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Objective: To describe the technique, feasibility and short-term outcomes of buccal mucosa grafts in robotic lower urinary tract reconstruction.Methods: We reviewed 9 patients who underwent single-port robotic posterior urethroplasty with buccal mucosa graft from May-December 2019. Variables included patient demographics, diagnosis/etiology, and intraoperative parameters. Intraabdominal or extraperitoneal transvesical approaches are used for the stricture via supraumbilical access, and if necessary, perineal dissection is performed. Cystoscopy identifies the extent of stenosis. Anastomosis is completed with buccal mucosal graft and rectus abdominis, omental or gracilis flaps as needed.Results: The mean age was 65.4 years. Robotic urethroplasty with buccal mucosa graft was performed for vesicourethral anastomotic strictures (n = 7), urethral strictures (n = 4), pubic fistula after robotic posterior urethroplasty (n = 1), and anastomotic distraction (n = 1). Strictures occurred after prostate cancer treatments (n = 8) and trauma (n = 1). All patients had prior failed endoscopic interventions: balloon dilatation, resection/incision of bladder neck, internal urethrotomy under direct vision, urethral stents, and posterior urethroplasty. Mean defect length was 3.9 cm. Five of 9 patients had ancillary procedures including rectus abdominis (n = 3), omental or gracilis (both n = 1) flap harvests. No intraoperative complications occurred. Median operative time was 377 minutes, blood loss was 200 mL, and length of stay was 2 days. Postoperative 30-day complications included urinary tract infection, epididymitis, anemia, recurrent stricture, and small bowel obstruction requiring surgery (all n = 1). Median follow-up was 11.7 months.Conclusion: Buccal mucosa grafts with ancillary maneuvers such as flap interposition or adjacent tissue transfer in robotic lower tract reconstruction is durable, safe, and comparable to open approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe a novel method of robotic assisted laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair (RAL-PHR), including the evolving use of the Da Vinci Single Port (SP) robotic system.Methods: Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were collected for patients who underwent RAL-PHR. The technique for RAL-PHR utilizes a 3 cm incision in the contralateral upper quadrant for the robotic trocar and a 12 mm assistant port. The hernia sac is freed from the fascial defect. Dual Surface Mesh is approximated to the fascial edges with a portion excised to tailor the conduit.Results: Four patients underwent RAL-PHR and three utilized the SP robot. Median age was 74.4 (range: 69.0-76.9) and median BMI 28.6 (26.5-43.2). All patients underwent cystectomy for bladder cancer and median time from index operation to parastomal hernia repair was 47.3 (40.4-11.48) months. Concurrent operations to hernia repair included ureteroenteric stricture repair, panniculectomy, abdominal wall reconstruction, stoma revision, and incisional hernia repair. Median operative time was 3.9 (2.6-8.7) hours including concurrent operations, median EBL was 50 (10-100) cc, mesh used in 3 cases, with no intraoperative complications reported. Median length of stay was 1 day and 1 post-operative complication greater than Clavien 2 reported. At median follow up of 18.3 (3.63-38.3) months, no recurrences were reported and 1 patient had undergone stoma dilation in the OR.Conclusion: RAL-PHR using the SP system maximizes advantages of laparoscopic repair while allowing for flexibility to perform concurrent procedures and safer takedown of adhesions through just two incisions. RAL-PHR is a safe and effective alternative to open and laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair with several additional benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report our novel technique and mid-term follow-up for robotic-assisted laparoscopic vaginectomy (RALV), a component procedure of staged gender-affirming penile reconstructive surgery.Materials and Methods: The records of patients seeking gender-affirming penile reconstructive surgery who underwent RALV, performed by a single surgeon at our institution, between May 2016 and January 2020 were reviewed retrospectively for demographic and perioperative data. Patients were included irrespective of history of previous phalloplasty. A subset of these patients elected to have urethral lengthening during second stage phalloplasty for which an anterior vaginal mucosa flap urethroplasty was performed. Postoperative complications and outcomes and most recent follow-up were obtained.Results: A total of 42 patients were reviewed, of whom 19 (45%) patients ultimately had radial forearm free flap, 15 (41%) had anterolateral thigh flap, 5 (12%) had metoidioplasty, and 1 (2.4%) had abdominal phalloplasty. A vaginal mucosa and gracilis flap was used in all of 36 (86%) patients in whom a pars fixa was created. Average operative time was 299 minutes (range 153-506). Median estimated blood loss was 200 mL (range 100-400). Median length of stay was 3 days (range 1-7). Complications within 30 days from surgery occurred in 15 patients (36%), of whom 12/15 were Clavien-Dindo grade 1 or 2, and 11/15 had complications unrelated to vaginectomy. Of the 4 patients who had vaginectomy-related complications, all resolved with conservative management. Median overall follow-up was 15.8 months.Conclusion: RALV offers a safe and efficient approach during staged gender-affirming penile reconstruction and may mitigate the subsequent risk of urethral complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To present a multi-institutional experience with functional and patient-reported outcomes among men undergoing excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) urethroplasty for pendulous urethral strictures.Methods: We describe the technique and present our experience with EPA for focal penile strictures. Patients undergoing urethroplasty (2004-2017) at 2 tertiary referral centers were reviewed, of whom 14 (0.7%) underwent EPA of radiographically confirmed pendulous urethral strictures. Validated questionnaires were utilized to evaluate overall improvement (Patient Global Impression of Improvement), urinary bother (International Prostate Symptom Score), and sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function-5). Treatment success was defined as urethral patency without need for subsequent reconstruction.Results: Among 14 men undergoing penile EPA, 13/14 (93%) had durable treatment success over a median follow-up of 43 months. No patient reported penile curvature postoperatively. Stricture etiology in most cases was posttraumatic (12/14), of which 4 had a history of urethral disruption secondary to penile fracture and 8 iatrogenic trauma. Median age was 51 years (IQR 30-60) and stricture length 1.0 cm (IQR 1.0-1.4). Erectile function was normal in 8/14 patients preoperatively, and postoperative median International Index of Erectile Function was 21. Most men reported significant global improvement in condition (median Patient Global Impression of Improvement 2, IQR 1-3) and most had only mild urinary bother (median International Prostate Symptom Score 4, quality of life 1). The single treatment failure had a history of hypospadias with multiple prior urethral procedures.Conclusion: For men with short strictures of the pendulous urethra, EPA has a high success rate, without adverse sequelae such as erectile function or penile curvature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate predictors of renal deterioration (RD) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) at a tertiary referral center.Methods: We reviewed adult patients with MS presenting for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms, with baseline urodynamic study (UDS) and either serum creatinine (SCr) or renal ultrasound, from a prospectively maintained database, and excluded patients with abnormal renal function. RD was defined as doubled SCr, new hydronephrosis, or renal atrophy on follow-up ultrasound. Demographic and UDS parameters were evaluated in multivariable models of RD.Results: From 1999 to 2016, 660 patients were evaluated, and 355 met criteria with median follow-up of 79 months. SCr doubled in 8 patients, 4 had decline by renal ultrasound, and 1 by both (3%). Overall, 46 patients met less strict criteria of decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate by ≥30%. Using the less rigid criterion, detrusor overactivity (DO) remained associated with RD on multivariable analysis. Eleven of 355 patients had RD by either imaging or doubled Cr, with which only history of diabetes mellitus and nephrolithiasis were associated.Conclusion: By strict criteria, the rate of RD in patients with neurogenic bladder due to MS was low (3%) at intermediate-term follow-up and was not associated with UDS parameters. Using more liberal criteria, DO was associated with deterioration, suggesting that study of the impact of more aggressive control of DO in this population may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate procedural trends and outcomes for reconstruction of complex strictures at our tertiary center over the last decade.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed complex urethral reconstruction comparing 3 techniques: (1) buccal mucosal graft (BMG), (2) penile skin flap, or (3) perineal urethrostomy (PU) at our center (2007-2017) with ≥6 months follow-up. Strictures amenable to anastomotic repair were excluded. Success was defined as no need for further operative management.Results: Among 1129 strictures cases, 403 complex strictures were identified for analysis (median length 4.5 cm). Median age was 53.2 years (standard deviation ± 14.9). Reconstruction was most commonly performed using BMG (61.3%), followed by penile skin flap (21.6%) and PU (19.1%). PU use has increased steadily over the past decade, rising from 4.3% of case volume in 2008 to 38.7% in 2017 (P = .01). Over time, the proportion of reconstruction using BMG has remained stable, while penile skin flaps are now less commonly utilized. Over a median follow-up of 50.7 months, 16.9% (68/403) patients failed at a median of 13.9 months. Success rates were higher following PU (94.8%) compared to BMG and skin flaps (78.5% and 78.2%, respectively) (P = .003) despite PU patients being older (median age 62.6 years), having longer strictures (median 5.0 cm) and more commonly having lichen sclerosus (LS) (22.1%).Conclusion: Over a decade of a urethral reconstructive practice, PU has increasingly become preferred for older patients with long strictures and adverse etiology. BMG urethroplasty rates remain stable, while penile skin flap use is decreasing. Success rates of PU for these complex strictures are markedly higher than those of grafts and flaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the duration and severity of male incontinence symptoms before presentation for initial anti-incontinence surgery (AIS) in a large tertiary subspecialty practice. Although male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is known to profoundly compromise quality of life, many men do not undergo AIS in a timely manner.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our male patients with SUI (2007-2017) and assessed time from SUI onset to initial AIS across various demographics comparing male sling and artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). Reoperative cases were excluded.Results: Among 786 cases, 572 men undergoing initial AIS met the inclusion criteria (mean age 69 years), with 57.7% (330/572) undergoing AUS and 42.3% (242/572) undergoing sling. The median duration of incontinence before AIS was 32 months. AUS patients pursued surgical intervention earlier than men undergoing sling (median time 28.8 months vs 34.7 months, P = .03). Most patients deferred AIS for more than 2 years (69.8% of sling patients and 58.5% of AUS patients), and 32.3% demonstrated an extended delay of more than 5 years. Increasing age correlated with delays in both AUS (Spearman rho = 0.20, P = .0001) and sling (Spearman rho = 0.34, P <.0001). On multivariate analysis, age was significantly associated with duration of incontinence (P <.0001). Octogenarians had a notably higher median delay of 87.4 months.Conclusion: Although the median duration of SUI before the initial AIS is 2.7 years, one-third of men experience a delay of more than 5 years. AUS present for AIS 6 months less on average relative to sling patients. Older men demonstrate a longer duration of SUI before seeking surgical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether supplemental biopsy of hypoechoic ultrasound lesions (HUL) incidentally found during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion-targeted prostate biopsy results in improved prostate cancer (PCa) detection.Methods: Patients underwent MRI-TRUS-targeted biopsy as part of an ongoing prospective trial from August 2007 to February 2015. For men with HUL, the biopsy pathology of HUL and MRI lesions was classified according to the updated 2014 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading system. The detection of PCa by MRI-targeted biopsy with and without HUL biopsy was compared.Results: Of 1260 men in the trial, 106 underwent biopsy of 119 HULs. PCa was diagnosed in 52 out of 106 men (49%) by biopsy of either MRI lesions or HUL. Biopsy of HUL in addition to MRI lesions resulted in 4 additional diagnoses of high-grade (ISUP grades 3-5) PCa versus biopsy of MRI lesions alone (20 vs 16 men, P = .046). Three of these cases were upgraded from lower grade (ISUP grades 1-2) PCa on MRI-guided biopsy alone, and only 1 case (1% of cohort) was diagnosed that would have been missed by MRI-guided biopsy alone. Supplemental biopsy of HUL did not change the PCa risk category in 96% (102 out of 106) of men with HUL.Conclusion: Supplemental biopsy of HUL yields a small increase in the detection of higher grade PCa as compared with biopsy of MRI lesions alone. As upgrading is rare, routinely screening for HUL during MRI-targeted biopsy remains controversial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silber and Kelly first described the successful autotransplantation of an intra-abdominal testis in 1976. Subsequent authors incorporated laparoscopy and demonstrated the viability of transplanted testes based on serial postoperative exams. We sought to extend this experience with use of the da Vinci surgical robot, thereby demonstrating a novel robotic technique for the management of cryptorchidism. The procedure was performed for an 18-year-old male with a solitary left intra-abdominal testis. Following establishment of pneumoperitoneum, the robot is docked with four trocars oriented towards the left lower quadrant. Testicular dissection is carried out as shown. The gonadal and inferior epigastric vessels are isolated and mobilized; once adequate length is achieved, the former is clipped and transected, and the testicle and inferior epigastric vessels are delivered out of the body. The robot is then undocked and exchanged for the operating microscope. Arterial and venous anastomoses are completed with interrupted and running 9-0 Nylon, respectively, and satisfactory re-anastomosis is confirmed visually and with Doppler. The transplanted testicle is then fixed inferiorly and laterally within the left hemiscrotum, and all incisions are closed. We note that intraoperative testicular biopsy was not performed, for three reasons: (1) to avoid further risk to an already tenuous, solitary organ, (2) because our primary aim was to preserve testicular endocrine function, and (3) because the presence of ITGCN would neither prompt orchiectomy nor obviate the need for ongoing surveillance via periodic self-examination and ultrasonography. The patient is maintained on bed rest for two days and discharged on postoperative day seven in good condition. Over one year since autotransplantation, his now intra-scrotal testicle remains palpable and stable in size. Serum testosterone is unchanged from preoperative measurements. Robotic-assisted testicular autotransplantation is a feasible and efficacious management option for the solitary intra-abdominal testis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with transverse myelitis (TM) often present with urinary retention. While many recover their bladder function, some have persistent voiding dysfunction, and both intermediate and long-term outcomes are variable. In patients who develop urinary retention requiring clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) at onset of TM, we sought to assess factors associated with improved voiding function and the risk of requiring persistent CIC over time. We reviewed children evaluated at our institution for TM from April 1998 to October 2018. Patients were included if they required CIC at initial presentation of TM. Demographics, initial and follow up neurologic exams were evaluated for their association with a return to baseline volitional voiding after requiring catheterization upon diagnosis of TM, with or without medical therapy. Among the 78 patients who presented with TM during the study period, 43 patients required CIC, with median follow up of 2.7 years. When evaluating for demographic or sensorimotor features associated with improvement to baseline voiding function in patients who initially required CIC, preserved lower extremity reflexes at presentation was the only significant prognostic factor (p < 0.05). Additionally, having complete lower motor neurologic recovery was associated with volitional voiding (p < 0.05). Among the 43 patients who were initially catheterizing, 27/43 (62%) were volitionally voiding at median follow up of 7 months from initial presentation, while the remaining 16/43 remained on CIC for a median follow up of 3.6 years. The cumulative risk of remaining on CIC was 60%, 47%, and 42% at 1, 5, and 10 year follow up, respectively, though there was not a significant difference in the rate of bladder recovery if patients had preserved reflexes. In children with TM who initially developed urinary retention, intact reflexes at presentation were associated with urologic recovery. Additionally, complete neurologic recovery was associated with volitional voiding. While 62% were volitionally voiding at most recent follow-up, the cumulative incidence of dependence on CIC within the first year of diagnosis was 60%, with a relatively few patients regaining volitional voiding by 10 years of follow-up. Among those initially evaluated for urinary retention in the setting of transverse myelitis, intact lower extremity reflexes on physical exam was associated with improved voiding function at most recent follow-up. However, more than half the patients on CIC at initial presentation required CIC at one year of follow-up. Careful, long-term monitoring of voiding status in patients with TM is recommended, even with improvement of neurological status. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the outcomes of single-stage and staged repairs in properly selected patients with phalloplasty anastomotic strictures.Methods: A bi-institutional retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent anastomotic stricture repairs between 7/2014-8/2020. Those who had prior augmented urethroplasties or poorly vascularized tissue underwent two-stage repairs (Group-2), all others underwent single-stage repair with a double-face (dorsal inlay and ventral onlay) buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (Group-1). Postoperatively, urethral patency and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed.Results: Twenty-three patients with anastomotic strictures were identified. Fourteen patients met inclusion criteria and had 1-year follow-up (9 in Group-1; 5 in Group-2). Nine patients (64%) had prior failed interventions (56% Group-1; 80% Group-2). At a mean follow-up of 33.9 (Group-1) and 35.2 months (Group-2) there were two stricture recurrences in Group-1 (22%) and none in Group-2. PROMs were completed by 12 patients. All patients reported the ability to void standing. Post-void dribbling was present in the majority of patients (7/7 Group-1; 2/4 in Group-2). Mean IPSS was 3.9 (0-14) for Group-1 and 1 (0-3) for Group-2. All reported at least a moderate improvement in their condition on GRA (Group-1 +3 71%, +2 29%; Group-2 +3 100%).Conclusion: Single-stage repairs are feasible for patients with anastomotic strictures who have well vascularized tissue and no prior single-stage buccal mucosa augmented urethroplasty failures. Staged repairs are feasible for patients with poor tissue quality. Proper patient selection is important for successful reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To present the technique and early outcomes of salvage neovaginal reconstruction using robotic dissection and peritoneal flap mobilization.Methods: Twenty-four patients underwent robotic peritoneal flap revision vaginoplasty from 2017 to 2020. A canal is dissected between the bladder and rectum towards the stenosed vaginal cavity, which is incised and widened. Peritoneal flaps from the posterior bladder and pararectal fossa are advanced and sutured to edges of the stenosed cavity. Proximal peritoneal flap edges are approximated to form the neovaginal apex. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical indications, and operative details are described. Outcome measures include postoperative neovaginal dimensions and complications.Results: Mean age at revision was 39 years (range 27-58). All patients had previously undergone PIV, with revision surgery occurring at a median 35.3 months (range 6-252) after primary vaginoplasty. Surgical indications included short or stenotic vagina or absent canal. Average procedure length was 5 hours. At mean follow up of 410 days (range 179-683), vaginal depth and width were 13.6 cm (range 10.9-14.5) and 3.6 cm (range 2.9-3.8), respectively. There were no immediate or intraoperative complications related to peritoneal flap harvest. No patient had rectal injury. One patient had post-operative canal bleeding requiring return to the operating room for hemostasis.Conclusions: Robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty is a safe, novel approach to canal revision after primary PIV with minimal donor site morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction We evaluated the performance of multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) and MRI/transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion–guided biopsy (FB) for monitoring patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance (AS). Materials and methods Patients undergoing mp-MRI and FB of target lesions identified on mp-MRI between August 2007 and August 2014 were reviewed. Patients meeting AS criteria (Clinical stage T1c, Gleason grade≤6, prostate-specific antigen density≤0.15, tumor involving≤2 cores, and≤50% involvement of any single core) based on extended sextant 12-core TRUS biopsy (systematic biopsy [SB]) were included. They were followed with subsequent 12-core biopsy as well as mp-MRI and MRI/TRUS fusion biopsy at follow-up visits until Gleason score progression (Gleason≥7 in either 12-core or MRI/TRUS fusion biopsy). We evaluated whether progression seen on mp-MRI (defined as an increase in suspicion level, largest lesion diameter, or number of lesions) was predictive of Gleason score progression. Results Of 152 patients meeting AS criteria on initial SB (mean age of 61.4 years and mean prostate-specific antigen level of 5.26 ng/ml), 34 (22.4%) had Gleason score≥7 on confirmatory SB/FB. Of the 118 remaining patients, 58 chose AS and had at least 1 subsequent mp-MRI with SB/FB (median follow-up = 16.1 months). Gleason progression was subsequently documented in 17 (29%) of these men, in all cases to Gleason 3+4. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value of mp-MRI for Gleason progression was 53% (95% CI: 28%–77%) and 80% (95% CI: 65%–91%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of mp-MRI for increase in Gleason were also 53% and 80%, respectively. The number needed to biopsy to detect 1 Gleason progression was 8.74 for SB vs. 2.9 for FB. Conclusions Stable findings on mp-MRI are associated with Gleason score stability. mp-MRI appears promising as a useful aid for reducing the number of biopsies in the management of patients on AS. A prospective evaluation of mp-MRI as a screen to reduce biopsies in the follow-up of men on AS appears warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report the prevalence of low serum testosterone (LST) in men undergoing artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement at a single high-volume institution.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all men undergoing AUS procedures by a single surgeon from January 2015 to January 2018 to identify men with pretreatment total serum testosterone levels. LST was defined as less than 280 ng/dL. Patients with only posttreatment testosterone levels were excluded. Demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between men with and without LST.Results: Among 113 patients who underwent AUS with pretreatment serum testosterone levels drawn an average of 2.2 months before AUS surgery, 45.1% (51 of 113) met criteria for LST, including 18 patients on androgen deprivation therapy. The rate of primary LST was 34.7% (33 of 95). The median total serum testosterone level among men with LST was 118 ng/dL (interquartile range 6-211), and 413 mg/dL (interquartile range 333-550) in the normal serum testosterone group. There were no differences in patient age, history of radiation, erectile dysfunction, or other comorbidities between the groups. Body mass index was higher in the LST group compared to normal serum testosterone (30 vs 27 kg/m2, P = .001). Cuff size and rates of transcorporal cuff placement were similar between groups.Conclusion: Nearly one-half of men with stress urinary incontinence undergoing AUS placement present with LST. While AUS cuff erosion appears to be more common in men with LST, further study is needed to determine if treating LST will reduce cuff erosion rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize the risk of delayed infectious complications from retained pressure-regulating balloons (PRBs) after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) cuff erosion.Methods: From our database of 530 AUS cases between 2007 and 2016, we identified 40 total AUS cuff erosions. Twenty-four (60%) presented without evidence of gross device infection and underwent explant of cuff and pump without removal of the PRB. Space of Retzius (SoR) and high submuscular (HSM) balloon locations were analyzed to assess for ease of removal. Presenting clinical features and retained balloon-related outcomes are reported.Results: Of the 24 AUS cuff erosions with retained balloons, 6 (25%) men subsequently required PRB removal for infection during the median follow-up of 36 months (interquartile range 29-53). The median time to balloon infection after AUS erosion surgery was 4 months (interquartile range 4-16). Infection risk was reduced in those without concurrent inflatable penile prosthesis (20%) and in those who underwent "drain and retain" of the PRB (13%). The most common presenting clinical symptoms with retained PRB infection were pain and erythema near the site of the PRB (83%). No patient developed sepsis-related complications. The location of the PRB in this subcohort included 2 SoR and 4 HSM placements. The median operative time for balloon removal in the SoR was 3.5 times greater than that for HSM PRBs (133 minutes vs 38 minutes).Conclusion: With extended follow-up, three-quarters of the men with retained PRBs after AUS cuff erosion experienced no infectious complications. Removal of infected SoR PRBs was associated with greater operative times and surgical complexity relative to HSM PRBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe a technique for perineal urethrostomy (PU) revision using a posterior thigh propeller flap for a complex repair at high risk for stenosis.Methods: Our technique utilizes the consistent posterior thigh perforators for a local flap with ideal length and thickness for repair. The stenotic PU is incised. Potential flaps are marked around a perforator blood supply closest to the defect. The flap is then elevated and rotated on its pedicle with its apex placed directly in the defect. Absorbable sutures partially tubularize the flap apex at the level of the urethrotomy which is calibrated to 30 Fr. We subsequently monitored the patient's clinical progress.Results: With 17 months of follow-up the patient is voiding well without complaint, reports improved quality of life with a patent PU. Post void residuals have been less than 100cc. The patient, who has had a long history of urinary tract infections requiring hospitalization, has only reported one infection during follow up which was treated as an out-patient.Conclusion: For challenging PU revisions a distant local propeller flap of healthy tissue outside the zone of injury is the ideal choice for length, thickness, and minimal morbidity resulting in excellent clinical results for our patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize the presence of bland (nontumor) thrombus in advanced renal cell carcinoma and assess the impact of this finding on cancer-specific survival.Methods: A multi-institutional database of patients treated with nephrectomy with caval thrombectomy for locally-advanced renal tumors was assembled from 5 tertiary care medical centers. Using clinicopathologic variables including patient age, body mass index, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, tumor stage, grade, nodal status and histology, and nearest-neighbor and multiple-matching propensity score matched cohorts of bland thrombus vs nonbland thrombus patients were assessed. Multivariable analysis for predictors of cancer-specific survival was performed.Results: From an initial cohort of 579 patients, 446 met inclusion criteria (174 with bland thrombus, 272 without). At baseline, patients with bland thrombus had significantly worse performance status, higher tumor stage, higher prevalence of regional nodal metastases and higher nuclear grade (P < .01 for all). In both nearest-neighbor and multiple-matching propensity score matched cohorts, the presence of bland thrombus presence was associated with inferior median cancer-specific survival (28.1 months vs 156.8 months, and 28.1 months vs 76.7 months, P < .001 for both). The presence of bland thrombus remained independently associated with an increased risk of cancer-specific mortality on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio 4.33, 95% confidence interval 2.79-6.73, P < .001).Conclusion: Presence of bland thrombus is associated with adverse survival outcomes in patients treated surgically for renal tumors with venous tumor thrombus. These findings may have important implications in patient counseling, selection for surgery and inclusion in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report our initial experience with oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC; Surgicel Fibrillar) as a hemostatic adjunct during inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery.Materials and Methods: Beginning in April 2016, ORC pledgets were placed within the corporotomy closures of all men undergoing IPP insertion. Perioperative characteristics and outcomes including cumulative postoperative drain output were evaluated among consecutive cases with (April 2016 to October 2016) and without ORC (December 2015 to March 2016) using an identical surgical technique by a single surgeon.Results: During the study period, 64 men underwent IPP implantation, of whom 32 (50%) received ORC. There was a significant reduction in median drain output relative to controls (33 mL vs 65 mL; P = .01). Postoperatively, ORC use was associated with a reduction in the number of patient phone calls for scrotal-related concerns in the immediate postoperative period (average 0.5 vs 1.1; P = .03). There were 3 IPP explantations in the non-ORC group (2/3 for infection)-one of which was directly related to an infected hematoma. After controlling for other clinical features, the use of ORC (β -32, 95% confidence interval: -61 to -5; P = .02) was independently associated with a reduction in drain output.Conclusion: ORC use during IPP corporotomy closure reduces postoperative drain output, a known risk factor for hematoma-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report our experience with permanent urethral ligation for severe incontinence among men with end-stage urethra.Materials and Methods: From our institutional artificial urinary sphincter database of 512 patients from 2010 to 2016, 10 men underwent permanent urethral ligation with concurrent suprapubic tube diversion following recurrent artificial urinary sphincter cuff erosion. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated. Quality of life was assessed using the Michigan Incontinence Symptom Index and the Patient Global Index of Improvement.Results: Urethral ligation resulted in resolution of incontinence in 8 men (80%), including 7 (70%) after 1 surgery and in 1 (10%) after a single revision. The average American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status rating was 2.7 (range 2-3). Seven patients (70%) experienced postoperative complications (4 Clavien-Dindo grade II complications [1 Clostridium difficile infection, 3 refractory bladder spasms) and 5 grade III complications (2 abscesses, 2 urethrocutaneous fistula, and 1 bladder stone formation]). Overall, satisfactory Michigan Incontinence Symptom Index urinary scores were reported in 8 (80%) men. On the Patient Global Index of Improvement, 6 (60%) men reported improvement in overall condition following surgery. All men (10/10) stated that they would recommend this procedure to others.Conclusion: For debilitated men with end-stage urethra and severe refractory stress urinary incontinence, permanent urethral ligation with chronic suprapubic tube drainage can restore continence and improve quality of life without the need for more invasive formal urinary diversion, though with a high risk of complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate kidney function preservation or regeneration and pathological changes post-irreversible electroporation (IRE) in comparison with partial nephrectomy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in a solitary kidney porcine model. Tissue ablation using IRE has been reported to spare critical anatomic structures within or near the ablation zone with associated regeneration of adjacent parenchyma, possibly offering functional preservation.Methods: Fifteen pigs initially underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy. The lower third of the remaining kidney was then ablated or removed with either IRE, RFA, or partial nephrectomy. Serum creatinine (SCr) was measured at baseline, 24 hours, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days postoperatively. The impact of the type of procedure on SCr over time was evaluated. Acute and chronic histological changes were analyzed and cellular viability was assessed using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide staining in the IRE ablations.Results: Ten ablations (5 IRE, 5 RFA) and 5 partial nephrectomies of the entire lower third of a solitary kidney were performed. The type of procedure did not affect SCr significantly at baseline (P = .14) or change in SCr over time (P = .48). Histologically, IRE and RFA lesions showed similar findings including coagulative necrosis that progressively was replaced by reparative stromal changes and fibrous tissue. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide staining of the IRE lesions at 14 and 28 days showed no viability in the necrotic areas with viable tissue at the margins demonstrating reparative changes.Conclusion: Large volume IRE ablation of normal renal parenchyma in the porcine model does not provide a functional advantage as compared with conventional renal tumor treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]