Standardized analysis of frequency and severity of complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive and standardized reporting of adverse events after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and urinary diversion for bladder cancer is necessary to evaluate the magnitude of morbidity for this complex operation. OBJECTIVE: To accurately identify and assess postoperative morbidity after RARC using a standardized reporting system. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 241 consecutive patients underwent RARC, extended pelvic lymph node dissection, and urinary diversion between 2003 and 2011. In all, 196 patients consented to a prospective database, and they are the subject of this report. Continent diversions were performed in 68% of cases. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: All complications within 90 d of surgery were defined and categorized by a five-grade and 10-domain modification of the Clavien system. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of complications. Grade 1-2 complications were categorized as minor, and grade 3-5 complications were categorized as major. All blood transfusions were recorded as grade ≥2. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Eighty percent of patients (156 of 196 patients) experienced a complication of any grade ≤90 d after surgery. A total of 475 adverse events (113 major) were recorded, with 365 adverse events (77%) occurring ≤30 d after surgery. Sixty-eight patients (35%) experienced a major complication within the first 90 d. Other than blood transfusions given (86 patients [43.9%]), infectious, gastrointestinal, and procedural complications were the most common, at 16.2%, 14.1%, and 10.3%, respectively. Age, comorbidity, preoperative hematocrit, estimated blood loss, and length of surgery were predictive of a complication of any grade, while comorbidity, preoperative hematocrit, and orthotopic diversion were predictive of major complications. The 90-d mortality rate was 4.1%. The main limitation is lack of a control group. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of postoperative morbidity following RARC demonstrates a considerable complication rate, though the rate is comparable to contemporary open series that followed similar reporting guidelines. This finding reinforces the need for complete and standardized reporting when evaluating surgical techniques and comparing published series.

Penile fracture with associated urethral rupture.

Penile fracture of the erect penis is an uncommon but emergent urological trauma. Potential outcomes include erectile dysfunction, penile curvature, and urethral injury. Treatment is emergent surgical repair. We present the case of a 42-year-old man with a penile fracture complicated by a urethral rupture and subsequent repair. A discussion of the key aspects of this condition is presented.

Erectile dysfunction and sleep related disorders.

PURPOSE: There are reported links between erectile dysfunction and sleep disorders. We reviewed the physiology of penile erection during sleep and the possible links between the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction and the most commonly diagnosed sleep disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A MEDLINE search using the identifiers erectile dysfunction, sleep, sleep disorders, sleep apnea, insomnia and narcolepsy was performed to identify the current literature pertaining to erectile dysfunction and sleep disorders. The peer reviewed literature and relevant surveys from 1985 to 2006 were subsequently reviewed. RESULTS: An association between erectile dysfunction and sleep disorders appears to exist in survey studies relying on self-report and in small case series. Hormonal, neural and endothelial mechanisms have been implicated in linking sleep disorders with erectile dysfunction. Treatment of sleep disorders, specifically sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure, has been shown to improve patient erectile function. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider concomitant sleep disorders when evaluating patients with erectile dysfunction, especially in those refractory to routine therapy. Further studies are necessary to clearly define the causative link between sleep disorders and erectile dysfunction.

Current recommendations for imaging in the management of urologic traumas.

Three percent to 10% of trauma patients have genitourinary tract injuries. Radiologic imaging is essential for making the correct diagnosis and managing it appropriately. Which modality is appropriate is based on the mechanism of injury and patient presentation. Patients with pelvic injuries and gross hematuria should undergo either CT cystography or conventional cystography. Ultrasound is warranted in patients with scrotal trauma when physical exam is inconclusive. Patients with penetrating trauma to the external genitalia, who suffer blunt trauma to the penis, or who present with gross hematuria, blood at the meatus, inability to void, perineal/scrotal ecchymosis, or abnormal digital rectal exam should undergo retrograde urethrography. Using these criteria for imaging should lead to the proper diagnosis and minimize patient morbidity.

Holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser puncture of ureteroceles in neonatal period.

OBJECTIVES: The use of the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser to incise a ureterocele in children has been reported. However, its use to puncture ureteroceles in neonates has not. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of ureterocele puncture using a holmium-YAG laser in neonatal patients. METHODS: We reviewed our experience of all neonates (ie, children younger than 28 days old) who underwent transurethral puncture of a ureterocele. The preoperative data collected included age at presentation, mode of presentation, ureterocele location, and weight and age at the procedure. A holmium:YAG laser was used to incise the ureterocele, and a 200, 365, or 550-microm laser fiber was passed through a 6F or 7.5F cystoscope. RESULTS: A total of 4 neonates (2 boys and 2 girls) underwent transurethral holmium laser puncture of five ureteroceles. All patients were initially diagnosed with prenatal ultrasound findings confirmed after birth with additional imaging. The mean age at the initial puncture was 13.8 days, with a mean patient weight of 3.9 kg. The mean follow-up was 2.8 years (range 1.7 to 3.4). Four (80%) of five ureteroceles were adequately decompressed after one attempt. One patient required a second puncture of the ureterocele at 46 days of age because of incomplete decompression. None of the patients experienced an intraoperative or postoperative complication, including new vesicoureteral reflux after laser puncture. CONCLUSIONS: Holmium:YAG laser puncture of ureterocele is a safe, efficacious, and viable option for children in the neonatal period. However, this technique in these young children requires additional evaluation.