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Congenital posterior urethroperineal fistula (CUPF) is a urothelium-lined tract between the posterior urethra and perineum. This condition is rare and has been proposed to be a urethral duplication variant. A case of CUPF that was misdiagnosed and surgically treated as a rectourethral fistula is presented. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of CUPF are discussed and compared with those of Y-type urethral duplications and H-type rectourethral fistulas.

Although voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is currently the gold standard in VUR evaluation, there is ionizing radiation exposure. Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (CEVUS) uses ultrasound contrast agents to visualize the urinary tract and has been reported to be safe and effective in VUR evaluation in children. CEVUS application has yet to be specifically described in VUR evaluation in the pediatric kidney transplant population. The purpose of this study was to report the use of CEVUS and VCUG in evaluating and managing VUR in pediatric renal transplant patients.Retrospective review was conducted for pediatric kidney transplant patients (18 years and younger) who underwent VCUG or CEVUS to assess for transplant VUR from July 2019 through June 2021. Demographic information, reason for VUR evaluation, fluoroscopy time, and postimaging complications were evaluated. Costs of imaging modalities were also considered.Eight patients were evaluated for transplant VUR during the study period. Of the 3 patients who underwent VCUG, all 3 had VUR (median grade 3). Median fluoroscopy time was 18 s and dose-area product was 18.7 uGy*mCEVUS can provide an alternate means of safely evaluating VUR in kidney transplant patients with similar outcomes, potentially lower costs, and no exposure to ionizing radiation.

Digital photography can be securely stored in the medical record and enhance documentation of physical exam findings and monitor wound healing. A standardized protocol that respects the dignity of the patient and maintains the fidelity of objective documentation is needed for patients with differences in sexual development (DSD) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and applications of a HIPAA-compliant digital photography protocol in the care of female patients with CAH.A protocol for standardized digital imaging including consent, permission, data capture, and storage in the electronic medical record (EMR) was implemented. Patients undergoing physical examination during multidisciplinary CAH clinic visits, preoperative evaluation, and postoperative follow-up from October 2020 through May 2021 were included. Male patients with CAH, patients with clitoromegaly or urogenital sinus not from CAH, and patients seen through telehealth were excluded. Consent was obtained from caregivers and permission from patients. Images of the exam were taken during clinic visits or at the time of surgery with no identifying features included. Images were directly uploaded into the patient's chart in the HIPAA-protected EMR separate from other clinical documentation and not stored on personal devices.There were 17 patients with CAH seen with median age 6 years (range 2 weeks-18 years). There was a median of 3 photos per patient during the study period with cooperation from both the patient and their caregiver. Amongst the patients seen, 6 patients underwent reconstruction with a median of 10 photos per patient. Images were available and used for preoperative planning and counseling. Patients with previous images did not require repeat examinations and were subjected to fewer genital examinations. Fewer providers were present during exams. Images taken by providers and caregivers during the postoperative period were used to monitor wound healing and surgical outcomes.Protocol implementation improved patient care by reducing the number of exams and number of providers present, enhancing clinical documentation, and providing a means of tracking the physical exam over time. This was in concordance with guidelines for limiting exams for patients with DSD and CAH. Implementation of best practices for medical photography was important in respecting patient dignity and confidentiality.Implementation of standardized digital photography was feasible and acceptable to patients and caregivers. Digital images reduced the need for repeat physical examination and provided a visual means of enhancing clinical documentation.

As social media use continues to increase, parents and caregivers report using social media platforms as a source of health information. However, there are minimal regulations for social media content and health misinformation has been shared for various medical issues and urologic conditions. While internet content related to pediatric urology has been previously described, social media engagement for various pediatric urologic conditions have yet to be described.To evaluate the evidence supporting articles engaged on social media that are related to common pediatric urologic conditions.A social media analysis tool was used to identify articles engaged through Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and Pinterest between July 2020-2021. The top 5 articles related to toilet training, circumcision, cryptorchidism, testicular torsion, and hypospadias were identified. Article citations were reviewed and classified by Oxford levels of evidence. The content of each article was then reviewed and compared against supporting evidence on an independent literature search. Statistical analysis was completed with descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed rank, and bivariate correlation.Of the 25 articles reviewed, 8 (32%) were affiliated with medical journals, hospitals, or academic institutions and 17 (68%) were on non-affiliated websites with advertisements. There was greater social media engagement for articles related to toilet training and circumcision than testicular torsion, hypospadias, and cryptorchidism. No articles cited level 1 evidence and 32% of articles cited no evidence. Literature search for article content demonstrated a discrepancy between the level of evidence cited by articles compared to the evidence available in the literature to support article content. There was greater social media engagement for articles with no cited or supporting evidence and those not affiliated with medical journals, hospitals, or academic institutions.The findings in this study are consistent with trends reported for other urologic conditions, including genitourinary malignancy, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, nephrolithiasis, and sexual function. Parents without a medical background may have difficulty identifying whether articles shared on social media can be a reliable resource for health information. It is important to understand how information related to pediatric urologic conditions is engaged on social media so that misinformation can be addressed in clinical, online, and regulatory settings.There was greater social media engagement for articles with no cited or supporting evidence and those not affiliated with medical journals, hospitals, or academic institutions.

Objective To compare the expectations of urology trainees with the experience of practicing urologists. Methods Residents, fellows, and practicing urologists were surveyed in 2018 regarding weekly work hours, number of hospitals covered, call nights per week, administrative workload relative to residency, annual net income, and time to pursue personal interests and hobbies. Urology trainees, defined as residents and fellows, were also surveyed regarding their expectations for clinical practice. The expectations of trainees were compared with the reported experience of practicing urologists using 1-tailed t test and chi-square analysis. Trainee expectations were also stratified by age, gender, training level, relationship status, and whether trainees had dependent children. Results The expectations of 99 trainees were compared with the reported experience of 377 practicing urologists. Trainees expect to work more hours but less call nights per week than reported by practicing urologists while annual net income was either consistent or underestimated. Compared to practicing urologists, however, trainees appear to underestimate the administrative workload relative to residency and overestimate time to pursue personal interests and hobbies. Junior residents were more likely to underestimate administrative workload than senior residents and fellows. Conclusion While the expectations of urology trainees for work hours and annual net income were fairly consistent with those reported by practicing urologists, trainees may underestimate administrative workload and overestimate time to pursue personal interests and hobbies.

Objectives: Many women are affected by stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Due to investigations of the safety of synthetic mesh slings, there has been renewed interest in autologous slings. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether different sling material affects outcomes and patient satisfaction. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent sling placement between May 2011 and April 2017 for SUI or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence. Patients were divided based on the sling material used: vaginal wall sling (VWS), rectus fascia sling (RFS), and soft polypropylene sling (SPS). Outcomes were compared using a Likert scale, the validated SEAPI score system, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire 7 (IIQ-7), and Incontinence Symptom Severity Index (ISSI). Results: There were 228 patients that underwent sling placement with 94 receiving VWS, 62 RFS, and 72 SPS. Mean follow-up was 14 months. There was no statistical difference in postoperative pad usage or satisfaction score between the groups. All three groups had a statistically significant postoperative improvement in subjective SEAPI scores and daily pad use. The VWS and RFS groups had significant improvement in their ISSI. The VWS group also had postoperative improvement in IIQ-7 score. Complication rates were rare and similar between all three groups. Conclusions: Patient satisfaction and outcomes were overall similar between all three sling materials. Based on our outcomes, we continue to use the VWS as a treatment option for patients with SUI and redundant vaginal wall tissue that are opposed to synthetic mesh slings.

Objective To demonstrate a minimally-invasive method for excision of retrocrural masses. The patient was a 31-year-old male with mixed germ cell testicular cancer underwent left radical orchiectomy, chemotherapy, and open extraperitoneal retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (eRPLND), presented with recurrent disease two years later. Surveillance imaging demonstrated three enlarging retrocrural masses in the setting of normal tumor markers. Methods The patient was placed in a reverse Trendelenburg position. The liver was retracted. Laparoscopic abdominal inspection demonstrated no adhesions as a benefit of his prior eRPLND. The da Vinci XI robot was docked, the gastrohepatic ligament and short gastric vessels were identified and divided. The stomach and gastro-esophageal junction were identified. The esophagus was mobilized at the level of the diaphragmatic crura before being retracted anterolaterally. The peritoneum was dissected and the diaphragmatic crura was split longitudinally. The larger mass was dissected off of the vena cava and aorta. Lumbar vessels and lymphatics were clipped. Additional inferior dissection was performed to excise the remaining two masses that were adjacent to the celiac artery. The diaphragmatic hiatus was repaired with interrupted sutures. Following closure, esophagogastroduodenoscopy identified viable esophageal mucosa without stricture or evidence of perforation. A drain was placed in the retrocrural fossa. Estimated blood loss was 50 mL. Results Expected small bilateral pneumothoraces resolved by postoperative day (POD) 2. The drain was removed and the patient was discharged home on POD 2. Final pathology demonstrated metastatic mature teratoma in 3 of 3 nodes with the largest tumor measuring 4.4 cm. The patient has since continued surveillance with no evidence of disease. Conclusions This video demonstrates the surgical benefits of eRPLND in facilitating reoperation in the abdomen. Furthermore, this video ultimately demonstrates an innovative, minimally-invasive method of removing teratomatous tumors from the retrocrural space through a robotic transabdominal approach.

Hormonal regulation contributes significantly to spermatogenesis through interactions between the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, testosterone synthesis, Sertoli cell function, androgen receptor, and other hormonal influences, such as estrogen. Congenital or acquired causes of endocrine dysfunction can affect spermatogenesis and male fertility. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the endocrine regulation of spermatogenesis with consideration of its genetic basis.

Endourologic procedures such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) employ the use of foot pedals in low-light operating room (OR) settings. These pedals can be especially difficult to locate or distinguish when several pedals are present during a single operation. Improper instrument activation in the OR has led to serious complications ranging from unintentional electrocautery to patient burns and even an intraoperative explosion. This study evaluates the impact of color-coded illumination on speed and efficiency of foot pedal activation.During a simulated PCNL procedure, the foot pedals for a C-arm, laser, and ultrasonic lithotripter (USL) were placed in random positions. Ten participants performed pedal activation in a randomized sequence. Objective outcomes included time to instrument activation, number of attempted pedal presses, number of incomplete pedal presses, and number of incorrect pedal presses. Subjective preferences for pedal illumination were also determined. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Chi-square tests with p 0.05 indicating statistical significance.Illuminated foot pedals were associated with decreases in the average activation time for all instruments collectively (3.95 seconds vs 6.49 seconds; p = 0.017) and individually (C-arm: 3.07 seconds vs 4.21 seconds; p = 0.006; laser: 13.04 seconds vs 15.18 seconds; p 0.001; USL: 3.28 seconds vs 4.91 seconds; p 0.001) compared with nonilluminated pedals. Illuminated pedals were associated with fewer attempted pedal presses (33.5 vs 39.5; p = 0.007) and incomplete pedal presses (1.5 vs 8.5; p = 0.002). The number of incorrect pedal presses decreased with illumination, but this did not reach statistical significance (0 vs 0.5; p = 0.08). Participants reported that illumination simplified pedal activation and recommended its use (p 0.01).Color-coded illumination improved the speed and efficiency of foot pedal activation during simulated PCNL. Participants subjectively preferred using illuminated foot pedals for endourologic procedures and felt that they improved safety and efficiency.

AIMS Postoperative urinary retention has been reported in 13-32% of patients that undergo pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair. The purpose of our study was to compare rates of urinary retention between transvaginal and robotic transabdominal approaches and identify risk factors for postoperative urinary retention following POP repair. METHODS Medical records of patients that underwent POP repair were reviewed. Surgeries included transvaginal high uterosacral ligament suspension (HUSLS) and robotic-assisted sacral colpopexy (RASCP). All patients underwent a retrograde fill voiding trial (RGVT) postoperatively. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative urodynamic findings, and surgical procedures were compared between women that passed their RGVT and those that did not. RESULTS Out of 484 patients reviewed, 333 underwent POP repair with a transvaginal HUSLS and 151 underwent RASCP. Postoperative urinary retention was identified in 128 (26.4%) patients where 113 underwent transvaginal HUSLS and 15 underwent RASCP. The odds ratio (OR) of postoperative urinary retention following transvaginal HUSLS was 3.26 (CI 1.72-6.18; P

Objectives: To review the literature and provide an updated summary on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in male infertility. Methods: A review of PubMed, Cochrane review, and Web of Science databases for full-text English-language articles published between 1943 and 2017 was performed, focusing on the aetiology of ROS, physiological role of ROS on spermatic function, pathological role of ROS in infertility, evaluation of ROS, and role of antioxidants in oxidative stress. Results: ROS play a role in spermatic function and fertilisation. The literature describes both a physiological and a pathological role of ROS in fertility. A delicate balance between ROS necessary for physiological activity and antioxidants to protect from cellular oxidative injury is essential for fertility. Conclusion: Although elevated levels of ROS are implicated as a cause of infertility, there is no consensus on selecting patients to test for ROS, which test to perform, or if treatment for ROS can have a positive impact on infertility rates and pregnancy. Keywords: Reactive oxygen species, Male infertility, Free radicals, Antioxidants

Perinephric urinomas commonly arise following traumatic injury or high-grade obstruction from kidney stones or lower urinary tract disorders. Not only are spontaneous urinomas rare in the pediatric population, but malignancy presenting with perinephric urinomas have only been described in the adult population. In this case report, we report flank pain from a spontaneous perinephric urinoma as the presenting symptom of lymphoma in a pediatric patient.

As there is concern for oxidative stress and its effects on male fertility, antioxidant supplementation has been used as a means of combating oxidative stress in the modern-day lifestyle. Antioxidant supplementation, however, is currently unregulated and has the potential to cause or perpetuate tissue injury. Shifting the equilibrium of chemical reactions within the human body away from oxidation and toward the other extreme is also not without its risks. While additional studies are needed, there is an emerging understanding of the clinical manifestations of reductive stress. An abundance of reducing agents can result in loss of necessary oxidation mechanisms, promotion of additional tissue injury, and a paradoxical increase in reactive oxygen species. This chapter discusses the antioxidant paradox, identifies enzymatic and nonenzymatic reducing agents within the male reproductive system, and reviews the clinical implications of reductive stress.

To determine the effects of regular and diet lemonade upon urinary parameters affecting kidney stone formation.In this prospective blinded crossover study, 12 healthy participants consumed either 2 L of regular or diet lemonade daily while on a standardized low sodium moderate calcium diet. Twenty four-hour urine collections were obtained at baseline on the controlled diet only and on days 4 and 5 of each treatment phase. There was a 1-week washout period between regular and diet lemonade treatments. Primary outcomes were urine citrate, pH, and volume determined by 24-hour urine collections. Secondary outcomes included the supersaturation of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid.Urine volume was significantly higher with both regular and diet lemonade consumption compared with baseline values. Urinary citrate significantly increased from baseline with diet lemonade only. Urine pH was unchanged with both beverages. The supersaturation of calcium oxalate significantly decreased with diet lemonade only, whereas supersaturation of calcium phosphate decreased with both beverages. Daily consumption of 2 L of regular and diet lemonade resulted in an intake of 168.4 and 170.2 mEq of citrate but a total alkali intake of 12.2 and 16.0 mEq, respectively. Compared with diet lemonade, regular lemonade provided subjects with 805 additional calories and 225 g of sugar per day.Diet lemonade may provide a low-calorie sugar-free cost-effective option for decreasing the risk of recurrent calcium nephrolithiasis through a significant increase in urine volume, increase in urinary citrate, and reduction in supersaturation of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate.

Summary Introduction and Objective: Health literacy is defined as the ability to obtain, integrate, and appraise health-related knowledge. It is known to correlate with disparities in clinical outcomes in adults with chronic disease. Patients with spina bifida represent a potentially vulnerable cohort as they often have multiple comorbidities. The authors aimed to characterize health literacy in adolescent patients with spina bifida and their caregivers. Study design The Newest Vital Sign (NVS), a validated assessment of health literacy and numeracy, was administered to patients (aged ≥10 years) and caregivers in outpatient pediatric urology and multidisciplinary spina bifida clinics. Subjects not fluent in English or Spanish and those with cognitive delay were excluded. Survey responses and demographic information were analyzed and compared between the spina bifida and control groups. Results Three hundred eleven caregivers (caregivers for patients with spina bifida: 185, caregivers for the controls: 126) and 84 adolescents (those with spina bifida: 46, controls: 38) completed the NVS. Although there was no difference in health literacy between caregivers (p = 0.98), adolescents with spina bifida demonstrated lower NVS scores (spina bifida 1 [0–3] vs. control 2 [2–4]; p = 0.02) (Figure). Health literacy of patients with spina bifida and controls increased with age (p = 0.002). Adjusting for age and gender, the odds of having limited literacy were 5.5 times higher in patients with spina bifida than in the controls (p = 0.004). Inadequate caregiver health literacy was associated with a lower education level (p Discussion Spina bifida is among the most complex birth defects compatible with life and affects a multitude of systems. Although it is well established that limited health literacy in adults with chronic disease is associated with adverse outcomes, there are considerably fewer data in the pediatric population. The authors found that caregivers of patients with spina bifida exhibited health literacy and numeracy comparable with parents in the control group, despite lower education levels. In contrast, adolescents with spina bifida demonstrated poorer health literacy than the controls. Multidisciplinary care is necessary, given the medical complexity of spina bifida; therefore, impaired understanding of adults’ own needs may pose a barrier to successful transition to their care and subsequent outcomes. Conclusions The majority of surveyed caregivers for patients with spina bifida exhibited adequate health literacy, especially those with some college education; however inadequate health literacy was more likely among adolescents with spina bifida when compared with the controls. Screening for health literacy may be useful to assess readiness for transition to more independent self-care among patients with spina bifida. Download : Download high-res image (106KB) Download : Download full-size image Summary Figure . Comparison of health literacy between adolescents (P = 0.02).

AIMS The impact of CrossFit (high energy and intensity exercise) on SUI has not been well described. This study evaluates the incidence of SUI in physically active women, and examines specific exercises that can increase SUI. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in women from four CrossFit centers and one aerobic center for comparison. Participants were surveyed regarding baseline demographics, activity levels, severity, and frequency of leakage during CrossFit exercises as well as preventative strategies against SUI. Participants were stratified based on age, body mass index, types of exercises, parity, delivery, and compared using Mann Whitney-U and Chi square. RESULTS This study had 105 CrossFit (mean = 36.9 years) and 44 aerobic (mean = 29.0 years) participants. Fifty women reported SUI during exercises, while none of the aerobic women reported SUI during exercise. The top three CrossFit exercises associated to SUI were double-unders (47.7%), jumping rope (41.3%), and box jumps (28.4%). CrossFit women with a history of parity had significantly more episodes of SUI with box jumps, jumping rope, double-unders, thrusters, squats without weights, squats with weights, and trampoline jumping (P

Background Translabial ultrasound (TUS) can provide an inexpensive alternative imaging modality for evaluating pelvic floor structures and synthetic slings as mesh can be difficult to identify on pelvic exam or cystoscopy, patients may be unable to provide an accurate history of previous pelvic surgery, and cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can be inadequate for evaluating synthetic slings. Objective To demonstrate the use of TUS in the evaluation of female pelvic floor structures and mesh. Methods Translabial ultrasound can be used in the Urology clinic or intraoperative setting using a curvilinear transducer. Following identification of anatomic landmarks in the various planes of the pelvic floor, TUS can evaluate for pelvic floor disorders and the type and location of synthetic mesh material. Artifacts, such as air pockets in the vagina or rectum and the hypoechoic pubic symphysis, are also considered. Results Real-time imaging allows for dynamic examination of pelvic organ prolapse and urethral hypermobility that can contribute to pelvic exam findings. Bladder ultrasound can help evaluate for lesions, calculi, and even mesh erosion. Translabial ultrasound can also be used to differentiate hyperechoic retropubic and transobturator slings by identifying the position of sling arms and the appearance of the sling at different planes. Evaluation with TUS can demonstrate sling disruption, folding, urethral impingement, and erosion into pelvic floor structures. This can be particularly useful in patients presenting with pain, recurrent infections, or voiding dysfunction in which problems with mesh may not be easily identified on pelvic exam or cystoscopy. This imaging modality can complement a patient's history, aid in preoperative planning, and enable intraoperative identification of mesh slings. Conclusion Translabial ultrasound provides a quick, readily available, and easy-to-learn imaging modality for evaluating pelvic floor structures and mesh in the office or intraoperative setting.

As synthetic material has evolved to improve both the efficacy and biocompatibility of suburethral slings, soft polypropylene slings are currently the gold standard for treatment of stress urinary incontinence. However, reports of complications beyond 10 years are limited and patients can nevertheless present with erosion and other complications from other sling materials that have been used in the past. We present a case of synthetic sling erosion 21 years after placement of a polytetrafluoroethylene sling (Gore-tex).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use, cost, postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) rates, and complications of dextrose instillation during cystoscopy. METHODS The medical records of patients who underwent cystoscopy during pelvic reconstructive surgery between June 2016 and June 2017 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: patients who had one ampule of dextrose 50% (D50) directly instilled and patients who did not have D50 instilled during cystoscopy. Preoperative demographics, UTI rates, and postoperative complications were compared. Pharmaceutical cost and availability were reported by the pharmacy at our institution. RESULTS Out of 63 patients identified, dextrose instillation was used in 20 patients and no dextrose was used in 43 patients. Each ampule of D50 cost $2.18 and there were no problems with supply shortage. As D50 was directly instilled into the bladder, there was immediate visualization of ureteral efflux at the time of surgery. Three patients (15%) in the dextrose group and 10 patients (23%) in the nondextrose group developed postoperative UTIs. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative UTI rates between the two groups (p = 0.43) and there were no differences in postoperative complications. CONCLUSION Dextrose is a safe, cost-effective, readily available agent that provides instantaneous visualization of ureteral efflux without an increased risk of postoperative UTI

Perioperative pulmonary hypertension can originate from an established disease or acutely develop within the surgical setting. Patients with increased pulmonary vascular resistance are consequently at greater risk for complications. In spite of the various specific therapies available, the ideal therapeutic approach in this patient population is not currently clear. This article describes the basic principles of perioperative pulmonary hypertension and reviews the different classes of agents used to promote pulmonary vasodilation in the surgical setting.

Chemotactic factors direct the migration of immune cells, multipotent stem cells, and progenitor cells under physiologic and pathologic conditions. Chemokine ligand 12 and chemokine ligand 7 have been identified and investigated in multiple studies for their role in cellular trafficking in the setting of tissue regeneration. Recent early phase clinical trials have suggested that these molecules may lead to clinical benefit in patients with chronic disease. Importantly, these two proteins may play additional significant roles in directing the migration of multipotent cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells. This article reviews the functions of these two chemokines, focusing on recruitment to sites of injury, immune function modulation, and contributions to embryonic development. Additional research would provide valuable insight into the potential clinical application of these two proteins in stem cell therapy.

While surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is generally associated with good early outcomes, late complications affect long-term survival and may require reoperation. Pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) may increase the risk of arrhythmias, reduced cardiac function, and sudden death. Tricuspid valve function can be compromised secondarily in the setting of PR or directly as a result of injury or alteration of the valve related to the original TOF repair. This article reviews the etiologic mechanisms, pathophysiological implications, and surgical interventions for TR. Effective management following TOF repair requires consideration of TR to optimize late outcomes.