Congenital megalourethra: a case report of an isolated delayed presentation

Megalourethra is a diffuse dilatation of the anterior urethra due to lack of corpus spongiosum with or without corpora cavernosa; it usually presents as a dilatation of that part of the urethra. The absence of these structures causes a ballooning of the urethra despite there being no mechanical obstruction. A 7-year-old boy presented with the complaints of weak stream, ballooning of the penis before and during voiding urine and post voiding dribbling. After examination and micturating urethrogram, he was diagnosed as having megalourethra, which was then corrected using reduction urethroplasty. These days megalourethra is diagnosed with prenatal ultrasonogram. This was a case of isolated delayed presentation of megalourethra without any associated anomaly.

Fetal intervention for severe lower urinary tract obstruction: a multicenter case-control study comparing fetal cystoscopy with vesicoamniotic shunting

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of fetal intervention using fetal cystoscopy or vesicoamniotic shunting in the treatment of severe lower urinary obstruction (LUTO).

METHODS

A cohort of 111 fetuses with severe LUTO attending two centers between January 1990 and August 2013 were included retrospectively. Fetuses were categorized into three groups based on the method of intervention: (1) fetal cystoscopy, (2) vesicoamniotic shunting or (3) no intervention. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the probability of survival and normal renal function until 6 months of age by comparing fetal cystoscopy and vesicoamniotic shunting to no fetal intervention.

RESULTS

Of the 111 fetuses with severe LUTO that were included in the analysis, fetal cystoscopy was performed in 34, vesicoamniotic shunting was performed in 16 and there was no fetal intervention in 61. Gestational age at diagnosis, method of fetal intervention and cause of bladder obstruction were associated with prognosis. In multivariate analysis and after adjustment for potential confounders (considering all causes of LUTO) the overall probability of survival was significantly higher with fetal cystoscopy and vesicoamniotic shunting when compared to no intervention (adjusted relative risk (ARR), 1.86 (95% CI, 1.01-3.42; P = 0.048) and ARR, 1.73 (95% CI, 1.01-3.08; P = 0.04) respectively). A clear trend for normal renal function was present in the fetal cystoscopy group (ARR, 1.73 (95% CI, 0.97-3.08; P = 0.06)) but was not observed in the vesicoamniotic shunt group (ARR, 1.16 (95% CI, 0.86-1.55; P = 0.33)). In cases in which there was a postnatal diagnosis of posterior urethral valves, fetal cystoscopy was effective in improving both the 6-month survival rate and renal function (ARR, 4.10 (95% CI, 1.75-9.62; P < 0.01) and 2.66 (95% CI, 1.25-5.70; P = 0.01) respectively) while vesicoamniotic shunting was associated only with an improvement in the 6-month survival rate (ARR, 3.76 (95% CI, 1.42-9.97; P < 0.01)) with no effect on renal function (ARR, 1.03 (95% CI, 0.49-2.17, P = 0.93)).

CONCLUSION

Fetal cystoscopy and vesicoamniotic shunting improve the 6-month survival rate in cases of severe LUTO. However, only fetal cystoscopy may prevent impairment of renal function in fetuses with posterior urethral valves. Our data support the idea of performing a subsequent randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of fetal cystoscopy vs vesicoamniotic shunting for severe fetal LUTO.

Traumatic female urethral avulsion

Traumatic female urethral avulsion in the absence of a pelvic fracture is an exceedingly rare entity, with no consensus on its' management. Here, we present a 35-year-old pregnant woman with severe anterior vaginal wall laceration and complete urethral avulsion secondary to straddle injury. Management consisted of primary urethral and vaginal repair.

[Skene duct cyst in female newborns--case reports]

INTRODUCTION

The Skene duct cyst, classified as a paraurethral cyst, is a rare congenital abnormality in female neonates and it may manifest throughout the course of life. The incidence varies from 1 in 2000 to 3000 female births.

OBJECTIVE

To expose the characteristics and symptoms of a Skene duct cyst at different stages of child development in order to carry out a timely suspicion and diagnosis.

CASE REPORT

The first case is a female newborn who presented a painless yellowish tumor adjacent to the urethral meatus, which drained spontaneously; the second case is a teenager who consulted due to leucorrhea for a year and a three-centimeter diameter paraurethral injury between the labia minora, which required surgical treatment and study of the paraurethral mass.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the literature review, we concluded that the frequency of Skene duct cyst is higher than the number of reported cases. Cyst removal, marsupialization, puncture and aspiration are all effective treatment methods. Spontaneous drainage is also appropriate in certain cases. We suggest the use of the least aggressive technique according to each case.

Periurethral and vulval condylomata acuminata: an unusual juvenile venereal disease in a 3-year-old girl

We present a case of giant condyloma acuminatum (CA) in a 3-year-old girl with rapidly growing vulval and periurethral lesions, which was investigated thoroughly and successfully treated with excision biopsy. Genital warts in the form of giant alarming vestibular, vulval and periurethral lesions of CA are very rare in children. There is need for a multidisciplinary approach with potential sociomedicolegal implications. Surgical excision is safe, effective and provides an opportunity to assess the extent of the lesion and tissue for accurate diagnosis. Genital warts in the form of giant alarming vestibular, vulval and periurethral lesions of CA are very rare in children. Indications for surgical treatment include large, recurrent or refractory lesions, as well as the need for histological identification and acquiring tissue for immunotherapy when necessary. The strategy of an extended follow-up is recommended so as to ensure identification of any risk situations.

Our experience in chordee without hypospadias: results of 102 cases

PURPOSE

We present long-term surgical experience of 102 chordee without hypospadias cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 102 chordee without hypospadias cases who were surgically treated between 1999 and 2012. Range of patients' age was from 1 month to 31 years. Seventy-two patients were adult, and 30 were children. Mean duration of follow up was 49.3 months. The patients were categorized into 4 groups including skin tethering (group 1), fibrotic dartos and Buck's fasciae ( group 2), corporeal disproportion ( group 3) and urethral tethering (group 4) with the aid of intraoperative artificial erection, according to the structural defect.

RESULTS

Forty patients (group 1) were successfully treated with penile degloving. Except 3 (10%) of 31 (group 2) cases, extensive resection of the fibrotic dartos and Buck's fascia was needed to straighten the penis. Corporeal disproportion was identified in 27 patients of whom 2 cases (7%) had complica­tions. One of them developed urethrocutaneous fistula, and he was treated with buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty successfully. In other one, chordee persisted after two years, and we had to do Nesbit wedge resection after tunica albuginea plication to achieve penile straightening at the same session; otherwise we avoid tunica albuginea excision or incision. Overall 96 (94%) of 102 patients were suc­cessfully treated at first operation.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that tunica albuginea plication is very effective for both prepubertal and postpubertal period and also in management of recurrence. We believe that, in experienced hands, early surgical correction can be done successfully in this condition.

Periurethral cystic mass misdiagnosed: a case report

BACKGROUND

Periurethral cystic masses, including Skene's duct cyst and urethral diverticula, are rare and are often misdiagnosed for more common vulvovaginal cysts. Given their proximity to the urethra, correct diagnosis is needed for appropriate referral and surgical management to prevent complications, including fistula formation.

CASE

A 36-year-old woman was diagnosed by her primary care physician with a Bartholin's gland cyst, which was confirmed on MRI. She was referred to a gynecologist for incision and drainage. However, on examination the cyst was noted to be more anterolateral on the vagina and more concerning for a Skene's duct cyst or a urethral diverticulum. She was referred to Urogynecology. The images were reviewed with the radiologist, who agreed that the lesion was more consistent with a Skene's duct cyst. She underwent successful excision of the cyst. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and has normal bladder and urethral function.

CONCLUSION

Although imaging modalities are useful to assist in diagnosis of vulvovaginal lesions, clinical examination finding is also key in distinguishing periurethral cystic masses from their more common vulvovaginal counterparts.

[Exstrophy of rectal duplication associated with anorectal malformation and penoscrotal transposition with perineal hypospadias. A case report]

We present the case of a male patient who required treaatment due to anorectal agenesis with recto urethral fistula and penoscrotal transposition with perineal hypospadias, associated with a perineal tumor. The perineal tumor was found strongly adhered and contiguous to the rectum which makes it compatible with an exstrophy of rectal duplication. Surgical reconstruction of the birth defect was performed in stages until acceptable biological function and esthetic results were obtained.

Holmium:YAG laser ablation combined intraurethral fluorouracil perfusion as treatment option for intraurethral Condyloma acuminata in men

AIM

Intraurethral condylomata acuminata (CA) is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection which is transmitted by close physical and sexual contact. CA is often difficult to cure. There is limited research on the treatment of the patients with intraurethral CA. Here, we have reviewed our experiences on the treatment of intraurethral condylomatous with Holmium:YAG Laser ablation. A new and convenient mean of administering fluorouracil and lidocaine for the treatment of intraurethral condyloma acuminata is discussed. This study aimed to evaluate the experience and efficacy of Holmium:YAG Laser ablation with ureteroscopy and local administration of fluorouracil in the treatment of patients with intraurethral CA. The effects were investigated based on the rate of cure and relapse and the incidence of complications.

METHODS

The study included patients with intraurethral condylomatous who had undergone Holmium:YAG Laser ablation and intraurethral perfusion of fluorouracil. From May 2005 to October 2008, 25 patients (mean age 31.3 years, 19-63 years) with cystourethroscopy confirmed extensive lesions at the anterior urethra and biopsy of the lesions was compatible with condyloma acuminata. They all underwent Holmium:YAG Laser ablation with a transurethral Wolf 8/9.8 Fr rigid ureteroscope. And a week later, the patients initially accepted intraurethral installation of the mixture containing 1% fluorouracil and 1% tetracaine hydrochloride gel (lubricating jelly) in a volume of 20 mL. This mixture was given intraurethrally once weekly, and tip of the penis was clamped immediately to close the urethral meatus after administration by using an occlusive penile clamp and was retained for 20 minutes. Six treatments were given initially and after six weeks of rest, another cycle of six weekly treatments was given.

RESULTS

Ureteroscopic Holmium laser ablation was successfully performed in all patients with multifocal intraurethral CA. Mean CA warts body size was 3 mm (2-8) in diameter. Mean operative time was 22.8 minutes (range 13-41). No major intraoperative complications occurred. Intraurethral installation was well tolerated, although six patients complained occasional urethral pain while urinating. Three relapses in a 2-5 weeks of follow-up underwent repeat holmium laser ablation and installation of the fluorouracil mixture. In an average of six months of follow-up, the patients have no ureteral stricture or relapse of the CA.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that holmium:YAG laser ablation of the intraurethral CA combined with intraurethral perfusion of 5-fluorouracil and tetracaine hydrochloride gel mixture is an effective and safer therapy with a lower relapse rate for treatment of intraurethral CA.

Management of symptomatic urethral diverticula in women: a single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Urethral diverticula (UDs) affect between 1% and 6% of adult women. A total of 1.4% of women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) have a UD. Clinically significant diverticula are rare and can be challenging to manage.

OBJECTIVE

To review results of surgery on UDs in a single surgical centre.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We retrospectively evaluated a group of 89 patients with symptomatic UDs referred for surgical intervention to one teaching hospital. Data were from two surgeons over an 8-yr period between October 2004 and November 2012. Follow-up period ranged from 3 mo to 20 mo, and all patients were physically reviewed postoperatively in an outpatient setting.

INTERVENTION

The surgical technique involved placing the patient prone, ureteric catheterisation, dissection and removal of the diverticulum, and layered closure. Where a large defect was present following excision, a Martius flap was interposed.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Outcome data collected included symptomatic cure, continence, de novo SUI, early versus late complications, and recurrence.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Early complications included one urinary tract infection and one Martius graft infection, both requiring intravenous antibiotics. Overall, 72% of patients were dry and cured postoperatively; 13 patients had de novo SUI following surgery. Those with bothersome SUI went on to have an autologous sling at 6 mo. All were dry; three (23%) required clean intermittent self-catheterisation. Three patients had a recurrent residual diverticulum (3.4%) following surgery. One chose conservative management. The other two had a redo diverticulectomy performed via a dorsal approach. They have recovered well and are dry. Two (2.2%) diverticula revealed unexpected abnormal pathology. The first was a leiomyoma; the second was a squamous cell carcinoma requiring further surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The recommended preoperative imaging is postvoid sagittal magnetic resonance imaging and appropriate use of urodynamic assessment at baseline. The 72% dry rate (including a number with preoperative incontinence) is comparable with the literature as is the development of de novo SUI in 15% of patients. There is a small risk of unexpected tumours (2%).

PATIENT SUMMARY

A urethral diverticulum should be excluded as a diagnosis in anyone troubled by symptoms of a swelling of the urethra often associated with discomfort, pain on intercourse, urinary dribbling after passing urine, and/or recurrent urinary infections. In these circumstances patients should seek advice from their doctors and consider referral for a specialist assessment. If the diagnosis is made and the problem is symptomatic, surgery is likely to resolve the problem but should be carried out in a specialist centre with expertise in the management of this condition.

[Recto-urethral fistula secondary to prostate cancer]

OBJECTIVES

There are various treatments forprostate cancer nowadays, including techniques that have been used for manyyears such as surgery and radiotherapy, and newer procedures that are gaining prominence in the Urological field like cryotherapy or HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound). Rectourethral fistula is a rare complication that demands the urologist a great capacity; it may happen after either existent treatment.

METHODS

PubMed literature review with articles published during the last 10 years using the terms "rectourethral fistula" and "prostate cancer".

EVIDENCE SINTHESIS

We present the current situation of rectourethral fistula secondary to prostate cancer in terms of epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment, with special focus on the various types of fistulae and their management. We comment on general features in relation to surgical management of this pathology; type of approach, type of repair, use of flaps, concomitant fistula and urethralstenosis, delay of surgery and bowel diversion. We describe the surgical techniques more frequently used today and their limitations. We present the results published by different groups with each of these techniques, as well as the corresponding recommendations based on each group's experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Rectourethral fistula is a surgical challenge for the urologist. We must choose the appropriate management in accordance to the characteristics of the fistula.

Salvage irrigation-suction in gracilis muscle repair of complex rectovaginal and rectourethral fistulas

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of gracilis muscle transposition and postoperative salvage irrigation-suction in the treatment of complex rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) and rectourethral fistulas (RUFs).

METHODS: Between May 2009 and March 2012, 11 female patients with complex RVFs and 8 male patients with RUFs were prospectively enrolled. Gracilis muscle transposition was undertaken in all patients and postoperative wound irrigation-suction was performed in patients with early leakage. Efficacy was assessed in terms of the success rate and surgical complications. SF-36 quality of life (QOL) scores and Wexner fecal incontinence scores were compared before and after surgery.

RESULTS: The fistulas healed in 14 patients after gracilis muscle transposition; the initial healing rate was 73.7%. Postoperative leakage occurred and continuous irrigation-suction of wounds was undertaken in 5 patients: 4 healed and 1 failed, and postoperative fecal diversions were performed for the patient whose treatment failed. At a median follow-up of 17 mo, the overall healing rate was 94.7%. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 cases. Significant improvement was observed in the quality outcomes framework scores (P < 0.001) and Wexner fecal incontinence scores (P = 0.002) after the successful healing of complex RVFs or RUFs. There was no significant difference in SF-36 QOL scores between the initial healing group and irrigation-suction-assisted healing group.

CONCLUSION: Gracilis muscle transposition and postoperative salvage wound irrigation-suction gained a high success rate in the treatment of complex RVFs and RUFs. QOL and fecal incontinence were significantly improved after the successful healing of RVFs and RUFs.

Congenital urethral polyps in the pediatric population

Congenital urethral polyps are a rare entity. Most commonly, they present as benign posterior urethral growths in the pediatric male patient. However, reports of urethral polyps in female patients or even those with an anterior urethral location can also be found in the literature. Patients can present with a spectrum of symptoms including dysuria, hematuria, and obstructive type urinary complaints. Diagnosis in these cases includes a combination of medical imaging (e.g. ultrasound, fluoroscopic, CT or MRI), direct endoscopic visualization, and final surgical pathology. Treatment involves surgical removal either via an endoscopic or open approach.

New head-mounted miniaturized microscope in hypospadia surgical correction

AIM

The aim of this paper was to report our experience using VarioscopeÒM5 in hypospadia surgical correction. To suggest the use of microsurgical principles that can result in the successful repair of hypospadias with a few complications.

METHODS

Forty-three patients (age 12-16 months), affected by hypospadia, underwent longitudinal dorsal preputial island flap (Scuderi's technique) surgical procedure. All the procedures were performed with Varioscope®M5. This new device is a head-mounted miniaturized microscope which combines a microsurgical microscope illumination and magnification with the freedom of loupes.

RESULTS

In 39 (91.1%) of the patients the postoperative course was uneventful. One patient (2.3%) developed urethral fistula and a second intervention was necessary to correct it. He was affected by fourth degree hypospadia. In 3 patients (6.6%) we observed a mild stenosis. Urethral strictures were dilated during multiple sessions, by weekly introduction of catheters of progressively increasing caliber. At 3 months after surgery all urethral strictures had been solved by non surgical treatment, thus decreasing complication rate of the surgical procedure from 8.9% to 2.3%. Evaluation of flow rate was repeated at 3 weeks, 6 and 12 months. The aesthetic outcome was evaluated by the parents on a VAS scale. Results were judged optimal (8-9 out of 10).

CONCLUSION

In order to achieve a better aesthetic and functional outcome and to reduce complications we deem a perfect flap dissection and anastomosis necessary. A well lighted and magnified surgical field is essential to achieve the best result due to the small anatomical structures involved in the surgical technique we have adopted. The Varioscope®M5 offers essential advantages in this regard.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS): applications beyond local excision

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is a new technique for the local excision of rectal neoplasia. This platform employs ordinary laparoscopic instruments to achieve high-quality local excision. The TAMIS platform, however, is quite versatile. Described here are applications of TAMIS beyond local excision, ranging from repair of a rectourethral fistula to reverse proctectomy.

Outcomes of endoscopic realignment of pelvic fracture associated urethral injuries at a level 1 trauma center

PURPOSE

We examined the success of early endoscopic realignment of pelvic fracture associated urethral injury after blunt pelvic trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of patients with pelvic fracture associated urethral injury who underwent early endoscopic realignment using a retrograde or retrograde/antegrade approach from 2004 to 2010 at a Level 1 trauma center. Followup consisted of uroflowmetry, post-void residual and cystoscopic evaluation. Failure of early endoscopic realignment was defined as patients requiring urethral dilation, direct vision internal urethrotomy, posterior urethroplasty or self-catheterization after initial urethral catheter removal.

RESULTS

A total of 19 consecutive patients (mean age 38 years) with blunt pelvic fracture associated urethral injury underwent early endoscopic realignment. Twelve cases of complete urethral disruption, 4 of incomplete disruption and 3 of indeterminate status were noted. Mean time to realignment was 2 days and mean duration of urethral catheterization after realignment was 53 days. One patient was lost to followup after early endoscopic realignment. Using an intent to treat analysis early endoscopic realignment failed in 15 of 19 patients (78.9%). Mean time to early endoscopic realignment failure after catheter removal was 79 days. The cases of early endoscopic realignment failure were managed with posterior urethroplasty (8), direct vision internal urethrotomy (3) and direct vision internal urethrotomy followed by posterior urethroplasty (3). Mean followup for the 4 patients considered to have undergone successful early endoscopic realignment was 2.1 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Early endoscopic realignment after blunt pelvic fracture associated urethral injury results in high rates of symptomatic urethral stricture requiring further operative treatment. Close followup after initial catheter removal is warranted, as the mean time to failure after early endoscopic realignment was 79 days in our cohort.