The Use of Serum Procalcitonin in the Setting of Infected Ureteral Stones: A Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction: Infected ureteral stones are a urologic emergency and require urgent decompression. We set out to determine whether serum procalcitonin (PCT) could aid in the diagnosis of infected ureteral stones. Methods: All consecutive patients presenting to the emergency room from November 9, 2016, to November 10, 2018, with an obstructing ureteral stone were included. All patients had complete blood count, urinalysis (UA), PCT, and urine culture (UCx). Subgroup analysis was performed in a "clinically equivocal" cohort of afebrile patients defined as a leukocytosis >104/µL and UA with <50 white blood cells (WBCs) per high powered field (hpf). Patients with positive and negative UCx were compared. Results: A total of 231 patients were included, of whom 56 had a positive UCx. Of all covariates, UA WBCs with a cutoff of 9 per hpf performed best at predicting positive UCx with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87. PCT did not perform as well with an ideal cutoff of 0.08 ng/mL, having an AUC of 0.77, sensitivity 70.6%, specificity 73.9%, positive predictive value (PPV) 34.3%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 92.9%. When looking at the clinically equivocal cohort, UA WBCs with a cutoff of 6 per hpf appeared to perform best at predicting a positive UCx with an AUC of 0.72. PCT was less predictive in this cohort with an ideal cutoff of 0.3 ng/mL, having an AUC of 0.32, sensitivity 47.1%, specificity 85.2%, PPV 38.1%, and NPV 89.3%. Conclusion: PCT does not appear to be a superior marker for diagnosing urinary tract infection in the setting of obstructing ureterolithiasis when compared with components of the standard work-up.

Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in men undergoing tunica albuginea plication for congenital penile curvature who present with worsening penile deformity.

PURPOSE: Men with congenital penile curvature (CPC) can develop new onset worsening of their lifelong curvature. We sought to evaluate clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes after tunica albuginea plication (TAP) in patients presenting with CPC who reported new onset worsened curvature (CPC-WC), and compare these with patients reporting stable lifelong curve ("CPC-only"). METHODS: A retrospective review of demographics, history/exam findings, and postoperative outcomes for patients with CPC who underwent TAP from 2012 to 2018 was performed. Patients were differentiated based on whether or not they reported new onset worsening of their penile curvature preoperatively (CPC-WC versus CPC only). Statistical analysis was performed to identify differences in clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes after TAP. RESULTS: 60 patients were included [CPC only (n = 39) and CPC-WC (n = 21)]. Mean curvature was 62° (SD 23). CPC-WC patients were older [median 34 years (IQR 27:52) versus 24 years (IQR 20:34); p = 0.004], and more likely to report penile shortening and psychological bother (p < 0.05). On physical examination, CPC-WCs were more likely to have a discrete palpable tunical scar and diminished penile elasticity (p ≤ 0.0002). With median follow up of 12 months, satisfactory straightening with TAP was reported in 56/60 patients (93%) including 35/39 (90%) CPC only and 21/21 (100%) CPC-WC. CONCLUSIONS: In men undergoing TAP for CPC, we found that 35% reported new onset worsening of their original curvature preoperatively. These patients were older and more likely to report penile shortening or exhibit palpable tunical scarring with decreased elasticity on examination compared to those with lifelong stable curvature. Regardless, TAP resulted in satisfactory penile straightening in the majority of patients.

Perioperative Outcomes for Laparotomy Compared to Robotic Surgical Staging of Endometrial Cancer in the Elderly: A Retrospective Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare outcomes of endometrial cancer (EMCA) staging in elderly patients performed either robotically or via laparotomy. METHODS: A retrospective, multi-institutional chart review was conducted of all robotic and laparotomy staging surgeries for EMCA between 2003 and 2009. Charts were reviewed for intraoperative and postoperative complications and morbidities. RESULTS: Seven hundred forty-six women were identified who had undergone EMCA staging either robotically or via laparotomy; 89 and 93 patients 70 years or older underwent staging for EMCA via robotic and laparotomy, respectively. Both groups had similar age and body mass index. Among elderly patients being staged robotically, a higher incidence of pelvic lymphadenectomy, and decreased blood loss, incidence of blood transfusion, and overall complications were seen compared to laparotomy. Postoperatively, elderly patients staged robotically had a shorter median hospital stay (1 vs 4 days, P < 0.001), with no increase in readmission or return to the operating theater. No vessel, bowel, or genitourinary injuries occurred. Vaginal cuff dehiscence after robotic surgery was not significantly different, but wound and fascial complications were significantly increased in patients undergoing laparotomy. Thromboembolism rates were similar between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients can safely undergo robotic EMCA staging with improved outcomes compared to laparotomy. The benefits of robotic staging include higher incidence of completion of lymphadenectomy, decreased hospital stay (without an increase in readmissions or reoperations), decreased transfusions, and decreased wound and fascial complications.

Inguinal hernia containing a kidney with a duplicated system: an exceptionally rare case.

An inguinal hernia is a commonly encountered surgical case, with multiple unusual contents being reported. We present an exceptionally rare case of an inguinal hernia. Computed tomography imaging of the 62-year-old male patient showed a large left inguinal hernia extending into the left scrotum that contained a duplicated left kidney. There was an associated large left hydrocele and incidental non-obstructive nephrolithiasis. Left nephropexy, left orchiectomy, and repair of the incarcerated left inguinal hernia with mesh placement via a preperitoneal (retroperitoneal) approach were performed. The patient was discharged to home on post-operative day 5 and the post-operative course was uneventful. We discuss a possible mechanism for this rare event.

Peyronie's disease among men who have sex with men: characteristics, treatment, and psychosocial factors.

INTRODUCTION: We describe the characteristics of Peyronie's disease (PD) and its associated psychosocial implications in men who have sex with men (MSM). AIM: The aims of this article are to identify presenting characteristics and treatment for MSM with PD, compare these findings to non-MSM PD patients, and determine the psychosocial impact of PD among MSM. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjective and objective presenting characteristics, MSM psychosocial factors. METHODS: We identified 27 MSM with PD presenting from 2000 to 2012 through a retrospective chart review. A random selection of 200 non-MSM PD patients was identified, who presented during the same time period. A prospective nonvalidated questionnaire was given to MSM PD patients for evaluation of psychosocial constructs. RESULTS: A traumatic event leading to activation of PD was identified equally among MSM and non-MSM (P = 0.815). Most common recognized activators of PD among MSM were: penetrative sexual intercourse (22.2%), self-stimulation (11.1%). More MSM presented with the primary complaint of penile deformity, including narrowing, indentation, hourglass, and hinge (11.1% MSM vs. 1.0% non-MSM, P = 0.01). No differences in total curvature, erection grade were found (P > 0.05). PD had a negative effect on emotional status (89.0% MSM, 80.5% non-MSM, P > 0.05) and intimate relationships (45.0% MSM, 64.0% non-MSM, P > 0.05). Nonsurgical treatment was given to 88.9% MSM and 76.5% non-MSM (P > 0.05), and corrective surgery in 29.6% MSM and 25.0% non-MSM (P > 0.05). Of the 75.0% of MSM engaging in anal sex, 41.7% reported penetrative anal intercourse as the activator of PD. Among MSM, 31.3% experienced decreased libido, 50.0% decreased frequency of sexual activity, 92.9% were self-conscious about the appearance of their penis, and 92.9% were dissatisfied with the size of their penis. CONCLUSIONS: Few differences exist in the clinical presentation and treatments used between MSM and non-MSM PD patients. There was evidence of emotional distress in both groups. As a result, psychosexual assessment and treatment, when indicated, should be considered essential to the patient presenting with PD.