[Andrological aspects of new coronavirus infection Covid-19].

COVID-19 is a new highly contagious infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, has declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. More attention is currently paid to the fact that men are more at risk for worse outcomes. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 can infect the testes, potentially affecting testosterone production, as well as having a negative influence on the reproductive potential. Our aim was to review the current concepts of the possible influence of testosterone levels on the pathogenesis of COVID-19 in men and to present the available data on the impact of COVID-19 on the structure and function of the testis. Based on the analysis of 72 articles using the MEDLINE database (PubMed), it can be concluded that testosterone is involved in the co-regulation of the synthesis of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 and transmembrane serine protease-2, facilitating the penetration of SARS-CoV-2 into target cells and promoting easier infection in men. On the other hand, low testosterone levels increase the risk of cardiopulmonary complications. Hypogonadism appears to be an important unfavorable prognostic factor for the disease. Orchitis is a reported complication of COVID-19. Damage to testicular tissue is possible due to direct invasion by a virus, a secondary autoimmune reaction, hyperthermia and thrombosis of testicular microvessels. Prophylaxis of possible vertical and sexual transmission of infection is recommended. Despite the available data, further studies are required to assess the definite role of androgens in the course of infection and the influence of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive potential.

[Sperm retrieval techniques in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia].

Patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), which accounts for up to 10-15% of all cases of male infertility, until recently could only become parents using donor sperm or through adoption. Modern technical capabilities of sperm extraction in combination with the use of assisted reproductive technologies, make it possible to effectively overcome infertility in this group of patients. A number of highly effective techniques have been proposed for spermatozoa retrieval. However, surgical intervention is associated with certain risks, and therefore, the choice of the optimal treatment method is under discussion. A total of 52 articles were analyzed using the MEDLINE database (PubMed) to form an overview of the current principles of examination and preparation of a patient with NOA for the surgical sperm retrieval. This review is dedicated to the role of diagnostic testicular biopsy. In addition, a comparative information on the efficacy and safety of percutaneous, fine-needle aspiration, open multifocal and microdissection (micro-TESE) testicular biopsies is presented. Of the currently available sperm retrieval techniques in the urologic armamentarium, micro-TESE seems to be both the most effective and the safest. Micro-TESE can be a cumbersome procedure, however, it provides successful treatment in situations previously associated with zero chance of pregnancy.

[A role of varicocele in the development of male infertility and methods of surgical treatment].

Varicocele is the most common and treatable cause of male infertility. Therefore, surgical treatment of varicocele should be recommended for motivated patients and infertile couples who do not have other identified causes of infertility. Varicocelectomy has been proved to improve sperm parameters and improve chances of successful conception in most patients. However, surgical treatment is associated with certain risks, and therefore, the choice of the optimal treatment is under discussion. A total of 78 articles using a search in MEDLINE database (PubMed) were found and included in the review, dedicated to current concepts of functional anatomy of testicular arteries and veins. The current recommendations of professional communities regarding the selection of patients for varicocelectomy are described. The efficiency and safety of various surgical procedures for varicocele is analyzed. This review suggests high inconsistences in the literature. The available information on the indications for surgical treatment, as well as comparative data on the efficiency and safety of the inguinal, laparoscopic and microsurgical sub-inguinal approaches are presented. When urologist faces with a diagnosis of varicocele, individual approach should be applied, with a discussion of both benefits and possible complications of surgical treatment. Of the many existing techniques, microsurgical ligation of dilated veins is the most preferred.

[Penile prosthesis implantation through subcoronal approach in patients with total cavernous fibrosis].

Penile prosthesis implantation is a treatment choice in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) accompanied by cavernous fibrosis. Methods for creation of space for penile cylinders during prosthesis implantation in patents with total cavernous fibrosis are still under discussion, considering high risk of complications and decrease in penile size. In the presented clinical case, a new surgical technique for performing a three-piece penile prosthesis implantation through subcoronal approach in patient with ED, complicated by total cavernous fibrosis, is described. This clinical case represents our first experience of excavation excision of scar tissue in cavernous bodies through an innovative subcoronoral approach. As a result of performing of excavation excision of scar tissue in cavernous bodies, capacious spaces were created which allowed to use a three-piece prosthesis with a standard cylinder diameter. It ensured good long-term functional and cosmetic results. The first experience of excavation excision of fibrotic cavernous bodies during inflatable penile prosthesis implantation through subcoronal approach suggests its potential efficacy and safety in patients with ED and total cavernous fibrosis.

[Penile prosthesis implantation through subcoronal approach with graft-free corporoplasty in patients with Peyronie disease with concomitant erectile dysfunction].

Penile prosthesis implantation is a treatment choice in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and concomitant penile curvature due to Peyronie disease. Methods for correction of penile deformity during prosthesis implantation are still under discussion, considering variable efficiency and higher risk of complications. Our aim was to describe clinical case which represent our first experience of performing multiple corporal incisions through innovative subcoronoral approach without subsequent substitution of tunica albuginea. As a result of graft-free technique an effective penile straightening was achieved after three-piece prosthesis implantation with good long-term functional and cosmetic results. The first experience of graft-free technique of corporotomy during penile prosthesis implantation through subcoronal approach suggests its potential efficacy and safety in patients with a combination of ED and Peyronie disease.

[Surgical approaches for implanting of three-piece penile prosthetics].

Implantation of three-piece penile prosthesis is a gold standard in patients with severe erectile dysfunction. Currently, three surgical approach (scrotal, suprapubic and subcoronal) are used for prosthetic implantation. A method of implantation for three-piece penile prosthesis is still under discussion. The literature dedicated to an influence of surgical approach on the results of implantation for three-piece penile prosthesis in patients with severe erectile dysfunction is reviewed. The advantages and drawbacks of each technique are mentioned.

From clinical and biochemical to molecular genetic diagnosis of Wilson disease in Latvia.

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism characterized by hepatic and/or neurological damage. More than 300 mutations in the gene ATP7B causing this defect have been reported. The data on correlation between WD patient genotypes and clinical presentation are controversial. In this paper the results of ATP7B mutation analysis by testing for mutation H1069Q and direct sequencing of six exons together with the clinical data of 40 Latvian WD patients are presented. Two previously described and two novel mutations as well as one previously reported polymorphism were identified. The H1069Q mutation was present at 52.5% of the disease alleles. One individual among 157 healthy Latvians was also found to be a mutation H1069Q carrier. The estimated incidence of WD in Latvia is approximately 1 in 25600. Wide clinical variability was observed among individuals with the same ATP7B genotype, thus supporting the suggestion that modifying factors play an additional role in the pathogenesis of WD. An algorithm for the diagnosis of WD, including testing for mutation H1069Q, is recommended for the populations where mutation H1069Q accounts for 50% of WD alleles or more.