Impact of Bladder Wall Thickness on the Outcomes of Antimuscarinic Treatment in Women with Overactive Bladder.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bladder wall thickness (BWT) (using transabdominal ultrasound) on the outcomes of antimuscarinic treatment in women with overactive bladder. METHODS: A total of 102 female patients with symptoms of OAB were recruited. All patients completed the Overactive Bladder version 8 (OAB-V8) (Arabic validation) and the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-SF). Patients completed the urodynamic study (UDS) including uroflowmetry and PVR and measures of BWT by transabdominal ultrasound. The patients were classified into 2 major groups: G1 (patients with BWT <5 mm) and G2 (patients with BWT ≥5 mm). The patients were re-evaluated after 3-month medication with solifenacin 10-mg oral tablet. RESULTS: At baseline, the results of OAB-V8 and ICIQ-SF were significantly higher in G2 than G1 (p < 0.001). Regarding UDS, volume at 1st desire to void, volume at strong desire to void, and MBC were significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (p = 0.001). Intravesical pressure at strong desire and patients' number of DO were significantly increased in G2 (p < 0.05 and p = 0.001, respectively). After treatment, there was an improvement in both groups regarding OAB-V8, ICIQ-SF, bladder volume at 1st desire to void, bladder volume at strong desire to void, bladder volume at DO, MBC, intravesical pressure at strong desire, and the patients' number with DO (decreased), and these improvements were statistically significant in group 1 compared to group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BWT showed a significant association with both OAB symptom scores and UDS parameters. The decrease in BWT is associated with a significantly higher response to solifenacin therapy regarding the UDS results.

Assessment of seminal calcium and magnesium levels in infertile men with varicocele before and after varicocelectomy.

BACKGROUND: Trace elements perform a vital role in all stages of human physiology, as well as reproduction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess seminal calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in infertile men associated with varicocele (Vx). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 50 men were divided into two groups: fertile men (n = 20) and infertile men who were scheduled for Vx surgical repair (n = 30). Exclusion criteria were as follows: azoospermia, smoking, leukocytospermia, and consumption of Ca and/or Mg supplements. All cases were subjected to history taking and clinical examination. Semen analysis and assessment of seminal Ca and Mg by the colorimetric method were carried out for all cases at the base point and 3 months postvaricocelectomy. RESULTS: Generally, the mean seminal Ca and Mg levels demonstrated significant decreases in infertile men with Vx compared with the healthy fertile men linked to higher Vx grade as well as Vx bilaterality. These seminal decreases demonstrated significant increases after Vx surgical repair. Collectively, seminal Ca and Mg levels showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.665, p= 0.001). Besides, seminal Ca, Mg levels, and Ca/Mg ratio showed significant positive correlation with sperm concentration (r = 0.479, p = 0.001; r = 0.541, p = 0.001; r = 0.282, p = 0.001, respectively), sperm motility percentage (r = 0.493, p = 0.001; r = 0.477, p = 0.001; r = 0.353, P = 0.001, respectively), and sperm normal forms percentage (r = 0.578, p = 0.001; r = 0.520, p = 0.001; r = 0.430, p = 0.001, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Seminal Ca and Mg levels and Ca/Mg ratio are significantly decreased in infertile men associated with Vx compared with fertile men with significant increases after varicocelectomy.

Increase apparent penile length by cryolipolysis in the reduction of male suprapubic fat.

The buried or hidden penis in adults is troublesome in males, whereas the length of the penile shaft is buried under the skin surface of the suprapubic fat to a degree that reveals the concept of a little penis. We aimed to assess a new modality of treatment to increase the apparent penile length by using the cryolipolysis in the reduction of male suprapubic fat as a noninvasive procedure. This prospective study was performed on 46 male patients complaining of buried short apparent small size penis. All patients were subjected to full medical history, body mass index and examination of penile (length, size and abnormalities). The measures of the apparent penile length from the skin to the tip of the glans penis and suprapubic skin fold thickness using (adipometer) were recorded before the three consecutive suprapubic cryolipolysis sessions. The mean apparent stretched penile length at session 1, 2 and 3 were 12.1 ± 0.5 cm, 12.66 ± 0.48 and 12.88 ± 0.72, respectively, with a statistically significant increase between three sessions (p < .001), whereas the mean skin fold suprapubic fat at session 1, 2 and 3 was 2.99 ± 0.49 cm, 2.37 ± 0.48 and 2 ± 0.37, respectively, with a statistically significant decrease (p < .001). The cryolipolysis of suprapubic fat is a safe, effective, noninvasive and applicable procedure that successfully decreases the suprapubic fat in males and increases the apparent length of the buried penises.

Comparative study between Amplatz renal dilator vs visual internal urethrotomy (cold knife) for the treatment of male urethral stricture.

AIM: The study aimed to assess and compare urethral stricture (US) management outcomes, efficiency, and complications, treated by either Amplatz renal dilator or visual internal urethrotomy (VIU). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective comparative study was carried out on 88 male patients with stricture urethra. All patients have performed a physical examination, ascending and micturition urethrography, urodynamic, and pelvic ultrasound. The patients were randomized divided into group 1 (Amplatz group) 44 patients treated with Amplatz dilator, and group 2 (VIU group) 44 patients treated with a cold knife. Patients were followed up at 15 days,3,6, and 12 months after the procedure. RESULT: The mean age was 41.2 (22-73) years. The mean stricture length in group 1 and group 2 was 1.01 ± 0.40 and 1.04 ± 0.30, respectively (p = 0.421). The average IPSS score at baseline for group 1 and group 2 was 21.2 and 21.9 points, respectively. During the 12 months follow-up, IPSS improved, with average scores of 16.1 and 17.3 for group 1 and group 2, respectively (p > 0.05). The mean values of (Q max) between group 1 and group 2 at baseline, day 15, day 90 and 180 days showed no significant difference but at 12 months, (Q max) showed a higher significant difference in group 1 than group 2 (p = 0.003). The post-void residual (PVR) displayed a significant decline in both groups from baseline. After 1 year, PVR showed that group 2 was a little higher than group 1 (no significance) compared to baseline The procedures were found effective without recurrence in all patients (both groups) during the 12 months (Q max > 15m/s). However, group 2 reported (11.4%) intra-operative bleeding, and (6.8%) extravasations. CONCLUSION: The guided urethral dilation and internal urethrotomy are safe, short time procedures, and offer satisfactory results with the advance to VIUD in Qmax at 12 months. No recurrence was documented in both groups after 12 months. VIU reported 18% intraoperative complication.

Penile hemodynamics study in erectile dysfunction men: the influence of smoking obesity on the parameters of penile duplex.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) was established to be linked to the risk factors of coronary artery disease such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity and dyslipidemia. OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of smoking and obesity on penile hemodynamics in patients with erectile dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was carried out on 130 patients above 40 years and suffering from ED for more than 6 months. Selected patients were divided into four groups: group 1 (nonsmokers/non-obese) N = 36, group 2 (nonsmokers/obese) N = 30, group 3 (smokers/non-obese) N = 34, group 4 (smokers and obese) N = 30. Other risk factors for ED were excluded except dyslipidemia. All patients were subjected to personal history, sexual history, history of medical disorders or operations, evaluation of erectile function using an abridged IIEF-5. Measuring of BMI, fasting lipid profile, blood sugar, TT, prolactin, and PSA was performed. Penile hemodynamics was evaluated using intracavernosal injection of 1 cc Bimix (papaverin + phentolamine) and penile duplex ultrasound measuring the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), and cavernosal artery diameter before and after injection. RESULTS: The mean ages of group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 were 50.92 ± 6.52, 55.20 ± 7.18, 50.88 ± 7.66 and 52.30 ± 7.61, respectively, with no statistically significant (p = 0.341). A statistically significant difference observed between mean value of PSV between group 1 and all other groups on both sides and between group 3 and 4. Also, our results recorded a statistically significant difference between mean value of EDV and RI between group 1 and all other groups on both sides. Concerning the change in the cavernosal artery diameter after ICI, there was a significant difference was seen between the following groups 1 and 4, 3 and 4 on both sides and between groups 1 and 2 at right side only. There was a statistically significant difference between the study groups concerning patient's response to ICI (p value 0.000). A significant negative correlation between BMI and total testosterone was recorded (p = 0.001). Regarding the mean value of testosterone, a significant difference was observed between the different four groups (p = 0.002). And a statistically significant difference was reported between group 1 and group 2 (p = 0.004) and group 2 and group 3 (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Both smoking and BMI are strong risk factors for ED and affect response to ICI and penile duplex parameters (PSV, EDV, RI). Smoking and BMI together cause more deterioration of penile duplex parameters and response to ICI. The effect of smoking on EDV and RI was more than BMI. The effect of BMI on PSV, response to ICI and testosterone levels was more than smoking.

Long-term evaluation of modified orthotopic Y-shaped ileal neobladder (Tanta pouch) with left retro-colic chimney.

PURPOSE: In the present study, we evaluated the long-term results of modified Y-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder (Tanta pouch) with trans-mesenteric left retro-colic chimney. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 70 patients with invasive bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy and modified Y-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder. (The left chimney elongated to pass to the left side through a window in the mesentery of the pelvic colon and the ureters were implanted directly end to side, in both chimneys after doing good spatulation. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period ranged between 7 and 10 years (mean 7.8 years). 18 patients died during the period of follow-up. 6 months postoperatively, there was a spherical orientation of the pouch (The mean capacity was 542 ± 47 cm3) and the maximum intra-pouch pressure was 24 ± 3.2 cm H2O. Daytime continence was achieved in 93% of the patients and nighttime continence was achieved in 87%. Stress incontinence occurred in 15% and total incontinence in 2%. Renal function was stable in 93% of renal units. Stricture ureter was not recorded of any case. Of 14 renal units with preoperative dilated ureters, 5 units had improved postoperatively and the others had persistent reflux. 13 renal units (3 unilateral and 5 bilateral) with normal preoperative ureters had persistent postoperative reflux. Persistent reflux showed no influence on renal function. CONCLUSION: Modified Y-shaper pouch is suitable for short, dilated ureters. Longitudinal orientation of the pouch facilitates ileo-urethral anastomosis, especially with short mesentery. Long-term follow-up for direct uretero-ileal anastomosis did not show deterioration of the renal function.

The defensive role of taurine against gonadotoxicity and testicular apoptosis effects induced by cisplatin in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Cisplatin (CIS), which is used as a therapeutic antineoplastic agent may produce gonadotoxicity in a process linked to chemotherapy. Taurine, through its potential antioxidant effect, has a protective role against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether taurine intake can ameliorate testicular damage induced by cisplatin and to study the possible mechanism that mediates this action, either through its antioxidant action alone or in addition to its anti-apoptotic effects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty healthy adult white male albino rats were randomly distributed into five groups, each involving ten animals. The first group represents the negative control group. The other four groups received three equal doses (3 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneal injections of cisplatin on alternate days. In the positive control group (group 2), saline only was given. Groups 3, 4 &5 received taurine in distilled water at oral doses of 50, 150, 250 mg/kg, respectively, on alternate days followed by cisplatin (each injection of cisplatin was given 1 day after taurine). On the 28th day after the first dose of normal saline, cisplatin or taurine, blood samples were examined for testosterone levels. All rats were killed and their testes were examined. RESULTS: Rats treated with cisplatin alone showed reduced body weight in addition to reduced testicular weight, impaired sperm counts, and oxidative stress (reduced GSH, increased MDA level), decreased plasma testosterone, apoptotic marker (increased Bax, decreased bcl2). However following taurine induction, the figures for GSH and MDA changed significantly (P < 0.005) referring to the effect of taurine as a potent antioxidant. CONCLUSIONS: Cisplatin-induced germ cell apoptosis may result in decreasing spermatogenesis. However, taurine could effectively prevent nearly all of these cisplatin-induced testicular abnormalities, thereby proving to be an effective cytoprotectant.

The Predictive Value of Arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction for Coronary Artery Disease in Men.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is assumed to be connected with vascular disease caused by endothelial dysfunction, and characterized by the incapability of the smooth muscle cells lining the arterioles to relax, therefore, inhibit vasodilatation. AIM: To assess the predictive value of arteriogenic ED for coronary artery disease in men above the age of 40 years. METHODS: 75 Patients reporting arteriogenic ED and 25 men with normal erectile function were enrolled in the study. Both patients and controls were subjected to the following investigations: lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, penile duplex study, stress electrocardiography (ECG) test, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Type 5 (Arabic version), and cardiovascular (CV) 10-year risk assessment using Framingham and Prospective Cardiovascular Münster (PROCAM) scoring systems. OUTCOMES: We compare between the study groups regarding the interpretation of exercise testing. RESULTS: We observed significant increase in the mean value of age, systolic blood pressure, BMI, weight, height, and waist circumference in the cases; significant prevalence of obesity and overweight in the cases (P < .001); significant increase in the mean value of total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein; and decrease in mean value of high-density lipoprotein in the cases (P < .001). Additionally, there was high incidence of positive stress ECG in the cases (25.3%) vs that in controls (12%), and significant difference between patients with positive stress ECG test and those with negative stress ECG test regarding their lipid profile, age, BMI, and waist circumference with higher values in positive stress ECG for total cholesterol, TG, and low-density lipoprotein, and lower value for high-density lipoprotein (P < .001). According to PROCAM and Framingham scoring systems 10-year risk assessment, there was a high significant difference between the cases and control groups with a higher score in cases than the control group with 30.7% of cases having ≥ 30% risk of developing coronary heart disease, and significant positive correlations between CV risk and BMI, and negative correlations with IIEF-5 cases (P < .001). CLINICAL TRANSLATION: Ischemic heart disease events were higher in men with documented arteriogenic ED than those without ED. CONCLUSIONS: All items of metabolic syndrome were investigated and analyzed and we evaluated our groups using both PROCAM and Framingham scoring system. An exercise ECG is suggested before starting treatment of vasculogenic ED at least in patients with CV risk factors. Azab SS, Hosni HED, El Far TA, et al. The Predictive Value of Arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction for Coronary Artery Disease in Men. J Sex Med 2018;15:880-887.