Etiology and management of urethral calculi:A systematic review of contemporary series

Objective:To conduct a systematic literature review on urethral calculi in a contemporary cohort describing etiology,investigation,and management patterns.Methods:A systematic search of MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL)databases was performed.Articles,including case reports and case series on urethral calculi published between January 2000 and December 2019,were included.Full-text manuscripts were reviewed for clinical parameters including symptomatology,etiology,medical history,investigations,treatment,and outcomes.Data were collated and analyzed with univariate methods.Results:Seventy-four publications met inclusion criteria,reporting on 95 cases.Voiding symptoms(41.1%),pain(40.0%),and acute urinary retention(32.6%)were common presenting features.Urethral calculi were most often initially investigated using plain X-ray(63.2%),with almost all radio-opaque(98.3%).Urethral calculi were frequently associated with coexistent bladder or upper urinary tract calculi(16.8%)and underlying urethral pathology(53.7%)including diverticulum(33.7%)or stricture(13.7%).Urethral calculi were most commonly managed with external urethrolithotomy(31.6%),retrograde manipulation(22.1%),and endoscopic in situ lithotripsy(17.9%).Conclusion:This unique systematic review of urethral calculi provided a summary of clinical features and treatment trends with a suggested treatment algorithm.Management in contemporary urological practice should be according to calculus size,shape,anatomical location,and presence of urethral pathology.

Investigation of risk factors in the development of recurrent urethral stricture after internal urethrotomy

BACKGROUND Urethral stricture is a condition that often develops with trauma and results in narrowing of the urethral lumen.Although endoscopic methods are mostly used in its treatment,it has high recurrence rates.Therefore,open urethroplasty is recommended after unsuccessful endoscopic treatments.AIM To investigate the risk factors associated with urethral stricture recurrence.METHODS The data of male patients who underwent internal urethrotomy for urethral stricture between January 2017 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Demographic data,comorbidities,preoperative haemogram,and biochemical values obtained from peripheral blood and operative data were recorded.Patients were divided into two groups in terms of recurrence development;recurrence and non-recurrence.Initially recorded data were compared between the two groups.RESULTS A total of 303 patients were included in the study.The mean age of the patients was 66.6±13.6 years.The mean duration of recurrence development was 9.63±9.84(min-max:1-39)months in the recurrence group.Recurrence did not occur in non-recurrence group throughout the follow-up period with an average time of 44.15±24.07(min-max:12-84)months.In the comparison of both groups,the presence of diabetes mellitus(DM),hypertension(HT),and multiple comorbidi-ties were significantly higher in the recurrence(+)group(P=0.038,P=0.012,P=0.013).Blood group,postoperative use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,preoperative cystostomy,cause of stricture,iatrogenic cause of stricture,location and length of stricture,indwelling urinary cathater size and day of catheter removal did not differ between the two groups.No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of age,uroflowmetric maximum flow rate value,hemo-gram parameters,aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),fasting blood sugar,creati-nine,glomerular filtration rate,neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio,platelet-lymphocyte ratio,lymphocyte-monocyte ratio,monocyte-lymphocyte ratio and AST/ALT ratios.CONCLUSION In patients with urethral stricture recurrence,only the frequency of DM and HT was high,while inflammation marker levels and stricture-related parameters were similar between the groups.

Urinary Lithiasis Secondary to Urethral Duplication: A Case Report

Urethral duplication is a rare congenital anomaly, mainly involving boys, although cases in girls have been reported. The majority of duplications of the urethra are asymptomatic and the discovery of this malformation can be done at any age. Diagnosis and determination of its type are based on urethrocystography with mid-void images, which helps to guide the surgical approach. The treatment is not yet well codified and the therapeutic attitude varies from one author to another. We report a clinical observation of a urethral duplication with a calculus in a six-year-old boy who underwent a partial urethrectomy of the supernumerary urethra in whom a lithotomy and a urethrectomy were performed via a suspension approach. This observation illustrates the possibility of urinary stone formation after partial urethrectomy of the supernumerary urethra.

Iatrogenic Urethral Stenoses: Epidemiological Aspects Clinics and Therapeutic in the Urology Department of the National Hospital of Conakry

The aim is to highlight the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of iatrogenic urethral strictures. Methodology: This was a retrospective study, descriptive type, 6 years from January 1st 2012, to December 31st 2017 carried out in the Urology-Andrology department of the National Hospital Ignace Deen of Conakry. All records of patients carrying the Diagnosis of iatrogenic urethral stricture were included in this study. Results: We collected 30 cases of iatrogenic urethral stricture, with a frequency of 2.5%. The average age of the patients was 62.33 years. The most affected age group is from 71 to 80 years (33.33%). Dysuria was the main reason for consultation. Retrograde urethrocystography plus voiding cystourethrography (RUC-VCU) allowed us to make the diagnosis. The treatment was essentially surgical and several techniques were used. Endoscopic internal urethrotomy alone was the most performed surgical technique, followed by segmental uretrectomy associated with end-to-end urethrography. Conclusion: Iatrogenic urethral stricture is easy to diagnose but difficult to manage due to the frequency of recurrences. Improving the quality of care, in particular urethral catheterizations and transurethral endoscopic maneuvers, makes it possible to prevent it.

Posterior Urethral Valves without Reflux Associated with Bilateral Renal Cortical Atrophy: Diagnosis and Management

The objective of this case report was to highlight the characteristics of posterior urethral valves observed in a 3-year-old patient and to describe their management. The case of a 4-year-old patient treated for a posterior urethral valve with bilateral renal cortical atrophy was reviewed. The diagnosis was confirmed by abdominal ultrasound, cystography and abdominal CT. He was referred to Martinique (a tertiary health establishment) for effective support. From the acute situation to the fortuitous discovery, its understanding must be deepened because of the potential immediate symptomatic impact in the form of renal colic which can be associated with sepsis, as well as in the long term on renal function. This observation is intended to help the attending physician to initiate his diagnosis and treatment.

The Role of Internal Optical Urethrotomy in the Treatment of Male Urethral Stricture

Background: Male urethral stricture is as yet considered one of the very popular and defying dilemmas to the urologist. Treatment modalities include dilation, endoscopic urethrotomy and urethroplasty, however internal optical urethrotomy displays rapid cure, lower scarring, and minimal hazard of infection. Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of internal optical urethrotomy in the treatment of patients with urethral stricture. Patients & Methods: This study was carried out at Al-Yermouk Teaching Hospital/Baghdad/Iraq in the period between January 2015 and January 2018. A group of 75 male patients (16 - 25 years of age) presented with urethral strictures had been treated with internal optical urethrotomy. Follow-up period ranged from 1 - 3 months. Outcome was graded as good, fair and poor. Results: Out of 75 patients, 28 (37.3%) were (21 - 30) years of age. Trauma was the most popular source of stricture found in 40 (53.3%) and the most widespread presenting feature was poor urinary flow in 32 (42.6%) patients. Stricture in the bulbous urethra in 48 (64%) cases was found to be the most prevalent area followed by penile urethra in 16 (21.3%) cases. Overall response rate was good in 52 (69.3%) patients. Eleven (14.6%) patients exhibited only minor bleeding postoperatively with no other considerable complications. Conclusion: Internal optical urethrotomy is a dependable and effective procedure in treating urethral stricture.

Paraurethral Cysts in a Female Newborn

Paraurethral cysts are a rare congenital abnormality seen in female neonates. We present the case of a female newborn with a paraurethral cyst resulting in urinary obstruction. Surgical intervention was chosen as a result of the obstruction.

Tissue engineering in urethral reconstruction--an update

The field of tissue engineering is rapidly progressing. Much work has gone into developing a tissue engineered urethral graft. Current grafts, when long, can create initial donor site morbidity. In this article, we evaluate the progress made in finding a tissue engineered substitute for the human urethra. Researchers have investigated cell-free and cell-seeded grafts. We discuss different approaches to developing these grafts and review their reported successes in human studies. With further work, tissue engineered grafts may facilitate the management of lengthy urethral strictures requiring oral mucosa substitution urethroplasty.

History and evolution of the use of oral mucosa for urethral reconstruction

We report here the history and evolution of the use of oral mucosa in reconstructive urethral surgery since it was first used for urethroplasty in 1894.Since that time,many authors have contributed to develop,improve and popularize the use of oral mucosa as a substitute material.Paediatric urologists should be considered pioneers on the use of oral mucosa as they used it to repair primary and failed hypospadias.The use of oral mucosa to repair penile and bulbar urethral strictures was described,for the first time,in 1993.Important evolutions in the technique for harvesting oral mucosa from the cheek were reported in 1996.Today,oral mucosa is considered the gold standard material for any type of anterior urethroplasty in a one-or two-stage repair due to its biological and structural characteristics that make it a highly versatile that is adaptable to any environment required by the reconstructive urethral surgery.As the future approaches,tissue engineering techniques will provide patients with new materials originating from the oral epithelial mucosal cells,which are cultured and expanded into a scaffold.However,the path to reach this ambitious objective is still long and many difficulties must be overcome along the way.

Adenoma of the posterior urethra:131 case report

Aim: A case-report on adenoma of the posterior urethra. Methods: In 131 cases of adenoma of the posteriorurethra, aged 17-79 (mean: 36.4) years, a detailed medical history was taken and urinalysis, urethroscopy, and pro-static specific antigen (PSA) immunohistochemical staining were performed. They were then treated with transurethralresection (TUR) or transurethral electric coagulation (TUEC). Results: Hemospennia occurred in 51% of the cas-es, hemamria in 38%, blood overflow from the urethral orifice in 6%, and dysuria in 5%. The position of the tumorwas at or around the vemmontanum. The appearance of the tumor was similar to those of a papilla, a villus, a dactylor polyp, or simply an engorgement. The tumor contained glandular alveoli and adeno-epithelial cells. PSA immuno-histochemistry was positive in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the adeno-epithelial cell. One hundred and tweenty-ninecases were cured after TUR or TUEC, while 2 patients recurred and were operated again. Conclusion: Adenoma ofthe posterior urethra is a common cause of hemospennia and hematuria in young men. Urethroscopic examination andbiopsy are the principal diagnostic measures. TUR or TUEC are believed to be the treatment of choice with a short-termrecurrence rate of around 1.5%. (Asian J Androl 2000; 3: 67-70)

Reconstruction of the urethral defects with autologous fascial tube graft in a rabbit model

Aim： To investigate the feasibility of the autologous fascia graft in urethra defect reconstruction. Methods： In 24 adult male rabbits, a standardized defect （17 mm） was created within the midportion of each urethra. Two-cm long fascial tube grafts were interposed between the cut ends of the urethra. Twenty-four rabbits were divided into 12 groups. At 0, 3, 10, 15, 21, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days postoperatively, one group was killed. In the first four groups, rabbits were killed and specimens were obtained for histological examination. After 21 postoperative days, in the subsequent eight groups, retrograde urethrograms were carried out to evaluate urethral patency and caliber, then rabbits were killed and specimens were obtained. Results： In the histological study, advancement of the urethral transitional epithelium along scaffold provided by the fascial graft was determined. At the 30th day, the new urethra was completely covered with the transitional epithelium. Fistula formation was observed in two of 24 rabbits. In urethrograms, narrowing was determined in three of 16 rabbits. Conclusion： For segmental urethral reconstruction, fascial graft is a good urethral substitute because of its rapid epithelization capacity, low contraction degree and thinness. We therefore propose the use of fascial grafts for reconstruction of male-urethra defects in humans.

Biocompatibility Evaluation of Vessel Extracellular Matrix as a Matrix for Urethral Reconstruction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of vessel extracellular matrix （VECM） from rabbit and to discuss the feasibility of vessel extracellular matrix as a matrix for urethral reconstruction. Primary cultured bladder smooth muscle cells isolated from New Zealand rabbits were implanted on VECM .The effects of VECM on rabbit bladder smooth muscle cells （RBSMCs） metabolic activity, attachment, proliferation were monitored in vitro with the aid of an inverted light microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The cell viability was monitored by MTT（methythiazolye tetrazolium bromide） after 1, 3, 5 days seeding. The in vivo tissue response to VECM was investigated by implanting them into the subcutaneous of rabbits. VECM exhibited a nontoxic and bioactive effect on RBSMCs. RBSMCs could be attached to and proliferated on VECM and maintained their morphologies. MTT assay showed RBSMCs cultured with the extracts of VECM were not significantly different from those of negative controls. In vivo, VECM demonstrated a favorable tissue compatibility without tissue necrosis, fibrosis and other abnormal response. VECM exhibited nontoxic and bioactive effects on RBSMC. It is a suitable material for urethral reconstruction.

Personalized chemotherapy in clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra:A case report

BACKGROUND Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra is a rare type of aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis.Clear cell carcinoma of the urethra represents less than 0.02%of all malignancies in women.Adenocarcinomas account for 10%of female urethral carcinomas,of which 40%are the clear cell variant.Determining the presence or absence of certain mutations through genetic testing may predict whether a patient with cancer may benefit from a particular chemotherapy regimen.CASE SUMMARY A 40-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of slow urinary flow and a 3-mo history of urinary urgency and frequency as well as gross hematuria.An abdominal and pelvic computed tomography scan demonstrated enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen and pelvis.A biopsy of a left inguinal lymph node microscopically confirmed a metastatic adenocarcinoma of the urethra.Specialized genetic testing determined personalized chemotherapy.She was treated successfully with a non-platinum-based chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and bevacizumab.Following 3 cycles of paclitaxel and bevacizumab,she attained significant clinical improvement,and response by FDG-Positron emission tomography(PET)imaging showed a definite improvement in size and metabolic activity.She achieved complete response after 6 cycles of therapy by PET scan.The patient concluded 11 cycles of paclitaxel and bevacizumab,and a subsequent PET scan confirmed progression of metastatic disease.The patient was then treated with two cycles of doxorubicin after which a PET scan revealed a mixed response to the treatment.CONCLUSION We report the first case of a patient with metastatic clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra who underwent personalized chemotherapy after testing for cancer gene alterations.Our unique case represents the safe and effective use of nonplatinum-based chemotherapy in clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra.

Management of the Valves of the Posterior Urethra in Urology

Aim: Describe the clinical, radiological and management of patients with posterior urethral valves. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study over a period going from January 2011 to December 2016, reviewing 12 cases of patients treated for valves of the urethra posterior to the medical surgical center of urology in Cameroon at Douala. The variables studied were clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary. Results: In 5 years, we had diagnosed and treated 12 cases of posterior urethral valves, an average of 2.4 per year. The average age of patients was 41.6 months with extrems of 3 and 156 months. The reason for consultation was dominated by urinary tract infections. Urethrocystography and echography were performed in all patients and allowed to objectify a bilateral ureterohydronephrosis, a diverticular bladder in 9 cases and 4 cases of vesico-ureteral reflux, including a grade 4 according to the classification of Cendron, 8 patients suffered from acute urinary failure. Renal scintigraphyrealised on 3 patients had as objective in 1 patient the existence of a disfunctioning kidney. The treatment consisted of an endoscopic incision of the valves (n = 8), a vesicostomy (n = 3) and an iterative urethral dilatation with double J catheter placement (n = 1). The evolution was favorable (n = 7), and 5 cases of death were recorded. Conclusion: The endoscopic incision is the gold-standard of the treatment of the valves of the posterior urethra. The vesicostomy is an alternative in the absence of adequate technical platform. Despite adequate support, the prognosis remains burdened with significant mortality.

Isolated Rupture of Corpus Spongiosum Associated a Partial Rupture of the Urethra during a False Step of the Coitus: A Case Reported at the University Hospital Sanou Souro

Penile fracture is a rare urological emergency. It occurs mainly in young adults during sexual intercourse. In many instances, one of the corpora carvanosus is involved though bilateral injuries with or without corpus spongiosus involvement is not uncommon. However, isolated injury to corpus spongiosus is extremely rare. We report a case of isolated rupture of corpus spongiosum secondary to penile injury during coitus in a 43-year-old man that presented to University Hospital Souro Sanou of Bobo Dioulasso. He presented with history of persistence bleeding per urethra following penile injury during sexual intercourse. The Retrograde urethrography (RUG) showed a partial rupture of urethra, Moore type 3. Complementary penile ultrasound revealed extensive contusion of the urethra with circumferential hematoma and rupture of the distal 1/3 of the corpus spongiosus. He had gentle per urethral catheterization which was left for one month. Penile ultrasound sound done after removal of catheter showed residual injury and narrowing of the urethra.

Congenital Urethral Diverticulum in Male Subject: Report of Three Cases

Introduction: The urethral diverticulum or urethrocele corresponds to a saccular dilation of a portion of the urethral wall. Our objective was to report the clinical aspects, investigations and therapeutic aspects of three cases of congenital urethrocele. Observations: They were three male patients aged 11, 20 and 42 years, two of whom had consulted for terminal dribbling. The diagnosis of urethrocele was made for all patients with retrograde and voiding cystouretrography. Treatment consisted of resection of the urethrocele followed by urethroplasty for both cases. Conclusion: Diagnostic of congenital urethrocele must always be assessed when there is a persistent terminal dribbling, and systematically ask for a retrograde and voiding cystourethrography to confirm it.

Management of Posterior Urethral Valves about 26 Cases

Aim: To improve management of the posterior urethral valve (PUV) in children in a hospital environment. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study that covered a sixteen (16) years period, from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2017, In pediatric surgery and urology departments of our teaching hospital, 26 cases of posterior urethral valve (PUV) were involved. The diagnosis was made by retrograde urethrocystography and micturition, supplemented by ultrasound. Results: During this period, 26 patients (1.7%) had a PUV. The mean age of the patients was 73, 2 months with extremes ranging from 6 to 180 months. Fifteen patients consulted for dysuria, 8 for complete retention of urine. Only one patient had a history of rolling the valves to the benign ones. The main complications found were urinary tract infection in 15 children, urolithiasis in 3 children and renal failure in 2 children. Two children had serum creatinine values of 50 and 58 mg/L. The lamination of the posterior urethral valves was performed in all patients. In our series, we had one death from chronic renal failure in a 6-year-old child with a bilateral mute kidney at IVU. Conclusion: The valve diagnosis of the posterior urethra is made late because the diagnosis is still postnatal.

Male Urethral Strictures in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso): Epidemiological Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects

Purpose: To conduct a study of epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of urethral strictures at Yalgado Ouedraogo University Teaching Hospital. Patients and methods: It was about a retrospective and descriptive study conducted in the urology division of Yalgado Ouedraogo Hospital from October 1st 2009 to September 30th 2014. All the patients, included in this study, had a urethral stricture confirmed by the voiding retrograde cystourethrogram (VCUG) or during surgical intervention with useful surgical report and medical file. Results: During the period of study, 127 complete medical records were found. The hospital prevalence was 10.1%. The average age of the patients was 50.5 (from 3 to 80 years). 55.6% of the patients were from rural areas. Dysuria and urinary retention were the major causes of consultation with respectively 66.7% and 33.3%. The aetiology of urethral stricture was infectious in 71.4% of the cases. The VCUG permitted to objectify the characteristics of the stenosis. The urethral stenoses were single in the majority of the cases, about 88.8% of cases. The bulbar urethral stricture was the major location. Escherichia coli was isolated in 77.7% of the urinary infections. The majority of patients (61.9%) had undergone open surgery including 39.7% end to end anastomosis. No endoscopic treatment was recorded. Conclusion: The urethral stenosis is frequent in our division. Its major aetiology is infectious. The treatment is dominated by open surgery in our context.

Epidemiologic, Clinical and Radiological Aspects of Male Urethral Strictures at the NgaoundéréRegional Hospital

Background: Urethral stricture is a disabling condition that remains prevalent due to the upsurge of sexually transmitted infections and traumatic lesions of the urethra during trauma of the pelvis in humans. Objective: Describe the epidemiological, clinical and radiological presentations of male urethral strictures. Method: It was a cross-sectional and descriptive study during a one-year period from January to December 2017 including all male patients presenting for a urethrocystography examination, at the Ngaoundere Radiology and Medical Imaging Center who agreed to participate. The urethrocystography technique depended on patient’s condition and was either retrograde, anterograde, or following intravenous urography. The examinations were performed with GE X-ray equipment using Kodak Dry View CRs. The interpretation was performed by a radiologist with at least five years of experience. The variables studied were age, clinic, history, uretrocystography technique and results. The data were collected using a previously established data sheet and processed with Sphinx Plus2 V5 and Microsoft Excel 2010 software. Results: 39 patients were enrolled in this study;the average age of our patients was 43.8 years with extremes of 4 and 76 years. The 50 - 60 age group (30.7%) was the most affected. Infection (53.9%) and trauma (23.1%) were the most common etiologies;dysuria (38.5%) and diminution of urinary flow (30.8%) were the most patient’s complaint. Retrograde urethrocystography (66.7%) was the most performed technic. Minimal bleeding in 46.2% of patients was the most common incident during urethrocystography;76.9% of patients had a difficult urination and 7.7% an impassable urethral meatus. After interpretation, 84.6% of patients had urethral stenosis, which was associated with bladder diverticula (23%) and fistulas (15.3%). The stenosis was seated on membranous urethra (81.8%), tight type (45.4%), short (66.7%) and single (81.8%). The post-void residue was significant in 84.6% of cases and not significant in 15.4% of cases. 15.3% of the urethrocystographies were normal. Conclusion: Urethral stenosis in Ngaoundere mainly affects young adult;the main etiology is infectious, very often unique, short, and tight and the membranous urethra is the seat of predilection. Hence, to reduce the extent of pathology with its functional consequences and its impact on the socio-professional life in our context, the focus should be on sexually transmitted infectious.

Constraint Analysis and Bladder Wall Low-Dose-Constraint Reduction in Five-Fraction Urethra-Sparing Prostate SBRT

Aim: To compare and analyze dose constraints and target coverage results and to reduce Bladder Wall (Bwall) V18.12 for prostate Stereotactic-Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) when Seminal Vesicles (SSVV) are included or not. Several indicators based on intersection volumes are obtained to predict constraint fulfillment. Background: Due to prostate’s low alpha-beta ratio and the possibility of increasing the therapeutic ratio several moderate and extreme hypofractionation schemes have been proposed. The scheme selected was a fivefraction urethra-sparing prostate SBRT. Materials and Methods: 150 patients divided into two groups according to the inclusion of SSVV in PTV or not were analyzed. Histograms, average values, standard deviations and degrees of fulfillment were obtained for each constraint or goal and group. A possible reduction of the Bwall V18.12 was addressed by re-optimizing fifty randomly chosen patients. Predictors of constraint fulfilling were obtained by using the intersections of Bwall and Rectum Wall (Rwall) with the PTV. Results: Significant differences in Rwall V32.62 and V29 were obtained when evaluating the influence of SSVV inclusion. A reduction of 12% in the Bwall V18.12 constraint was achieved without compromising coverage and OARs doses. No dependence on the inclusion of SSVV was found. Conclusions: Statistically significant differences have been found in Rwall intermediate-dose constraint when SSVV was included. A reduction of 12% in the Bwall V18.12 constraint has been achieved without compromising the PTV coverage and the rest of OARs constraints. Constraint fulfillment predictors could be useful to evaluate the feasibility of prostate SBRT prior to the planning process for every single patient.