The role of varicocele repair in the new era of assisted reproductive technology

Infertility affects 10-15% of couples who are trying to conceive, and half of the cases are due to male infertility. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is increasingly being used to overcome multiple sperm deficiencies. Due to its effectiveness, some have proposed ICSI as a solution for all cases of male infertility, regardless of the cause. Hence, even men with potentially treatable causes of infertility have sought the aid of assisted reproductive technology, rather than undergo specific therapies to treat their infertility. Varicoceles are the most frequent physical finding in infertile men; indeed, they may be responsible for nearly one-third of cases of male infertility. Varicocele management, however, has always been a controversial issue because very few randomized, controlled studies have been performed to examine varicocelectomy as an infertility treatment. Significant evidence suggests that varicoceles have a harmful effect on the testis and that varicocelectomy can not only prevent progressive decline in testicular function but also reverse the damage. However, the degree to which varicocele repair improves pregnancy rates and the success of assisted reproductive technology remains controversial

The epidemiology and etiology of azoospermia

The misconception that infertility is typically associated with the female is commonly faced in the management of infertile men. It is uncommon for a patient to present for an infertility evaluation with an abnormal semen analysis report before an extensive female partner workup has been performed. Additionally, a man is usually considered fertile based only on seminal parameters without a physical exam. This behavior may lead to a delay in both the exact diagnosis and in possible specific infertility treatment. Moreover, male factor infertility can result from an underlying medical condition that is often treatable but could possibly be life-threatening. The responsibility of male factor in couple's infertility has been exponentially rising in recent years due to a comprehensive evaluation of reproductive male function and improved diagnostic tools. Despite this improvement in diagnosis, azoospermia is always the most challenging topic associated with infertility treatment. Several conditions that interfere with spermatogenesis and reduce sperm production and quality can lead to azoospermia. Azoospermia may also occur because of a reproductive tract obstruction. Optimal management of patients with azoospermia requires a full understanding of the disease etiology. This review will discuss in detail the epidemiology and etiology of azoospermia. A thorough literature survey was performed using the Medline, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and Cochrane databases. We restricted the survey to clinical publications that were relevant to male infertility and azoospermia. Many of the recommendations included are not based on controlled studies

Varicocele in the adolescent population: challenges in management

O manejo da varicocele em adolescentes continua sendo um dos tópicos mais interessantes e debatidos. Embora a crescente conscientização do comprometimento testicular induzido por varicocele tenha motivado diversos estudos, algumas das controvérsias na varicocele em adultos, em relação à fisiopatologia, tratamento e problemas de fertilidade, também podem ser transpostas para a população adolescente. Além disso, os adolescentes representam um grupo heterogêneo com desafios no diagnóstico, parâmetros clínicos e preditores de desfecho limitados. O desenvolvimento físico e puberal reflete-se em dificuldades para condutas padronizadas. O objetivo deste artigo é revisar os dados disponíveis da literatura sobre a apresentação, epidemiologia e patogênese da varicocele em crianças e adolescentes. Também abordamos as principais limitações e desafios da avaliação clínica e fornecemos evidências atuais sobre o dilema do tratamento com varicocele nesse subconjunto específico de pacientes. Opções de intervenção e resultados também são discutidos. A presente revisão baseia-se em uma busca eletrônica utilizando as bases de dados Pubmed / MEDLINE e referências dos artigos identificados realizadas entre março e maio de 2018.Management of varicoceles in adolescents remain one of the most interesting and debatable topics. Although the crescent awareness of varicocele-induced testicular impairment has motivated several studies, some of the controversies in adult varicocele, regarding pathophysiology, treatment and fertility issues can also be transposed the adolescent population. Furthermore, adolescents represent a heterogenic group with challenges in diagnosis, clinical parameters, and limited predictors. Physical and pubertal development reflects in difficulties for standard management. The purpose of this article is to review available data from literature regarding the presentation, epidemiology and pathogenesis of varicocele in children and adolescents. We also address major limitations and challenges of clinical evaluation and provide current evidence regarding the dilemma of varicocele treatment in this particular subset of patients. Interventions options and outcomes are also discussed. The current review is based on an electronic search using Pubmed/MEDLINE databases and references of the identified articles performed between March and May of 2018

Outcomes of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy with holmium laser for upper urinary tract calculi

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perioperative and financial outcomes of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy with holmium laser for upper tract calculi in 44 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2004 and September 2006, 44 patients treated for upper tract stone with flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy were evaluated. Renal stones were associated with collecting system obstruction in 15 (34%) patients, failed extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) occurred in 14 (32%) patients, unilateral multiple stones in 18 (41%) patients, and multiple bilateral stones in 3 (7%). In 29 (66%) patients, the stone was located in the inferior calyx. Perioperative and financial outcomes were also evaluated. RESULTS: 50 procedures were performed in 44 patients. The mean stone burden on preoperative CT scan was 11.5 ± 5.8 mm. The mean operative time was 61.3 ± 29.4 min. The stone free rate was 93.1% after one procedure and 97.7% after a second procedure, with overall complication rate of 8%. Therapeutic success occurred in 92% and 93% of patients with lower pole stones and SWL failure, respectively. Treatment failure of a single session was associated with presence of a stone size larger than 15 mm (p = 0.007), but not associated with inferior calyx location (p = 0.09). Surgical disposables were responsible for 78% of overall costs. CONCLUSION: Flexible ureteroscopy using holmium laser is a safe and effective option for the treatment of upper urinary tract calculi. In addition, it can be considered an attractive option as salvage therapy after SWL failure or kidney calculi associated with ureteral stones. Stone size larger than 15 mm is associated with single session treatment failure

Resultados oncológicos da nefrectomia radical laparoscópica no tratamento do carcinoma renal

PURPOSE: To report the 5-year oncological outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cancer compared to a cohort of patients undergoing open radical nephrectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 88 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma prior to January 2000. Of these, 45 patients underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, and 43 patients underwent open radical nephrectomy. Inclusion criteria comprised clinically organ-confined tumors of 15 cm or less in size without concomitant lymphadenopathy or vena cava thrombus. Oncological follow-up data were obtained from charts, radiological reports, and phone calls to patients or their families, and were calculated from the date of surgery to the date of last appointment with physician or date of death. RESULTS: All laparoscopic procedures were completed without open conversion. On comparing the laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and open radical nephrectomy groups, mean tumor size was 5. 8 vs 6.2 cm (P = . 44), mean blood loss was 183 vs 461 mL (P = . 004), and mean operative time was 2.8 vs 3.7 hrs (P < . 001). Over a mean follow-up of 5 years in the laparoscopic radical nephrectomy group and 6 years in the open radical nephrectomy group, the overall survival was 81% vs 79% (P = . 47), and cancer-specific survival was 90% vs 92% (P = . 70) , respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cancer confers equivalent 5-year oncological outcomes to those of open surgery.OBJETIVO: Relatar os resultados oncológicos após 5 anos de seguimento em pacientes submetidos a nefrectomia radical laparoscópica para tratamento do câncer renal, comparando esses com os resultados obtidos com um grupo de pacientes submetidos a nefrectomia radical aberta. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas retrospectivamente as informações obtidas de 88 pacientes submetidos a nefrectomia radical para o tratamento do carcinoma renal realizadas previamente a Janeiro de 2000. Destes pacientes, 45 foram tratados com nefrectomia radical laparoscópica e 43 com nefrectomia radical aberta. Foram incluídos pacientes com tumores localizados com tamanho máximo de 15 cm, sem adenopatia ou sinal de envolvimento de veia renal na avaliação radiologica pré-operatória. As informações sobre o seguimento dos pacientes foram obtidas a partir de prontuários, laudos de exames radiológicos e ligações telefônicas para pacientes e/ou familiares. O seguimento foi calculado desde a data da cirurgia até a última consulta médica ou data de falecimento. RESULTADOS: Todos os procedimentos laparoscópicos foram realizados sem conversão para a técnica aberta. O tamanho médio tumoral foi de 5.8 e. 6.2 cm (P=0.44), perda sanguínea estimada de 183 e. 461 mL (P=0.004), e tempo operatório de 2.8 e. 3.7 horas (

Preservação da fertilidade em homens jovens com câncer: conceitos atuais e o futuro

Over the past 40 years, the global profile of cancer is changing. Initially regarded as a disease of the rich countries, it is noted that currently most of its global burden comes from poor or developing countries. In recent decades cancer has become a public health problem worldwide, with alarming estimates for subsequent decades. In Brazil, the estimates for the year 2012 will be valid for the year 2013 and reveals the occurrence of approximately 518,510 new cases of cancer, including cases of non-melanoma skin. Are expected a total of 257,870 new cases for males. The great thing is that about 10% of these cases are in the age group below 45 years and 1% below 20 years of age. Although the current treatment of cancer has increased considerablysurvival rates at 5 years young patients, it is almost invariably associated with great risk of infertility, leading to significant negative impact in the lives of these young men. This review article discusses the most current concepts in preserving fertility in young men treated for cancer, the growth of this field within the oncology and urology and the future of this topic so relevant to our population. Even today there is a important disconnect between the world and medical practice guidelines, when it comes to fertility preservation in men with cancer of reproductive age.Nos últimos 40 anos, o perfil mundial do câncer vem mudando. Encarado inicialmente como uma doença dos países ricos, nota-se atualmente que a maior parte de seu ônus global provêm de países de poucos recursos ou em desenvolvimento. Nas últimas décadas o câncer se tornou um problema de saúde pública mundial, com estimativas alarmantes para as décadas subseqüentes. No Brasil, as estimativas para o ano de 2012 serão válidastambém para o ano de 2013 e revelam a ocorrência de aproximadamente 518.510 casos novos de câncer, incluindo os casos de pele não melanoma. São esperados um total de 257.870 casos novos para o sexo masculino. A grande questão é que cerca de 10% destes casos serão na faixa etária inferior a 45 anos e 1% abaixo de 20 anos de idade. Embora o tratamento atual do câncer tenha aumentadoconsideravelmente as taxas de sobrevida em 5 anos de pacientes jovens, ele quase que invariavelmente estará associado a enorme risco de infertilidade, levando a impacto negativo importante na vida destes jovens homens. Este artigo de revisão aborda os mais atuais conceitos em preservação de fertilidade em homens jovens tratados de câncer, o crescimento deste campo dentro da oncologia e da urologia e o futuro deste tema tão relevante para nossa população. Até hoje existe uma importante desconexão entre os guidelines mundiais e a prática médica, quando o assunto é preservação da fertilidade em homens com câncer em idade reprodutiva

Fístula vésico-apendicular em adenocarcinoma mucinoso do apêndice

BACKGOUND: A rare case of vesicoappendiceal fistula secondary to mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix is presented. CASE REPORT: A 62-year-old man with a one year history of recurrent urinary tract infections. After two months he developed pneumaturia and fecaluria. An abdominal and pelvic computed tomography demonstrated a trans-mural mass in the posterior wall of the bladder with a vesicoenteric fistula leading to the terminal ileum. Laparotomy revealed a tumor arising from the appendix contiguous with the bladder posterior wall. The bladder was opened and a large fistula and tumor on the posterior bladder wall near the trigone was identified. Frozen pathological analysis showed a mucinous adenocarcinoma. En-bloc right hemicolectomy and partial cystectomy, preserving bladder trigone was performed. After manipulating the tumor, grossly leakage of mucinous materials occurred into the pelvic cavity. A peritoneal washing with a mytomicin solution at 42º C was then performed, to prevent peritoneal seeding. The patient had a prolonged postoperative ileus and was discharged at the 15th day. Five months after the procedure the patient was recieving chemotherapy with 5-fluoracil and leucovorin and there was no signs of recurrent disease. CONCLUSION: The presentation with vesico-appendiceal fistula is extremely rare with only a few cases reported in the literature. Knowledge of different types of neoplasm and appropriate treatment allows the surgeon to provide patients optimal care referring to specialized centers whenever appropriate.INTRODUÇÃO: Apresenta-se raro caso de fístula vésico-apendicular secundária a adenocarcinoma mucinoso do apêndice. RELATO DE CASO: Paciente masculino de 62 anos com história de um ano de infecções urinárias de repetição. Após dois meses desenvolveu pneumatúria e fecalúria, sendo indicada tomografia computadorizada de abdômen que mostrou massa trans-mural na parede da bexiga, com fistula vésico-entérica para região do íleo terminal. A laparotomia revelou tumoração surgindo do apêndice cecal, em continuidade com a parede posterior da bexiga. A mesma foi aberta, sendo identificada grande fistula e material tumoral até próximo ao trígono vesical. A biópsia de congelação identificou adenocarcinoma mucinoso. Realizada hemicolectomia associada à cistectomia parcial em bloco, com preservação do trígono vesical. Houve extravasamento de mucina para a cavidade pélvica pela manipulação. Optado por lavagem peritoneal com solução de mitomicina a 42º C para prevenir disseminação peritoneal. O paciente evoluiu com íleo prolongado pós-operatório, tendo alta hospitalar no15º dia. Cinco meses após o procedimento encontrava-se em quimioterapia com 5-fluouracil e leucovorin, sem sinais de doença recidivante. CONCLUSÃO: A presença de fístula vésico-apendicecal é extremamente rara, tendo poucos casos relatados na literatura. O conhecimento dos diferentes tipos de neoplasias e seus tratamentos adequados permite ao cirurgião oferecer melhor cuidado ao paciente

Fusão esplenogonadal e câncer testicular: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

A 36 year-old man after tests for assessing male infertility was diagnosed with primary infertility, bilateral cryptorchidism, non-obstructive azoospermia and discontinuous splenogonadal fusion. Carcinoma in situ was found in his left testicle, which was intra-abdominal and associated with splenogonadal fusion. To our knowledge, this is the fourth case of splenogonadal fusion associated with testicular cancer reported. One should always bear in mind the possibility of this association for the left cryptorchid testicle

Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI): Proposed Terminology and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Idiopathic Male Infertility

Despite advances in the field of male reproductive health, idiopathic male infertility, in which a man has altered semen characteristics without an identifiable cause and there is no female factor infertility, remains a challenging condition to diagnose and manage. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress (OS) plays an independent role in the etiology of male infertility, with 30% to 80% of infertile men having elevated seminal reactive oxygen species levels. OS can negatively affect fertility via a number of pathways, including interference with capacitation and possible damage to sperm membrane and DNA, which may impair the sperm’s potential to fertilize an egg and develop into a healthy embryo. Adequate evaluation of male reproductive potential should therefore include an assessment of sperm OS. We propose the term Male Oxidative Stress Infertility, or MOSI, as a novel descriptor for infertile men with abnormal semen characteristics and OS, including many patients who were previously classified as having idiopathic male infertility. Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) can be a useful clinical biomarker for the classification of MOSI, as it takes into account the levels of both oxidants and reductants (antioxidants). Current treatment protocols for OS, including the use of antioxidants, are not evidence-based and have the potential for complications and increased healthcare-related expenditures. Utilizing an easy, reproducible, and cost-effective test to measure ORP may provide a more targeted, reliable approach for administering antioxidant therapy while minimizing the risk of antioxidant overdose. With the increasing awareness and understanding of MOSI as a distinct male infertility diagnosis, future research endeavors can facilitate the development of evidence-based treatments that target its underlying cause