Matthias D. Hofer

The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is the gold standard for male stress urinary incontinence (SUI). There is limited and conflicting evidence examining outcomes in AUS insertion after urethroplasty particularly whether and how urethroplasty techniques affect them. We evaluated complications of AUS insertion after urethroplasty in a multi-institutional cohort. We hypothesize that complications occur at higher rates and vary between transecting and non-transecting urethroplasty. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent AUS after urethroplasty at 15 institutions. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed. Urethroplasties were categorized as transecting or non-transecting. Long-term complications included AUS infection, erosion, and mechanical failure. 178 cases were identified performed by 17 surgeons (range 4-40) from 15 institutions with median follow-up of 33.5 (IQR 46) months). AUS complications requiring explantation, including infection, erosion and mechanical failure following transecting urethroplasty occurred in 56.2% compared to 23.5% following non-transecting urethroplasty (p < 0.001). Transecting urethroplasty technique was correlated with increased risk of device explant both from erosion (p=0.004) and atrophy (p=0.008). Radiation (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.28-0.76, p=0.002), hypertension (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27-0.73, p=0.0008) and patient age (>68) (HR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.81, p=0.004) also correlated to risk of device explantation. Risk of experiencing AUS complications is higher in patient with transecting urethroplasty compared to the non-transecting group. Non-transecting urethroplasty may be advisable if a subsequent need for AUS is anticipated.

Management of complex and recurrent ureteral stricture disease remains one of the more challenging aspects of reconstructive urology. While standard techniques such as ureteroureterostomy, psoas hitch, Boari flap, and ileal ureter creation serve as the foundation of ureteral reconstruction, each technique has limitations, particularly when faced with recurrence, long strictures, and previously irradiated fields. Two alternative techniques—buccal mucosal graft (BMG) ureteroplasty and appendiceal onlay/interposition—have been previously described and are now being utilized more frequently in recent years. Furthermore, the advancement of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery has allowed for even more reconstructive capabilities. BMG ureteroplasty and appendiceal onlay/interposition can serve as valuable augmentations to the aforementioned surgical techniques. BMG has now long been established in urethral reconstruction and serves as a viable graft option for longer segment ureteral strictures, given its panvascular lamina propria and epithelium well-suited to a wet environment. Similarly, the appendix has other uses in urologic surgery, including the Mitrofanoff channel in pediatric surgery, and is chiefly used in right-sided ureteral stricture repair. Both of these techniques allow the surgeons to take on more complex ureteral stricture cases and avoid the morbidity of bowel harvest. In this perspective, we argue for a broader recognition and adoption of BMG and appendiceal onlay/interposition in ureteral reconstructive surgery. In this article, we highlight the rationale for use, technical considerations, outcomes, and clinical evidence suggesting their advantages over traditional approaches. By incorporating these techniques into practice, urologists can expand their ability to manage more complex ureteral stricture cases with improved outcomes.

Stress urinary incontinence is a financially burdensome and socially isolating problem and can be experienced by men as a result of radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, or other urologic surgery. Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement for stress urinary incontinence is considered the ‘gold standard’ for male stress urinary incontinence. While initially only placed by specialized prosthetic surgeons, changes in urologic training have made implantation of the device by general urologists more widespread. Additionally, even though a minority of urologists place the majority of implants, many urologists may find themselves caring for patients with these devices even if they have never placed them themselves. For this reason, it is paramount that the urologic surgeon implanting the device and those caring for patients with prostheses are familiar with the various perioperative and postoperative complications of AUS implantation. This review discusses the most commonly reported complications of AUS implantation as well as those that are rarely described. Knowledge of these potential complications is necessary in order to care for patients with urologic implants.

Background: Our study sought to evaluate the rates of successful sperm retrieval following microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in patients with a prior history of cryptozoospermia, compared to patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Methods: A retrospective chart analysis evaluating all mTESE procedures was performed from January 2004 to August 2018. Inclusion criteria involved all males >18 years of age with a diagnosis of cryptozoospermia and/or NOA that underwent a mTESE. The patient’s genetic profile, hormonal profile, semen analysis, testicular volumes, pathology and comorbidities were analyzed. Results: We identified 40 patients with cryptozoospermia and 221 patients with NOA. Successful mTESE occurred in 34/40 (85%) cryptozoospermic males compared to 104/221 (48%) NOA males (p < 0.001). In univariate and multivariate analyses, patients with cryptozoospermia were more likely to undergo a successful mTESE than patients with NOA (OR 5.56 [1.79–17.29], p = 0.003; OR 5.41 [1.94–15.08], p = 0.0013), respectively. Factors that were associated with a statistically significant lower chance of successful mTESE included Sertoli-cell only pathology, pre-operative testosterone < 300 ng/dL and FSH > 7.6 mIU/mL. Conclusion: Despite patients with a history of cryptozoospermia having a significantly higher chance of a successful sperm retrieval than patients with NOA, couples should be counselled on the possibility of an unsuccessful sperm extraction, in order to optimize the pre-operative IVF planning and to manage operative expectations.

Editorial Commentary Are androgens important in the setting of stress urinary incontinence? Gina T. Baaklini, Matthias D. Hofer