Evangelos Spyropoulos

Size of external genital organs and somatometric parameters among physically normal men younger than 40 years old

OBJECTIVES To estimate the sizes of the external genital organs in physically normal adult males younger than 40 years old, as well as to correlate the resulting values with age and a number of somatometric parameters, to provide data that could be clinically applicable by the practicing urologist. METHODS Fifty-two physically normal men, 19 to 38 years old, underwent tape measurements of penile dimensions in the flaccid-stretched state (total, shaft, glanular lengths), penile shaft volume calculation, and ultrasonographic testicular volume estimation. The resultant values were correlated with age, height, weight, body mass index, waist/hip ratio, and index finger length. RESULTS The mean testicular volume was 16.9 +/- 4.7 cm(3), with the right testis (17.5 +/- 5.8 cm(3)) measuring slightly larger than the left (15.85 +/- 4.9 cm(3); P = not significant). The mean total penile length was 12.18 +/- 1.7 cm, the mean penile shaft length was 7.76 +/- 1.3 cm, the mean glanular length was 4.4 +/- 0.4 cm, and the mean penile shaft volume was 46.5 +/- 17.2 cm(3). Among the various correlations performed, the penile lengths (total, shaft, glanular) to index finger length (P <0.05) and to penile shaft volume (P <0.001) were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Data on the size of the external genital organs among physically normal young adult men were provided and a novel formula for penile shaft volume calculation was proposed. Age and somatometric parameters were not associated with the size of the genitalia, excluding the index finger length, which correlated significantly with the dimensions of the flaccid, maximally stretched, penis.

Urethral obstruction after anti-incontinence surgery in women: Evaluation, methodology, and surgical results

OBJECTIVES To evaluate a group of women with voiding dysfunction and a low maximum flow rate (MFR) (less than or equal to 12 mL/s) after surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI); to establish diagnostic parameters indicating obstruction in an attempt to determine treatment selection; and to evaluate preliminary surgical results. METHODS Eighteen women who underwent anti-incontinence surgery for SUI were diagnosed as having infravesical obstruction (IO). Thirteen women (group A [72%]) presented with clinically predominant symptoms of urgency, frequency, intermittency, and a variable vesical residual volume (RV), and five (group B [28%]) had as their most significant symptoms a high vesical RV and urinary tract infection that had been managed with intermittent catheterization (IC). The diagnosis of IO, suspected after clinical history, was established after physical examination and cystoscopic, cystographic and urodynamic investigations. RESULTS Bladder instability was demonstrated in 6 group A patients (46%) and 1 group B patient (20%) (P = NS). Mean MFRs were 8.07 and 7.2 mL/s, respectively, in both groups (P = NS). Mean maximal voiding pressures (MVPs) were 20.23 and 5 cm H20, and mean RVs were 57.46 and 174 mL, respectively; both differences were statistically very significant (P <0.01 and P <0.001, respectively). High to normal MVPs occurred in 2 patients overall (11%). Bladder neck overcorrection, midurethral distortion, and postsurgical cystocele were demonstrated in both groups in 11 (85%), 0, and 2 (15%) patients in group A and 3 (60%), 2 (40%), and 3 (60%) patients in group B, respectively (P = NS). Patients in group A were treated surgically with cystourethrolysis and a repeated, less obstructive anti-incontinence operation. In group B 2 women (40%) had a similar surgical procedure; 1 (20%) underwent isolated urethrolysis; and 2 (40%) are currently maintained with IC. CONCLUSIONS Among these 18 patients with voiding dysfunction after anti-incontinence surgery, a primary diagnosis of IO was established clinically. Only patients with a low MFR were selected for this study. Cytographic and endoscopic investigation as well as the presence of postsurgical cystocele assisted in establishing the diagnosis. The success rate with urethrolysis and resuspension was 60% for the 13 women with predominantly urgency, frequency, and the highest MVPs (20.23 +/- 9.67 cm H20 [group A) and 33% for the 5 women with urinary retention presenting the lowest MVPs (5.00 +/- 7.07 cm H20 [group A]) and 33% for the 5 women with urinary retention presenting the lowest MVPs (5.00 +/- 7.07 cm H20 [group B]). An added resuspension procedure is probably unnecessary in the latter group of patients and requires careful individual selection in the former group.

Evaluation and management of parastomal hernia in association with continent urinary diversion.

PURPOSE We discuss the incidence and diagnosis of parastomal hernias in association with continent urinary reservoirs. We also present a surgical technique appropriate for correction of this complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated 21 patients with parastomal hernia after construction of a continent urinary reservoir. The hernia developed secondary to diversion with an ileocecal segment in 19 patients and a Kock procedure in 2. Subsequent to development of the parastomal hernia 13 patients (61.9%) had simultaneous urinary incontinence, 2 (9.5%) had difficulty catheterizing the reservoir and 4 (19.047%) had associated pain over the stomal area. Evaluation was primarily by physical examination. However, 2 patients (9.5%) required abdominal computerized tomography to confirm the diagnosis of parastomal hernia. Surgical repair was recommended for all patients, and 19 underwent repair with or without revision of the anti-incontinence segment. Reconstruction included transabdominal takedown of the anti-incontinence segment from the abdominal wall with parastomal hernia closure through a midline incision, external reinforcement of the hernia opening with Marlex mesh when the diameter exceeded 6 cm., revision of the anti-incontinence mechanism when simultaneous urinary incontinence existed preoperatively and repositioning of the stoma site through a new selected area in the abdominal wall. RESULTS The success rate (mean followup 23.4 months) with this surgical approach was 89.5%. Incontinence due to failure of the anti-incontinence mechanism was successfully corrected in 13 patients (100%). CONCLUSIONS Long-term followup of continent urinary reservoirs is often associated with development of parastomal hernia. This complication can be associated with urinary incontinence, peristomal pain and difficult catheterization. Evaluation is primarily by physical examination but selected clinical situations require abdominal computerized tomography to confirm the diagnosis. The surgical technique following the steps described has been associated with minimal morbidity and has provided excellent surgical results (89.5% success rate).

The Failed Anti-Incontinence Mechanism: A Flap Valve or Cecal Wrap for Surgical Reconstruction

PURPOSE On a long-term basis patients with continent urinary diversions may have an acceptable number of complications, such as urinary incontinence. We report on a new surgical technique for treatment of the incompetent anti-incontinence segment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven patients presented with a large capacity, low pressure reservoir and an incompetent anti-incontinence mechanism. The original anti-incontinence mechanism consisted of an intussuscepted reimplanted appendix (Mitrofanoff) in 2 patients, tapered ileum and reinforced ileocecal valve in 3, and tapered and reimplanted ileal segment in 2. Surgical reconstruction involved 2 stages: stage 1 - lengthening and tubularizing the cecum with the anti-incontinence segment and stage 2 - creation of the flap valve mechanism. Stage 2 required intraoperative modification when abundant peri-reservoir fibrosis, a thin-walled reservoir (cecal wrap) or an excessive thickened mesentery was encountered. RESULTS After a mean followup of 7 months 6 of 7 patients performed catheterization every 4 hours and were continent. Several patients required a concomitant procedure with the incontinence revision. CONCLUSIONS We describe a 2-stage technique for correction of a variety of untoward anatomical conditions related to a failed anti-incontinence segment with continent urinary reservoirs. Concomitant repair of other coexisting structural abnormalities related to the continent reservoir may also be necessary.

Prostate Cancer Predictive Simulation Modelling, Assessing the Risk Technique (PCP-SMART): Introduction and Initial Clinical Efficacy Evaluation Data Presentation of a Simple Novel Mathematical Simulation Modelling Method, Devised to Predict the Outcome of Prostate Biopsy on an Individual Basis.

&NA; We introduce a novel prostate cancer predictive, simulation‐modelling technique, from which we derived a logistic regression‐based equation. This mathematical formula calculates the probability of finding cancer on prostate biopsy on an individual basis. Our method exhibited significantly improved ability in identifying men at risk of prostate cancer who require biopsy and/or intensive follow‐up, and, equally important, those who can avoid unnecessary interventions. Introduction: We developed a mathematical “prostate cancer (PCa) conditions simulating” predictive model (PCP‐SMART), from which we derived a novel PCa predictor (prostate cancer risk determinator [PCRD] index) and a PCa risk equation. We used these to estimate the probability of finding PCa on prostate biopsy, on an individual basis. Materials and Methods: A total of 371 men who had undergone transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy were enrolled in the present study. Given that PCa risk relates to the total prostate‐specific antigen (tPSA) level, age, prostate volume, free PSA (fPSA), fPSA/tPSA ratio, and PSA density and that tPSA ≥ 50 ng/mL has a 98.5% positive predictive value for a PCa diagnosis, we hypothesized that correlating 2 variables composed of 3 ratios (1, tPSA/age; 2, tPSA/prostate volume; and 3, fPSA/tPSA; 1 variable including the patients tPSA and the other, a tPSA value of 50 ng/mL) could operate as a PCa conditions imitating/simulating model. Linear regression analysis was used to derive the coefficient of determination (R2), termed the PCRD index. To estimate the PCRD indexs predictive validity, we used the χ2 test, multiple logistic regression analysis with PCa risk equation formation, calculation of test performance characteristics, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using SPSS, version 22 (P < .05). Results: The biopsy findings were positive for PCa in 167 patients (45.1%) and negative in 164 (44.2%). The PCRD index was positively signed in 89.82% positive PCa cases and negative in 91.46% negative PCa cases (χ2 test; P < .001; relative risk, 8.98). The sensitivity was 89.8%, specificity was 91.5%, positive predictive value was 91.5%, negative predictive value was 89.8%, positive likelihood ratio was 10.5, negative likelihood ratio was 0.11, and accuracy was 90.6%. Multiple logistic regression revealed the PCRD index as an independent PCa predictor, and the formulated risk equation was 91% accurate in predicting the probability of finding PCa. On the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the PCRD index (area under the curve, 0.926) significantly (P < .001) outperformed other, established PCa predictors. Conclusion: The PCRD index effectively predicted the prostate biopsy outcome, correctly identifying 9 of 10 men who were eventually diagnosed with PCa and correctly ruling out PCa for 9 of 10 men who did not have PCa. Its predictive power significantly outperformed established PCa predictors, and the formulated risk equation accurately calculated the probability of finding cancer on biopsy, on an individual patient basis.

Evaluation of flap valve as an alternative continence mechanism in the Florida pouch

OBJECTIVES To evaluate urodynamic findings in a successful flap valve (FV) continence mechanism in association with a continent colonic urinary reservoir (Florida pouch) and to compare the urodynamic findings of the FV mechanism with the doubly plicated (PI) standard anti-incontinence segment in the same reservoir. METHODS Thirteen patients who successfully received the Florida pouch between 1988 and 1996 agreed to undergo urodynamic evaluation as part of a pilot study. Eight patients had a PI continence mechanism and a mean time from surgery of 51 months; 5 had a FV continence mechanism and a mean time from surgery of 14 months. Enterocystometry was performed with a trans-stomal Bard triple channel 7F catheter. Volume and pressure at first desire to empty (VFDE, PFDE), as well as maximal enterocystometric capacity and pressure (VMEC, PMEC), were recorded. Maximal outlet pressure (MOP) was recorded using the catheter withdrawal technique. RESULTS PI and FV groups demonstrated the following mean values respectively: VFDE, 692.7 and 403 mL; PFDE, 19.5 and 19.2 cm H2O; VMEC, 876.5 and 515 mL; PMEC, 25.9 and 24.6 cm H2O; MOP, 57.5 and 51.2 cm H2O (reservoir empty) and 50.5 and 52.6 cm H2O (reservoir full); and functional length of outlet, 24.3 and 24.6 cm. MOP measurement demonstrated greater variability in the PI than in the FV group. CONCLUSIONS Urodynamic comparison of these mechanisms reveals that MOP measurement was closer to the mean among FV than PI patients. In addition, the mean VFDE (692.7 mL for PI versus 403 mL for FV, P < 0.05) and the mean VMEC (876.5 mL for PI versus 515 mL for FV, P < 0.05) were significantly less in the FV group. Lower VMEC and less variability in MOP indicate that continence may be more dependent on MOP in the FV mechanism. A longer follow-up time and a larger number of patients will be of assistance in clarifying these findings.

Bladder Replacement and Urinary Diversion After Radical Cystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The optimal mode of urinary tract reconstruction following cystectomy continues to challenge the urologic surgeon. Disadvantages with bowel conduits have prompted the search for better techniques to improve patient outcomes. METHODS: The development of urinary tract reconstruction is reviewed, and results from several forms of continent urinary diversion and bladder replacement construction are presented. The authors report on their experience in creating continent reservoirs or neobladders in over 400 patients. RESULTS: Several surgical approaches are now available for continent urinary diversion. Metabolic and nutritional abnormalities, stone formation, infection, and cancer formation are potential complications. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in surgical techniques, an understanding of the physiology of isolated bowel segments, and improvements in pre- and post-operative care have altered the field of urinary reconstruction after cystectomy for bladder cancer. Most patients can expect minimal morbidity and mortality.

Bilateral Metachronous Testicular Chloroma: A Rare Clinical Entity

Testicular chloroma is an unusual form of extramedullary acute myeloid leukemia. We present a rare case that after chemotherapy relapsed with the appearance of metachronous testicular chloroma and we suggest prophylactic radiotherapy.