Cavernosal arterial anatomic variations and its effect on penile hemodynamic status.

OBJECTIVE: With continuous improvements in ultrasound technology, small vessels with remarkably slow blood flow that may not be assessed by color Doppler ultrasonography, can be evaluated using power Doppler ultrasonography. In the present study, penile arterial anatomic variations were determined with power Doppler ultrasonography and its impact on penile hemodynamic status. METHODS: A total of 54 patients with erectile dysfunction were evaluated with power Doppler ultrasonography. The effects of vascular anatomic variations and the structure of the corpora cavernosa and tunica albuginea on vascular status were assessed on both sides. RESULTS: A normal penile vascular system was observed in 35.2% and 25% of 54 patients (mean age: 46.6+/-11.5 years) at the radix and mid-shaft of the penis, respectively. Pure arterial component was observed in 40.7% (22/54) and 47.2% (17/36) of the patients at the base and mid-shaft of the penis, respectively. Penile arterial insufficiency was severe in 9.2 and 5.5% of the patients at the base and mid-shaft of the penis, respectively, whereas intrapenile truncus was found in six patients (5.5%), the ratio of single cavernosal artery, intrapenile and extrapenile bifurcations were 69.4, 7.4 and 12.0%, respectively. Twenty (18.5%) dorso-cavernosal perforators, 15 (13.9%) cavernoso-dorsal and 30 (27.8%) intercavernosal branches were found. Peak systolic blood flow velocity values were decreased in 12 of 36 patients (33.3%) distally, while increased blood flow was observed in 11 (30.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Hemodynamic parameters might be variable at either side of the penis and depend on intrapenile arterial anatomic variations. Parameters determined using power Doppler ultrasonography should be evaluated from the proximal to distal side of the penis to obtain reliable and standard results. However, variations of penile arterial anatomy and its effect on penile hemodynamic changes should not be overlooked especially in the patients who are candidates for penile reconstructive or vascular surgery.

Delayed repair of post-traumatic posterior urethral distraction injuries: long-term results.

OBJECTIVES: There is still controversy regarding the treatment of post-traumatic posterior urethral distraction injuries. Initial suprapubic cystostomy and delayed perineal urethral reconstruction has been considered the reference standard. In this report, we review our experience with delayed perineal urethral reconstruction, with a focus on the long-term outcome and complications. METHODS: A total of 77 men with posterior urethral distraction injury due to pelvic trauma underwent reconstruction with delayed perineal approach. In all cases, the area of fibrosis was aggressively excised, the corpus spongiosum was mobilized, and a tension-free, spatulated end-to-end anastomosis was achieved by splitting the corporeal bodies in 66.2% and by an additional perineally performed inferior pubectomy in 49.3% of the patients. The median time from injury to surgical repair was 12 months. The preoperative evaluation consisted of combined antegrade and retrograde cystourethrograms and cystourethrography. A detailed sexual history was obtained in 58 patients (75.3%). RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 47 months (range 15 months to 14 years), the urethral continuity was adequate in 94. 8%; however, 2 patients required a perineal surgical revision (total of 79 operations). Postoperative incontinence was observed in 7 (9. 1%) of 77 patients. Postoperative erectile dysfunction was noted in 16.2% of patients who were known to be potent by history before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the belief that delayed perineal reconstruction with extensive excision of fibrosis and a tension-free, spatulated end-to-end anastomosis is a successful treatment alternative for posterior urethral distraction defects, with acceptable morbidity.

Lymph nodal involvement by renal angiomyolipoma.

Angiomyolipoma of the kidney is a clonal neoplasm, apparently part of a family of neoplasms derived from perivascular epithelial cells. A 40-year-old woman presented with right flank pain and an otherwise non-significant medical history. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed an 18 cm solid mass in the mid-portion of the right kidney and multiple perihilar lymph nodes. Presumptive diagnosis was renal cell carcinoma. Right radical nephrectomy and a perihilar lymph node dissection was performed through a Chevron incision for the anticipated diagnosis of renal adenocarcinoma. The renal tumor was diagnosed as angiomyolipoma and a component was identified pathologically in a dissected lymph node. There was no evidence of tumor recurrence in the follow-up period of eight years. The consensus from other studies suggests that this phenomenon is a manifestation of the multicentric nature of angiomyolipoma, rather than due to metastasis. Genetic studies may resolve this question in the future.