Post-vasectomy pain syndrome: clinical features and treatment options.

INTRODUCTION: Post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS), defined as chronic epididymal pain that is continuous or recurrent in the absence of proven epididymal or testicular infection, has become more common as the number of vasectomies performed rises. With more than four million vasectomies performed annually, the prevention and treatment of this condition becomes more important. Multiple theories have been proposed as a potential etiology of this condition, and along with this have come multiple modalities of treatment. With the uncertainty surrounding the etiology of this syndrome, the aims of treatment are varied and are described and analyzed in this review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review was conducted to ascertain the various theories explaining the source of the discomfort in this syndrome, along with several treatment modalities, both medical and surgical. CONCLUSIONS: Options for the management of PVPS are rapidly expanding. Among the existing surgical options that include spermatic cord denervation and vasovasostomies, testosterone has emerged as a potential medical therapy with some promising results. Our review of the literature reveals the etiology of PVPS is still uncertain, as multiple theories still prevail. However, progress has been made in the development of additional medical therapies that could provide some relief for patients who are unwilling to accept the risks of surgery. Nevertheless, the importance of counseling patients of the risks of PVPS with vasectomy cannot be overstated. Through review of the pathophysiology of this condition and treatment options including conservative approaches, topical therapies, denervation of the spermatic cord, and surgical approaches, a comprehensive therapeutic approach can be offered to affected patients.

Genitourinary injuries in pediatric all-terrain vehicle trauma--a mechanistic relationship?

OBJECTIVES: To define and discuss the characteristics of all-terrain vehicle (ATV)-related pediatric (<16 years) genitourinary (GU) trauma. ATV collisions represent a significant and growing portion of trauma cases in rural America. ATV-related renal injuries have been reported in adults but a comprehensive review of ATV-related pediatric GU trauma cases is needed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of admissions to 2 trauma centers in Kentucky between 1997 and 2007 was performed, identifying youth who presented with ATV-related GU injuries. Demographics, injury data, and treatment records for children with GU trauma in this study population were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 429 youth were admitted after ATV injuries during the study period. Of these, 13 (7 boys, 6 girls) had GU injuries (3%) and the average age was 10.7 years. Of 13 patients, 12 (92%) were unhelmeted and the mean injury severity score was 10.3. Twelve of 13 (92%) suffered renal injuries (7 contusions, 5 lacerations) and 1 (8%) had an extraperitoneal bladder rupture. Renal lacerations were grade I-V. Hematuria was very common (10/12, 83%) and intensive care unit care was required in 5 of 12 (42%) patients. Mean length of stay was 5 days and 12 of 13 (92%) were discharged home. The most common associated injury was splenic laceration (4/13, 31%). CONCLUSIONS: GU trauma in ATV-injured youth is uncommon but when it occurs, renal injuries predominate. Most present with hematuria. Prevalence of renal trauma among GU injuries in children suggests a unique injury mechanism (crush during ATV roll or strike of the handlebars) and more study of injury mechanics is warranted. A high index of suspicion is warranted in evaluating these children.

Blunt testicular trauma results in rupture of mixed germ cell tumor.

It is extremely rare that a documented case of blunt trauma results in rupture of a testicular tumor. We present the case of a 24-year-old man who was crushed by a tree who developed spontaneous testicular rupture. At surgical exploration, he was found to ultimately have a mixed germ cell tumor of the testicle. This case illustrates the importance of physical examination, patient clinical history, and scrotal ultrasound in the management of scrotal trauma. In this instance, the testicular mass ruptured and lead to significant testicular hemorrhage.

A randomized controlled trial comparing fascia lata and synthetic mesh for sacral colpopexy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the objective anatomic outcomes after sacral colpopexy performed with cadaveric fascia lata and polypropylene mesh. METHODS: Patients undergoing a sacral colpopexy were randomized to receive either fascia lata or polypropylene mesh in a double-blinded fashion. Data were collected at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. The main outcome measures were pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system stage and individual POP-Q points over time. Objective anatomic failure was defined as POP-Q stage 2 or more at any point during the follow-up period. Proportions of patients with objective anatomic failure at 1 year in each group were compared using the chi(2) test. Mean POP-Q points and stage at 1 year were compared by using the independent samples t test. RESULTS: One hundred patients were randomized to receive either fascia (n = 46) or mesh (n = 54). Of the 89 patients returning for 1-year follow-up, 91% (41/45) of the mesh group and 68% (30/44) of the fascia group were classified as objectively cured (P = .007). We found significant differences between the mesh and fascia groups with respect to the 1-year postoperative comparisons of points Aa, C, and POP-Q stage. There were no differences between the 2 groups with respect to points TVL (total vaginal length), GH (genital hiatus), PB (perineal body), Ap or Bp (2 points along the posterior vaginal wall). CONCLUSIONS: Polypropylene mesh was superior to fascia lata in terms of POP-Q points, POP-Q stage, and objective anatomic failure rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.