Classifying Hydroceles of the Pelvis and Groin: An Overview of Etiology, Secondary Complications, Evaluation, and Management.

INTRODUCTION: A hydrocele is defined as the pathological buildup of serous fluid in the pelvis and groin due to various etiologies such as diseases or trauma. It has distinct clinical manifestations, particularly discomfort and psychosocial distress. Understanding the anatomy, embryology, and physiology associated with hydrocele formation is crucial to understand its onset and progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A MEDLINE® search was conducted using keywords for the relevant classification of hydrocele and its etiology, complications, sexual barriers, evaluation, and management. RESULTS: Appropriately classifying the hydrocele as primary, secondary communicating, secondary noncommunicating, microbe-induced, inflammatory, iatrogenic, trauma-induced, tumor-induced, canal of Nuck, congenital, and giant is important for identifying the underlying etiology. Often this process is overlooked when the classification or etiology is too rare. A focused evaluation is important for this, so that timely management can be provided. We comprehensively review the classifications, etiology, and secondary complications of hydrocele. Pitfalls of current diagnostic techniques are explored along with recommended methods for accurate diagnosis and current treatment options. CONCLUSION: Due to the range of classifications and etiologies of hydrocele in the pelvis and groin, a deliberate differential diagnosis is essential to avoiding imminent life-threatening complications as well as providing the appropriate treatment.

Impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis activity, spermatogenesis, and sperm function promote infertility in males with lead poisoning.

Lead poisoning is a stealthy threat to human physiological systems as chronic exposure can remain asymptomatic for long periods of time before symptoms manifest. We presently review the biophysical mechanisms of lead poisoning that contribute to male infertility. Environmental and occupational exposure of lead may adversely affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, impairing the induction of spermatogenesis. Dysfunction at the reproductive axis, namely testosterone suppression, is most susceptible and irreversible during pubertal development. Lead poisoning also appears to directly impair the process of spermatogenesis itself as well as sperm function. Spermatogenesis issues may manifest as low sperm count and stem from reproductive axis dysfunction or testicular degeneration. Generation of excessive reactive oxygen species due to lead-associated oxidative stress can potentially affect sperm viability, motility, DNA fragmentation, membrane lipid peroxidation, capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and chemotaxis for sperm-oocyte fusion, all of which can contribute to deter fertilization. Reproductive toxicity has been tested through cross-sectional analysis studies in humans as well as in vivo and in vitro studies in animals.

The Role of Diabetes Mellitus in Sexual and Reproductive Health: An Overview of Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Management.

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled or long-term diabetes mellitus is conducive to vascular and oxidative stress disturbances that impede several physiological systems, which may in turn elicit psychological symptoms. OBJECTIVE: We assess the sexual and hormonal complications of diabetes mellitus that impair reproductive function in males and females. METHODS: A comprehensive MEDLINE® search was guided using key words relevant to diabetes mellitus and reproductive health. RESULTS: We reviewed the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, imaging modalities, pharmacological treatment, and intervention options for each diabetic reproductive complication in males and females. Erectile dysfunction secondary to angiopathic, neuropathic, and myopathic damage is a leading complication of diabetes in males. Other reproductive complications include ejaculatory dysfunction, hypogonadism, modified semen parameters, and delayed puberty. Specifics of reproductive dysfunction in diabetic women are less definite than in men due to the lack of standardized evaluation of sexual function in women as well as the increased role of psychological morbidity. Despite this, it is known to manifest as hypogonadism, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, dyspareunia, menstrual dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. CONCLUSION: Longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to better comprehend the connection between diabetes and sexual dysfunction, chiefly in females. Understanding and dividing the role of fertility and sexual issues in reproductive dysfunction can help guide evaluation and management.

Testicular compartment syndrome: an overview of pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management.

Testicular compartment syndrome (TCS) refers to the impairment of microcirculation in the testicle due to either increased venous resistance or extraluminal compression, which leads to hypoxia. TCS releases oxidants through hypoxia and ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). The pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management of TCS are reviewed. Based on the properties of TCS, specific causes, e.g., varicocele, hydrocele, orchitis, cryptorchidism, and scrotal hernia, are suggested and categorized. The oxidant-induced stress from TCS may explain the correlations between these causes and infertility. A chief shortcoming of current imaging modalities is that they detect TCS late after it has progressed to impair the macrocirculation of the testicle. We propose frequent sequential periodic power Doppler ultrasonography to monitoring for earlier detection. Intraoperatively, TCS can be diagnosed by the dull purple appearance of a hypoxic testicle and by tissue pressures above 30 mmHg. When compartment pressure is low, the underlying etiology must be promptly treated. During acute presentation, an incision of the resilient tunica albuginea may be necessary. A great challenge of treating TCS is restoring microcirculation while minimizing IRI; concomitant antioxidant therapy secondary to treatment may be effective and harmless at the least. Because testicular oxidant stress is common in infertility and since TCS can cause such a stress, TCS may be a larger factor in infertility than currently suspected.

Non-negative matrix analysis for effective feature extraction in X-ray spectromicroscopy.

X-Ray absorption spectromicroscopy provides rich information on the chemical organization of materials down to the nanoscale. However, interpretation of this information in studies of "natural" materials such as biological or environmental science specimens can be complicated by the complex mixtures of spectroscopically complicated materials present. We describe here the shortcomings that sometimes arise in previously-employed approaches such as cluster analysis, and we present a new approach based on non-negative matrix approximation (NNMA) analysis with both sparseness and cluster-similarity regularizations. In a preliminary study of the large-scale biochemical organization of human spermatozoa, NNMA analysis delivers results that nicely show the major features of spermatozoa with no physically erroneous negative weightings or thicknesses in the calculated image.

Protection from scrotal hyperthermia in laptop computer users.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate methods of prevention of scrotal hyperthermia in laptop computer (LC) users. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Twenty-nine healthy male volunteers. INTERVENTION(S): Right and left scrotal temperature and LC and lap pad temperatures were recorded during three separate 60-minute sessions using a working LC in a laptop position: session 1, sitting with closely approximated legs; session 2, sitting with closely approximated legs with a lap pad below the working LC; and session 3, sitting with legs apart at a 70°angle with a lap pad below the working LC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Scrotal temperature elevation. RESULT(S): Scrotal temperature increased significantly regardless of leg position or use of a lap pad. However, it was significantly lower in session 3 (1.41 °C ± 0.66 °C on the left and 1.47 °C ± 0.62 °C on the right) than in session 2 (2.18 °C ± 0.69 °C and 2.06 °C ± 0.72 °C) or session 1 (2.31 °C ± 0.96 °C and 2.56 °C ± 0.91 °C). A scrotal temperature elevation of 1 °C was reached at 11 minutes in session 1, 14 minutes in session 2, and 28 minutes in session 3. CONCLUSION(S): Sitting position with closely approximated legs is the major cause of scrotal hyperthermia. Scrotal shielding with a lap pad does not protect from scrotal temperature elevation. Prevention of scrotal hyperthermia in LC users presently is not feasible. However, scrotal hyperthermia may be reduced by a modified sitting position (legs apart) and significantly shorter use of LC.

Unusual scrotal pathology: an overview.

The diverse embryological origins of the contents of the scrotum create an environment that fosters a wide variety of unusual pathologies. Most scrotal pathologies are discovered by the patient and are initially evaluated by a thorough physical examination and scrotal ultrasonography. Scrotal lesions can be broadly grouped by the anatomical location in which they develop; the clinician must consider a wide differential diagnosis based on this location. Solid testicular masses are considered germ cell tumors until proven otherwise, but numerous other possible pathologies exist, including ectopic tissue, metastasis, and other neoplastic growths. Rete testis lesions are classified as developmental, benign or malignant. Cystic lesions of the epididymis are most commonly benign, but malignant neoplasms can also be present. The paratesticular region has the broadest differential diagnosis, as it contains numerous distinct structures and is a common location for ectopic tissue and metastatic disease; a narrower range of lesions develop in the scrotal wall because of its simpler anatomy. Treatment options range from conservative observation to wide surgical excision and should be considered carefully; the aim of therapy is to remove malignant or potentially malignant tissue while minimizing effects on fertility and function.

History of vasectomy.

Vasectomy as a medical term is a misnomer because only part of the vas deferens is excised during the procedure. Vas deferens as an anatomic structure was not a subject of significant clinical and research interest until the nineteenth century. It is difficult to find another surgical procedure as simple as vasectomy that has sparked so much medical and social controversies for more than a century. Vasectomy is a historical, social, philosophic, medical, demographic, and legal phenomenon. It is not surprising that the history of this procedure combines not only a constant quest for ideal technique and better results but also misconceptions, false beliefs, and erroneous indications.

Impact of a second semen analysis on a treatment decision making in the infertile man with varicocele.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of second semen analysis (SA) on a treatment decision in infertile men with varicocele and abnormal first SA. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: University hospital. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Standard clinical semen analysis. PATIENT(S): A total of 160 infertile men with varicocele and abnormal first SA were evaluated. Two SA were performed in the same andrology lab 3 to 8 weeks apart. Exclusion criteria were azoospermia, low semen volume, leukocytospermia, febrile illness within 3 months, and habitual heat exposure. RESULT(S): Despite fluctuation in absolute values of sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, the second SA remained abnormal in 111 out of 112 men (99.1%) with abnormal first SA. CONCLUSION(S): Initial abnormal SA is a sufficient indication for varicocele treatment because in most patients the second SA remains abnormal and does not change treatment decision. This approach will expedite treatment of infertile men with varicocele and increase its cost effectiveness.

Increase in scrotal temperature in laptop computer users.

BACKGROUND: Scrotal hyperthermia has been identified as a risk factor for male infertility. Laptop computers (LC) have become part of a contemporary lifestyle and have gained popularity among the younger population of reproductive age. LC are known to reach high internal operating temperatures. We evaluated the thermal effect of LC on the scrotum. METHODS: Right and left scrotal temperature (ScT) was measured in 29 healthy volunteers in two separate 60 min sessions. ScT was recorded from thermocouples on a digital datalogger every 3 min with the working LC in a laptop position and in the same sitting position with approximated thighs without LC. RESULTS: ScT increased significantly on the right and left side in the group with working LC (2.8 degrees C and 2.6 degrees C, respectively; P<0001) and without LC (2.1 degrees C, P<0.0001). However, ScT elevation with working LC was significantly higher (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Working LC in a laptop position causes significant ScT elevation as a result of heat exposure and posture-related effects. Long-term exposure to LC-related repetitive transient scrotal hyperthermia is a modern lifestyle feature that may have a negative impact upon spermatogenesis, specifically in teenage boys and young men. Further studies of such thermal effects on male reproductive health are warranted.

Management of nonpalpable testicular tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To report our series of nonpalpable testicular tumors with a review of published studies. Radical orchiectomy remains the reference standard in the treatment of a solid testicular mass. Testis-sparing surgery has recently been advocated for a select group of patients with nonpalpable tumors. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2002, a nonpalpable testicular mass was discovered in 9 patients. Ultrasonography was performed for infertility evaluation (5 patients), testicular pain (3 patients), and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (1 patient). RESULTS: Radical orchiectomy was performed in 7 of 9 patients and testis-sparing surgery with microsurgical excision of tumor in 1 patient. One patient decided against surgery. A benign testicular tumor was found in 6 and a malignant tumor in 2 of the 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: A high incidence of benign nonpalpable tumor and an advanced microsurgical technique justifies organ-sparing surgery as an alternative for radical orchiectomy in a select group of patients. Testicular preservation in patients with a malignant nonpalpable testicular tumor is a feasible, but still controversial, approach.

Endoscopic treatment of bladder calculi in post-renal transplant patients: a 10-year experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Urinary calculus formation following renal transplantation is an uncommon phenomenon. As a result of the growing number of renal transplants performed and the greater graft survival, there has been increased awareness of transplant-related complications, one of which is calculus formation. We report our experience in the management of bladder calculi after renal transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 500 consecutive renal transplant patients from 1992 through 2002 and encountered 7 who had bladder calculi postoperatively. Ureteroneocystostomy had been performed using polyglactic acid suture. Bladder calculi were treated endoscopically by litholapaxy, electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL), or holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy. RESULTS: Three calculi were found incidentally at the time of stent removal, and the others were associated with hematuria (43%), urinary tract infection (14%), or irritative voiding symptoms (14%). Eighty-six percent of the calculi were close to the allograft ureteral orifice. CONCLUSION: While various forms of lithotripsy were employed in treating bladder calculi, Hol:YAG laser lithotripsy appeared to be both efficacious and safe. Both EHL and litholapaxy were complicated by mucosal bleeding necessitating Bugbee fulguration. Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy was not associated with mucosal bleeding, and fulguration was not required near the allograft ureteral orifice. In addition, ureteral stenting is not required. Bladder calculi may form over both absorbable and nonabsorbable suture material, and the ideal suture for the ureteroneocystostomy has yet to be found. Until then, the Hol:YAG laser should be the lithotrite of choice for bladder calculi following renal transplantation.

Comparison of intussusception pull-through end-to-side and conventional end-to-side microsurgical vasoepididymostomy: prospective randomized controlled study in male wistar rats.

PURPOSE: Vasoepididymostomy is a technically challenging and complex microsurgical procedure. Recently a new triangulation end-to-side microsurgical technique was reported that allows intussusception of the epididymal tubule into the vasal lumen, resulting in a higher clinical patency rate of 92% with shorter operative time in preliminary clinical studies. We performed a prospective controlled randomized study comparing the patency rate, postoperative sperm granuloma rate and operating time of conventional and intussusception end-to-side vasoepididymostomy in previously vasectomized rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomized 42, 6-week-old male Wistar rats into 4 groups, including 6 into the sham operation, and 12 each into the control, conventional end-to-side and intussusception end-to-side vasoepididymostomy groups. Bilateral 2-clip vasectomy was performed in all animals except those in the sham operation group. Bilateral intussusception or conventional end-to-side vasoepididymostomy was performed in the assigned animals 2 weeks after vasectomy. Animals in the control group underwent vasectomy only. In the sham operation group the testes were mobilized out of the scrotum and then returned. Rats were sacrificed at 8, 12, 16 and 24 weeks, respectively. The anastomosis and vasectomy sites were inspected for sperm granuloma. To assess patency the abdominal end of the vas was transected and intraluminal fluid was examined microscopically at 400x magnification for the presence of motile sperm. Patency was further confirmed by performing retrograde indigo carmine vasography through the anastomoses. RESULTS: In the intussusception and conventional groups the patency rate was 91.7% and 54.2% (p = 0.004), the sperm granuloma rate was 20.8% and 58.4% (p = 0.035), and average operative time was 65.8 and 67.7 minutes (p = 0.197), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intussusception end-to-side vasoepididymostomy is superior to conventional end-to-side vasoepididymostomy with respect to the patency and postoperative sperm granuloma rates. Further investigations are required to confirm such findings clinically in humans.