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Abstract Transinguinal preperitoneal (TIPP) single-layer mesh herniorrhaphy has been proven effective. Mesh manufacturers make either a single-unit, two-layer mesh design or a separate optional onlay with the pre-peritoneal mesh. For peace of mind, most surgeons still incorporate the optional onlay. This study evaluated any counterproductive effects of adding the onlay to single-layer TIPP mesh herniorrhaphy and compared the long-term efficacy. This prospective, single-surgeon, single-center, randomized trial compared two groups of 50 consecutive patients at a 1 to 1 ratio. The control group received a single-layer modified Kugel mesh in the preperitoneal space, while the study group received the optional onlay mesh in the inguinal canal with preperitoneal mesh placement. A single surgeon performed the same operation to place the preperitoneal mesh in both groups, the only difference being the placement of the optional onlay mesh in the study group. A blinded researcher performed post-operative interviews using a series of questions at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, and another unblinded researcher organized and performed statistical analysis of the peri-operative and post-operative data. The primary endpoints included foreign body sensation, pain, and any other discomfort in the inguinal region following surgery; and the secondary endpoints included recurrence and any complications related to surgery. The patient demographics were similar between the two groups. The average follow-up period was 29 months. Two patients in the 1-layer group and one patient in the 2-layer group were lost to follow-up. Postoperative pain, numbness and soreness were similar between groups. No patients experienced a foreign body sensation after 3 months in the 1-layer group, while five patients still had a foreign body sensation at 12 months in the 2-layer group. No recurrence was noted in either group during the follow-up period. Adequate dissection of the preperitoneal space is the key to a successful single-layer TIPP herniorrhaphy. With decreased materials in the inguinal canal, single-layer TIPP has a lower rate of long-term postoperative discomfort without increasing the risk of future recurrence. Trial registration: ISRCTN 47111213

Abstract Background Limited literature has focused on the use of totally tubeless mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of large renal stones. We present our findings of treating patients with large and/or complex renal stones using single renal access totally tubeless mini-PCNL. Methods From March 2018 to May 2021, 62 consecutive cases in which single tract totally tubeless mini-PCNL was used to treat complex renal stones were enrolled, all with calculi > 2 cm. All procedure of puncture and dilation were guided by fluoroscope. The complexity of stones was assessed according to the Guy’s Scoring System (GSS). The surgical duration, length of hospital stay, analgesia requirement, stone-free rate, and perioperative morbidity were assessed. Results The mean preoperative stone burden was 36.69 ± 19.76 mm (above 2 cm in all cases), mean surgical duration was 61.93 ± 40.84 min (range 15–180 min), and mean hematocrit reduction was 4.67 ± 2.83%. Postoperative Nalbuphine was used in 6 patients. The mean length of stay was 2.46 ± 1.19 days (range 2–8 days), and the postoperative stone-free rate was 83.9% (52/62), and 87.1% (54/62) after auxiliary ESWL. The overall complication rate was 14.5%, the majority of complications being postoperative transient fever. Conclusion For the treatment of large bursen > 2 cm and/or complex renal stones, totally tubeless single tract mini-PCNL ensures a feasible SFR, low morbidity and short hospital stay. According to the low complication rate in our study, the totally tubeless manner was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity, and patients benefited from decreased postoperative analgesics use.

Abstract Background To assess the morbidities of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using supra-costal access and re-evaluate traditional concept of increased complications with supra-costal access. Methods From January 2010 to December 2014, a single surgeon performed 118 consecutive one-stage fluoroscopic guided PCNL’s for complex renal and upper ureteral stone. Our definition for complex renal stone is defined as partial or complete staghorn stone, multiple renal stones in more than 2 calyxes, obstructive uretero-pelvic stone > 2 cm, and a renal stone in single functional kidney. Inclusion criteria include: staghorn stones, renal calculi > 2 cm in diameter, upper ureteral stone > 1.5 cm in diameter. Exclusion criteria for tubeless PCNL include: significant bleeding or perforation of the collecting system, large residue stone, multiple PCNL tract and obstructive renal anatomy. Morbidity, operation time, analgesia requirement, length of hospital stay, stone- free rate, were analyzed. Results Of the 118 consecutive PCNL, eighty-six patients underwent tubeless PCNL (56 supra-costal and 30 sub-costal) and included in our prospective follow-up period. The mean age, operation side, stone locations were similar. The male to female ratio is higher in supra-costal than sub-costal. Large renal stones and staghorn stones makes up for most patients (supra-costal: 75%, sub-costal: 80%). The stone–free rate of supra-costal group was 59% (33/56) and in sub-costal group was 50% (15/30). The operative times, length of stay, post-op analgesic use, hematocrit change was similar in both groups. The overall complication rate is 6% [supra-costal (1/56), sub-costal (4/30)] with the majority being infectious complications. Conclusions Supra-costal access above 12th rib during tubeless PCNL is safe and effective procedure and is not associated with higher incidence of post-op complications in experience hands.

Objective: This is an initial review of the safety and efficacy of anterior preperitoneal modified Kugel (MK) mesh herniorrhaphy application without using optional onlay mesh. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent herniorrhaphy by a single surgeon from July 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2010. During these 18 months, a total of 72 patients underwent single-layer MK mesh herniorrhaphy. Anterior preperitoneal approach was used to place the mesh. If the patient's inguinal hernia defect did not exceed the memory ring of MK mesh, the onlay mesh was omitted. Postoperative results (wound infection, recurrence, and chronic pain/discomfort) were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 72 patients underwent anterior preperitoneal single layer MK mesh herniorrhaphy. One patient had recurrent hernia after 1 year and was treated with a laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal operation. The most common postoperative complaint was mild soreness which was self-resolving after 1 month. Mean total operative time (skin to skin) was 73 minutes. The average hospital stay was 2 days. Most of the postoperative complications including soreness (14%), pain for > 3 months (1.4%), and scrotal hematoma (1.4%) were self-resolving. One patient experienced wound infection, which was treated with oral antibiotics. One patient had recurrence 1 year after the operation. Conclusion: The postoperative complication and recurrence rates of single-layer MK mesh herniorrhaphy was comparable with previously reported tension-free repair. Single-layer application is safe and feasible. A longer follow-up period and larger study group with a control group are needed to verify our method.

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the safety and feasibility of self-retaining barbed absorbable suture application in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Materials and methods: From January 2010 to September 2014, 38 cases of LPN were performed at Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan. The patients were divided into two groups: the nonself-retaining barbed suture (non-SRBS) group (n = 21) and the SRBS group (n = 17). There was no significant difference in age, RENAL (Radius, Exophytic/Endophytic properties, Nearness of the tumor to the collecting system or sinus, Anterior/Posterior, Location relative to polar lines) nephrometry score, and tumor type between the two groups. Clinical data and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Results: All 38 cases of LPN were successfully performed, without conversion to open surgery or serious intraoperative complications. In the SRBS group, renorrhaphy time and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter than those of the non-SRBS group (p = 0.015 and p = 0.009, respectively). Conclusions: The application of SRBS in LPN could shorten renorrhaphy time and hospital stay with good safety and feasibility.

Objective: This study was carried out to compare infectious complications between patients with and without a set protocol for prostate biopsy. Materials and methods: Patients whom underwent prostate biopsy at our hospital from 2001 to 2012 were first identified. Two different groups of patients were then selected from 2 different years. The cut-off year in which we started to implement a standardized protocol for prostate biopsy was 2007. Data from the patient group without a set protocol were collected from January 2001 to December 2001. Data from the patient group with a set protocol were collected from January 2012 to December 2012. Results: A total of 246 patients were selected from 2 different years. Ninety-two patients were collected from January to December 2001 (without set protocol). One hundred and fifty-four patients were collected from January to December 2012 (with set protocol). In the first group, the infectious complication rate was 10.75% (10/92), whereas in the second group, the infection rate was 1.3% (2/154). All minor complications (such as hematuria, hematospermia, dysuria, etc.) were self-resolving within 1 month. Most infectious complications were managed during outpatient department (OPD) hours with oral antibiotics. Only one patient required hospitalization (from 2001). None of the positive culture results revealed any resistant strain species. Conclusion: The minor complications were similar in both groups and were all self-resolving. Infectious complications were more prevalent in the group without a set protocol. Adequate perioperative preparation and postoperative antibiotic regimens appear to be helpful in the prevention of infectious complications.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the predictive role of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score concerning changes in testosterone levels following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and the effects of LDLT on total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, the free androgen index (FAI) and erectile function in LDLT recipients. PARTICIPANTS:41 adult male recipients of LDLT were evaluated before transplantation and six months after LDLT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:We evaluated the effects of LDLT on total testosterone and SHBG levels, the FAI and erectile function in LDLT recipients. In this prospective study, MELD score, serum total testosterone, SHBG levels and FAI were measured in the morning of the operation day and 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after LDLT. The 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was administered before LDLT and six months after LDLT to evaluate erectile function. RESULTS:The main outcome measure was dynamic parameter changes of total testosterone, SHBG, FAI and erectile dysfunction. The mean FAI value before LDLT was 16.75±10.10. The mean FAI was significantly higher 1 month (32.75±15.56; p < 0.01), 3 months (25.23±10.26; p < 0.01) and 6 months (29.16±11.05; p < 0.01) after LDLT. Mean IIEF-5 scores significantly increased after LDLT (from 11.7±7.7 before LDLT to 14.7±7.5, p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:MELD score correlates with severity of hypogonadism in men with end-stage liver disease. LDLT results in a reduction in serum levels of SHBG, an increase in FAI and improvement in erectile function.

Context: In Changhua Christian Hospital (CCH), the urology division is a branch of the surgical department. The urology residents in this division are, on average, off duty for 10 days/month; surgical residents from other divisions usually lack training to practice urology. Therefore, attending urology doctors or visiting urology staff members in CCH branches must be on call during off-duty periods in case a patient is indicated for suprapubic cystostomy. Aims: This study aims to promote a safe and efficient approach to train rotating residents to perform suprapubic catheterization. Subjects and Methods: On the basis of ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion, we designed training sessions for suprapubic cystostomy for rotating surgical residents during their urology course. Participants and Methods: From 2016 to 2018, senior residents or attending doctors of urology evaluated the clinical skills of rotating residents by using the direct observation of procedural skills tool before and after the training course. Statistical Analysis Used: Mann-Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The trainees were separated into different groups according to their sex, year of residency, and previous urology training in the postgraduate year (PGY). All groups had significant gain scores. Our multiple linear regression analysis revealed a relationship between previous urology training in the PGY and gain scores and between overall pretest score and gain scores. Conclusions: Real-time ultrasound-guided catheterization with a Seldinger wire is a safe and efficient approach to train rotating residents to perform suprapubic catheterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Impaired liver function in men can result in erectile dysfunction or hypogonadism or both. We investigated whether living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) results in improvement in male sexual function. Methods: A total of 58 patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) were included in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Erectile function was measured before and after LDLT using a five-item modified version of the International Index of Erectile Function scale (IIEF-5) and hypogonadism was evaluated before and after LDLT using the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire. Differences in mean values from the questionnaires before and after the operation were than evaluated to determine whether there is an association between LDLT and improvement in sexual function. Results: We found that mean IIEF-5 scores significantly increased after LDLT (from 11.7 ± 7.7 before LDLT to 14.7 ± 7.5 after LDLT, p <0.01), indicating that the operation played a role in improving erectile function. In addition, the prevalence of hypogonadism among the patients with ESLD decreased markedly after liver transplantation (hypogonadism before LDLT, n = 41 versus hypogonadism after LDLT, n = 31, p = 0.03). Patients with hypogonadism reported a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction after LDLT than patients without hypogonadism (p <0.01). Conclusions: LDLT results in improvement in erectile function. In addition, improvement in erectile function is associated with self-reported absence of hypogonadism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most spermatic cord masses are benign, and malignant spermatic cord tumors are uncommon. Spermatic cord metastases originating from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been previously reported in the English language literature as determined by a PubMed search. We report a male patient who presented with a painful palpable mass in the right inguinal area. The patient was diagnosed with HCC in 2004 and undertook a nonsurgical approach to control the cancer. A radical orchiectomy was performed, and the pathological report showed metastatic HCC in the spermatic cord. The patient received palliative radiation therapy because of a positive surgical margin. No recurrence was noted after 6 months of followup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]