Michael Metro

Mechanism of Continence After Repair of Posterior Urethral Disruption: Evidence of Rhabdosphincter Activity

PURPOSE Controversy exists regarding continence mechanisms in patients who undergo posterior urethral reconstruction after pelvic fracture. Some evidence suggests that continence after posterior urethroplasty is maintained by the bladder neck or proximal urethral mechanism without a functioning distal mechanism. We studied distal urethral sphincter activity in patients who have undergone posterior urethroplasty for pelvic fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 12 patients who had undergone surgical repair of urethral disruption involving the prostatomembranous region underwent videourodynamics with urethral pressure profiles at rest, and during stress and hold maneuvers. Bladder pressure and urethral pressure, including proximal and distal urethral sphincter activity and pressure, were assessed in each patient. RESULTS All 12 patients had daytime continence of urine postoperatively with a followup after anastomotic urethroplasty of 12 to 242 months (mean 76). Average maximum urethral pressure was 71 cm H2O. Average maximum urethral closure pressure was 61 cm H2O. The average urethral pressure seen during a brief hold maneuver was 111 cm H2O. Average functional sphincteric length was 2.5 cm. Six of the 12 patients had clear evidence of distal urethral sphincter function, as demonstrated by the profile. CONCLUSIONS Continence after anastomotic urethroplasty for posttraumatic urethral strictures is maintained primarily by the proximal bladder neck. However, there is a significant contribution of the rhabdosphincter in many patients.

A Case Series of Spontaneous Rupture of the Urinary Bladder

We report 2 cases of spontaneous bladder rupture related to chronic outlet obstruction and urinary retention. In both cases, focal perforation was identified within diverticula. Bladder rupture in the absence of trauma is a rare and serious event with a mortality rate approaching 50%. These injuries are often initially misdiagnosed and it is our goal to provide insight to the presentation, management and treatment of this rare event.

Successful Surgical Management of Giant Condyloma Acuminatum (Buschke Lowenstein Tumor) in the Urethra of a Female Patient: A Case Report

The Buschke-Lowenstein tumor (BLT) is a slow-growing, locally destructive verrucous plaque that typically appears on the penis but may occur elsewhere in the anogenital region. It most commonly is considered to be a regional variant of verrucous carcinoma. It is rare but accounts for 5-24% of all penile cancers. It can also affect the perineum and other portions of the genitalia. It was first described by Buschke and Löwenstein in 1925, and is also known as giant condyloma acuminatum (GCA). Regardless of the treatment modality, careful follow-up is recommended because of the high risk of recurrence and the possibility for malignant transformation in 30-56% of patients. We present a case of a 47-year-old Hispanic female that presented to the urology clinic for dysuria and upon work-up was found to have a GCA. GCA typically affects the penis, although the perianal region, vulva, vagina, rectum, scrotum, perineum and bladder may be involved. To date, we believe this is the only reported case of GCA in the urethra of a female patient with sparing of the bladder. This lesion was successfully removed with wide local excision. We believe that further studies are needed to define this disease, identify its pathogenesis, and the most successful treatment protocol.

Pubic Bone Osteomyelitis after Salvage High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Prostate Cancer

High-intensity focused ultrasound can be used for the primary treatment of prostate cancer and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy or radiation. Complications of high-intensity focused ultrasound include urinary retention, urethral stenosis, stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, dysuria, impotence, and rarely, rectourethral or rectovesicular fistula. We describe a patient presenting with urinary retention, urinary tract infections and intermittent stress incontinence, later found to be associated with pubic bone osteomyelitis stemming from a prostatopubic fistula.

False-Positive Cystoscopic Diagnosis of Ureteral Obstruction After Hysterectomy Due to a Nonfunctional Kidney.

BACKGROUND: An estimated 0.2% of the population may have a unilateral nonfunctional kidney. This pre-existing condition may lead to the mistaken presumption that a ureteral injury has occurred when performing cystoscopy after hysterectomy. CASES: Two cases are presented in which cystoscopy to confirm ureteral patency after hysterectomy was performed in patients with pre-existing unknown nonfunctional kidneys. These false-positive findings resulted in additional operative time, additional cost, and unnecessary surgical exploration. CONCLUSION: Cystoscopy to confirm ureteral patency after hysterectomy may lead to an incorrect presumption of a ureteral injury in patients with a pre-existing nonfunctional kidney.

Procidentia as a Cause of Obstructive Uropathy and Acute Kidney Injury

Pelvic organ prolapse can affect urinary tract function by reducing flow rates and increasing post void residual urine volumes secondary to outlet obstruction. If the diagnosis is missed or left untreated, pelvic organ prolapse can lead to acute renal injury, chronic renal failure or even end stage renal disease. Herein, we present a case of a patient who presented to Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA with urinary retention and acute kidney injury secondary to complete uterine prolapse, also referred to as procidentia.

Upper Tract Obstruction and Management in Patients With Blood Cell Dyscrasias

cute bilateral renal obstruction secondary to spontaneous bleeding and clot formation is a Arare complication of patients with blood cell dyscrasias. This can occur at any time despite medical therapy and treatment. Decompression of the renal system and relief of obstruction are critical to improve renal function. Once the coagulopathy is treated and hemostasis achieved, evaluation of the upper tracts is necessary using ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and endoscopic direct visualization. There are few case reports in the literature that describe management of this difficult clinical scenario.

Case Report: Conversion of a Low-Flow to High-Flow Priapism

Priapism is defined as an erection lasting for more than 4 hours and can be grouped into 3 distinct subtypes: ischemic (low-flow), stuttering and non-ischemic (high-flow). Herein, we present an interesting case of conversion from a low-flow to high-flow priapism after a distal shunting procedure. This is a rare phenomenon that has a paucity of documented cases. Diagnosis requires prompt clinical suspicion and confirmatory testing including penile cavernosal blood gases and Doppler ultrasound.

Primary Ureteral Lymphoma Presenting with Acute Flank Pain

Non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) represents 4% of newly diagnosed cancer in 2013 with a 59-82% 5-year survival depending on the tumor location. Primary presentation of lymphoma consists of lymphadenopathy or swelling of the lymph nodes and non-specific systemic symptoms such as fevers, night sweats, and weight loss. Less commonly, NHL arises from non-lymphoid tissue. We report a unique case of NHL arising from the ureteral wall which was visualized via non-contrast CT and direct vision through ureteroscopy.