Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellows' case logs remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

During the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent staffing shortages there was concern about the case volume, and thus competency, of graduating trainees due to reduced surgical volumes. Elective procedures were particularly affected, which includes Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) cases. To understand whether FPMRS fellows were affected, we assessed their case logs for changes during the pandemic.

METHODS

The nationally aggregated case logs of graduating FPMRS fellows, both urology and obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN), were obtained from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The available academic years (AYs) included 2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021. Standard deviation for each index category was derived from the average and 90th percentile data. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare differences in case volumes for tracked index categories between AYs.

RESULTS

Graduating fellows logged an average of 517.4 (standard deviation [SD] 28.6) and 818.0 (SD 37.9) cases, for urology and OBGYN respectively, over their fellowship training during the examined period. No significant differences in total surgical procedures were found for either specialty between pre-COVID AY 2018-2019 and COVID-affected AYs 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. For urology fellows, gastrointestinal (GI) procedures was the only index case category with a significant difference, and it was a decrease between the two COVID-affected AYs: 2020-2021 compared to 2019-2020 (8.9 vs. 4.2, p = 0.04). For both urology and OBGYN fellows, there was a statistically significant decrease in graft/mesh augmentation procedures from COVID-affected AY 2019-2020 to AY 2020-2021. This may be attributed to the reclassification of mesh removal cases from graft/mesh augmentation procedures to genital procedures in 2020-2021. There was not a significant decrease in these procedures from pre-COVID AY 2018-2019 to the COVID-affected AYs. There were no other statistically significant differences between AYs for OBGYN fellows.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical case volumes for FPMRS urology and OBGYN fellows who trained during the COVID-19 pandemic were comparable to those of their pre-pandemic peers. No significant differences between pre-COVID and COVID-affected years were found for either total surgical procedures or index case categories. Despite disruptions in health care nationwide, FPMRS trainee case volumes were largely unaffected.

Effect of COVID-19 on Graduating Urology Resident Case Logs: Analysis of the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education National Data Reports

OBJECTIVE

To assess the national case logs of the first graduating urologic resident cohorts to have trained during the COVID-19 pandemic for effects on surgical volumes.

METHODS

The nationally aggregated Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education urology resident case logs were obtained for graduates of academic years (AYs) 2015-2016 through 2020-2021. Case volume differences for tracked index categories were compared between AYs with a 1-way analysis of variance. Data were then combined into pre-COVID and COVID-affected resident cohorts and differences in average cases logged were analyzed with 2-tailed student's t-tests.

RESULTS

Graduating urology residents logged an average of 1322 (SD 24.8) cases over their residency during the examined period. Total cases had multiple statistical differences between AYs but the only index category with a statistically significant decrease for a COVID-affected AY compared to pre-COVID AY was pediatric majors: AY 2020-2021 logged fewer cases than AY 2015-2016 (53.9 vs 63.0, P = .004) and AY 2018-2019 (53.9 vs 61.2, P = .04). When aggregated into pre- and COVID-affected cohorts, both pediatric minor (123.4 vs 117.5, P = .049) and pediatric major (61.4 vs 56.8, P = .003) case averages decreased for the COVID-affected cohort of residents, but no adult index category decreased.

CONCLUSION

National graduating urology resident surgical volume for adult index categories was maintained through the pandemic. Pediatric cases saw a statistical decrease in volume of questionable clinical significance. This does not eliminate concern that individuals may have experienced a detrimental impact on their resident education.

A narcotic free pathway for postoperative pain following urethroplasty

INTRODUCTION

In an effort to decrease physician contribution to the opioid crisis, we utilized a narcotic free pathway (NFP) after urethroplasty. Our objectives were to demonstrate feasibility of a NFP and identify patients at higher risk for requiring postoperative narcotics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We implemented a NFP for patients undergoing urethroplasty. Pain was assessed using the Likert scale (1-10). Narcotic use was quantified using oral morphine equivalents (OMEs).

RESULTS

Forty-six patients underwent urethroplasty following the NFP over a 7-month period. Fifteen patients were excluded, leaving 31 patients in the final analysis. Postintervention data was compared to 30 patients who underwent urethroplasty prior to implementation of the NFP. The groups had similar demographics except for a history of heroin abuse (0% preintervention, 12.9% postintervention, p = 0.04). Surgical characteristics were not statistically different aside from length of surgery (183.6 minutes preintervention, 145.5 minutes postintervention, p = 0.01). The mean [SD] perioperative OME use preintervention was 194.9 [151] mg, compared to 40.4 [111.9] mg postintervention (p < 0.001). Six patients postintervention were discharged with a narcotic prescription (mean 27.5 mg OME) compared to 26 patients preintervention (mean 76 mg OME) (p < 0.001). There was no difference in pain scores at any time interval. Patients with a history of chronic opioid use were more likely to require narcotics (OR 5.33, CI 1-28.44).

CONCLUSIONS

The narcotic free pathway resulted in a dramatic reduction in narcotic prescriptions without a significant difference in postoperative pain scores. Opioid use can be minimized following urethral and perineal surgery.

Multicenter urethroplasty outcomes for urethral stricture disease for patients with neurogenic bladder or bladder dysfunction requiring clean intermittent catheterization

Background

Our objective is to better comprehend treatment considerations for urethral stricture disease (USD) in patients requiring long-term clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Patient characteristics, surgical outcomes and complications are unknown in this population.

Methods

Six members of the Trauma and Urologic Reconstruction Network of Surgeons (TURNS) participated in a prospective (2009 to present) and retrospective (prior to 2009) database recording patient demographics, surgical approach and outcomes. We included all patients undergoing urethroplasty who perform CIC. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results.

Results

A total of 37 patients with 39 strictures were included. Bladder dysfunction was characterized as detrusor failure in 35% and neurogenic etiology in 65%. Median stricture length was 3 cm (IQR: 1.5–5.5) with 28% repaired with dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft, 26% excision and primary anastomosis, 8% dorsal inlay, 8% ventral and dorsal, 8% flap based 8% non-transecting and 15% other. Functional success was 90%: 4 patients required DVIU or dilation due to recurrence, with 2 of those ultimately requiring repeat urethroplasty. 86% of patients returned to CIC; no patients reported new pad use for urinary leakage after urethroplasty. During a median follow-up period of 3.1 years (IQR: 1.0–5.3), no patients underwent urinary diversion.

Conclusions

Urethroplasty is suitable, safe and effective for patients dependent on CIC suffering from USD. The effect of continual CIC on long-term outcomes remains uncertain.

Robotic Surgery for the Reconstruction of Transplant Ureteral Strictures

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the feasibility and success of a robotic approach to reconstruction of ureterovesical anastomotic strictures in kidney transplants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between November 2017 and December 2019, a total of 5 patients with transplant ureteral stricture were identified and treated with robot assisted laparoscopic repair. All patients were confirmed to have ureteral stricture with a preoperative antegrade nephrostogram through their nephrostomy tube and cystogram. The patients demographics, ureteral characteristics, type of procedure, and outcomes are reported.

RESULTS

All patients were diagnosed after evaluation for renal deterioration. The average age of the patients was 49 years old. The average stricture length was 2.5 cm, and the location was variable, though more commonly in the distal ureter. Three patients required a pyelo-vesicostomy, while 2 required a ureteroneocystostomy. The mean length of stay was 2.2 days. Average follow-up was 97 days, with all 5 patients having successful outcomes, no strictures or delayed leaks were identified. There were no wound infections or readmissions within 30 days.

CONCLUSION

Though a complex repair, the robot-assisted approach to transplant ureter reconstruction using either an end to side neoureterocystotomy or direct pyelo-vesicotomy is technically feasible and successful. Given the many advantages inherent in comparison to an open approach, the robotic repair offers significant advantages to both the patient and the surgeon who is experienced with robotic surgery and reconstructive principles.

The Prevalence of Penile Cancer in Patients With Adult Acquired Buried Penis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of penile cancer in patients with adult acquired buried penis (AABP). Penile cancer is a rare but aggressive cancer. Several case reports have recently been published that indicate that AABP may increase the risk of penile cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of adults diagnosed with AABP and penile cancer between January, 2008 and December, 2018 seen at a tertiary referral center. Demographics including age, BMI, comorbidities, etiology of AABP, smoking history, circumcision status, and premalignant lesions (condyloma, lichen sclerosus [LS] carcinoma in situ [CIS]) were recorded. For patients with penile cancer, AJCC staging, grade, TNM staging and treatments were recorded. Basic descriptive statistics were performed for the overall cohort. We used Chi-square tests and Fisher exact tests to compare differences between patients with benign pathology and patients with malignant or pre-malignant pathology.

RESULTS

We identified 150 patients with the diagnosis of AABP. The prevalence of penile squamous cell carcinoma was 7%. There was a 35% rate of premalignant lesions. This study is limited by its retrospective and single-institution nature.

CONCLUSION

AABP is a condition that incorporates multiple risk factors for penile cancer. The prevalence of penile cancer appears to be higher in patients with AABP; however, more data are needed to confirm these initial findings. Patients with AABP should be counseled on these risks and should be considered for buried penis repair if a physical examination cannot be performed.

Trends in renal calculus composition and 24-hour urine analyses in patients with neurologically derived musculoskeletal deficiencies

Purpose:

To better characterize metabolic stone risk in patients with neurologically derived musculoskeletal deficiencies (NDMD) by determining how patient characteristics relate to renal calculus composition and 24-hour urine parameters.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with neurologically derived musculoskeletal deficiencies presenting to our multidisciplinary Kidney Stone Clinic. Patients with a diagnosis of NDMD, at least one 24-hour urine collection, and one chemical stone analysis were included in the analysis. Calculi were classified as primarily metabolic or elevated pH. We assessed in clinical factors, demographics, and urine metabolites for differences between patients who formed primarily metabolic or elevated pH stones.

Results:

Over a 16-year period, 100 patients with NDMD and nephrolithiasis were identified and 41 met inclusion criteria. Thirty percent (12 / 41) of patients had purely metabolic calculi. Patients with metabolic calculi were significantly more likely to be obese (median body mass index 30.3kg / m² versus 25.9kg / m²), void spontaneously (75% vs. 6.9%), and have low urine volumes (100% vs. 69%). Patients who formed elevated pH stones were more likely to have positive preoperative urine cultures with urease splitting organisms (58.6% vs. 16.7%) and be hyperoxaluric and hypocitraturic on 24-hour urine analysis (37mg / day and 265mg / day versus 29mg / day and 523mg / day).

Conclusions:

Among patients with NDMD, metabolic factors may play a more significant role in renal calculus formation than previously believed. There is still a high incidence of carbonate apatite calculi, which could be attributed to bacteriuria. However, obesity, low urine volumes, hypocitraturia, and hyperoxaluria suggest an underrecognized metabolic contribution to stone formation in this population.

Prevalence and surgical management of concurrent adult acquired buried penis and urethral stricture disease

PURPOSE

To describe the prevalence and surgical management of coexistent adult acquired buried penis (AABP) and urethral stricture disease. AABP patients often have urinary dribbling with resultant chronic local moisture, infection, and inflammation that combine to cause urethral stricture disease. To date, no screening or surgical management algorithms have been described.

METHODS

A multi-institutional retrospective study was conducted of the surgical management strategies for patients with concurrent AABP and urethral stricture disease from 2010 to 2017. AABP patient demographics, physical exam findings, and comorbidities were compared between those with and without stricture disease to suggest those that would selectively benefit from screening for stricture disease.

RESULTS

Of the 42 patients surgically managed for AABP, 13 had urethral stricture disease (31.0%). Stricture location was universal in the anterior urethra. Sixty-one percent (n = 8) of strictures were 6 cm or longer and managed prior to AABP repair with Kulkarni urethroplasty. Patients with urethral stricture disease were significantly more likely to have clinically diagnosed lichen sclerosus (p = 0.00019). There was no significant difference in BMI, age, or comorbidities between patients with and without urethral stricture disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive anterior urethral stricture is common in patients with AABP. Clinical characteristics cannot predict stricture presence except possibly the presence of lichen sclerosus. Definitive stricture surgical options include extensive Johanson Urethroplasty or Kulkarni Urethroplasty. Kulkarni Urethroplasty prior to AABP repair has the benefits of a single-stage repair, good cosmetic outcome with meatal voiding, and dorsal graft placement to allow safe degloving of the penis in the subsequent AABP repair.

A Novel Endoluminal Ultrasound Imaging Technique to Determine Urethral Luminal Cross-Sectional Area

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Retrograde urethrogram (RUG) and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) are currently the gold standard imaging technique for diagnosis of urethral stricture and determination of stricture location. However, RUG and VCUG have multiple limitations. These techniques require exposure to ionizing radiation, the quality is operator and patient dependent, there is a moderate degree of invasiveness with urethral catheterization, can have artifacts because of patient positioning that underestimates stricture length. The development of novel imaging modalities without ionizing radiation to accurately evaluate the presence, location, length, and lumen cross-sectional area (CSA) of the urethral stricture would be of great value. The objective of this study was to develop a novel endoluminal ultrasound (ELUS) imaging technique that permits the accurate quantitation of urethral stricture.

METHODS

Urethral strictures were created in rabbits (n = 5) by electrocautery and an ELUS technique was developed for subsequent luminal imaging. A 3.2F 40 MHz ultrasound (US) probe was introduced transurethrally and infused with US contrast agent. Images were recorded as the catheter was pulled back at a constant speed to acquire tomographic images. Lumen CSA over the entire urethral length was calculated using a custom methodology and validated in our laboratory.

RESULTS

Urethral luminal CSA over the entire length of urethra before and after experimental stricture development was quantified including the length of stenosis. Intra- and interobserver variability (r = 0.99 for both) was excellent.

CONCLUSIONS

Feasibility of ELUS as a quantitative technique to determine healthy urethral lumen and stricture CSA was demonstrated. The translational potential for a nonionizing imaging modality to better describe CSA, length, location, and uninvolved urethral CSA of the stricture is a significant improvement over current methodology.

Surgical Management of Adult-acquired Buried Penis: Impact on Urinary and Sexual Quality of Life Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To assess postoperative patient-reported quality of life outcomes after surgical management of adult-acquired buried penis (AABP). We hypothesize that surgical treatment of AABP results in improvements in urinary and sexual quality of life.

METHODS

Patients that underwent surgical treatment of AABP were retrospectively identified. The Expanded Prostate Cancer Index (EPIC) questionnaire was completed at ≥3 months postoperatively, and completed retrospectively to define preoperative symptoms. EPIC is validated for local treatment of prostate cancer. Urinary and sexual domains were utilized. Questions are scored on a 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating better quality of life. Preoperative scores were compared with postoperative scores.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients completed pre- and postoperative questionnaires. Mean time from surgery to questionnaire was 12.6 months. There was a significant improvement in 10 of 12 urinary domain questions and 10 of 13 sexual domain questions. Fourteen of 16 patients (87.5%) reported significant improvement in overall sexual function (median score changed from 1.5 to 5, P <.0001). Similarly, 14 of 16 patients (87.5%) reported significant improvement in overall urinary function (median score changed from 1 to 4, P <.0001).

CONCLUSION

AABP is a challenging condition to treat and often requires surgical intervention to improve hygiene and function. There are limited data on patient-reported quality of life outcomes. We found that surgical management of AABP results in significant improvements in both urinary and sexual quality of life outcomes.

Surgical Management of Adult Acquired Buried Penis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Adult acquired buried penis is a morbid condition characterized by complete entrapment of the phallus as a result of morbid obesity, post-surgical cicatrix formation, or primary genital lymphedema. Hygienic voiding is not possible and urinary dribbling is frequent with accompanying inflammation, skin breakdown, and infection from the chronic moisture. The end result is penile skin fibrosis resulting in permanent functional loss. Herein, we describe the etiology of adult acquired buried penis, advances in its surgical management, and quality of life outcomes with treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Adult acquired buried penis is increasing in incidence as morbid obesity becomes more prevalent. Frequently comorbid conditions affect treatment including those affecting wound healing such a diabetes mellitus. Functional and cosmetic surgical outcomes are being published in greater volume in recent years leading to more refined treatment algorithms. Patient quality of life is greatly improved by definitive surgical management. Adult acquired buried penis is a morbid condition that is increasing in incidence as obesity becomes more commonplace. Surgical management often necessitates surgical lipectomy of the suprapubic fat pad, scrotoplasty, and penile split thickness skin graft. Substantial quality of life improvements have been consistently reported after surgical treatment.

Withdrawal Notice: Growth Kinetics and Oncologic Outcomes for Small Renal Masses Managed with Active Surveillance: A Review of the Literature

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Surgical Management of Adult Acquired Buried Penis: Escutcheonectomy, Scrotectomy, and Penile Split-thickness Skin Graft

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the surgical management of adult acquired buried penis (AABP). Affected patients have poor sexual function, urinary dribbling with subsequent skin breakdown, mood disturbance, lichen sclerosus with subsequent urethral stricture, and poor quality of life. Previous efforts have described limited repairs including an isolated resection of the escutcheon, which unfortunately often leads to reburying. We present a more extensive surgical repair including escutcheonectomy, scrotoplasty, and penile split-thickness skin graft (STSG) to provide a durable definitive repair.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients managed in 2015-2016. Twelve patients who underwent escutcheonectomy, scrotoplasty, and penile STSG were identified. All patients had morbid obesity as a sole etiology or a significant contributing factor. Outcomes evaluated were surgical complications, reburying of the penis, and graft take rates.

RESULTS

Twelve patients underwent repair of AABP. All patients had durable unburying at the intermediate-term follow-up (mean of 8 months). The mean patient body mass index was 45.4 ± 13.8. The operative times, the length of stay, and the estimated blood loss were 312 ± 59 minutes, 5.3 ± 1.1 days, and 304 ± 133 cc, respectively. The STSG take rate was 80%-100% (mean of 91.7%).

CONCLUSION

AABP is a challenging condition to treat. Limited surgical repairs can lead to a reburying of the penis and a progression of urethral disease. Escutcheonectomy, scrotoplasty, and STSG have encouraging intermediate-term outcomes with durable unburying of the penis and good STSG take rates. Further follow-up in larger series is needed, but results are thus far encouraging.

Sex difference in the contribution of GABAB receptors to tibial neuromodulation of bladder overactivity in cats

This study investigated the role of γ-aminobutyric acid subtype B (GABA_B) receptors in tibial and pudendal neuromodulation of bladder overactivity induced by intravesical administration of dilute (0.5%) acetic acid (AA) in α-chloralose-anesthetized cats. To inhibit bladder overactivity, tibial or pudendal nerve stimulation (TNS or PNS) was applied at 5 Hz and two or four times threshold (T) intensity for inducing toe or anal sphincter twitch. TNS at 2T or 4T intensity significantly (P < 0.05) increased the bladder capacity to 173.8 ± 16.2 or 198.5 ± 24.1%, respectively, of control capacity. Meanwhile, PNS at 2T or 4T intensity significantly (P < 0.05) increased the bladder capacity to 217 ± 18.8 and 221.3 ± 22.3% of control capacity, respectively. CGP52432 (a GABA_B receptor antagonist) at intravenous dosages of 0.1-1 mg/kg completely removed the TNS inhibition in female cats but had no effect in male cats. CGP52432 administered intravenously also had no effect on control bladder capacity or the pudendal inhibition of bladder overactivity. These results reveal a sex difference in the role of GABA_B receptors in tibial neuromodulation of bladder overactivity in cats and that GABA_B receptors are not involved in either pudendal neuromodulation or irritation-induced bladder overactivity.

Role of cannabinoid receptor type 1 in tibial and pudendal neuromodulation of bladder overactivity in cats

The role of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors in tibial and pudendal neuromodulation of bladder overactivity induced by intravesical infusion of 0.5% acetic acid (AA) was determined in α-chloralose anesthetized cats. AA irritation significantly (P < 0.01) reduced bladder capacity to 36.6 ± 4.8% of saline control capacity. Tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) at two or four times threshold (2T or 4T) intensity for inducing toe movement inhibited bladder overactivity and significantly (P < 0.01) increased bladder capacity to 69.2 ± 9.7 and 79.5 ± 7.2% of saline control, respectively. AM 251 (a CB1 receptor antagonist) administered intravenously at 0.03 or 0.1 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the inhibition induced by 2T or 4T TNS, respectively, without changing the prestimulation bladder capacity. However, intrathecal administration of AM 251 (0.03 mg) to L7 spinal segment had no effect on TNS inhibition. Pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS) also inhibited bladder overactivity induced by AA irritation, but AM 251 at 0.01-1 mg/kg iv had no effect on PNS inhibition or the prestimulation bladder capacity. These results indicate that CB1 receptors play an important role in tibial but not pudendal neuromodulation of bladder overactivity and the site of action is not within the lumbar L7 spinal cord. Identification of neurotransmitters involved in TNS or PNS inhibition of bladder overactivity is important for understanding the mechanisms of action underlying clinical application of neuromodulation therapies for bladder disorders.

Lumbosacral spinal segmental contributions to tibial and pudendal neuromodulation of bladder overactivity in cats

AIMS

To determine the spinal segmental afferent contributions to tibial and pudendal inhibition of bladder overactivity.

METHODS

Intravesical infusion of 0.5% acetic acid was used to irritate the bladder and induce bladder overactivity in anesthetized cats. Tibial or pudendal nerve stimulation was used to suppress the bladder overactivity and increase bladder capacity during cystometry. L5-S3 dorsal roots ipsilateral to the stimulation were exposed by a laminectomy and transected sequentially during the experiments to determine the role of individual dorsal roots in tibial or pudendal neuromodulation.

RESULTS

Transection of L5 dorsal root had no effect. Transection of L6 dorsal root in four cats produced an average 18% reduction in tibial inhibition, which is not a significant change when averaged in the group of 10 cats. Transection of L7 dorsal root completely removed the tibial inhibition without changing reflex bladder activity or pudendal inhibition. Transection of S1 dorsal root reduced the pudendal inhibition, after which transection of S2 dorsal root completely removed the pudendal inhibition. Transection of S3 dorsal root had no effect. The control bladder capacity was increased only by transection of S2 dorsal root.

CONCLUSIONS

This study in cats revealed that tibial and pudendal neuromodulation of reflex bladder overactivity depends on activation of primary afferent pathways that project into different spinal segments. This difference may be related to the recent observation in cats that the two types of neuromodulation have different mechanisms of action.

Contribution of GABAA, Glycine, and Opioid Receptors to Sacral Neuromodulation of Bladder Overactivity in Cats

In α-chloralose-anesthetized cats, we examined the role of GABA_A, glycine, and opioid receptors in sacral neuromodulation-induced inhibition of bladder overactivity elicited by intravesical infusion of 0.5% acetic acid (AA). AA irritation significantly (P < 0.01) reduced bladder capacity to 59.5 ± 4.8% of saline control. S1 or S2 dorsal root stimulation at threshold intensity for inducing reflex twitching of the anal sphincter or toe significantly (P < 0.01) increased bladder capacity to 105.3 ± 9.0% and 134.8 ± 8.9% of saline control, respectively. Picrotoxin, a GABA_A receptor antagonist administered i.v., blocked S1 inhibition at 0.3 mg/kg and blocked S2 inhibition at 1.0 mg/kg. Picrotoxin (0.4 mg, i.t.) did not alter the inhibition induced during S1 or S2 stimulation, but unmasked a significant (P < 0.05) poststimulation inhibition that persisted after termination of stimulation. Naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist (0.3 mg, i.t.), significantly (P < 0.05) reduced prestimulation bladder capacity and removed the poststimulation inhibition. Strychnine, a glycine receptor antagonist (0.03-0.3 mg/kg, i.v.), significantly (P < 0.05) increased prestimulation bladder capacity but did not reduce sacral S1 or S2 inhibition. After strychnine (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.), picrotoxin (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) further (P < 0.05) increased prestimulation bladder capacity and completely blocked both S1 and S2 inhibition. These results indicate that supraspinal GABA_A receptors play an important role in sacral neuromodulation of bladder overactivity, whereas glycine receptors only play a minor role to facilitate the GABA_A inhibitory mechanism. The poststimulation inhibition unmasked by blocking spinal GABA_A receptors was mediated by an opioid mechanism.

Defining the Rate of Primary Ureteroscopic Failure in Unstented Patients: A Multi-Institutional Study

PURPOSE

Primary ureteroscopic intervention for kidney or ureteral stones occasionally encounters difficulty with passage of the ureteroscope in the initial procedure. These patients require a second procedure after stenting. We aim to define the contemporary failure rate of primary ureteroscopy (URS) and identify predictive factors that necessitate prestenting. This will assist in preoperative patient counseling, informed consent, and clinical decision-making.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a multi-institutional retrospective review of 535 unstented patients undergoing primary URS from August 2011 to August 2013. The primary outcome was gaining access to the unstented ureter.

RESULTS

The failure rate for accessing the unstented ureter was 7.7% (41/535). The median age of females with primary ureteroscopic failure was significantly lower than in females who had successful ureteroscopic access (34 vs 52 years; p = 0.0041). There was no difference in the median age of males with access vs failure (58 vs 57 years; p = 0.3683). Proximal ureteral stones had the highest failure rate for ureteral access at 18.28% (p = 0.006). On multivariable logistic regression, proximal ureteral stone location remained a significant predictor of failure when compared to renal stones (odds ratio [OR] 3.14, p = 0.006). When including only ureteral stones in the multivariable analysis, stone location in the proximal ureter compared to the distal ureter remained the only significant predictor of access failure (OR 0.24, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

A low overall rate of ureteral access failure in unstented patients is shown. Young female patients and proximal ureteral stones were less likely to be accessed primarily. This study provides information that will help urologists counsel their patients preoperatively regarding their likelihood of failing primary URS necessitating a second procedure. This will also help the patient to make an informed decision during the consent process and may guide urologists on selective prestenting in higher risk patients.

Renal biopsy for medical renal disease: indications and contraindications

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) is a safe and effective modality for sampling kidney tissue. In limited circumstances, alternative methods for kidney biopsy may be indicated. Historical contraindications for PRB such as bleeding diathesis, morbid obesity and solitary kidney have been called into question in the literature. We present a review of the literature on PRB and the risks and benefits associated with alternatives.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of the literature was performed through MEDLINE and PubMed. A total of 726 articles exist under the query, "percutaneous renal biopsy." Large series describing indications, contraindications, procedural methods, and complications were extracted. To further investigate the risks of percutaneous renal biopsy on solitary kidneys, the literature on percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and biopsy of transplant kidneys were queried. Summaries of the data were compiled and synthesized in the body of the text.

RESULTS

Percutaneous renal biopsy is safe and effective in the majority of kidney units for the evaluation of medical renal disease. Rates of bleeding range from 0.3%-7.4%, and nephrectomy rates are exceedingly low (0.1%-0.5%). Bleeding rates in open and laparoscopic approaches are comparable and range from 0%-7.0%, with major complications ranging from 0%-6.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

The successes of percutaneous methods have called into question traditional contraindications such as solitary kidney, bleeding diathesis, and morbid obesity. In limited cases, alternative methods may be appropriate. We present a review of the literature for the various approaches and their associated complication rates.

Evolving Mechanisms of Injury and Management of Pediatric Blunt Renal Trauma--20 Years of Experience

OBJECTIVE

To review 20 years of a prospectively maintained trauma database to identify changing trends in mechanisms of renal injury, demographics, and management outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following the approval from the institutional review board, a prospectively maintained trauma database was reviewed for renal trauma patient demographics, management, and mechanisms of injury. Data were reviewed first for the entire cohort and then incrementally to identify mechanisms of injury associated with increasing frequency or grade of injury.

RESULTS

A total of 228 graded renal injuries were identified from 1993 to 2013. The majority of renal injuries occurred in males (77.2%) >6 years of age (85.1%). Low grade (I-III) injuries were more common (70.6%). The most frequent mechanisms of injury identified were falls, recreational motor vehicle (RMV) accidents, bike accidents, motor vehicle collisions, and sports accidents, in descending order of frequency. RMV-related injuries have become frequent with time despite recommendations against use in the pediatric age population. Surgical intervention was rarely necessary. Over the 20 year study period, 5 nephrectomies (1.4%) were required, whereas 10 endoscopic interventions or percutaneous drainage procedures were needed (2.4%).

CONCLUSION

The majority of blunt pediatric renal injuries are low grade and can be managed nonoperatively. Nephrectomy is rarely required but is indicated for hemodynamic instability refractory to resuscitation. Pediatric blunt renal trauma secondary to RMV use is increasing despite recommendations against their use in the pediatric population.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the bladder masquerading as eosinophilic cystitis: case report and review of the literature

A 9-year-old boy presented with gross hematuria of 2 days duration. Cystoscopic evaluation revealed an anterior bladder mass. Pathology was consistent with eosinophilic cystitis, and a steroid regimen was initiated accordingly, but no improvement ensued. Concern for alternate malignant pathology led to open resection and the ultimate diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the bladder. Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a rare tumor of the bladder in children and to our knowledge has not previously been associated with a misleading eosinophil-rich mucosal inflammatory response.

Simultaneous cuff revision and placement of an AdVance male sling for persistent post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence initially managed with AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter

Placement of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) remains the gold standard for treatment of stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. Persistent or recurrent incontinence after AUS placement can occur. Options then include cuff revision or placement of a retrourethral transobturator sling (RTS), among other alternatives. This report describes simultaneous cuff revision and placement of a RTS for management of refractory stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. This approach obviates the need for additional procedures if one approach fails. This is especially valuable for patients averse to operative intervention and those at high risk for general anesthesia.

Challenges to developing proteomic-based breast cancer diagnostics

Over the past decade, multiple genetic and histological approaches have accelerated development of new breast cancer diagnostics and treatment paradigms. Multiple distinct genetic subtypes of breast cancers have been defined, and this has progressively led toward more personalized medicine in regard to treatment options. There still remains a deficiency in the development of molecular diagnostic assays that can be used for breast cancer detection and pretherapy clinical decisions. In particular, the type of cancer-specific biomarker typified by a serum or tissue-derived protein. Progress in this regard has been minimal, especially in comparison to the rapid advancements in genetic and histological assays for breast cancers. In this review, some potential reasons for this large gap in developing protein biomarkers will be discussed, as well as new strategies for improving these approaches. Improvements in the study design of protein biomarker discovery strategies in relation to the genetic subtypes and histology of breast cancers is also emphasized. The current successes in use of genetic and histological assays for breast cancer diagnostics are summarized, and in that context, the current limitations of the types of breast cancer-related clinical samples available for protein biomarker assay development are discussed. Based on these limitations, research strategies emphasizing identification of glycoprotein biomarkers in blood and MALDI mass spectrometry imaging of tissues are described.

Clinical collection and protein properties of expressed prostatic secretions as a source for biomarkers of prostatic disease

The prostate gland secretes many proteins in a prostatic fluid that combines with seminal vesicle derived fluids to promote sperm activation and function. Proximal fluids of the prostate that can be collected clinically are seminal plasma and expressed-prostatic secretion (EPS) fluids. EPS represents the fluid being secreted by the prostate following a digital rectal prostate massage, which in turn can be collected in voided urine post-exam. This collection is not disruptive to a standard urological exam, and it can be repeatedly collected from men across all prostatic disease states. A direct EPS fluid can also be collected under anesthesia prior to prostatectomy. While multiple genetic assays for prostate cancer detection are being developed for the shed epithelial cell fraction of EPS urines, the remaining fluid that contains many prostate-derived proteins has been minimally characterized. Approaches to optimization and standardization of EPS collection consistent with current urological exam and surgical practices are described, and initial proteomic and glycomic evaluations of the of EPS fluid are summarized for prostate specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase. Continued characterization of the prostate specific protein components of EPS urine combined with optimization of clinical collection procedures should facilitate discovery of new biomarkers for prostate cancer.

Pharmacological evidence for an omega-conotoxin, dihydropyridine-insensitive neuronal Ca2+ channel

Inactivation of N-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (VSCC) with omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTx) in tissue obtained from chicken brain produces a concentration dependent (0.01-0.1 microM) inhibition of K(+)-stimulated Ca2+ influx (delta K+), the rise in [Ca2+]i and acetylcholine (ACh) release. In identical preparations from rat brain, Ca2+ influx and the rise in [Ca2+]i were only marginally affected by much higher (1-10 microM) concentrations of omega-CgTx. The release of ACh, however, was inhibited to the same degree with similar amounts of omega-CgTx as those used in chicken brain. An L-type VSCC inhibitor failed to affect any of these parameters alone, or to augment the effect of omega-CgTx. The results suggest that almost all the VSCC in chicken brain are of the N type and that these channels regulate neurotransmitter release. In rat brain, on the other hand, Ca2+ channels resistant to N- or L-type blockers account for almost 75% of the measurable Ca2+ influx and rise in [Ca2+]i. The conspicuous dissociation between the regulation of Ca2+ influx and ACh release demonstrated in rat brain by using omega-CgTx, suggest that neurotransmitter release is governed by only a small proportion of strategically located N-type, omega-CgTx sensitive, VSCC in the presynaptic terminal.