Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Purpose: The gubernaculum seems to be the most important anatomical structure in the testicular migration process. The objective of this paper is to review current literature regarding the role of gubernaculum testis nerves in testicular migration. We conducted a comprehensive literature review about the gubernaculum testis innervation. A PubMed database search was performed in April 2024, focusing on gubernaculum testis and cryptorchidism and genitofemoral nerve (GFN) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) gene. The gubernaculum has its own nerve supply, the GFN, descending on the anteromedial surface of the psoas muscle from L1-L2 segments. The second phase of testicular descent is regulated by androgens and CGRP, released from the sensory nucleus of the GFN. The GFN doesn't directly play a role in testicular migration but there is a theory that shows a regulatory function of this nerve in hormonal action during this process. The gubernaculum testis has important structural alterations during the testicular migration and the genitofemoral nerve and CGRP gene are of great importance in this process. The genitofemoral nerve provides motor innervation to the cremaster muscle and gubernaculum, which helps regulate the position of the testes within the scrotum.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Varicocele can reduce male fertility potential through various oxidative stress mechanisms. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species may overwhelm the sperm's defenses against oxidative stress, damaging the sperm chromatin. Sperm DNA fragmentation, in the form of DNA strand breaks, is recognized as a consequence of the oxidative stress cascade and is commonly found in the ejaculates of men with varicocele and fertility issues. This paper reviews the current knowledge regarding the association between varicocele, oxidative stress, sperm DNA fragmentation, and male infertility, and examines the role of varicocele repair in alleviating oxidative-sperm DNA fragmentation in these patients. Additionally, we highlight areas for further research to address knowledge gaps relevant to clinical practice.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Purpose: to identify risk factors for urinary septic shock in patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and Methods: Data from PCNL procedures performed between January 2009 and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The study included all patients over 18 years old with kidney stones larger than 15 mm who underwent PCNL. Patients who underwent mini-PCNL or combined surgeries, such as ureteroscopy or bilateral procedures, were not included in the study. Logistic regression was conducted to determine the risk factors for urinary septic shock within 30 days post-operation in patients who underwent PCNL. Results: Urinary septic shock was observed in 8 out of the 1,424 patients analyzed (0.56%). The presence of comorbidities, evaluated using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (OR 1.46 [CI 95% 1.15-1.86], p=0.01), larger stones (41.0 mm [IQR 30.0-47.5 mm] vs. 24.0 mm [IQR 17.0-35.0 mm], OR 1.03 [CI 95% 1.01-1.06], p=0.04), and a positive preoperative urine culture (OR 8.53 [CI 95% 1.71-42.45], p <0.01) were shown to significantly increase the risk of postoperative urinary septic shock. Patients with a CCI > 2, larger stones (≥ 35 mm), and a positive preoperative urine culture were at even higher risk of urinary septic shock (OR 15.40 [CI 95% 1.77-134.21], p=0.01). Conclusion: Patients with larger stones, positive preoperative urine culture, and a higher CCI are at risk for urinary septic shock after PCNL. These findings are of utmost importance for optimizing the perioperative care of these patients to prevent life-threatening complications.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Objective: With the development of analytical methods, mathematical models based on humoral biomarkers have become more widely used in the medical field. This study aims to investigate the risk factors associated with the occurrence of bladder spasm after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients with prostate enlargement, and then construct a nomogram model. Materials and methods: Two hundred and forty-two patients with prostate enlargement who underwent TURP were included. Patients were divided into Spasm group (n=65) and non-spasm group (n=177) according to whether they had bladder spasm after surgery. Serum prostacyclin (PGI2) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors. Results: Postoperative serum PGI2 and 5-HT levels were higher in patients in the Spasm group compared with the Non-spasm group (P<0.05). Preoperative anxiety, drainage tube obstruction, and elevated postoperative levels of PGI2 and 5-HT were independent risk factors for bladder spasm after TURP (P<0.05). The C-index of the model was 0.978 (0.959-0.997), with a χ2 = 4.438 (p = 0.816) for Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. The ROC curve to assess the discrimination of the nomogram model showed an AUC of 0.978 (0.959-0.997). Conclusion: Preoperative anxiety, drainage tube obstruction, and elevated postoperative serum PGI2 and 5-HT levels are independent risk factors for bladder spasm after TURP. The nomogram model based on the aforementioned independent risk factors had good discrimination and predictive abilities, which may provide a high guidance value for predicting the occurrence of bladder spasm in clinical practice.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Purpose: To answer the question of whether it is possible to achieve complete corporal covering of the urethral closure using incomplete penile disassembly in classic bladder exstrophy. We hypothesize that mobilization of the corpora under Buck's fascia, their dorsal translocation through the incisions in Buck's fascia and suturing corporal convex sides above the urethra would allow extend corporal covering of the urethra, reducing the risk of urethra-cutaneous fistula formation. Materials and Methods: A prospective follow-up on all boys who underwent the modified Cantwell-Ransley primary penile reconstruction was conducted. Inclusion criteria comprised bladder exstrophy closure in our institution, ensuring a postoperative follow-up period of no less than 24 months. The key innovation of the technique lies in a deep dissection of the dependent corpora under Buck's fascia, followed by their dorsal relocation through extended dorsal incisions in Buck's fascia, and limited external corporal rotation 90 degrees only at the base of the penis. Results: Between November 2019 and March 2022, 18 boys aged 11 to 35 months met the inclusion criteria and underwent the modified penile reconstruction. Surgical procedures and postoperative period did not include any major complications. Total corporal covering of the urethral sutures was achieved in 15 of 18 patients. No urethra-cutaneous fistulas were observed within 2 years of follow-up. All individuals demonstrated spontaneous erections, and the absence of dorsal curvature was documented. Conclusion: The modified technique of incomplete penile disassembly applied in a homogenous group of patients with classic bladder exstrophy allows penile shaft elongation, improved aesthetic outcomes, preserved erections, and eliminates dorsal curvature. The technique demonstrated feasibility and reliability while maintaining positive effects on tissue circulation. The absence of urethra-cutaneous fistulae is attributed to the complete corporal covering of the urethral sutures and supports the initial hypothesis.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Purpose: To validate the Barcelona magnetic resonance imaging predictive model (BCN-MRI PM) in men with pre-biopsy multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) reported with the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2.1, followed by transrectal and transperineal prostate biopsies. Materials and Methods: Prospective analysis of 3,264 men with PSA >3.0 ng/mL and/or abnormal digital rectal examination who were referred to ten participant centers in the csPCa early detection program of Catalonia (Spain), between 2021 and 2023. MpMRI was reported with the PI-RADS v2.1, and 2- to 4-core MRI-transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion-targeted biopsy of suspected lesions and/or 12-core systematic biopsy were conducted. 2,295 (70.3%) individuals were referred to six centers for transrectal prostate biopsies, while 969 (39.7%) were referred to four centers for transperineal prostate biopsies. CsPCa was classified whenever the International Society of Urologic Pathology grade group was 2 or higher. Results: CsPCa was detected in 41% of transrectal prostate biopsies and in 45.9% of transperineal prostate biopsies (p <0.016). Both BCN-MRI PM calibration curves were within the ideal correlation between predicted and observed csPCa. Areas under the curve and 95% confidence intervals were 0.847 (0.830-0.857) and 0.830 (0.823-0.855), respectively (p = 0.346). Specificities corresponding to 95% sensitivity were 37.6 and 36.8%, respectively (p = 0.387). The Net benefit of the BCN-MRI PM was similar with both biopsy methods. Conclusions: The BCN-MRI PM has been successfully validated when mpMRI was reported with the PI-RADS v2.1 and prostate biopsies were conducted via the transrectal and transperineal route.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemics on clinical and surgical practice, educational activities, health and lifestyle behavior of Brazilian urology residents after 1 year of socio-economic restrictions. Materials and Methods: An electronic survey was e-mailed to all postgraduate (PG) students registered by the Brazilian Society of Urology. The survey included an assessment of socio-demographic, clinical practice, educational, health-related and behavior parameters. We also evaluated which subareas of urology were predominantly affected. A similar survey was adapted and sent to the directors of all urology residency programs. Results: COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the clinical, surgical, and educational activities of urology residents in Brazil. Urology residents reported >50% decrease in multiple surgical modalities. We highlight kidney transplantation surgeries (66.2%), minor surgeries (62.3%), endoscopic surgeries (42.6%) and reconstructive surgeries (38.8%). This could represent a critical skills gap that residents may face beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, PG students faced stressful situations that caused worsening of mental and physical health, such as getting redirected to assistance of COVID-19 patients (66.9%), and high rate of infection by SARS-CoV-2 (58.2%). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the clinical, surgical, and educational activities of urology residents in Brazil. This could represent a critical skills gap that residents may face beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. PG students faced stressful situations that caused worsening of mental and physical health such as redirection to assistance of COVID-19 patients, concern about their own contamination and of family members.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare transperineal (TP) vs transrectal (TR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion-guided prostate biopsy (PBx) in a large, ethnically diverse and multiracial cohort. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent multiparametric (mp) MRI followed by TP or TR TRUS-fusion guided PBx, were identified from a prospective database (IRB #HS-13-00663). All patients underwent mpMRI followed by 12-14 core systematic PBx. A minimum of two additional target-biopsy cores were taken per PIRADS≥3 lesion. The endpoint was the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPCa; Grade Group, GG≥2). Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. Results: A total of 1491 patients met inclusion criteria, with 480 undergoing TP and 1011 TR PBx. Overall, 11% of patients were Asians, 5% African Americans, 14% Hispanic, 14% Others, and 56% White, similar between TP and TR (p=0.4). For PIRADS 3-5, the TP PBx CSPCa detection was significantly higher (61% vs 54%, p=0.03) than TR PBx, but not for PIRADS 1-2 (13% vs 13%, p=1.0). After adjusting for confounders on multivariable analysis, Black race, but not the PBx approach (TP vs TR), was an independent predictor of CSPCa detection. The median maximum cancer core length (11 vs 8mm; p<0.001) and percent (80% vs 60%; p<0.001) were greater for TP PBx even after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions: In a large and diverse cohort, Black race, but not the biopsy approach, was an independent predictor for CSPCa detection. TP and TR PBx yielded similar CSPCa detection rates; however the TP PBx was histologically more informative.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Purpose: The continuous improvement and development of fertility care, internationally, requires ongoing monitoring of current delivery processes and outcomes in clinical practice. This descriptive and exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted in eight countries (Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom) to assess the unmet needs of fertility patients (male and female), and existing challenges, barriers and educational gaps of physicians and laboratory specialists involved in human fertility care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The study was deployed sequentially in two phases: 1) in-depth 45-minute semi-structured interviews (n=76), transcribed, coded and thematically analysed using an inductive reasoning approach, 2) an online survey (n=303) informed by the findings of the qualitative interviews, face validated by experts in reproductive medicine, and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The integrated results of both phases indicated numerous areas of challenges, including: 1) investigating male-related infertility; 2) deciding appropriate treatment for men and selective use of assisted reproductive technology; and 3) maintaining access to high-quality fertility care during a pandemic. Conclusions: The paper presents a reflective piece on knowledge and skills that warrant ongoing monitoring and improvement amongst reproductive medicine healthcare professionals amidst future pandemics and unanticipated health system disruptions. Moreover, these findings suggest that there is an additional need to better understand the required changes in policies and organizational processes that would facilitate access to andrology services for male infertility and specialized care, as needed.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Introduction: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has become a popular surgical approach for localized prostate cancer due to its favorable oncological and functional outcomes, as well as lower morbidity. In cases of intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND) is recommended as an adjunct to RARP (1–3). Despite its benefits, PLND can lead to surgical complications, with postoperative lymphocele formation being the most common. Most postoperative lymphoceles are clinically insignificant with variable incidence, reaching up to 60% of cases 4. However, a small percentage of patients 2-8% may experience symptomatic lymphoceles (SL), which can cause significant morbidity (4, 5). Surgical technique: We perform our RARP technique with our standard approach in all patients (6). After vesicourethral anastomosis a modified PF created to prevent symptomatic lymphocele. We start by suturing the peritoneal fold on the right side, medially to the vas deferens, followed by a similar stitch on the left side to approximate the edges in the midline. A running suture bunches the bladder peritoneum from both sides, passing through the pubic bone periosteum to secure it in place (7). This approach keeps the lateral pelvic gutters open for lymphatic drainage, while allowing fluid drainage from the true pelvis into the abdomen. A pelvic ultrasound was done for all patients at 6 weeks post operative, and additional clinical follow-up was carried out at 3 months following surgery. Considerations: We have demonstrated a modified technique of peritoneal flap (PBFB) with an initial decrease in postoperative symptomatic lymphoceles, the technique is feasible, safe, does not add significant morbidity, and does not require a learning curve.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT Objective: We present a novel technique to perform single-port (SP) robot-assisted partial cystectomy with excision of the urachal remnant and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection for urachal adenocarcinoma (1–7). Materials and Methods: A 41-year-old male presented to the clinic for multiple episodes of hematuria and mucousuria. Office cystoscopy revealed a small solitary tumor at the dome of the bladder, with a diagnostic bladder biopsy revealing a tubule-villous bladder adenoma. Cross-sectional imaging of the chest/abdomen/pelvis revealed a 4.5 cm cystic mass arising from the urachus without evidence of local invasion and metastatic spread. He underwent SP robotic-assisted partial cystectomy with excision of the urachal remnant and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection. Surgical steps include: 1) peritoneal incision to release the urachus and drop bladder 2) identification of urachal tumor 3) intraoperative live cystoscopic identification of bladder mass and scoring of tumor margins using Toggle Pro feature 4) tumor excision with partial cystectomy 5) cystorrhaphy 6) bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection 7) peritoneal interposition flap to mitigate lymphocele formation. Results: Surgery was successful, with no intraoperative complications, an operative time of 100 minutes, and estimated blood loss of 20 mL. The patient was discharged on post-op day one, and the Foley catheter removed one week after surgery. Final pathology revealed a 7.5 cm infiltrating urachal muscle-invasive adenocarcinoma of the bladder (pT2b). Negative surgical margins were achieved. Conclusions: Single-port robot-assisted partial cystectomy for urachal adenocarcinoma is safe and can achieve equivalent oncologic outcomes to the standard of care with minimally invasive and open techniques.