical training. At the end of the introduction to urology session, another 15 interns initially oriented towards other specializations were interested in urology training. CONCLUSION: Specialization of certain surgical disciplines during internship could become inevitable in the medium term. In this case, the organization of national introduction to urology sessions in each ENC allocation region would be a solution to encourage motivated interns to immediately choose urology as their surgical speciality by preference rather than by default.

Endoscopic lithotripsy and the FREDDY laser: initial experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The frequency-doubled double-pulse neodymium:YAG (FREDDY) laser has been developed for endoscopic lithotripsy and combines the characteristics of solid and dye lasers with a thin flexible optical fiber enabling it to be used with flexible ureterorenoscopy. Furthermore, it is less expensive and easier to maintain than other lasers. Our goal was to evaluate its efficacy and role in the ureteroscopic treatment of urinary stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used a FREDDY laser in 26 patients (29 stones). For 4 stone cases, this was the first line of treatment; for the remaining cases, this was the second line of treatment, following SWL in 23 cases and nephrolithotomy in 2 cases. The mean stone size was 9 mm, with a range of 6 to 15 mm. There were 13 renal and 16 ureteral stones. The absence of residual fragments at 3-month postoperative radiography was considered to reflect successful treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-six stones were treated with satisfactory results. Within 3 months, 18 patients were stone free (69%), and 72.4% of the stones (21/29) had been treated completely. Fragments of 8 stones still remained in 8 patients. Of these stones, 5 were >10 mm and persisted at 3 months. Fragmentation was ineffective for 2 cystine stones and poor for 1 calcium oxalate monohydrate stone. Hospitalization, on average, was 1.5 days with a range of 1 to 3 days. A ureteral perforation was observed in the case of an impacted ureteral stone. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the wavelengths used, endoscopic FREDDY laser lithotripsy is an effective and harmless method. This laser can be used as a therapeutic tool because of its moderate cost and ability to be used with flexible ureterorenoscopy. However, it is important to be aware of the FREDDY laser's limited fragmentation capabilities for cystine stones and its inability to treat tissue lesions such as urinary-tract stenosis and tumors.