Phallus preservation and reconstruction: 5-year outcomes of national penile cancer centralisation in the Republic of Ireland.

INTRODUCTION: Penile cancer is a rare urological malignancy with an age-standardised incidence of 0.8 per 100,000 person-years [1]. Given this low incidence it has been suggested that centralised care may improve patient outcomes in relation to phallus sparing surgery and nodal assessment [2]. We aim to assess the outcomes after 5-years of national centralisation of penile cancer care. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. All patients undergoing penile cancer surgery from January 2018 to December 2022 following centralisation of care were included. The primary outcome was proportion of phallus sparing procedures performed. Secondary outcomes were patient characteristics, histologic outcomes and procedures performed. RESULTS: 124 patients underwent surgery in the study period. Mean age was 64.49 (±13.87). Overall, 82.3% of patients underwent phallus sparing surgery. This remained stable over the 5-year period from 2018 to 2022 â€‹at 92%, 85%, 76%, 79% and 78% respectively (p â€‹= â€‹0.534). 62.7% had reconstruction performed, including split-thickness skin graft neoglans formation, (57.8% [n â€‹= â€‹37]), preputial flap (32.8% [n â€‹= â€‹21]), glans resurfacing (4.7% [n â€‹= â€‹3]), shaft advancement flap (1.6% [n â€‹= â€‹1]), penile shaft skin graft (1.6% [n â€‹= â€‹1]), and partial penectomy with urethral centralisation (1.6% [n â€‹= â€‹1]). Phallus preservation was not affected by positive nodal status (OR 0.75 [95% CI 0.249-2.266], p â€‹= â€‹0.564) or T-stage ≥1b (OR 0.51 [95% CI 0.153-1.711], p â€‹= â€‹0.276). There has been a significant reduction in Nx nodal status from 64% in 2017 to 15% in 2021 (p â€‹= â€‹0.009). CONCLUSION: Centralisation of treatment for rare malignancies such as penile cancer may improve oncologic outcomes and rates of phallus preservation. This study has shown centralisation to has a high rate of phallus preservation. Further long-term analysis of outcomes in Ireland is required.

Perspectives on technology: to use or to reuse, that is the endoscopic question-a systematic review of single-use endoscopes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcomes of single-use endoscopes with those of reusable endoscopes to better define their role within urology. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases was performed. All studies comparing the clinical outcomes of participants undergoing urological procedures with single-use endoscopes to those of participants treated with reusable endoscopes were included. Results are reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies in 3943 participants were identified. Six different single-use flexible ureteroscopes and two different single-use flexible cystoscopes were assessed. There were no differences in mean postoperative infection rates (4.0% vs 4.4%; P = 0.87) or overall complication rates (11.5% vs 11.9%; P = 0.88) between single-use and reusable endoscopes. For patients undergoing flexible ureteroscopy there were no differences in operating time (mean difference -0.05 min; P = 0.96), length of hospital stay (LOS; mean difference 0.06 days; P = 0.18) or stone-free rate (SFR; 74% vs 74.3%; P = 0.54) between the single-use and reusable flexible ureteroscope groups. CONCLUSION: This study is the largest to compare the clinical outcomes of single-use endoscopes to those of reusable endoscopes within urology, and demonstrated no difference in LOS, complication rate or SFR, with a shorter operating time associated with single-use flexible cystoscope use. It also highlights that the cost efficiency and environmental impact of single-use endoscopes is largely dependent on the caseload and reprocessing facilities available within a given institution. Urologists can therefore feel confident that whether they choose to 'use' or to 'reuse' based on the financial and environmental implications, they can do so without negatively impacting patient outcomes.

In vivo ureteroscopic intrarenal pressures and clinical outcomes: a multi-institutional analysis of 120 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the pressure range generated in the human renal collecting system during ureteroscopy (URS), in a large patient sample, and to investigate a relationship between intrarenal pressure (IRP) and outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective multi-institutional study was conducted, with ethics board approval; February 2022-March 2023. Recruitment was of 120 consecutive consenting adult patients undergoing semi-rigid URS and/or flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) for urolithiasis or diagnostic purposes. Retrograde, fluoroscopy-guided insertion of a 0.036-cm (0.014″) pressure guidewire (COMET™ II, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) to the renal pelvis was performed. Baseline and continuous ureteroscopic IRP was recorded, alongside relevant operative variables. A 30-day follow-up was completed. Descriptive statistics were applied to IRP traces, with mean (sd) and maximum values and variance reported. Relationships between IRP and technical variables, and IRP and clinical outcome were interrogated using the chi-square test and independent samples t-test. RESULTS: A total of 430 pressure traces were analysed from 120 patient episodes. The mean (sd) baseline IRP was 16.45 (5.99) mmHg and the intraoperative IRP varied by technique. The mean (sd) IRP during semi-rigid URS with gravity irrigation was 34.93 (11.66) mmHg. FURS resulted in variable IRP values: from a mean (sd) of 26.78 (5.84) mmHg (gravity irrigation; 12/14-F ureteric access sheath [UAS]) to 87.27 (66.85) mmHg (200 mmHg pressurised-bag irrigation; 11/13-F UAS). The highest single pressure peak was 334.2 mmHg, during retrograde pyelography. Six patients (5%) developed postoperative urosepsis; these patients had significantly higher IRPs during FURS (mean [sd] 81.7 [49.52] mmHg) than controls (38.53 [22.6] mmHg; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A dynamic IRP profile is observed during human in vivo URS, with IRP frequently exceeding expected thresholds. A relationship appears to exist between elevated IRP and postoperative urosepsis.

A series of unfortunate bladder events: An illustrative case series of a diverse cohort of bladder perforations.

Bladder perforation is a potentially life-threatening condition, typically occurring after genitourinary trauma. The vast majority of cases are secondary to blunt abdominal trauma resulting in pelvic fractures, with motor vehicle accidents the commonest cause. There are however a wide range of underlying causes, including iatrogenic injuries and spontaneous perforations. This case series of 4 unusual cases of bladder perforations presenting to a single center under the same consultant within a 3-month period aims to highlight the diverse nature of patients who can present with bladder perforations and the different management options available.

Intrarenal pressures during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a porcine kidney model.

BACKGROUND: Increased intrarenal pressure during endoscopic lithotripsy is associated with increased adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of various devices on IRP during percutaneous intrarenal surgery in ex vivo porcine kidney models. METHODS: Whole intact porcine urinary tracts were harvested. Intrarenal pressure was measured using cystometrometry software. Intrarenal pressure during PCNL was recorded using variations of percutaneous access sheath size, irrigation height of 100 cm and 60 cm, use of a ureteric catheter and use of suction. The primary outcome was absolute IRP measurements. Secondary outcomes were comparisons of IRP between techniques. RESULTS: Using a 30 Fr vs 26 Fr access sheath and 26 Fr nephroscope the mean pressure at an irrigation height of 60 cm was significantly lower than 100 cm (p = 0.0013 vs p < 0.0001, respectively). Pressure's during mini-PCNL were significantly higher than conventional PCNL in all variations. Using the 16.5 Fr access sheath and 12 Fr nephroscope produced a significantly lower pressure at a 60 cm irrigation height than 100 cm (p = 0.0010). IRP was significantly lower with a ureteric catheter in place vs no ureteric catheter at 100 cm (p = 0.0015) and at 60 cm (p = 0.0040). CONCLUSIONS: Using standard PCNL tract sizes intrarenal pressure varied significantly depending on the height of the irrigation fluid. Mini-PCNL is at higher risk of pathological pressure, however, the use of a ureteric catheter significantly decreased pressure. To maintain safe IRP during PCNL urologists should be aware of these significant variations.

Renal lobar dysmorphism: a potential mimic of renal malignancy.

A renal pseudotumour is any apparent renal mass that simulates a tumour on radiological imaging but is composed of normal tissue. Renal pseudotumours may be inflammatory, vascular, postsurgical or congenital. We report a case of renal lobar dysmorphism (RLD) of the kidney, a congenital renal pseudotumour. A 45-year-old man presented with scrotal swelling. Testicular ultrasound showed an epididymal cyst. Renal ultrasound showed a right solid renal apparent mass of 2.4 cm in diameter. Triphasic renal CT showed this was consistent with RLD. Intravenous urography confirmed a central calyx within the dysmorphic lobe. RLD is a rare congenital normal anatomical variant, which can appear as a renal pseudotumour. No further investigation or intervention is necessary. We present the radiological findings of RLD and review the literature.

Evaluation of a new disposable flexible ureterorenoscope and comparison to an established disposable flexible ureterorenoscope: a prospective, observational study.

PURPOSE: To objectively and subjectively assess the performance and surgical outcomes of the new Innovex EU-scope™ single-use digital flexible ureteroscope (fURS). METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out (August 2019 to May 2020). The new single-use fURS (Innovex Medical Devices Co. Shanghai, China) was analysed with regard to visibility, manoeuvrability, laser interference and overall performance using a validated Likert scale. Outcomes are compared to the LithoVue™ (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA). RESULTS: One hundred patients were included in this study. 50 cases underwent retrograde fURS using the Innovex EU-scope™ and 50 with the LithoVue™. There were no differences in the patient demographics data, or operative data between the two groups. The Innovex EU-scope™ scored higher visibility scores compared to the LithoVue™, median 4, interquartile range (IQR) (4-4), vs. 3.5, IQR (3-5), p = 0.5086. Both scopes had similar manoeuvrability scores. The Innovex EU-scope™ scored significantly lower with regard to comfort compared to the LithoVue, median 4 IQR (3-4) vs. 4.5 IQR (4-5), p = 0.0445. Whereas, laser interference, affected the Innovex much less than the LithoVue™. Both scopes scored well for overall performance. The median overall performance score for the Innovex was 4 IQR (4-4) vs. 4 IQR (4-5). CONCLUSIONS: This Innovex EU-scope™ has good objective and subjective visibility and manoeuvrability profiles. This single-use flexible ureteroscope may achieve similar clinical outcomes to an established single use instrument.

Delaying Urgent Exploration in Neonatal Testicular Torsion May Have Significant Consequences for the Contralateral Testis: A Critical Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the optimal management strategy for boys with neonatal testicular torsion (NTT) in the first 30 days of life, and to stratify outcomes for prenatal, postnatal, unilateral, synchronous, and asynchronous events METHODS: All articles including case reports published between 1946 and 2020 in Embase/Scopus/Medline/Pubmed and Web of Science that had a defined diagnosis of NTT within the first 30 days of life were reviewed. Data and outcomes were analyzed individually, and together as pooled data, using a random effect model. RESULTS: There was a total of 152 studies representing 1336 patients. Outcome data was available on 974 patients (1121 testes). NTT was unilateral in 829 cases, synchronous bilateral in 80 cases, and asynchronous in 66 cases. There were a total of 1107 orchiectomies, and 229 salvage orchiopexies. A total of 2.5% synchronous NTT underwent successful salvage. A total of 95.7% of prenatal unilateral torsions underwent orchiectomy, compared with 92% postnatal torsions. 11.8% of all NTT events were asynchronous with a median time to second torsion of 1 day (Range 1-8). The contralateral orchiectomy rate in this group was 31.8%, with a 40% atrophy rate following orchiopexy. The number needed to treat to avoid bilateral orchiectomy was 1.6, and the number needed to treat to avoid solitary atrophy was 2.6. CONCLUSION: NTT is an important condition carrying a significant risk for testicular loss and endocrine insufficiency. Given the potential catastrophic risk of asynchronous extravaginal torsion, we recommend urgent, safe, surgical intervention with both unilateral and bilateral NTT.

Evaluation of the Impact of Ureteroscope, Access Sheath, and Irrigation System Selection on Intrarenal Pressures in a Porcine Kidney Model.

Introduction: Elevated intrarenal pressure (IRP) during flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) is a predictor of postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate IRP during FURS in a porcine kidney model to determine the safest combination of irrigation device, ureteral access sheath (UAS), and ureteroscope. Methods: Urinary tracts were harvested from Landrace pigs slaughtered for the food chain. Two flexible ureteroscopes, 8.7F and 9.5F, were evaluated. Irrigation systems evaluated included the following: TraxerFlow™ (Rocamed, France), SAPS™ single action pumping system (Boston Scientific), Pathfinder Plus™ (Utah Medical), and a manual "bag squeeze." This experiment was conducted with no UAS, followed by an 11/13F UAS and then a 12/14F UAS. IRPs were measured in the prepared porcine kidney during all possible combinations of scope, UAS, and irrigation system. Results: Pressures were significantly reduced when using 12/14F UAS compared with 11/13F UAS (16.45 ± 5.3 cmH2O vs 32.73 ± 35.66 cmH2O, p = 0.006), and when using 11/13F UAS compared with no UAS (32.73 ± 35.66 cmH2O vs 49.5 ± 29.36 cmH2O, p = 0.02). Pressures were significantly reduced with the 8.7F scope compared with the 9.5F scope (24.1 ± 21.24 cmH2O vs 41.68 ± 34.5 cmH2O, p = 0.001). SAPS generates significantly greater IRP than TraxerFlow, Pathfinder Plus, and a "bag squeeze" (p < 0.05). The most dangerous combination was using the SAPS, no UAS, and larger ureteroscope leading to an IRP of 100.6 ± 16.1 cmH2O. The safest combination was using Pathfinder Plus with a 12/14F UAS and smaller ureteroscope giving an IRP of 11.6 ± 3.65 cmH2O. Conclusion: IRPs are reduced by selecting larger UAS and a small ureteroscope. The SAPS generates significantly higher IRPs than other irrigation systems. To maintain safe IRPs during FURS, urologists should use large UAS, narrow ureteroscopes, and be cautious in the selection of an irrigation device.