Management of symptomatic adult penile urethral arteriovenous malformation.

We present the Case of a 23-year-old male with a history of recurrent spontaneous urethral bleeding due to an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of his corpus spongiosum which abutted his penile urethra. AVMs are often congenital but can also be related to prior trauma. The literature on male genital AVMs is primarily limited to pediatric AVMs of the scrotum or glans penis with one report of adult urethral AVM in the setting of known trauma. We describe a novel presentation of atraumatic adult male genital AVM treated by surgical repair with resolution of bleeding.

Nephrobiliary fistula resulting from a gunshot wound in a young healthy male: A case report.

Biliary fistulas are most commonly caused by cholelithiasis. Other causes include malignancies and peptic ulcer disease. A biliary fistula caused by a penetrating trauma is a rare entity, and a post-traumatic biliary fistula to the renal collecting system is extremely uncommon. We present an extremely rare case of a post-traumatic nephrobiliary fistula incurred after penetrating trauma that was successfully treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), biliary stents, and percutaneous drainage.

Urinary retention after AdVance™ Sling: A multi-institutional retrospective study.

AIMS: To identify risk factors for urinary retention following AdVance™ Sling placement using preoperative urodynamic studies to evaluate bladder contractility. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective review of patients who underwent an AdVance Sling for post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence from 2007 to 2019 was performed. Acute urinary retention (AUR) was defined as the complete inability to void or elevated post-void residual (PVR) leading to catheter placement or the initiation of intermittent catheterization at the first void trial postoperatively. Bladder contractility was evaluated based on preoperative urodynamics. RESULTS: Of the 391 patients in this study, 55 (14.1%) experienced AUR, and 6 patients (1.5%) had chronic urinary retention with a median follow-up of 18.1 months. In total, 303 patients (77.5%) underwent preoperative urodynamics, and there was no significant difference between average PdetQmax (26.4 vs. 27.4 cmH2 O), Qmax (16.6 vs. 16.2 ml/s), PVR (19.9 vs. 28.1 ml), bladder contractility index (108 vs. 103) for patients with or without AUR following AdVance Sling. Impaired bladder contractility preoperatively was not predictive of AUR. Time to postoperative urethral catheter removal was predictive of AUR (odds ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.94; p = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic urinary retention after AdVance Sling placement is uncommon and acute retention is generally self-limiting. No demographic or urodynamic factors were predictive of AUR. Patients who developed AUR were more likely to have their void trials within 2 days following AdVance Sling placement versus longer initial catheterization periods, suggesting that a longer duration of postoperative catheterization may reduce the occurrence of AUR.

Robotic Ureteral Reconstruction in Patients with Radiation-Induced Ureteral Strictures: Experience from the Collaborative of Reconstructive Robotic Ureteral Surgery.

Objectives: Management of radiation-induced ureteral stricture (RIUS) is complex, requiring chronic drainage or morbid definitive open reconstruction. Herein, we report our multi-institutional comprehensive experience with robotic ureteral reconstruction (RUR) in patients with RIUSs. Patients and Methods: In a retrospective review of our multi-institutional RUR database between January 2013 and January 2020, we identified patients with RIUSs. Five major reconstruction techniques were utilized: end-to-end (anastomosing the bladder to the transected ureter) and side-to-side (anastomosing the bladder to an anterior ureterotomy proximal to the stricture without ureteral transection) ureteral reimplantation, buccal or appendiceal mucosa graft ureteroplasty, appendiceal bypass graft, and ileal ureter interposition. When necessary, adjunctive procedures were performed for mobility (i.e., psoas hitch) and improved vascularity (i.e., omental wrap). Outcomes of surgery were determined by the absence of flank pain (clinical success) and absence of obstruction on imaging (radiological success). Results: A total of 32 patients with 35 ureteral units underwent RUR with a median stricture length of 2.5 cm (interquartile range [IQR] 2-5.5). End-to-end and side-to-side reimplantation techniques were performed in 21 (60.0%) and 8 (22.9%) RUR cases, respectively, while 4 (11.4%) underwent an appendiceal procedure. One patient (2.9%) required buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty, while another needed an ileal ureter interposition. The median operative time was 215 minutes (IQR 177-281), estimated blood loss was 100 mL (IQR 50-150), and length of stay was 2 days (IQR 1-3). One patient required repair of a small bowel leak. Another patient died from a major cardiac event and was excluded from follow-up calculations. At a median follow-up of 13 months (IQR 9-22), 30 ureteral units (88.2%) were clinically and radiologically effective. Conclusion: RUR can be performed in patients with RIUSs with excellent outcomes. Surgeons must be prepared to perform adjunctive procedures for mobility and improved vascularity due to poor tissue quality. Repeat procedures for RIUSs heighten the risk of necrosis and failure.

Intermediate-term outcomes after robotic ureteral reconstruction for long-segment (≥4 centimeters) strictures in the proximal ureter: A multi-institutional experience.

PURPOSE: To report our intermediate-term, multi-institutional experience after robotic ureteral reconstruction for the management of long-segment proximal ureteral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our Collaborative of Reconstructive Robotic Ureteral Surgery (CORRUS) database to identify all patients who underwent robotic ureteral reconstruction for long-segment (≥4 centimeters) proximal ureteral strictures between August 2012 and June 2019. The primary surgeon determined the specific technique to reconstruct the ureter at time of surgery based on the patient's clinical history and intraoperative findings. Our primary outcome was surgical success, which we defined as the absence of ureteral obstruction on radiographic imaging and absence of obstructive flank pain. RESULTS: Of 20 total patients, 4 (20.0%) underwent robotic ureteroureterostomy (RUU) with downward nephropexy (DN), 2 (10.0%) underwent robotic ureterocalycostomy (RUC) with DN, and 14 (70.0%) underwent robotic ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft (RU-BMG). Median stricture length was 4 centimeters (interquartile range [IQR], 4-4; maximum, 5), 6 centimeters (IQR, 5-7; maximum, 8), and 5 centimeters (IQR, 4-5; maximum, 8) for patients undergoing RUU with DN, RUC with DN, and RU-BMG, respectively. At a median follow-up of 24 (IQR, 14-51) months, 17/20 (85.0%) cases were surgically successful. Two of four patients (50.0%) who underwent RUU with DN developed stricture recurrences within 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Long-segment proximal ureteral strictures may be safely and effectively managed with RUC with DN and RU-BMG. Although RUU with DN can be utilized, this technique may be associated with a higher failure rate.

Robotic Ureteral Bypass Surgery with Appendiceal Graft for Management of Long-Segment Radiation-Induced Distal Ureteral Strictures: A Case Series.

Introduction: Surgical management of long-segment radiation-induced distal ureteral strictures (RIDUS) is challenging. Pelvic radiation can damage the bladder, inhibiting the utilization of typical reconstruction techniques such as a psoas hitch and/or Boari flap. Also, radiation can cause scarring that can make ureterolysis difficult. Case Presentation: We present a case series of patients undergoing robotic ureteral bypass surgery with appendiceal graft for management of strictures in this setting. This novel procedure utilizes the patient's appendix as a bypass graft to divert urine away from the strictured portion of ureter and into the bladder; this technique does not require dissection of the strictured ureteral segment. Conclusion: Robotic ureteral bypass surgery can be effective for management of long-segment RIDUS.

The use of indocyanine green during robotic ureteroenteric reimplantation for the management of benign anastomotic strictures.

PURPOSE: We describe our technique for using intraureteral and intraurinary diversion indocyanine green (ICG) during robotic ureteroenteric reimplantation and report our outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed eight patients who underwent ten robotic ureteroenteric reimplantations between August 2013 and July 2017. ICG was injected antegrade and/or retrograde into the lumen of the ureter, and retrograde into the lumen of the urinary diversion. All patients consented to off-label use of ICG. Postoperatively, all patients were assessed for: clinical success: the absence of flank pain; and radiological success: the absence of obstruction on renal scan and/or loopogram. RESULTS: Visualization of ICG under near-infrared fluorescence allowed for precise identification of the strictured ureter and urinary diversion, which fluoresced green; and localization the ureteroenteric stricture margins, which poorly fluoresced green. The median operative time was 208 min (IQR 191-299), estimated blood loss was 125 ml (IQR 69-150), and length of stay was 6 days (IQR 1-8). Three of eight (37.5%) patients suffered a minor (Clavien ≤ 2), and 2/8 (25.0%) patients suffered a major (Clavien > 2) post-operative complication. There were no complications related to ICG use. At a median follow-up of 29 months (IQR 21-38), 8/10 (80.0%) ureteroenteric reimplantations were clinically and radiologically successful. CONCLUSIONS: Intraureteral and intraurinary diversion ICG may be utilized as a real-time contrast agent during robotic ureteroenteric reimplantation to assist with identification of the strictured ureter and urinary diversion, and delineation of the ureteroenteric stricture margins. Despite this, RUER remains a technically difficult and morbid procedure.

A Review of Buccal Mucosa Graft Ureteroplasty.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review the buccal mucosa graft (BMG) ureteroplasty literature to evaluate its utility in the management of ureteral strictures, identify indications for which it is particularly useful, and highlight refinements in surgical technique. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent reports have described the efficacy of robotic BMG ureteroplasty and the utilization of near-infrared fluorescence to assist with precise identification of the ureteral stricture margins. BMG ureteroplasty is well-suited for ureteral reconstruction as it allows for minimal disruption of the delicate ureteral blood supply and facilitates a tension-free anastomosis. This technique is particularly useful in patients with long ureteral strictures not amenable to ureteroureterostomy and in patients with a recurrent ureteral stricture after a previously failed ureteral reconstruction.

Robotic Ureteral Reconstruction Using Buccal Mucosa Grafts: A Multi-institutional Experience.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive treatment of long, multifocal ureteral strictures or failed pyeloplasty is challenging. Robot-assisted buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty (RBU) is a technique for ureteral reconstruction that avoids the morbidity of bowel interposition or autotransplantation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes for RBU in a multi-institutional cohort of patients treated for revision ureteropelvic junction obstruction and long or multifocal ureteral stricture at three tertiary referral centers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective study involved data for 19 patients treated with RBU at three high-volume centers between October 2013 and July 2016. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: RBU was performed using either an onlay graft after incising the stricture or an augmented anastomotic repair in which the ureter was transected and re-anastomosed primarily on one side, and a graft was placed on the other side. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables and outcomes were assessed. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The onlay technique was used for 79%, while repair was carried out using the augmented anastomotic technique for the remaining cases. The reconstruction was reinforced with omentum in 95% of cases. The ureteral stricture location was proximal in 74% and mid in 26% of cases. A prior failed ureteral reconstruction was present in 53% of patients. The median stricture length was 4.0cm (range 2.0-8.0), operative time was 200min (range 136-397), estimated blood loss was 95ml (range 25-420), and length of stay was 2 d (range 1-15). There were no intraoperative complications. At median follow-up of 26 mo, the overall success rate was 90%. CONCLUSIONS: RBU is a feasible and effective technique for managing complex proximal and mid ureteral strictures. PATIENT SUMMARY: We studied robotic surgery for long ureteral strictures using grafts at three referral centers. Our results demonstrate that robotic buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty is a feasible and effective technique for ureteral reconstruction.

Robotic Ureteroplasty with Buccal Mucosa Graft for the Management of Complex Ureteral Strictures.

PURPOSE: Surgical management of proximal and mid ureteral strictures that are not amenable to primary excision and anastomosis is challenging. Although a buccal mucosa graft is commonly used during substitution urethroplasty, its use in substitution ureteroplasty is limited. We describe our technique of robotic ureteroplasty with a buccal mucosa graft to manage complex ureteral strictures and we report our outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 12 patients who underwent robotic ureteroplasty with a buccal mucosa graft between September 2014 and June 2016. The indication for the procedure was a proximal or mid ureteral stricture not amenable to primary excision and anastomosis. The primary outcomes were clinical success, absent symptoms on ureteral pathology and radiological success, defined as absent ureteral obstruction on retrograde pyelography, renal scan and/or computerized tomography. RESULTS: Four of the 12 patients (33.3%) had a ureteropelvic junction stricture, 4 (33.3%) had a proximal stricture and 4 (33.3%) had a mid ureteral stricture. Eight of the 12 patients (66.7%) had previously undergone failed ureteral reconstruction. Median stricture length was 3 cm (range 2 to 5). Median operative time was 217 minutes (range 136 to 344) and mean estimated blood loss was 100 ml (range 50 to 200). Median length of stay was 1 day (range 1 to 6). At a median followup of 13 months (range 4 to 30) 10 of the 12 cases (83.3%) were clinically and radiologically successful. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic ureteroplasty with a buccal mucosa graft is associated with low inherent morbidity. It is an effective way to manage complex proximal and mid ureteral strictures.

Pubic bone osteomyelitis after salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound for prostate cancer.

High-intensity focused ultrasound can be used for the primary treatment of prostate cancer and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy or radiation. Complications of high-intensity focused ultrasound include urinary retention, urethral stenosis, stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, dysuria, impotence, and rarely, rectourethral or rectovesicular fistula. We describe a patient presenting with urinary retention, urinary tract infections and intermittent stress incontinence, later found to be associated with pubic bone osteomyelitis stemming from a prostatopubic fistula.

Serum creatinine predicts success in retrograde ureteral stent placement in patients with pelvic malignancies.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate serum hemoglobin, baseline serum creatinine, serum creatinine at the diagnosis of obstructive hydronephrosis, and the increase in serum creatinine greater than baseline to predict for success in retrograde ureteral stent placement in patients with pelvic malignancies. METHODS: In a retrospective chart review, we identified 57 patients at our institution with obstructive hydronephrosis secondary to pelvic malignancies in which retrograde ureteral stent placement was attempted from January 2002 to May 2005. The patient charts were reviewed for the baseline serum creatinine, preoperative serum creatinine and hemoglobin, and serum creatinine at presentation of obstructive hydronephrosis. This population was divided into group 1 (n = 31, 54%), in which retrograde stent placement was successful, and group 2 (n = 26, 46%), in which stent placement failed and subsequent percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement was required. The Student t test was used to determine whether a significant difference existed between the two groups for each laboratory parameter. RESULTS: The serum hemoglobin and baseline creatinine were not significantly different between the two groups and could not be used to predict for the success or failure of stent placement (P = 0.10 and P = 0.59, respectively). However, the average serum creatinine at presentation of obstructive hydronephrosis was significantly different between group 1 (2.4 +/- 1.4 ng/dL) and group 2 (5.3 +/- 6.3; P = 0.014), as was an increase in serum creatinine greater than baseline (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study have shown that the serum creatinine level at the presentation of obstructive hydronephrosis can be used to predict for success in retrograde ureteral stent placement in patients with pelvic malignancies.

Mechanism of continence after repair of posterior urethral disruption: evidence of rhabdosphincter activity.

PURPOSE: Controversy exists regarding continence mechanisms in patients who undergo posterior urethral reconstruction after pelvic fracture. Some evidence suggests that continence after posterior urethroplasty is maintained by the bladder neck or proximal urethral mechanism without a functioning distal mechanism. We studied distal urethral sphincter activity in patients who have undergone posterior urethroplasty for pelvic fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 patients who had undergone surgical repair of urethral disruption involving the prostatomembranous region underwent videourodynamics with urethral pressure profiles at rest, and during stress and hold maneuvers. Bladder pressure and urethral pressure, including proximal and distal urethral sphincter activity and pressure, were assessed in each patient. RESULTS: All 12 patients had daytime continence of urine postoperatively with a followup after anastomotic urethroplasty of 12 to 242 months (mean 76). Average maximum urethral pressure was 71 cm H2O. Average maximum urethral closure pressure was 61 cm H2O. The average urethral pressure seen during a brief hold maneuver was 111 cm H2O. Average functional sphincteric length was 2.5 cm. Six of the 12 patients had clear evidence of distal urethral sphincter function, as demonstrated by the profile. CONCLUSIONS: Continence after anastomotic urethroplasty for posttraumatic urethral strictures is maintained primarily by the proximal bladder neck. However, there is a significant contribution of the rhabdosphincter in many patients.

Adjunctive use of AndroGel (testosterone gel) with sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction in men with acquired androgen deficiency syndrome after failure using sildenafil alone.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether combination therapy with testosterone gel (T-gel) and sildenafil citrate is effective in achieving adequate potency in subjects with low-normal serum testosterone levels in whom sildenafil alone has failed. METHODS: From July 2000 to June 2001, we evaluated 90 men (aged 32 to 72 years) in whom 3 months of sildenafil therapy at the maximal recommended dose (100 mg) with at least three attempts at intercourse during the 3-month period had failed. Of these, 24 men had testosterone levels less than 400 ng/dL (range 92 to 365, mean 231.4) and were subsequently started on 1% T-gel monotherapy (AndroGel, 5 g daily). After 4 weeks of T-gel alone (week 4), sildenafil citrate (Viagra, 100 mg) was added to the treatment regimen for an additional 12 weeks (through week 16). Potency was defined as the ability to have at least one episode of satisfactory intercourse during the treatment period. RESULTS: All the men had normalized serum testosterone levels after 4 weeks of T-gel monotherapy (range 424 to 596 ng/dL, mean 525). However, none of the men regained potency. At week 16, almost all (22 of 24, 92%) of the men reported improved potency with combination therapy. Improvement in erection quality was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the use of T-gel with sildenafil citrate in men with low-normal serum testosterone levels in whom sildenafil alone fails. It also underscores the numbers of men with low to low-normal testosterone levels who would benefit from testosterone screening when evaluated for erectile dysfunction.

Long-term followup of the ventrally placed buccal mucosa onlay graft in bulbar urethral reconstruction.

PURPOSE: We investigate whether the short-term success rate (greater than 90%) of buccal mucosa free grafts in the bulbar urethra is sustained in the long term. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 60 patients a ventrally placed buccal mucosa graft was used for repair of bulbar urethral strictures. Of these patients 49 had undergone previous attempt at repair (urethroplasty in 4, internal urethrotomy in 45). Mean graft length was 4.8 cm. In 9 patients a distal penile fasciocutaneous flap was also used for repair of concomitant penile urethral stricture. In 8 of the 9 patients the buccal mucosa graft was combined with end-to-end urethroplasty and 2 buccal mucosa grafts were used in tandem in 1. Followup was at least 1 year in all cases (mean 47 months, range 12 to 107). Failure was defined as an obstructive voiding pattern with radiographic or cystoscopic evidence of recurrent stricture. RESULTS: Bulbar stricture repair was successful in 54 patients (90%) and 4 of the remaining 6 responded to 1 internal urethrotomy for a long-term success rate of 97%. Preoperative clinical characteristics were not significantly different between those who experienced success or failure. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term outcome analysis of ventrally placed buccal mucosa onlay grafts for bulbar urethral strictures demonstrates a durable success rate of 90%. This rate can be improved (97%) with the judicious use of internal urethrotomy.

Surgical exploration of the injured kidney: current indications and techniques

When treating renal injuries, the goals of the urologic surgeon are preservation of maximal renal function with a minimal risk of complications. To meet these, accurate staging is essential. The combined use of clinical and radiologic findings, with intra-operative information where available, will enhance the practitionerÆs ability to detect, classify, and treat renal injuries appropriately. We discuss our current approach to renal trauma and current indications and techniques for surgical exploration of the injured kidney

Surgical exploration of the injured kidney: current indications and techniques.

When treating renal injuries, the goals of the urologic surgeon are preservation of maximal renal function with a minimal risk of complications. To meet these, accurate staging is essential. The combined use of clinical and radiologic findings, with intra-operative information where available, will enhance the practitioner's ability to detect, classify, and treat renal injuries appropriately. We discuss our current approach to renal trauma and current indications and techniques for surgical exploration of the injured kidney.