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INTRODUCTION Our study analysed previous studies employing positron emission tomography with co-registered computer tomography (PET/CT) in andrological patient evaluation and assessed the differences in 2-[18 F]F-fluoro-2'-deoxyglucose (FDG) uptake between three groups: healthy testes, benign and malignant testicular pathology. METHODS Medline and Embase were systematically searched for studies involving FDG-PET/CT imaging of testes with results expressed as mean standardised uptake value (SUVmean ). A one-way ANOVA was used to compare SUVmean between three groups. All papers assessing andrological parameters were pooled to compare fertility data. RESULTS Seventeen studies, including three relating to fertility diagnosis, with a total of 830 patients, were included in the review. One-way ANOVA showed a statistical difference between mean values of tracer SUVmean in healthy and malignant testes (Dif. = -2.77, 95% CI = -4.32 to 1.21, p

Objectives To determine the safety of urological admissions and procedures during the height of the COVID‐19 pandemic using “hot” and “cold” sites. The secondary objective is to determine risk factors of contracting COVID‐19 within our cohort. Patients and methods A retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients admitted from March 1 to May 31, 2020 at a high‐volume tertiary urology department in London, United Kingdom. Elective surgery was carried out at a “cold” site requiring a negative COVID‐19 swab 72‐hours prior to admission and patients were required to self‐isolate for 14‐days preoperatively, while all acute admissions were admitted to the “hot” site. Complications related to COVID‐19 were presented as percentages. Risk factors for developing COVID‐19 infection were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 611 patients, 451 (73.8%) male and 160 (26.2%) female, with a median age of 57 (interquartile range 44‐70) were admitted under the urology team; 101 (16.5%) on the “cold” site and 510 (83.5%) on the “hot” site. Procedures were performed in 495 patients of which eight (1.6%) contracted COVID‐19 postoperatively with one (0.2%) postoperative mortality due to COVID‐19. Overall, COVID‐19 was detected in 20 (3.3%) patients with two (0.3%) deaths. Length of stay was associated with contracting COVID‐19 in our cohort (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13‐1.39). Conclusions Continuation of urological procedures using “hot” and “cold” sites throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic was safe practice, although the risk of COVID‐19 remained and is underlined by a postoperative mortality.

To produce a best practice consensus guideline for the conduct of scrotal exploration for suspected testicular torsion using formal consensus methodology.A panel of 16 expert urologists, representing adult, paediatric, general, and andrological urology used the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Consensus Methodology to score a 184 statement pre-meeting questionnaire on the conduct of scrotal exploration for suspected testicular torsion. The collated responses were presented at a face-to-face online meeting and each item was rescored anonymously after a group discussion, facilitated by an independent chair with expertise in consensus methodology. Items were scored for agreement and consensus and the items scored with consensus were used to derive a set of best practice guidelines.Statements scored as with consensus increased from Round 1 (122/184, 66.3%) to Round 2 (149/200, 74.5%). Recommendations were generated in ten categories: consent, assessment under anaesthetic, initial incision, intraoperative decision making, fixation, medical photography, closure, operation note, logistics and follow-up after scrotal exploration. Our statements assume that the decision to operate has already been made. Key recommendations in the consent process included the discussion of the possibility of orchidectomy and the possibility of subsequent infection of the affected testis or wound requiring antibiotic therapy. If after the examination under anaesthesia, the index of suspicion of testicular torsion is lower than previously thought, then the surgeon should still proceed to scrotal exploration as planned. A flow chart guiding decision making dependent on intraoperative findings has been designed. If no torsion is present on exploration and the bell clapper deformity is absent, the testis should not be fixed. When fixing a testis using sutures, 3 or 4-point is acceptable and non-absorbable sutures are preferred.We have produced consensus recommendations to inform best practice in the conduct of scrotal exploration for suspected testicular torsion.

Primary localised amyloidosis of the urethra is a rare entity with only 50 cases reported in the literature. The deposition of fibrillary proteins can lead to a range of symptoms. Importantly, the clinical and cystoscopic features may mimic urethral malignancy (haematuria, voiding difficulties, and a palpable urethral mass), and so thorough investigation is required in order to exclude malignancy, and to identify features of generalised amyloidosis which has a poor prognosis. Once diagnosed the prognosis of localised amyloidosis is excellent, although disease recurrence is possible. We describe a case of primary localised urethral amyloidosis presenting with visible haematuria and a urethral stricture and reviewed the literature regarding management of this rare condition.

Objectives To develop and validate the Urethroplasty Training and Assessment Tool (UTAT) using Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA) for training and assessment of urology trainees learning this urethral reconstruction technique, as urethroplasty is the 'gold standard' treatment for long and recurrent urethral strictures and with a variety of techniques and a lack of standardised reconstructive curricula, there is a need for procedure-specific training tools to improve surgeon training and patient safety. Materials and methods This international observational study was performed over an 11-month period. The HFMEA was used to identify and evaluate hazardous stages of urethroplasty to develop the UTAT. Hazard scores were calculated for the included steps of urethroplasty. Content validation was performed by 12 expert surgeons and multidisciplinary teams from international tertiary centres. Results The HFMEA process resulted in an internationally validated UTAT. Hazard scores ≥4 and single point weaknesses were included to implement actions and outcome measures. Content validation was achieved by circulating the process map, hazard analysis table, and developed tools. Changes were implemented based on the feedback received from expert surgeons. The content validated dorsal onlay buccal mucosa graft bulbar UTAT contained five phases, 10 processes and 23 sub-processes. Conclusions The modular UTAT offers a comprehensive validated training tool developed via a detailed HFMEA protocol. This may be utilised to standardise the training and assessment of urology trainees.

Focus on quality of life after prostate cancer is vital to improve patient care. Improved assessment and proactive management of post-treatment functional outcomes is essential. Many aspects of the patients’ aftercare need to be improved in order to set up a clear path following prostatectomy. These improvements will enable a timely and efficient escalation of treatment and ameliorate patients’ survivorship experience.

Background & Objectives: Onco-microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (Onco-microTESE) allows the microsurgical extraction of testicular sperm from the unaffected regions of the tumour-bearing testis at the time of radical orchidectomy. We report the case of a 36-year-old hypogonadotropic male with a testicular tumour and non-obstructive azoospermia. Method: A left radical orchidectomy was performed with simultaneous onco-microTESE. Although some sperm were found during the procedure, these were unsuitable for cryopreservation due to abnormal morphology. Given his low testosterone level (4.1 nmol/L), contralateral surgical sperm retrieval at the same sitting was not performed. Histology of the affected testicle demonstrated a classical seminoma and ‘Sertoli cell only’ appearance. He was subsequently started on clomiphene citrate. Results: After 9 months of clomiphene citrate, repeat semen analysis showed a total of 2.8 million sperm (1 million/mL), with 80% motility. Four vials of semen were cryopreserved, and this ejaculated sperm was used for in vitro-fertilisation (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). All six harvested eggs were fertilised. By day 5, there were two top grade blastocysts available, one of which was transferred and another frozen. After 9 months, the couple welcomed the birth of a healthy male infant. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this case is the first to demonstrate the benefit of clomiphene citrate in a patient with testis cancer resulting in a reversal of azoospermia and a subsequent live birth with assisted conception. Level of evidence: Not applicable

BackgroundContracting COVID-19 peri-operatively has been associated with a mortality rate as high as 23%, making prevention vital.ObjectivesThe primary objective is to determine safety of surgical admissions and procedures during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic using ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ sites. The secondary objective is to determine risk factors of contracting COVID-19.Design, Setting and ParticipantsA retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients admitted from 1st March – 31st May 2020 at a high-volume tertiary urology department in London, United Kingdom. Elective surgery was carried out at a ‘cold’ site requiring a negative COVID-19 swab 72 hours prior to admission and to self-isolate for 14 days pre-operatively, whilst all acute admissions were admitted to the ‘hot’ site.Outcome Measurements and Statistical AnalysisComplications related to COVID-19 were presented as percentages. Risk factors for developing COVID-19 infection were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results and LimitationsA total of 611 patients, 451 (73.8%) male and 160 (26.2%) female, with a median age of 57 (interquartile range 44-70) were admitted under the urology team; 101 (16.5%) on the ‘cold’ site and 510 (83.5%) on the ‘hot’ site. Procedures were performed in 495 patients of which 8 (1.6%) contracted COVID-19 post-operatively with 1 (0.2%) post-operative mortality due to COVID-19. Overall, COVID-19 was detected in 20 (3.3%) patients with 2 (0.3%) deaths. Length of stay was associated with contracting COVID-19 in our cohort (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13-1.39). Limitations include possible under reporting due to post-operative patients presenting elsewhere.ConclusionsContinuation of surgical procedures using ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ sites throughout the COVID-19 pandemic was safe practice, although the risk of COVID-19 remained and is underlined by a post-operative mortality.Patient SummaryUsing ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ sites has allowed the safe continuation of urological practice throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Urethroplasty is regarded as the gold standard in urethral stricture management. It is technically difficult with expertise only available in selected centres worldwide. ...

To develop and validate the Urethroplasty Training and Assessment Tool (UTAT) using Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA) for training and assessment of urology trainees learning this urethral reconstruction technique, as urethroplasty is the 'gold standard' treatment for long and recurrent urethral strictures and with a variety of techniques and a lack of standardised reconstructive curricula, there is a need for procedure-specific training tools to improve surgeon training and patient safety.This international observational study was performed over an 11-month period. The HFMEA was used to identify and evaluate hazardous stages of urethroplasty to develop the UTAT. Hazard scores were calculated for the included steps of urethroplasty. Content validation was performed by 12 expert surgeons and multidisciplinary teams from international tertiary centres.The HFMEA process resulted in an internationally validated UTAT. Hazard scores ≥4 and single point weaknesses were included to implement actions and outcome measures. Content validation was achieved by circulating the process map, hazard analysis table, and developed tools. Changes were implemented based on the feedback received from expert surgeons. The content validated dorsal onlay buccal mucosa graft bulbar UTAT contained five phases, 10 processes and 23 sub-processes.The modular UTAT offers a comprehensive validated training tool developed via a detailed HFMEA protocol. This may be utilised to standardise the training and assessment of urology trainees.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the relationship between testosterone therapy and risk of recurrence in testosterone-deficient survivors of curatively treated high-risk prostate cancer. Primary outcome was the risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) in 109 high-risk patients in 13 included studies (1997-2017). Biochemical and symptomatic effects of therapy were also reviewed. The BCR rate was 0.00 (0.00-0.05), lower than the expected rate for high-risk prostate cancer survivors, suggesting that testosterone therapy may not increase their BCR risk. However, this is uncertain as the available evidence is of very low quality. Testosterone therapy remains investigational in this group.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:The prevalence of Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (ranging from 0.1 to 0.2% in newborn male infants) rises up to 3-4% among infertile males and 10-12% in azoospermic patients....

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:The prevalance of azoospermia at the time of diagnosis for testicular cancer is between 6-24%. Onco-TESE is an option to preserve and treat fertility in these men at the...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Men with Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) often present with infertility. However, the optimal management of this condition can involve many different specialties. Unfortunately...

The aim of this study was to report surgical and functional outcomes in patients who underwent immediate penile fracture repair following location of the tunical tear with ultrasonography.Patients' clinical notes from September 2005 to October 2015 were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were the documented presence of an albugineal laceration at the preoperative ultrasonography and during surgical exploration. In total, 76 patients were enrolled in the study. The aetiology, presentation, imaging results, intraoperative findings, functional outcomes and complications of surgical repair were retrospectively extrapolated from the clinical notes. Patients were questioned about their erectile and urinary function 12 months after the traumatic event. Validated questionnaires were administered to enquire about sexual and urinary function. Finally, the accuracy of the ultrasound in detecting the site of the tunical defect was evaluated.The mean age was 39.5 years (range 21-72 years) and the median follow-up was 13 weeks. The aetiology of the fracture was sexual intercourse in 70 patients, the taqaandan manoeuvre in three and trauma while sleeping in three. The intraoperative findings showed a ventral and transverse tear in 93.5% of cases. Urethral injuries were evident in one-quarter of the patients. Ultrasonographic findings were confirmed intraoperatively in all patients. Worsening of the quality of erections was reported by 5% of patients, and 5.2% reported a penile curvature postoperatively.Penile fracture is a rare urological emergency and requires early surgical exploration and repair. Ultrasonography is a cheap and readily available investigation that allows confirmation of the diagnosis, and identification of the location of the tear and the associated urethral injury.