Is It the Load That Breaks You or the Way You Carry It: How Demanding Is Endourology?

Objective: Surgical outcomes are dependent on multiple factors. Besides patient-related or procedure-related factors, several surgeon-related factors contribute to surgical outcomes. The Surgery Task Load Index (SURG-TLX) questionnaire helps to assess the impact of several stressors on the perceived demands of surgeons during surgery. In this study, we evaluate the applicability of the SURG-TLX questionnaire for endourologic procedures and set a first point of reference. Materials and Methods: Between March and August 2022, 15 urologists and urology residents at a tertiary referral center for endourology completed the SURG-TLX questionnaire after endourologic procedures. After data acquisition, all participants were asked to evaluate the applicability of the questionnaire for endourologic procedures. Results: A total of 130 procedures were included between March and August 2022. Situational stress had the lowest median score (3.0/20; interquartile range [IQR] 2.0-7.0) and task complexity the highest (5.0/20; IQR 3.0-8.0). After weighing, the dimensions showed different proportions when compared with the nonweighted scores. Distractions received the highest score (15.0/100; IQR 7.5-32.8), temporal demands (6.0/100; IQR 3.0-12.5), and situational stress the lowest (6.0/100; IQR 2.0-21.0). This was caused by the higher weight that was attributed to distractions (3.4/5), as opposed to task complexity (2.6/5). In the questionnaire regarding applicability of the SURG-TLX, the overall satisfaction (6.0/10; IQR 5.0-7.0) and clarity (6.5/10; IQR 5.0-7.5) were moderate. The user-friendliness and applicability of the questionnaire were rated high (7.0/10; IQR 5.5-8.0 and 7.0/10; IQR 6.0-8.0, respectively) and task load (3.0/10; IQR 2.0-5.0) and time load (2.0/10; IQR 2.0-3.5) low. Conclusion: The SURG-TLX questionnaire is appropriate to assess the different dimensions of workload during endourologic procedures. Furthermore, the perceived workload during endourologic procedures is relatively low.

The effect of colpectomy on lower urinary tract function in transgender men

Background: In transgender men, effects of colpectomy on voiding function are unknown, except for the incidence rates of urinary tract infections and urinary retention. Aims: To provide insight into the effect of colpectomy on Lower Urinary Tract Function (LUTF) in transgender men. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted among transgender men who underwent colpectomy between January 2018 and October 2020. Primary outcomes were objective and subjective changes in voiding. Secondary outcomes were transurethral catheterization length and the need for clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC). Results: Of 132 men, 89 (67%) underwent Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Colpectomy (RaLC) and 43 (33%) Vaginal Colpectomy (VC). Maximum flow rate on uroflowmetry decreased following RaLC (mean of 29.1 vs. 38.3 mL/s, p = 0.002) and VC (mean of 29.2 vs. 40.3 mL/s, p < 0.001) after a median of four months postoperatively. An increase in total International Prostate Symptom Score was seen more frequently following VC compared to RaLC. Subjective changes were indicated by 39%, more often by men who underwent VC, of which the majority improved during the first months postoperatively. Trial without catheter (TWOC) on the first postoperative day was more successful after RaLC (79/89, 89%) than VC (24/43, 56%). Secondary TWOC was successful in 22/132 (17%) patients after a median of eight days postoperatively. In 5/132 (4%) men (three VC and two RaLC), temporary CISC was necessary for a period ranging from 5 to 21 days. The last 2/132 (2%) men after RaLC were still performing CISC at end of follow-up. Eventually, 5% (two VC and four RaLC) had to refrain from genital gender-affirming surgery with urethral lengthening due to voiding dysfunction. Discussion: After colpectomy, most objective and subjective worsening in LUTF is of a temporary nature, however, 5% had to refrain from genital gender-affirming surgery with urethral lengthening due to persistent voiding dysfunction, despite the desire to void while standing.

Comparison of surgical outcomes and urinary functioning after phalloplasty with versus without urethral lengthening in transgender men

Background: Phalloplasty in transgender men is performed with or without Urethral Lengthening (UL). To create clear expectations in the choice of UL, an overview and comparison of outcomes is useful. Aims: To provide and compare surgical outcomes and urinary functioning after phalloplasty with versus without UL in transgender men. Methods: A single-center, retrospective chart review was conducted among transgender men who underwent phalloplasty with or without UL between 01-2013 and 10-2020. Primary outcomes were differences in complication and reoperation rates. Secondary outcomes were end-stages of voiding at last follow-up and differences in voiding analyses pre- and postoperatively. Results: Of 136 men, 91 (67%) underwent phalloplasty with, and 45 (33%) without UL. Wound infection (31 vs. 16%, p = 0.06) and partial flap loss (35 vs. 13%, p = 0.008) were predominately seen after UL. In the UL group, 43% urethral fistulas and 60% urethral strictures were observed, relative to one man without UL who had a urethral fistula (both p < 0.001). Meatal or perineal orifice stenosis was seen in 29% with versus 11% without UL (p = 0.02). Reoperation was needed in 81% with versus 27% without UL (p < 0.001). At follow-up, 80/91 (88%) after UL reached end-stage of voiding, with 60/80 (75%) able to void while standing and 20/80 (25%) having a definitive urethrostomy. The remaining 11/91 (12%) men were awaiting further treatment for urological complications. The men able to void while standing had a median of one reoperation (range 0-6), and a significant decrease in maximum flow rate on postoperative uroflowmetry (21.4 vs. 29.8 mL/s, p < 0.001). After phalloplasty without UL, all men had a definitive perineostomy without changes in voiding analyses. Discussion: The choice for or against UL during phalloplasty has become more relevant over the years. This comparison of surgical outcomes and urinary functioning can be useful in the shared decision-making process to come to the most suitable choice of phalloplasty.

Surgical outcomes and proposal for a treatment algorithm for urethral strictures in transgender men

OBJECTIVES

To assess our results of surgical treatment for urethral strictures in transgender men, and to provide a surgical treatment algorithm.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A single centre, retrospective cohort study was conducted of transgender men who underwent surgical correction of their urethral stricture(s) between January 2013 and March 2020. The medical charts of 72 transgender men with 147 urethral strictures were reviewed. The primary outcomes were the success and recurrence rates after surgical treatment for urethral strictures.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up was 61 (25-202) months. At last follow-up, 50/72 (69%) were able to void while standing (after one [60%], two [20%], three [6%], four [8%], five [4%], or seven [2%] procedures), 10/72 (14%) await further treatment, two of the 72 (3%) sat to void despite good urodynamic function, and 10/72 (14%) had a definitive urethrostomy. Of 104 surgical treatments included in separate success rate analysis, 65 (63%) were successful (43/75 [57%] after phalloplasty, 22/29 [76%] after metoidioplasty). The highest success rates in short urethral strictures were seen after a Heineke-Mikulicz procedure (six of seven cases), and in longer or more complicated urethral strictures after two-stage with graft (four of six), two-stage without graft (10/12), pedicled flap (11/15, 73%), and single-stage graft (seven of seven) urethroplasties. Grafts used were buccal mucosa or full-thickness skin grafts. Success rates improved over time, with success rates of 38% and 36% in 2013 and 2014, to 71% and 73% in 2018 and 2019, respectively. We concluded with a surgical treatment algorithm based on previous literature, stricture characteristics, and our surgical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The highest success rates were seen after a Heineke-Mikulicz procedure in short urethral strictures; and after graft, pedicled flap, or two-stage urethroplasties in longer or more complicated urethral strictures. Finally, most of the transgender men were able to void while standing, although in some multiple surgical procedures were necessary to accomplish this.

A Retrospective Cohort Study on Surgical Outcomes of Penile Prosthesis Implantation Surgery in Transgender Men After Phalloplasty

OBJECTIVES

To assess surgical outcomes of penile prosthesis implantation in transgender men who underwent phalloplasty.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Transgender men who underwent penile prosthesis implantation after phalloplasty between January 1989 and September 2018 were retrospectively identified. A chart study was performed recording patient demographics, perioperative complications, and reoperations.

RESULTS

A total of 32 patients were identified: 22 underwent free radial forearm flap, 5 anterolateral thigh, 4 anterolateral thigh/free radial forearm flap, and 1 fibular flap phalloplasty. The median age at prosthesis implantation was 36 (range 21-59) years, the mean BMI 25.9 ± 4.0 kg/m². At first implantation, 16 inflatable (AMS Dynaflex (n = 13), AMS Ambicor (n = 3)) and 16 malleable (Coloplast genesis (n = 14), AMS Spectra (n = 2)) prostheses were placed. Of these, 5 (16%) were removed/replaced because of infection, 2 (6%) because of leakage, 2 because of extrusion, 2 because of dislocation, 2 because of dysfunction, and 1 (3%) because of pain. The postoperative course was completely uneventful in 10 (31.3%) patients. Of all implanted prostheses, including revision procedures (n = 45), 21 (44%) were surgically replaced or removed.

CONCLUSION

Prosthesis explantation, replacement, or revision surgery occurs frequently after penile prosthesis implantation. Patients need to be well-informed preoperatively on these complication rates.