Noam D. Kitrey

Renal Angiomyolipoma: Long-term Results Following Selective Arterial Embolization

BACKGROUND The treatment for and long-term outcome of renal angiomyolipoma (AML) at high-risk for bleeding has not been determined. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the complication rates and the long-term outcomes among patients treated by selective arterial embolization (SAE) for a large or symptomatic renal AML. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Forty-one patients with 48 kidneys containing AML were treated by SAE at a single tertiary academic center. INTERVENTION All patients were treated by SAE and followed in a single center. MEASUREMENTS SAE was performed with a mixture of 96% ethanol and polyvinyl alcohol particles. The variables used for the analysis included age, gender, presence of tuberous sclerosis (TS), and maximal tumor size prior to SAE. The study end points were recurrence of symptoms or bleeding, the need for re-embolization or surgery, and disease-specific survival. The mean follow-up period for the entire group was 4.8 yr. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Mean patient age was 51 yr (range: 24-82), and the mean initial tumor size was 10.3 cm. Successful SAE was achieved in 40 patients (91%) with a minor complication rate of 11%. Avoidance of surgery was achieved in 96% of the kidneys. No retroperitoneal hemorrhage was noted during follow-up, and 98% of the kidneys were preserved during the follow-up period. No significant changes in creatinine levels were noted following SAE (P=0.27). The freedom from surgical treatment at 5 yr following SAE was 94% (95% CI, 89-99%). Disease-specific survival of the entire cohort was 100%. The study is a retrospective, and treatment was not given according to prospective protocol, and therefore sample bias may be present. CONCLUSIONS SAE of renal AML has long-term efficacy in preventing hemorrhagic complications of renal AML, and preservation of the involved kidneys is amenable in both TS and sporadic cases.

EAU Guidelines on Iatrogenic Trauma

CONTEXT The European Association of Urology (EAU) Trauma Guidelines Panel presents an updated iatrogenic trauma section of their guidelines. Iatrogenic injuries are known complications of surgery to the urinary tract. Timely and adequate intervention is key to their management. OBJECTIVE To assess the optimal evaluation and management of iatrogenic injuries and present an update of the iatrogenic section of the EAU Trauma Guidelines. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic search of the literature was conducted, consulting Medline and the Cochrane Register of Systematic reviews. No time limitations were applied, although the focus was on more recent publications. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The expert panel developed statements and recommendations. Statements were rated according to their level of evidence, and recommendations received a grade following a rating system modified from the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine. Currently, only limited high-powered studies are available addressing iatrogenic injuries. Because the reporting of complications or sequelae of interventions is now increasingly becoming a standard requirement, this situation will likely change in the future. CONCLUSIONS This section of the trauma guidelines presents an updated overview of the treatment of iatrogenic trauma that will be incorporated in the trauma guidelines available at the EAU Web site (http://www. uroweb.org/guidelines/online-guidelines/).

Review of the Current Management of Upper Urinary Tract Injuries by the EAU Trauma Guidelines Panel

CONTEXT The most recent European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on urological trauma were published in 2014. OBJECTIVE To present a summary of the 2014 version of the EAU guidelines on upper urinary tract injuries with the emphasis upon diagnosis and treatment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The EAU trauma guidelines panel reviewed literature by a Medline search on upper urinary tract injuries; publication dates up to December 2013 were accepted. The focus was on newer publications and reviews, although older key references could be included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS A full version of the guidelines is available in print and online. Blunt trauma is the main cause of renal injuries. The preferred diagnostic modality of renal trauma is computed tomography (CT) scan. Conservative management is the best approach in stable patients. Angiography and selective embolisation are the first-line treatments. Surgical exploration is primarily for the control of haemorrhage (which may necessitate nephrectomy) and renal salvage. Urinary extravasation is managed with endourologic or percutaneous techniques. Complications may require additional imaging or interventions. Follow-up is focused on renal function and blood pressure. Penetrating trauma is the main cause of noniatrogenic ureteral injuries. The diagnosis is often made by CT scanning or at laparotomy, and the mainstay of treatment is open repair. The type of repair depends upon the severity and location of the injury. CONCLUSIONS Renal injuries are best managed conservatively or with minimally invasive techniques. Preservation of renal units is feasible in most cases. This review, performed by the EAU trauma guidelines panel, summarises the current management of upper urinary tract injuries. PATIENT SUMMARY Patients with trauma benefit from being accurately diagnosed and treated appropriately, according to the nature and severity of their injury.

Penile low-intensity shock wave therapy: a promising novel modality for erectile dysfunction.

Penile extracorporeal low-intensity shock wave therapy (LIST) to the penis has recently emerged as a novel and promising modality in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). LIST has angiogenic properties and stimulates neovascularization. If applied to the corpora cavernosa, LIST can improve penile blood flow and endothelial function. In a series of clinical trials, including randomized double-blind sham-controlled studies, LIST has been shown to have a substantial effect on penile hemodynamics and erectile function in patients with vasculogenic ED. LIST is effective in patients who are responsive to phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and can also convert PDE5i nonresponders to responders. The response to LIST wanes gradually over time, and after 2 years, about half of the patients maintain their function. Extensive research is needed to understand the effect of LIST on erectile tissue, to modify the treatment protocol to maximize its outcomes, and to identify the patients who will benefit the most from this treatment.

Low‐Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Vascular Disease and Erectile Dysfunction: Theory and Outcomes

INTRODUCTION Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) to the penis has recently emerged as a new and promising modality in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). AIM To review the published literature on the mechanism of action of LI-ESWT; and to report our clinical data on its efficacy in men with vasculogenic ED. METHODS A Medline search using the relevant keywords on this topic has been done. RESULTS From the results of numerous preclinical and animal studies that have been done to date, sufficient evidence shows that the underlying mechanism of action of LI-ESWT is probably neovascularization. Therefore, local application of LI-ESWT to the corpora cavernosa may potentially act in the same mechanism and increase corporal blood flow. We found that the application of LI-ESWT to patients who responded to oral therapy (PDE5i) eliminated their dependence on PDE5i and they were able to successfully achieve erections and vaginal penetration (60-75%). Furthermore, PDE5i non-responders became responders and capable of vaginal penetration (72%). Additionally, LI-ESWT resulted in long-term improvement of the erectile mechanism. CONCLUSIONS LI-ESWT has the potential to improve and permanently restore erectile function by reinstating the penile blood flow. Although these results on LI-ESWT are promising, further multi- centered studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings. Gruenwald I, Kitrey ND, Appel B, and Vardi Y. Stem low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy in vascular disease and erectile dysfunction: Theory and outcomes. Sex Med Rev 2013;1:83-90.

Correlation between MRI and double-balloon urethrography findings in the diagnosis of female periurethral lesions

This study aims to evaluate the correlation of MRI findings with double-balloon urethrography (DBU) in diagnosing female urethral diverticula and other periurethral lesions. In this retrospective study, females with clinically suspected periurethral lesions who underwent both MRI and DBU between 2008 and 2012 were evaluated. MRI was performed on a 1.5 Tesla unit using a pelvic phased array coil. Protocol included small FOV pelvic images, multiplanar T2-w, T1-w with and without contrast injection. DBU was performed by a dedicated catheter. Images were evaluated in consensus by two readers. Diverticula were evaluated by, size, number, complexity, location and connection to urethra, and other periurethral lesions were evaluated by size, location and connection. Supplement clinical and surgical data were retrieved from medical records and telephone interviews. Seventeen females (mean age 44 years, range 20-69) were included in the study. Diverticula were diagnosed by both modalities (9 cases), by neither (6 cases, 88% correlation) by MRI alone (1 case) and by DBU alone (1 case). Among diverticula, correlation of number, complexity, location and demonstration of connection to urethra was 89%, 67%, 67%, and 56%, respectively. Alternative diagnosis solely by MRI included vaginal wall cysts (3 cases), endometriosis (1 case) and ectopic ureter (1 case). No periurethral lesion was found by either modality in 2 cases. The correlation between MRI and DBU in diagnosing female periurethral lesions is very good for anatomical delineation of diverticula. MRI, which does not involve radiation, may also indicate alternative diagnoses that can contribute to proper patient management.

Is Postoperative Arteriovenous Fistula Still a Concern After En Bloc Stapling of the Renal Hilum During Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

PURPOSE To report our experience with en bloc stapling of the renal hilum during laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) and nephroureterectomy and to compare it with separate stapling performed during the same period at the same institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 125 laparoscopic nephrectomies and nephroureterectomies performed between November 2003 and September 2006 for benign and malignant conditions. The main outcome was assessment of complications, with special emphasis on postoperative arteriovenous fistula. Secondary outcomes included operative blood loss and operative time. Statistical analysis was performed using two-sided parametric, nonparametric, or categorical tests as appropriate. Statistical significance was set at P < or = 0.05. RESULTS The transperitoneal approach and 2.5 mM vascular titanium clips were used in all cases. En bloc stapling (group 1) was performed in 65 patients and individual stapling (group 2) in 60. There was a significantly higher proportion of right-side surgeries in group 1 than in group 2 (51 vs 25%, P = 0.05). Overall complications were 31% vs 32%, P = 0.91; mean operative time (confidence interval [CI]) 130 (95% 119, 141) vs 125 min (95% 115, 136), P = 0.3; and mean operative blood loss (CI) 100 (95% 39, 160) vs 135 mL (95% 76, 193), P = 0.33 did not differ for groups 1 and 2, respectively. After a median follow-up (interquartile range) of 25 (24.7) vs 30 (30.0) months, P = 0.14, no cases of arteriovenous fistula were detected. CONCLUSIONS En bloc stapling of the renal hilum is as safe and effective as individual stapling. Arteriovenous fistula after LN does not seem to be a concern with the use of modern inorganic titanium staplers.

Low Intensity Shock Wave Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction—How Long Does the Effect Last?

Purpose: We studied the long‐term efficacy of penile low intensity shock wave treatment 2 years after an initially successful outcome. Materials and Methods: Men with a successful outcome of low intensity shock wave treatment according to the minimal clinically important difference on the IIEF‐EF (International Index of Erectile Function‐Erectile Function) questionnaire were followed at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Efficacy was assessed by the IIEF‐EF. Failure during followup was defined as a decrease in the IIEF‐EF below the minimal clinically important difference. Results: We screened a total of 156 patients who underwent the same treatment protocol but participated in different clinical studies. At 1 month treatment was successful in 99 patients (63.5%). During followup a gradual decrease in efficacy was observed. The beneficial effect was maintained after 2 years in only 53 of the 99 patients (53.5%) in whom success was initially achieved. Patients with severe erectile dysfunction were prone to earlier failure than those with nonsevere erectile dysfunction. During the 2‐year followup the effect of low intensity shock wave treatment was lost in all patients with diabetes who had severe erectile dysfunction at baseline. On the other hand, patients with milder forms of erectile dysfunction without diabetes had a 76% chance that the beneficial effect of low intensity shock wave treatment would be preserved after 2 years. Conclusions: Low intensity shock wave treatment is effective in the short term but treatment efficacy was maintained after 2 years in only half of the patients. In patients with milder forms of erectile dysfunction the beneficial effect is more likely to be preserved.

Outcomes of Early Endoscopic Realignment Versus Suprapubic Cystostomy and Delayed Urethroplasty for Pelvic Fracture-related Posterior Urethral Injuries: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT The evidence base for optimal acute management of pelvic fracture-related posterior urethral injuries needs to be reviewed because of evolving endoscopic techniques. The current standard of care is suprapubic cystostomy followed by delayed urethroplasty. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the evidence base comparing early endoscopic realignment with cystostomy and delayed urethroplasty regarding stricture rate, the need for subsequent procedures, and functional outcomes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic search in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, and www.clinicaltrials.gov without time or language limitations. Both medical subject heading and free text terms as well as variations of root word were searched. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomised comparative studies and single-arm case series were included, as long as ≥10 patients were enrolled. Data were narratively synthesised in light of methodological and clinical heterogeneity. The risk of bias of each included study was assessed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS No RCTs were found. Six nonrandomised comparative studies and met inclusion criteria and were selected for data extraction. Noncomparative studies with more than 10 participants were included resulting in seven eligible studies. From the comparative papers the results of 219 patients were reported: 142 in the realignment group and 77 in the group undergoing cystostomy with delayed repair. The noncomparative studies reported on a further 150 cases. An overall stricture rate of 49% was evident in the endoscopic realignment group. Of these patients, 50% (28.1% overall) could be managed by endoscopic procedures and 40.3% (18.5% of intervention group) required anastomotic repair. CONCLUSIONS No RCTs were found and the included nonrandomised studies have heterogeneous populations and a high degree of bias. About half of the patients were free of stricture and thus did not undergo delayed urethroplasty in case early endoscopic realignment had been performed. PATIENT SUMMARY This systematic review of literature of urethral trauma revealed there are no well conducted comparative studies of newer endoscopic treatments versus standard treatments which include more extensive surgery. The results of the reports we selected based on specific characteristics are often influenced by variable factors. After careful analysis of these results we can conclude that the newer endoscopic techniques might resolve the risk of urethral injury due to pubic fractures in about half of the patients. Because of various confounders we cannot identify those patients who would benefit from this procedure or who might be possibly harmed.

Grey Areas: Challenges of Developing Guidelines in Adult Urological Trauma

Urology Department, St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK; Department of Urology, Asklipieion General Hospital, Athens, Greece; Department of Urology, University Hospital Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium; Department of Urology, Muhldorf General Hospital, Muhldorf am Inn, Germany; Department of Radiology, St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK; f London Andrology Institute, London, UK; Department of Urology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Urology, Chaim Sheba Medical Centre, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Department of Urology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK E U R O P E A N U R O L O G Y F O C U S X X X ( 2 0 1 5 ) X X X – X X X