Multiple lower urinary tract calculi induced by foreign bodies insertion: A case report

Lower urinary tract foreign bodies are often reported but the underlying causes remain intriguing, ranging from unconventional practices to medical interventions. This condition predominantly affects young males and presentations are varied from asymptomatic, lower urinary tract symptoms to acute obstructive renal failure. We report a case of a 48-year-old male presented with lower urinary tract symptoms and obstructive renal failure. Imaging revealed multiple foreign bodies in the pelvic cavity, suggestive of vesical, and urethral lithiasis. Urethrocystoscopy removed an 8-cm needle with rubber band and a 10-cm encrusted cable, forming a urethral stone. Vesicolithotomy removed a 5 × 3 cm bladder stone with a SIM card inserter as its core. The patient's condition improved after surgery. Notably, the patient's history prompted a psychiatric evaluation, leading to the diagnosis of and treatment for an adjustment disorder. While endourology procedure is effective in most cases, some cases necessitate open surgery. Identification and treatment of underlying psychiatric disorders is needed to for long term care.

Global Practice Patterns and Variations in the Medical and Surgical Management of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey, Guidelines and Expert Recommendations

PURPOSE

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common, but complex problem, with multiple therapeutic options and a lack of clear guidelines. Hence, there is considerable controversy and marked variation in the management of NOA. This survey evaluates contemporary global practices related to medical and surgical management for patients with NOA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 56-question online survey covering various aspects of the evaluation and management of NOA was sent to specialists around the globe. This paper analyzes the results of the second half of the survey dealing with the management of NOA. Results have been compared to current guidelines, and expert recommendations have been provided using a Delphi process.

RESULTS

Participants from 49 countries submitted 336 valid responses. Hormonal therapy for 3 to 6 months was suggested before surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) by 29.6% and 23.6% of participants for normogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism respectively. The SSR rate was reported as 50.0% by 26.0% to 50.0% of participants. Interestingly, 46.0% reported successful SSR in <10% of men with Klinefelter syndrome and 41.3% routinely recommended preimplantation genetic testing. Varicocele repair prior to SSR is recommended by 57.7%. Half of the respondents (57.4%) reported using ultrasound to identify the most vascularized areas in the testis for SSR. One-third proceed directly to microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in every case of NOA while others use a staged approach. After a failed conventional TESE, 23.8% wait for 3 months, while 33.1% wait for 6 months before proceeding to mTESE. The cut-off of follicle-stimulating hormone for positive SSR was reported to be 12-19 IU/mL by 22.5% of participants and 20-40 IU/mL by 27.8%, while 31.8% reported no upper limit.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest survey to date on the real-world medical and surgical management of NOA by reproductive experts. It demonstrates a diverse practice pattern and highlights the need for evidence-based international consensus guidelines.

Global Practice Patterns in the Evaluation of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey and Expert Recommendations

PURPOSE

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the persistent absence of sperm in ejaculate without obstruction, stemming from diverse disease processes. This survey explores global practices in NOA diagnosis, comparing them with guidelines and offering expert recommendations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 56-item questionnaire survey on NOA diagnosis and management was conducted globally from July to September 2022. This paper focuses on part 1, evaluating NOA diagnosis. Data from 367 participants across 49 countries were analyzed descriptively, with a Delphi process used for expert recommendations.

RESULTS

Of 336 eligible responses, most participants were experienced attending physicians (70.93%). To diagnose azoospermia definitively, 81.7% requested two semen samples. Commonly ordered hormone tests included serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (97.0%), total testosterone (92.9%), and luteinizing hormone (86.9%). Genetic testing was requested by 66.6%, with karyotype analysis (86.2%) and Y chromosome microdeletions (88.3%) prevalent. Diagnostic testicular biopsy, distinguishing obstructive azoospermia (OA) from NOA, was not performed by 45.1%, while 34.6% did it selectively. Differentiation relied on physical examination (76.1%), serum hormone profiles (69.6%), and semen tests (68.1%). Expectations of finding sperm surgically were higher in men with normal FSH, larger testes, and a history of sperm in ejaculate.

CONCLUSIONS

This expert survey, encompassing 367 participants from 49 countries, unveils congruence with recommended guidelines in NOA diagnosis. However, noteworthy disparities in practices suggest a need for evidence-based, international consensus guidelines to standardize NOA evaluation, addressing existing gaps in professional recommendations.

Does Varicocele Repair Improve Conventional Semen Parameters? A Meta-Analytic Study of Before-After Data

PURPOSE

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to study the impact of varicocele repair in the largest cohort of infertile males with clinical varicocele by including all available studies, with no language restrictions, comparing intra-person conventional semen parameters before and after the repair of varicoceles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA-P and MOOSE guidelines. A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Eligible studies were selected according to the PICOS model (Population: infertile male patients with clinical varicocele; Intervention: varicocele repair; Comparison: intra-person before-after varicocele repair; Outcome: conventional semen parameters; Study type: randomized controlled trials [RCTs], observational and case-control studies).

RESULTS

Out of 1,632 screened abstracts, 351 articles (23 RCTs, 292 observational, and 36 case-control studies) were included in the quantitative analysis. The before-and-after analysis showed significant improvements in all semen parameters after varicocele repair (except sperm vitality); semen volume: standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.203, 95% CI: 0.129-0.278; p<0.001; I²=83.62%, Egger's p=0.3329; sperm concentration: SMD 1.590, 95% CI: 1.474-1.706; p<0.001; I²=97.86%, Egger's p<0.0001; total sperm count: SMD 1.824, 95% CI: 1.526-2.121; p<0.001; I²=97.88%, Egger's p=0.0063; total motile sperm count: SMD 1.643, 95% CI: 1.318-1.968; p<0.001; I²=98.65%, Egger's p=0.0003; progressive sperm motility: SMD 1.845, 95% CI: 1.537%-2.153%; p<0.001; I²=98.97%, Egger's p<0.0001; total sperm motility: SMD 1.613, 95% CI 1.467%-1.759%; p<0.001; l2=97.98%, Egger's p<0.001; sperm morphology: SMD 1.066, 95% CI 0.992%-1.211%; p<0.001; I²=97.87%, Egger's p=0.1864.

CONCLUSIONS

The current meta-analysis is the largest to date using paired analysis on varicocele patients. In the current meta-analysis, almost all conventional semen parameters improved significantly following varicocele repair in infertile patients with clinical varicocele.

Age, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Geography of Residence, and Occupation are Predictors of Bladder Calculi in Men: A Three-Year Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

The formation of bladder calculi is a complex multifactorial process. Our objective was to identify predictors of bladder calculi in men.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a regional public hospital. We used medical records from 2017 to 2019 for men diagnosed with urinary calculi or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The diagnosis of urinary calculi was based on urinalysis, plain x-ray, and ultrasonography (USG). The diagnosis of BPH was based on digital rectal examination (DRE), USG, and American Urological Association (AUA) Symptom Index to assess the severity of BPH. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 2010 study participants, 66.0% were men with urinary calculi, 39.7% had BPH, 21.0% were aged 70 years or more, 12.5% lived in limestone mountain areas, and 24.6% had occupations that were mainly outdoors. Urinary calculi in men with BPH were found in the urethra (3.0%), bladder (27.6%), ureter (2.2%), and kidney (1.1%). Of all men with urinary calculi, the odds of having bladder calculi in men aged 70 years or more was 13.484, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 8.336-21.811; In men with BPH was 11.182, 95% CI: 6.440-19.416; In men who lived in limestone mountain area was 1.894, 95% CI: 1.242-2.887; In men whose occupation is mainly outdoor was 3.240, 95% CI: 1.954-5.375, compared to reference groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, BPH, geography of residence, and occupation were predictors of bladder calculi in men.

Silodosin as a medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral stones: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Tamsulosin is the most commonly used medical expulsive therapy (MET). However, it does not alleviate ureteral colic. It is important to develop MET that can reduce ureteral colic while maintaining a high stone clearance rate. Silodosin is an α1A adrenoceptor with high affinity and selectivity for the distal ureter, which may reduce ureteral colic and enable stone expulsion for distal ureteral stones. Therefore, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of silodosin as MET and its role in reducing ureteral colic among patients with distal ureteral stones.

Materials and Methods

This research was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review and Intervention, in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42021249003). A comprehensive literature search was performed in several databases including Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus up to July 2021 for randomized trials comparing silodosin with placebo for MET. RevMan 5.4 was used for data analysis.

Results

A total of six randomized controlled trials were included in this analysis with a total of 907 patients. Our analysis revealed that the patients who received silodosin had significantly higher stone expulsion rate (SER) (odds ratio [OR] 3.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.34, 4.76, P < 0.01), significantly shorter stone expulsion time (SET) (mean difference -3.79, 95% CI -4.51, -3.06, P < 0.01), and lower analgesic use (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.23, 0.69, P < 0.01) compared to the group receiving placebo.

Conclusion

Silodosin showed significantly higher SER, lower SET and lower analgesic use in patients with distal ureteral stones as compared to a placebo.

A Thorough Analysis of The Effects and Complications of Two Different Suturing Techniques in Hypospadias Repair Using Tubularized-Incised Plate Urethroplasty: a Meta-Analysis

Background

Hypospadias is a male congenital anomaly that requires urethroplasty via the tubularized-incised plate (TIP) technique. This technique is simple, and the results are promising, although it has few postoperative complications, including the associated suture technique.

Objective

Comparing the continuous and interrupted suturing techniques on the TIP procedure for hypospadias repair.

Methods

This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The authors thoroughly searched electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. The compared endpoints were the total complication, wound infection, meatal stenosis, glans dehiscence, and urethral stricture presented as risk ratio (RR), with mean operating time as mean difference (MD), in 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All statistical analyses were performed using Revman 5.4.

Results

Ten eligible studies were included, totalling 1,894 patients. Pooled RR showed no significant difference in overall complication, surgical site infection, meatal stenosis, glans dehiscence, and urethral stricture between continuous and interrupted sutures. In subgroup analysis, the interrupted suture had fewer complications when using polyglactin material (RR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.14; p = 0.02). The continuous suture showed lesser mean operative time than the interrupted suture (MD: -6 .67, 95% CI -12.52 to -0.82; p = 0.03).

Discussion and Conclusion

No significant complication difference existed between continuous and interrupted suturing techniques. Fewer complications were obtained when using interrupted sutures with polyglactin material. However, continuous suture required less mean operative time.

Consensus and Diversity in the Management of Varicocele for Male Infertility: Results of a Global Practice Survey and Comparison with Guidelines and Recommendations

PURPOSE

Varicocele is a common problem among infertile men. Varicocele repair (VR) is frequently performed to improve semen parameters and the chances of pregnancy. However, there is a lack of consensus about the diagnosis, indications for VR and its outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore global practice patterns on the management of varicocele in the context of male infertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty practicing urologists/andrologists from 23 countries contributed 382 multiple-choice-questions pertaining to varicocele management. These were condensed into an online questionnaire that was forwarded to clinicians involved in male infertility management through direct invitation. The results were analyzed for disagreement and agreement in practice patterns and, compared with the latest guidelines of international professional societies (American Urological Association [AUA], American Society for Reproductive Medicine [ASRM], and European Association of Urology [EAU]), and with evidence emerging from recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Additionally, an expert opinion on each topic was provided based on the consensus of 16 experts in the field.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was answered by 574 clinicians from 59 countries. The majority of respondents were urologists/uro-andrologists. A wide diversity of opinion was seen in every aspect of varicocele diagnosis, indications for repair, choice of technique, management of sub-clinical varicocele and the role of VR in azoospermia. A significant proportion of the responses were at odds with the recommendations of AUA, ASRM, and EAU. A large number of clinical situations were identified where no guidelines are available.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the largest global survey performed to date on the clinical management of varicocele for male infertility. It demonstrates: 1) a wide disagreement in the approach to varicocele management, 2) large gaps in the clinical practice guidelines from professional societies, and 3) the need for further studies on several aspects of varicocele management in infertile men.

Urogenital Fistula Patients Profile at a Tertiary Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia from 2015 to 2021

Highlights: Vesicovaginal fistula is the most common urogenital fistula. The transvaginal approach is preferred in treating urogenital fistula. Abstract: A fistula is an extra-anatomical channel between two or more hollow organs, or between an organ and the body surface. WHO estimated there were two million patients with untreated urogenital fistula, with 130,000 new cases every year. The ideal approach for urogenital fistula depends on surgeon preference and individual clinical characteristics. Accordingly, we aimed to determine the profile of patients with a urogenital fistula at a tertiary hospital of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia, from 2015 to 2021. A retrospective study with a descriptive design was carried out by medical records data retrieval of patients with urogenital fistula. It included age, etiology, anatomical location, surgical management, and recurrence rate. The study population consisted of 55 patients. The majority of the patients were among the 41-50 y.o. age groups (41.17%), while the least were in the <20 years group (1.96%). History of obstructed labor was the most common etiology (70.59%). Fistulas in the study population were also associated with a history of trauma (15.68%) and malignancy (11.76%). The vesicovaginal fistula was the most common type of fistula (88.23%). Other types found include urethrovaginal, ureterovaginal, rectovesical, rectovaginal, and vesicocolon fistulas. The transvaginal approach was preferred in almost all study populations. A total of two cases of vesicovaginal fistula recurred (3.39%). In general, patients with urogenital fistula are prevalent in the 4th decade age group, with the most common etiology being a history of obstructed labor. Transvaginal surgery is the treatment of choice with good results and low recurrence rates.

Comparative efficacy and safety between Micro-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (Micro-PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for the management of 10–20 mm kidney stones in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

Kidney stone in children is a recurring problem that requires multiple interventions over time. Minimally-invasive approach, such as Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is recommended for moderately-sized stones. However, since ESWL is associated with multiple interventions, Micro-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (Micro-PCNL) and Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) can also be considered to treat kidney stones in pediatric patients. Both approaches have their respective advantages and disadvantages. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of Micro-PCNL and RIRS in pediatric patients with kidney stones.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to the PRISMA guideline and Cochrane Handbook of intervention. The included studies were obtained from the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. The protocol of this review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021265894). The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, outcomes were analyzed using STATA®16, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE.

Results

A total of 239 participants were included in this study, divided into the Micro-PCNL (n = 112) and RIRS (n = 127) procedure groups. Statistical analysis revealed a significantly lower requirement of postoperative stenting procedure in Micro-PCNL compared to RIRS (OR 0.09; 95%CI 0.02, 0.47; p < 0.01). However, no significant difference was found in stone-free rate (p = 0.86), operative time (p = 0.09), UTI incidence (p = 0.67), blood transfusion requirement (p = 0.95), and length of stay (p = 0.77).

Conclusion

Micro-PCNL is superior to RIRS in managing pediatric kidney stones,10–20 mm in size based on their comparable SFR and fewer requirements of additional stenting procedures.

•

Micro-PCNL had a comparable SFR to RIRS in managing pediatric kidney stones,10–20 mm.

•

Micro-PCNL had less requirement of stenting procedure than RIRS in managing pediatric kidney stones,10–20 mm.

•

Micro-PCNL is superior to RIRS in managing pediatric kidney stones,10–20 mm.

Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis: Optimizing Laboratory Procedures and Test Interpretation through a Clinical Audit and Global Survey of Practices

PURPOSE

The success of vasectomy is determined by the outcome of a post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA). This article describes a step-by-step procedure to perform PVSA accurately, report data from patients who underwent post vasectomy semen analysis between 2015 and 2021 experience, along with results from an international online survey on clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We present a detailed step-by-step protocol for performing and interpretating PVSA testing, along with recommendations for proficiency testing, competency assessment for performing PVSA, and clinical and laboratory scenarios. Moreover, we conducted an analysis of 1,114 PVSA performed at the Cleveland Clinic's Andrology Laboratory and an online survey to understand clinician responses to the PVSA results in various countries.

RESULTS

Results from our clinical experience showed that 92.1% of patients passed PVSA, with 7.9% being further tested. A total of 78 experts from 19 countries participated in the survey, and the majority reported to use time from vasectomy rather than the number of ejaculations as criterion to request PVSA. A high percentage of responders reported permitting unprotected intercourse only if PVSA samples show azoospermia while, in the presence of few non-motile sperm, the majority of responders suggested using alternative contraception, followed by another PVSA. In the presence of motile sperm, the majority of participants asked for further PVSA testing. Repeat vasectomy was mainly recommended if motile sperm were observed after multiple PVSA's. A large percentage reported to recommend a second PVSA due to the possibility of legal actions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlighted varying clinical practices around the globe, with controversy over the significance of non-motile sperm in the PVSA sample. Our data suggest that less stringent AUA guidelines would help improve test compliance. A large longitudinal multi-center study would clarify various doubts related to timing and interpretation of PVSA and would also help us to understand, and perhaps predict, recanalization and the potential for future failure of a vasectomy.

Inhibition of renal fibrosis with a human CXCL9‐derived glycosaminoglycan‐binding peptide

Objectives

Renal fibrosis accompanies all chronic kidney disorders, ultimately leading to end‐stage kidney disease and the need for dialysis or even renal replacement. As such, renal fibrosis poses a major threat to global health and the search for effective therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat fibrosis is highly needed. We evaluated the applicability of a highly positively charged human peptide derived from the COOH‐terminal domain of the chemokine CXCL9, namely CXCL9(74–103), for therapeutic intervention. Because of its high density of net positive charges at physiological pH, CXCL9(74–103) competes with full‐length chemokines for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) binding. Consequently, CXCL9(74–103) prevents recruitment of inflammatory leucocytes to sites of inflammation.

Methods

CXCL9(74–103) was chemically synthesised and tested in vitro for anti‐fibrotic properties on human fibroblasts and in vivo in the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model.

Results

CXCL9(74–103) significantly reduced the mRNA and/or protein expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and collagen III by transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐stimulated human fibroblasts. In addition, administration of CXCL9(74–103) inhibited fibroblast migration towards platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), without affecting cell viability. In the UUO model, CXCL9(74–103) treatment significantly decreased renal α‐SMA, vimentin, and fibronectin mRNA and protein expression. Compared with vehicle, CXCL9(74–103) attenuated mRNA expression of TGF‐β1 and the inflammatory markers/mediators MMP‐9, F4/80, CCL2, IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Finally, CXCL9(74–103) treatment resulted in reduced influx of leucocytes in the UUO model and preserved tubular morphology. The anti‐fibrotic and anti‐inflammatory effects of CXCL9(74–103) were mediated by competition with chemokines and growth factors for GAG binding.

Conclusions

Our findings provide a scientific rationale for targeting GAG–protein interactions in renal fibrotic disease.

Comparison of ureteral stent diameters on ureteral stent-related symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Ureteral stents may induce complications that may disrupt the quality of life of patients. Several factors that may cause these symptoms are the design, material, diameter, length, and position of the stent. The impact of its diameter varies among current reports, thus we aimed to compare the symptoms between 6 Fr and 5 Fr or less ureteral stents. A systematic search and screening were performed in the Embase, Medline, and Scopus databases. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Cochrane risk of bias tool 2 was used to evaluate the studies. Seven RCTs were included in this review. Urinary symptoms were discussed qualitatively. From the included studies, the use of a relatively smaller stent diameter yielded an overall lower rate of Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire score and urinary symptoms compared to a stent with a larger diameter. There was no significant difference in migration rate (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 0.67–3.57, P = .31), visual analogue scale (MD: −0.42, 95% CI: −2.04 to 1.20, P = .61), analgesic use duration (MD: −0.06, 95% CI: −1.02 to 0.91, P = .91), and stone-free rate probability (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 0.48–3.45, P = .62) between patients with 5 Fr or less and 6 Fr ureteral stents. Smaller ureteral stent size is suggested for reducing ureteral stent-related symptoms, without significant differences in the incidence of stent migration, pain, analgesic use, and stone-free rate.

Yohimbine as a treatment for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

In recent years, several studies have reported promising results of Yohimbine as a natural supplement for erectile dysfunction (ED). However, several studies suggested that the aphrodisiac effects of the extract were only a placebo or due to the increase in peripheral vascular congestion. In contrast, other studies reported that it could provide excellent curative effects on organic impotence. We aimed to review the efficacy of Yohimbine as a pharmacological treatment for ED and performed a comprehensive systematic search of published articles in PubMed and Science Direct databases for eligible randomized controlled trials comparing Yohimbine to placebo or no treatment for ED patients. A total of eight studies out of 543 studies were included in this review. Both Yohimbine alone (odds ratio [OR] ¼ 2.08, 95% CI 1.30-3.32, P ¼ .002) and combined (OR ¼ 6.35, 95% CI 3.01-13.41, P < .001) showed a significantly greater probability of erectile function improvement compared to the placebo group (OR ¼ 2.87, 95% CI 1.94-4.25, P < .001). Yohimbine alone did not show a significant difference in the rate of improved sexual function (P ¼ .07); however, the pooled results of both subgroups indicated a higher rate of improved sexual function (OR ¼ 2.65, 95% CI 1.43-4.92, P ¼ .002). Sole administration of Yohimbine and its combination with other supplements can improve the erectile function in ED patients. However, it is not able to improve the sexual function if not combined with other treatments.

Intraurethral lidocaine use during urodynamics in female patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Pain and discomfort may occur in catheterization during a urodynamic examination. A lidocaine gel combined with a water-based lubricant is sometimes used to reduce pain during catheterization. Several studies claimed that intraurethral lidocaine administration could cause inaccurate urodynamic parameters results. However, its definite effects in urodynamics testing on humans are still not clear. We aimed to evaluate the effects of intraurethral lidocaine on pain and urodynamic study parameters in patients undergoing an invasive urodynamic examination. A systematic search adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was performed in the MEDLINE, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The bias of the studies is evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool by two independent reviewers. The analyses of continuous outcomes were displayed as mean difference (MD), whereas odds ratio is used to analyze dichotomous data. Heterogeneity between studies is determined using the I2 value. A total of three RCTs out of 622 discovered that articles were eligible for analysis. Forest plot analysis of the mean visual analogue scale difference of the studies indicated an insignificant difference between the lidocaine and placebo group (MD -7.68; 95% CI -34.04 to -18.68, P ¼ .57). All urodynamic parameter results were also similar between the two groups (P > .05). Routine intraurethral lidocaine injection prior to a urodynamic study does not affect pain intensity and urodynamic parameters.

Local anesthetics versus systemic analgesics for reducing pain during Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): A systematic review and meta-analysis

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is one of the treatment options for patients with renal and ureteral calculi. Even though the procedure is less invasive compared to others, pain caused by the procedure is a major concern. Several studies recommended the use of either local or systemic analgesia with varying results. We aimed to compare the use of local anesthetics and systemic analgesics from randomized controlled trials evaluating pain management during ESWL. A systematic search adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis protocol was performed in theMedline, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane library databases. The bias was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Mean difference (MD) was used to analyze continuous outcomes. A total of seven studies were obtained. The topical anesthesia used was eutectic mixture of local anesthetic cream and xylocaine gel. In contrast, the local injection anesthesia used was subcutaneous prilocaine and intracutaneous sterile water injection. The systemic analgesics used were intramuscular and oral forms of sodium diclofenac. There is no significant difference between the visual analogue scale results between the local and systemic groups (P> .05). The differences in ESWL frequency were also insignificant (P > .05). Additional analgesics supplementation (MD 8.44, 95% CI 2.28-14.61, P¼ .007) and the duration of the procedure (MD 1.39, 95% CI 0.21-2.56, P¼ .02) were significantly lower in the local group. Local anesthesia in ESWL shows a similar degree of pain and frequency but has a shorter duration and fewer analgesics supplementation than systemic analgesics.

Novel implantable pressure and acceleration sensor for bladder monitoring

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that an implantable sensing system containing accelerometers can detect small-scale autonomous movements, also termed micromotions, which might be relevant to bladder physiology.

METHODS

We developed a 6-mm submucosal implant containing a pressure sensor (MS5637) and a triaxial accelerometer (BMA280). Sensor prototypes were tested by implantation in the bladders of Gottingen minipigs. Repeated awake voiding cystometry was carried out with air-charged catheters in a standard urodynamic set-up as comparators. We identified four phases of voiding similar to cystometry in other animal models based on submucosal pressure. Acceleration signals were separated by frequency characteristics to isolate linear acceleration from the baseline acceleration. The total linear acceleration was calculated by the root mean square of the three measurement axes. Acceleration activity during voiding was investigated to adjacent 1-s windows and was compared with the registered pressure.

RESULTS

We observed a total of 19 consecutive voids in five measurement sessions. A good correlation (r > 0.75) was observed between submucosal and catheter pressure in 14 of 19 premicturition traces. The peak-to-peak interval between maximum total linear acceleration was correlated with the interval between submucosal voiding pressure peaks (r = 0.760, P < 0.001). The total linear acceleration was higher during voiding compared with pre- and postmicturition periods (start of voiding/phase 1).

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of bladder wall acceleration, a novel metric that reflects bladder wall movement. Submucosal sensors containing accelerometers can measure bladder pressure and acceleration.

Testosterone Induces Relaxation of Human Corpus Cavernosum Tissue of Patients With Erectile Dysfunction

Introduction

Previous research in the field of cardiovascular diseases suggests a relaxing effect of testosterone (T) on smooth muscle cells. Therefore, it was hypothesized that T could play a significant role in erection development.

Aim

To investigate the relaxing effect of T and other molecules of the T signaling pathway on human corpus cavernosum (HCC) tissue.

Methods

Samples of the HCC tissue were obtained from men who underwent penile prosthesis implantation (n = 33) for erectile dysfunction. Samples were used for isometric tension measurement in Ex Vivo experiments. Following standardized precontraction with phenylephrine, increasing doses of T or dihydrotestosterone were administered and blocked by NO/H₂S synthesis inhibitors, a K_ATP blocker, and flutamide (androgen receptor inhibitor).

Main Outcome Measure

The outcome was relaxation of the HCC tissue, normalized to a maximum precontraction achieved by phenylephrine.

Results

A dose-dependent relaxing effect of dihydrotestosterone and T was observed with a relaxation of, respectively, 24.9% ± 23.4% (P < .0001) and 41.7% ± 19.1% (P = .01) compared with 6.8% ± 15.9% for vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide) at 300 μM. The relaxing effect of T was not countered by blocking NO synthesis, H₂S synthesis, K_ATP channels, or the androgen receptor.

Clinical Implications

By understanding the underlying mechanisms of T-induced HCC relaxation, potential new therapeutic targets can be identified.

Strengths & Limitations

The strength of the study is the use of fresh HCC tissues with reproducible results. The limitation is the need for supraphysiological T levels to induce the observed effect.

Conclusion

Rapid androgen-induced relaxation of HCC is likely to occur via nongenomic mechanisms. Previously suggested mechanisms of action by which T modulates HCC relaxation have been excluded.

Van den Broeck T, Soebadi MA, Falter A, et al. Testosterone Induces Relaxation of Human Corpus Cavernosum Tissue of Patients With Erectile Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2019; 8:114–119.

Galanin Administration Partially Restores Erectile Function After Cavernous Nerve Injury and Mediates Endogenous Nitrergic Nerve Outgrowth In Vitro

BACKGROUND

Previously, we found that the neuropeptide galanin was strongly upregulated soon after bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) and that galanin and its receptors were expressed in nitrergic erectile innervation. Galanin has been observed to exert neuroregenerative effects in dorsal root ganglion neurons, but evidence for these effects in the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) after BCNI is lacking.

AIM

To evaluate the neurotropic effects of galanin receptor agonists and antagonists in vitro in nitrergic neurons and MPG and in vivo in rats after BCNI.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent BCNI and sham surgery. Organ culture and single-cell neuron culture of the MPG were performed. Osmotic pump treatment with the galanin agonist in vivo and measurement of erectile response to electrostimulation after BCNI, immunohistochemical localization of galanin and receptors in the human neurovascular bundle, and myographic analysis of rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle relaxation to galanin receptor agonists were investigated.

OUTCOMES

Neurite outgrowth in vitro and erectile response to electrostimulation after BCNI in vivo, immunohistochemical localization of galanin and receptors, and penile muscle relaxation in vitro.

RESULTS

Galanin showed neurotrophic action in vitro and inhibition of endogenous galanin significantly impaired neurite outgrowth in nitrergic but not in sympathetic MPG neurons. In vivo administration of a selective galanin receptor-2 agonist, M1145, resulted in partial recovery of erectile function (EF) after BCNI. Galanin did not act as a direct vasodilator on corpus cavernosum muscle strips.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

Endogenous neurotrophins such as galanin could be used as a strategy to improve EF for patients after BCNI from radical prostatectomy.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

We evaluated the effect of galanin on nerve regeneration and EF recovery in vivo and in vitro. Limitations include the lack of washout period for the in vivo experiment and absence of differences in the expression of neuronal markers between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified galanin as a potential endogenous mechanism for nerve regeneration after BCNI, which could play a physiologic role in EF recovery after radical prostatectomy. In vivo treatment with exogenous galanin was beneficial in enhancing EF recovery after BCNI, but further research is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms. Weyne E, Hannan JL, Gevaert T, et al. Galanin Administration Partially Restores Erectile Function After Cavernous Nerve Injury and Mediates Endogenous Nitrergic Nerve Outgrowth In Vitro. J Sex Med 2018;15:480-491.