Comparative study between antegrade flexible ureteroscopy and reterograde intrarenal surgery in the management of impacted upper ureteric stones 1.5 cm or larger.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively investigate the safety and efficacy of antegrade flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) with the following criteria (supine, ultrasonic guided puncture through lower calyx with 14 fr tract, tubeless) versus retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the management of large impacted upper ureteric stones ≥ 1.5 cm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study recruited 61 patients with single large impacted upper ureteric stone of ≥ 1.5 cm. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A, included 31 patients who treated by antegrade FURS, all patients were put in supine modified galadako Valdivia position and the renal access is reached by ultrasonic guided puncture through the lower calyx with dilatation upto 14 fr to insert ureteric access sheath and all cases were tubless with JJ stent insertion. Group B, included 30 patients who were treated by RIRS with JJ stent insertion. Stone fragmentation was done by holmium laser in both group. RESULTS: Group A was significantly associated with higher proportion of SFR (90.3%) compared to Group B (70%) (p = 0.046). Group B was significantly associated with shorter operative time and fluoroscopy time in comparison with Group A (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between studied groups regarding bleeding (p = 0.238). Urosepsis showed significantly higher proportion associated with retrograde approach when compared to antegrade approach (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: This study showed that antegrade FURS is safe and more effective than RIRS for the management of large impacted upper ureteric stones ≥ 1.5 cm.

Gonadotoxic effect of tramadol administration: A prospective controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the possible gonadotoxic effects of tramadol dependence on seminal fluid parameters, and prolactin and testosterone hormone levels. PATIENTS SUBJECTS AND METHODS: There were 94 participants who were divided into a tramadol-dependent group (T-group; 56 patients) and a control group (C-group; 38 healthy volunteers). The following variables were evaluated: testosterone level, prolactin level, erectile function, libido, semen parameters, and effect of tramadol dose and dependence duration. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in erectile dysfunction (ED) and decreased libido in the T-group vs C-group. Also, the serum testosterone level was lower in the T-group vs the C-group, while the serum prolactin level was significantly higher in the T-group vs the C-group. All semen parameters were low in the T-group except for abnormal forms, which were high. As the dose of tramadol increased there was a more negative effect on the previous parameter, while ED, libido, semen volume and concentration showed no significant changes. When comparing tramadol doses of 400-1000 mg/day to >1000 mg/day, the tramadol blood level increased with high doses, while serum testosterone level decreased when the dose increased and the prolactin level increased when the dose increased. Progressive motility of the sperm decreased and abnormal forms increased. Also increased duration of tramadol administration was also accompanied by a more negative effect on these parameters. CONCLUSION: Tramadol administration has a negative effect on hormone levels, libido, erectile function, and semen characters.Abbreviations: ED: erectile dysfunction; EF: erectile function.

Effect of Direct-Acting Antiviral Drugs on Erectile Functions among Hepatitis C Patients: A Prospective Interventional Study.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus infection that greatly affects patients' quality of life. Unfortunately, some of the drugs used for HCV treatment may have a negative impact on the patient's erectile function, such as the pegylated interferon. Currently, with the introduction of direct-acting antiviral drugs, there is scarce data in the literature about its potential impact on erectile function. In these settings, we aimed to assess the impact of sofosbuvir-based therapy on male erectile function. METHODS: This prospective interventional study was carried out in Benha University hospitals between January 2019 and May 2020. The study included all consecutive HCV patients with simultaneous ED coming to the hepatology outpatient clinic. Patients were divided into a study group who received sofosbuvir-based therapy (group A) or a control group who received silymarin therapy (group B). The International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) was used for the assessment of erectile function at different time points (pretreatment, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment). Different variables in both groups have been statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 75 patients who received sofosbuvir-based therapy and a control group (n = 35) matched for age and pretreatment variables (Child-Turcotte-Pugh score and Fibrosis-4 score). There was no significant difference between both groups in the pretreatment data. On the other hand, the posttreatment IIEF-5 was significantly higher in the sofosbuvir arm compared to the silymarin arm both at six months (p<0.001) and at 12 months (p<0.001). Furthermore, the age and the stage of liver fibrosis were negatively correlated with IIEF-5 at all-time points. CONCLUSION: The age and the stage of liver fibrosis are significantly correlated with the degree of ED. Furthermore, sofosbuvir-based therapy may be associated with significant improvement in patients with erectile function.

Miniperc vs Shockwave Lithotripsy for Average-Sized, Radiopaque Lower Pole Calculi: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Introduction: To detect safety and feasibility of miniperc and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for treatment of average-sized (1-2 cm), radiopaque lower pole calculi in a prospective randomized manner. Patients and Methods: In the period from January 2014 to June 2015, 150 patients were attached to this study with single lower pole radiopaque stone ranging from 10 to 20 mm. Patients were divided randomly into two groups using computer-generated randomization in an equal manner. First group patients were subjected to miniperc procedure, while second group patients underwent SWL. Patient's characters, stones' characters, fluoroscopic time, operative time, blood transfusion, hospital stay, retreatment, auxiliary procedure (AP), and complications using modified Clavien grading are tabulated and analyzed. Results: This study included two equal groups with 75 patients in each group. With regard to age (37.75 ± 11.25 vs 40.55 ± 10.55), body mass index (26.92 ± 2.26 vs 27.29 ± 2.87), and stone size (1.55 ± 0.28 vs 1.57 ± 0.26), there was no significant statistical difference in both groups. Stone-free rate (SFR) (76% vs 96%), operative time (44.81 ± 7.06 vs 93.37 ± 12.29 minutes), fluoroscopy time (53 ± 2.45 vs 180 ± 7.31 seconds), hospital stay (5.72 ± 1.01 vs 45.19 ± 8.48 hour), and blood transfusion were significantly more in the miniperc group. Retreatment rate (45.3% vs 2.7%) and AP (24% vs 4%) were significantly greater in the SWL group. Conclusion: SWL is less invasive than percutaneous stone removal, but it is also less effective for lower pole radiopaque calculi. Miniperc has better SFR and lower auxiliary and retreatment rates; however, it resulted in more drawbacks.

Evaluation of erectile function after anastomotic vs substitutional urethroplasty for bulbar urethral stricture.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate erectile function (EF) after anastomotic (AU) vs substitutional urethroplasty (SU) for bulbar urethral stricture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective comparative non-randomised clinical study conducted in the Department of Urology, Benha University Hospital, between September 2015 and September 2018, involving 34 male patients with urethral stricture. Preoperatively, all the patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 (EF Domain) to establish baseline sexual function. AU was performed in 21 patients and SU in 13. The IIEF-15 (EF Domain) was administered again at 3- and 6-months postoperatively and compared to the preoperative results. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were included in the study, 21 in the AU group with a stricture length of ≤3 cm, and 13 in the SU group with a stricture length of >3 cm. All patients were sexually active preoperatively. In the AU group, seven patients developed erectile dysfunction (ED) at 3-months postoperatively, with four of them improving during the subsequent 3 months, but three had persistent ED at 6-months postoperatively. In the SU group, two patients developed ED at 3-months postoperatively and they improved during the subsequent 3 months. In the AU group, the mean IIEF-15 (EF Domain) score was 27.6 preoperatively, which decreased to 25.6 at 6-months postoperatively; however, this was statistically insignificant (P = 0.10). While in the SU group, the mean IIEF-15 (EF Domain) score was the same before and at 6 months after SU at 27.2 (P = 1.0). CONCLUSION: At 6-months postoperatively, there was no statistically significant impact of urethroplasty for bulbar urethral stricture on erectile function.Abbreviations: AU: anastomotic urethroplasty; ED: erectile dysfunction; EF: erectile function; IIEF: International Index of Erectile Function; SU: substitutional urethroplasty.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Outcomes Based on S.T.O.N.E., GUY, CROES, and S-ReSC Scoring Systems: The First Prospective Study.

Objective: To evaluate predictive capability and clinical applicability of the current nephrolithometric scoring systems of S.T.O.N.E. score, Guy's scoring system (GSS), CROES (Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society) nomogram, and S-ReSC (Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity) score for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) outcomes in the same cohort in a prospective study. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing PCNL between 2015 and 2018 were included calculating the four scores in the same cohort. Stone-free status (SFS), complications, operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), fluoroscopy time, and length of hospital stay were investigated. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for predictive accuracy and regression analysis for predictors of SFS were performed. Results: In all, 162 PCNLs were accomplished and analyzed. Overall, SFS was 75.9% and complication rate was 30.9%. The mean acquisition time of scores was 52.9 ± 0.5 seconds for GSS, 05.1 ± 0.3 seconds for S.T.O.N.E. score, 224 ± 3.1 seconds for CROES, and 102.6 ± 3.5 seconds for S-ReSC score. SFS had the best association with CROES grade. Clavien grade was associated with S.T.O.N.E. score. Moreover, EBL and OT had best association with S-ReSC score. All scores had comparable predictive accuracy on ROC curves regarding SFS. Stone essence and tract length are not different in cases with residual stones. Number of involved calyces, single vs multiple stones and renal pelvic obstruction were significant predictors of SFS in regression analysis. Conclusion: The four scoring systems had comparable predictive accuracy for SFS. However, S.T.O.N.E. and S-ReSC scores were easily applicable and provided better association with EBL and OT compared with the GSS score. Number of involved calyces, stone multiplicity, and renal pelvic obstruction were significant predictors of SFS; hence, further studies are needed to invent a universally agreeable scoring system covering reported shortcomings in the currently used scores.

Chronological Changes In Uroflowmetry After Hypospadias Repair: An Observational Study.

AIM: Urinary flow after urethroplasty is of paramount importance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the progression of uroflowmetry (UF) parameters after different distal and proximal hypospadias repair techniques. METHODS: In this cohort study, cases that underwent primary hypospadias repair at our institution between March 2010 and December 2018 were included when uncomplicated, asymptomatic and toilet-trained. UF findings and post void residual were described after each specific technique. RESULTS: In all, 88 patients were eligible. Time to last UF ranged from 35 to 138 months postoperatively. Significant increase started 36 months after distal tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) and afterwards than Mathieu technique. While was noticed 24 and 36 months after Onlay technique and proximal TIP, respectively; however, TIP showed steady significant increase atall time intervals. Duckett repair exhibited insignificant change in maximum flow rate (Qmax) values, buccal mucosal graft (BMG) and inner preputial graft (IPG), significant increase in the Qmax values after 6 and 24 months, respectively, then remained steady high. Transposed preputial flap (TPF) showed significant increase at 6-12 months only, then remained steady lower than the other two techniques. Obstructed flow was 37% after distal TIP, 30% after Mathieu, 25% after proximal TIP, 66.7% after Duckett repair, and 33.3% after TPF. There were no obstructed cases after BMG and IPG. DISCUSSION: Improvement by time varied between techniques. After repair most cases are below the 50th percentile, implying that the reconstructed urethra is not functioning as a normal urethra. Staged repair for proximal hypospadias is preferable to a heroic one-stage procedure. CONCLUSION: Choice of the surgical technique for hypospadias repair had impact on the improvement of Qmax values. TIP improved 36 months postoperatively. However, for proximal cases staged graft repair had earlier improvement and higher Qmax values than proximal TIP and Onlay techniques.

Safety and efficacy of Intravesical hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of refractory painful bladder syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravesical instillation of hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of refractory painful bladder syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients were subjected to intravesical instillations of hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate weekly for 4 weeks and at 6., 8., 12. and 16. weeks, afterwards. Then we evaluated the efficacy of this treatment modality by determining the mean changes in visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, the pelvic pain and urgency/frequency questionnaire, the O'Leary-Sant interstitial cystitis symptoms index/problems index and 3 day-voiding diary results including daily number of voids and mean voided volume at 2 weeks, 3, and 9 months after the last dose (4th month) and urodynamic studies including cystometric capacity, 1st sensation of urination, and Q-max at 9 months after the last dose. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (6 males 16.2%, 31 females 83.8%) completed the entire follow-up protocol of this study. Age of the patients ranged from 22 to 37 years (mean, 30.7±4.18 years) and their body mass indexes (BMIs) ranged between 29 and 37 kg/m2 (mean, 33.5±2.58 kg/m2). An initial response to treatment in all parameters at variable degrees was noticed at 2 weeks after the last instillation when compared to the baseline, and these changes were statistically significant (p<0.001). Progressive improvement in all test parameters was noticed at 3 months after treatment, and this improvement was statistically significant compared with baseline and 2 weeks after treatment, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Intravesical instillation with both hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of refractory painful bladder syndrome is safe, effective and well tolerated by all patients with no recorded side effects.

Efficacy of silodosin on the outcome of semi-rigid ureteroscopy for the management of large distal ureteric stones: blinded randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of silodosin therapy, as a new α-adrenergic receptor (α-AR) blocker, on the success rate of semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS) for the management of large distal ureteric stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study recruited 127 adult patients with single distal ureteric stone of ≥1 cm. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups: the first group included 62 patients who received silodosin (8 mg) for 10 days before URS (Silodosin group), whilst the second group included 65 patients who received placebo, in the form of multivitamins, for 10 days before URS (Placebo group). All patients underwent URS and a pneumatic lithoclast was used for stone fragmentation. RESULTS: The mean (SD) operative time was shorter in the Silodosin group compared with the Placebo group, at 41.61 (4.67) vs 46.85 (4.6) min, respectively. Furthermore, advancing the ureteroscope to access the stone failed in a statistically significant number of patients in the Placebo group compared with the Silodosin group (13 vs two, respectively). The complication rate was significantly higher in the Placebo group compared with the Silodosin group (20% vs 6.4%, P = 0.036). Additionally, the need for postoperative analgesia was significantly lower in the Silodosin group compared with the Placebo group (8.1% vs 26.2%, P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Silodosin therapy prior to URS management of large distal ureteric stones seems to be associated with better advancing of the ureteroscope to access the stone, shorter procedure time, higher stone-free rate, lower incidence of complications, and lesser need for postoperative analgesia.

Comparative Study between Silodosin and Tamsulosin in Expectant Therapy of Distal Ureteral Stones.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of silodosin against tamsulosin as medical expulsion therapeutic agent in stone lower 1/3rd ureter. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty patients divided equally into 2 groups I and II received silodosin 8 mg and tamsulosin 0.4 mg respectively. Patients aged 18 years or older having single unilateral stone 10 mm or less were included in the study. Patients with bilateral or multiple stones, marked hydronephrosis, previous open or endoscopic surgery and having urinary infection were excluded. Patients were followed weekly for 4 weeks by ultrasonography, plain radiography of the urinary tract and CT of the urinary tract when indicated. RESULTS: Silodosin showed better results against tamsulosin as stone expulsion rate in silodosin and tamsulosin groups was 82.4 and 61.5% respectively with significant difference (p = 0.007). Also, the stone expulsion time was significantly lower in silodosin against tamsulosin groups as it was 9.4 ± 3.8 vs. 12.7 ± 5.1 days in group I and II respectively (p = 0.001). The adverse effects were comparable with non-significant more retrograde ejaculation in the silodosin group. CONCLUSION: Silodosin showed better efficacy in the stone expulsion rate and time with comparable safety of both drugs, with nonsignificant more retrograde ejaculation in silodosin.

Fluoroless-ureteroscopy for definitive management of distal ureteral calculi: randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the conversion rate during fluoroless-ureteroscopy (URS) and evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of fluoroless-URS as a definitive management of distal ureteral calculi. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between May 2013 and August 2015, patients with radio-opaque distal ureteral calculi of ≤ 1 cm in size were randomized to undergo fluoroless-URS or standard URS. Patients with previous ureteral surgery, ureteral kinking, ureteral stricture, single kidney, additional proximal ureteral or renal calculi, uncontrolled coagulopathy, and/or congenital anomalies of the urinary tract were excluded. Patients' demographics, stone characteristics, operative data, stone free status, and complications were compared between both groups. RESULTS: Seventy-four cases in the fluoroless-URS group were compared with 80 cases in the standard-URS group. There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between both groups in terms of the mean patient's age (28.8 +/- 13.3 versus 29.5 ± 14.6 years; p = 0.76), body mass index (28.2 +/- 33 versus 27.6 +/- 2.3 kg/m²; p = 0.19), and stone size (7.2 +/- 1.5 versus 7.3 +/- 1.7 mm; p = 0.70), respectively. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the outcome parameters between both groups in terms of operative time (42.4 +/- 8.3 versus 40.3 +/- 6.5 min; p = 0.08), stone free rate (93.2% versus 95%; p = 0.06), and overall complications (12.2% versus 8.75%; p = 0.08), respectively. There was significant difference between both techniques in terms of fluoroscopy time (p < 0.001). However, 6 (7.5%) fluoroless-URS cases necessitated the use of fluoroscopy intraoperatively. CONCLUSION: Ureteroscopic management of distal ureteral stones using fluoroless-URS technique could be feasible and safe, without radiation exposure for patients and medical personnel. However, fluoroscopy should always be available during fluoroless-URS.

High single scrotal-incision orchidopexy as the standard technique in infants aged 6-24 months.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively investigate the effectiveness of high single scrotal-incision orchidopexy (HSSIO) for palpable undescended testis (PUDT) in infants aged 6-24 months. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 2012 to July 2014, 46 age range-restricted (6-24 months) infants with 57 PUDT underwent HSSIO after obtaining written consent from their parents. The exclusion criteria were ectopic, retractile testes and recurrent cases. All infants were examined before surgery in the outpatient department and after anaesthesia induction immediately before surgery. All infants had general anaesthesia with a caudal block. The operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and follow-up of the infants at 0.5, 3 and 6 months were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: The mean (SD; range) operative time was 23.45 (3.28; 18-29) min. A hernia sac was found in 39 (68.4%) UDTs. For postoperative complications, only one infant developed a scrotal haematoma that was managed conservatively. The procedure was successful in 56/57 PUDT (98%). An auxiliary procedure was needed in one case, to obtain more length of the cord by extension of the incision to the external ring. CONCLUSION: HSSIO is a safe and feasible technique, with many benefits, and as such should be considered as the standard technique for orchidopexy in infants aged 6-24 months.

Aggressive Angiomyxoma of the Penis: The First Case Report in a 9-Month-Old Infant.

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a rare, benign, mesenchymal tumor of the pelvis and perineum. It usually occurs in females at reproductive age. However, rare cases have been reported in male children. We present the first case of AA in the penis of a 9-month-old Somalian boy. The infant presented with large, nodular penile mass. The diagnosis was confirmed following complete surgical removal and histopathologic examination. Over a 6-month follow-up period, no recurrence was noticed. Therefore, we recommend complete surgical removal of the mass with wide safety margin and long-term follow-up for cases of AA.

Standard versus tubeless mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively compare the outcome of standard mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SmPCNL) versus tubeless mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (TmPCNL) as primary treatments of renal stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 80 patients with a solitary radio-opaque renal stone and candidates for PCNL were selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 40, one group treated with SmPCNL and the other with TmPCNL. Patients and stone characters, as well as operative and postoperative data of both groups were compared and statistically analysed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups for patient demographics and stone characteristics. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for the mean operative time, mean postoperative drop in haemoglobin, mean postoperative urine leakage, mean hospital stay, and stone-free rate. The mean (SD) postoperative dose of analgesia was statistically significantly higher in the SmPCNL group compared with the TmPCNL group, at 112.5 (48.03) versus 48.8 (43.5) mg, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both procedures are safe and effective for managing renal stones, without any significant difference between the two procedures; however, the postoperative analgesic requirement is significantly higher in SmPCNL.

Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy; which is better: Transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach?

OBJECTIVE: This was a prospective study to compare the outcome of laparoscopic transperitoneal ureterolithotomy (LTU) with laparoscopic retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy (LRU) as a primary treatment for a large stone in the proximal ureter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 24 patients with a solitary, large (>1.5 cm), and impacted stone in the proximal ureter was selected and randomly divided into two groups. The first group included 13 patients who were treated by LTU, and the second group included 11 patients who were treated by LRU. Patient demographics and stone characteristics as well as the operative and postoperative data of both groups were compared and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding patient demographics and stone characteristics. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the LTU group than in the LRU group [116.2±21.8 min vs 137.3±17.9 min, respectively (p=0.02)]. The mean time to oral intake was significantly longer in the LTU group than in the LRU group [21.2±4.9 h vs 15.5±2.8 h, respectively (p=0.002)]. There was significant higher rate (27.3%) of changing to open surgery in LRU (p=0.04). The stone-free rate was significantly higher in the LTU group than in the LRU group [100% vs. 72.8%, respectively (p=0.03)]. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the mean blood loss, mean hospital stay, mean analgesia dose, blood transfusion rate, postoperative fever, and stone migration during surgery. CONCLUSION: Both approaches of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy are effective in treating large impacted stones in the proximal ureter. LTU has significantly shorter operative time and lower rate of open conversion but has a significantly longer time to oral intake.