Sonography of the distal male urethra--a new diagnostic procedure for urethral strictures: results of a retrospective study

We describe a new method of ultrasound investigation of the distal male urethra. With this procedure the periurethral structures are outlined, and the extent of periurethral scarring can be shown. In a retrospective study only strictures with significant periurethral scars recurred after internal urethrotomy. Patients without prominent scars had no stricture recurrence at the previous location. This new method allows for the appropriate decision to be made easier for optimal treatment of urethral strictures.     

Periurethral mass formations following bulking agent injection for the treatment of urinary incontinence

PURPOSE: Durasphere is gaining popularity as a bulking agent for treating women with stress urinary incontinence. We present a series of patients with periurethral mass formation following Durasphere injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of 135 women with a mean age of 69.4 years (range 46 to 83) who underwent Durasphere periurethral injections were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had a periurethral mass were identified and their clinical data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Four patients (2.9%) were diagnosed with periurethral mass formation 12 to 18 months (average 14.7) following a Durasphere injection. Clinical presentation varied, including irritative voiding symptoms, pelvic pain and urinary incontinence. All patients were found to have a tender and tense periurethral mass. A radiopaque mass was revealed during videourodynamic study in 1 patient. Incision, and transvaginal and endoscopic drainage or transvaginal excision were used to treat these masses. Intraoperative and pathological findings as well as operative outcomes are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Irritative or obstructing voiding symptoms, pelvic pain or a periurethral mass in patients with a history of Durasphere or other periurethral bulking agent injection should alert the physician to the possibility of periurethral mass formation. The true incidence of this late complication remains to be determined.     

The periurethral zone of the prostate of the cynomolgus monkey is the most sensitive prostate part for an estrogenic stimulus

In man, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) develops in the so-called transition zone of the periurethral region of the prostate. Assuming that estrogens have a specific effect in this context, it would be expected that the periurethral glands are the most sensitive prostate part for an estrogenic stimulus. Morphological and immunocytochemical studies of serial sections of the prostate of castrated male adult cynomolgus monkeys treated with 17 beta-estradiol for a period of three months revealed stromal proliferation, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy of the keratin-positive basal cells and squamous epithelial metaplasia. These estrogen-induced effects were most marked or found exclusively in the dorsal periurethral glands--a finding that is inconsistent with pertinent animal studies conducted thus far on this subject, and which further bears out the suitability of the cynomolgus monkey as a model for investigating BPH.     

Power Doppler of the Urethra in Continent or Incontinent, Pre- and Postmenopausal Women

Urethral pressure should exceed bladder pressure, both at rest and on stress, for urinary continence to occur. A decrease in urethral pressure is a major factor explaining the pathogenesis of urinary incontinence. A number of elements, such as smooth and striated periurethral muscles, and connective, vascular and elastic tissues, contribute to urethral pressure. The periurethral vessels are influenced by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and postmenopause. We studied the periurethral vessels in 97 women, 57 of whom were incontinent and 40 continent, using power color Doppler velocimetry. The number of periurethral vessels, systolic peak, minimum diastolic values, pulsatility and resistance indexes, as well as systolic–diastolic ratio, were assessed. Statistically significant differences were found between incontinent women in the premenopausal period and those in the postmenopausal period, regarding the number of periurethral vessels, systolic peak, minimum diastolic values, pulsatility and resistance indexes.     

Primary transitional cell carcinoma of prostate: case with lymph node metastasis eradicated by neoadjuvant methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (M-VAC) therapy

A case of transitional cell carcinoma of the periurethral prostatic ducts received neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (M-VAC), which eradicated pelvic lymph node metastasis, followed by cystoprostatectomy. M-VAC therapy may be indicated for metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the periurethral prostatic ducts.     

The effect of circumcision status on periurethral and glanular bacterial flora

INTRODUCTION: Circumcision is a historical operation which is still performed for different purposes. The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in periurethral and glanular sulcus flora due to circumcision to determine the role of circumcision on urinary tract infections (UTIs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients who were circumcised for social-religious reasons between January 2000 and January 2001 were evaluated in this prospective study. Two swabs were taken from the periurethral and glanular sulcus regions both just before circumcision and 4 weeks after, and the bacteria cultured were recorded. RESULTS: We isolated pathogenic bacteria in the periurethral region of 32 (64%) patients (enterococci in 14 cases; Escherichia coli in 12 cases) before circumcision, and this number decreased to 5 (10%) after circumcision. Similarly, pathogenic bacteria were cultured from the glanular sulcus swabs of 33 (68%) patients (enterococci in 14 cases; E. coli in 10 cases), as well as coagulase-negative staphylococci in another 15 patients before circumcision. Following circumcision, we detected pathogenic bacteria in the glanular cultures of only 4 cases, whereas 40 children had non-pathogenic skin flora. Only 1 of 5 children with history of UTIs (n = 1) and retractable phimosis (n = 4) had periurethral pathogenic bacteria (Proteus spp.) in the post-circumcision period. The differences between pre- and post-circumcision values of the pathogenic bacterial colonizations were statistically significant in both groups sampled (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Non-circumcised patients have similar pathogenic bacterial colonizations in the periurethral and the inner preputial regions, although they have no phimosis. The origin of periurethral flora should be the deeper preputial regions. The flora greatly changed with skin commensals after circumcision. Circumcision might be beneficial from this point of view.     

经会阴实时三维超声在会阴区囊实性病变中的应用研究

目的探讨经会阴实时三维超声在会阴区囊实性病变诊断及鉴别诊断中的临床价值。 方法回顾分析219例经手术、临床确诊为会阴区囊实性病变并进行了经会阴实时三维超声检查的女性患者声像图表现,总结不同会阴区囊实性病变声像图特点。 结果经会阴实时三维超声可以清晰显示会阴区囊实性病变。219例被检者中,阴道壁囊肿33例、尿道旁囊肿7例、尿道憩室7例、膀胱膨出58例、阴道内肿瘤4例、子宫脱垂32例、会阴体过度运动52例、直肠膨出26例。阴道壁囊肿、尿道腺囊肿在声像图上均表现为尿道旁的类椭圆形无回声或低回声区,与尿道及阴道均不相通;尿道憩室在声像图上表现为尿道旁不规则的无回声或低回声区,与尿道相通;阴道内肿瘤表现为阴道内不规则的低回声区;膀胱膨出、子宫脱垂、会阴体过度运动、直肠膨出表现为相应器官下移至参考线下。 结论经会阴实时三维超声能够客观反映会阴区囊实性病变的不同声像特征,有助于临床诊断及鉴别诊断,具有一定的临床实用价值。     

Tuberculosis of the male urethra

Tuberculosis of the male urethra is a rare lesion, with only 21 cases reported in the literature. Two patients with tuberculosis of the urethra, who presented with multiple periurethral fistulas and a periurethral abscess, are described. In both patients there was associated genitourinary tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis could be isolated from the urine and the exudate of the perineal ulcers. Biopsy from the perineal ulcers demonstrated tuberculous granulation tissue with tuberculous bacilli. Treatment consisted of suprapubic cystostomy and a 2-year course of antituberculous drugs, consisting of streptomycin, para-aminosalicylic acid and isoniazid. The urethral fistulas healed with this treatment. The urethral strictures were treated with repeated urethral dilations.     

Diagnosis and management of periurethral cysts

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Periurethral cysts are a rare entity that may be confused with urethral diverticula. The protocol for diagnosis and management of these lesions is still unclear. We present our experience with six patients presenting with periurethral cysts. METHODS: From 2001 to 2005 we evaluated six patients with a paraurethral mass. History, physical examination, laboratory and radiographic findings were analyzed to determine factors helpful in mass diagnosis. Cyst excision was performed via trans-vaginal approach in all patients and outcomes of this approach were assessed. RESULTS: Six female patients, average age of 29.7 years, presented with the complaint of a paraurethral mass. Transvaginal sonography was performed in two patients to confirm the presence of a periurethral cyst. Cystourethroscopy in all patients revealed no communication between the cyst and the urethra or presence of other lesions. Pathology revealed a benign cyst in all patients. No cyst recurrence has been seen in any patient. CONCLUSION: Most periurethral cysts can be diagnosed by physical examination. The diagnosis may be confirmed with transvaginal sonography. Cystourethroscopy should be performed to rule out other pathology, but may be done in the same setting as surgical excision. Complete surgical excision is effective and is associated with minimal risk of recurrence during short-term follow-up.     

The role of the pelvic floor in female urinary incontinence

This paper presents a review of the various factors believed to be involved in female urinary continence. Components within the wall of the urethra include smooth muscle, the striated muscle of the rhabdosphincter, elastic connective tissue, a subepithelial vascular component, and the urethral epithelium. Extramural factors comprise the fascial support of the bladder neck and proximal urethra, the transmission of intra-abdominal pressure to the urethra, and the periurethral muscles of the pelvic floor. Special emphasis is placed on the periurethral muscles, and the anatomy, innervation, and histochemistry of the levator ani are discussed. This account is followed by consideration of evidence that partial denervation of the levator ani may be an etiological factor in female genuine stress incontinence of urine. Finally, various non-invasive methods for the relief of genuine stress incontinence are discussed, including pelvic floor exercises and the use of intravaginal cones and electrostimulation.     

Origin and structure of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The development of microradiography of the prostate gland has provided a new approach to investigating the origin and structure of benign hyperplasia. It has demonstrated that benign prostatic hyperplasia is usually microadenomatous in structure, although reticular types do occur. It originates at the lateral boundary of the periurethral muscle in the position of the transitional zone. In contrast, stromal nodules are homogeneous and amorphous in structure and develop at the site of the short straight urethral ducts within the periurethral muscle.     

Correlation between ultrasound alterations of the preprostatic sphincter and symptoms in patients with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome

PURPOSE: We investigated ultrasound alterations of the preprostatic sphincter in patients with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome. We evaluated the frequency of these alterations, standardized their ultrasound measurement and correlated them with symptoms in patients with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 37 patients with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome and 23 healthy volunteers certain parameters were measured by transrectal ultrasound, including prostate volume, hypoechoic periurethral zone volume, posterior prostate lip thickness, bladder neck thickness, detrusor thickness and the degree of echogenicity of the anterior fibromuscular stroma. All patients were evaluated with the International Prostate Symptom Score and National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index. Urinary flow rate and post-void residual urine volume were also considered in each patient. All assessments were done independently and consecutively by 3 operators. RESULTS: A hypoechoic periurethral zone volume was found in 36 of 37 patients with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome. No significant intra-observer and interobserver differences were found in ultrasound parameter measurements. In the chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome group ultrasound findings showed greater post-void residual urine volume, detrusor thickness and hypoechoic periurethral zone volume, increased posterior prostate lip thickness and bladder neck thickness, and greater anterior fibromuscular stroma hyperechogenicity. On multivariate analysis hypoechoic periurethral zone volume was an independent predictive factor for worse National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index pain, urinary and total scores. Posterior prostate lip thickness was the only factor predictive of a worse International Prostate Symptom Score in patients with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome. A hypoechoic periurethral zone volume, posterior prostate lip thickness and bladder neck thickness with calculated threshold values revealed fair to excellent accuracy for identifying a patient with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound evaluation of the bladder neck-posterior urethra in patients with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome led us to identify a set of lesions that cannot be found in healthy subjects. The measurement of hypoechoic periurethral zone volume, posterior prostate lip thickness and bladder neck thickness could be useful for following patients with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome and maybe for better understanding the complicated pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.     

Regional distribution of epidermal growth factor,testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue

In benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is found to have a regional distribution, with concentrations in the periurethral zone (where the primitive fibrostromal nodule originates) higher than those of the peripheral subcapsular zone. The aim of the present investigation was to verify whether androgens and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are uniformly distributed from the periurethral to the peripheral zone or whether they show regional differences. Tissue samples, removed by transvesical resection from nine untreated BPH patients, sectioned in periurethral, subcapsular, and intermediate zones, were examined. In the periurethral zone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone, and EGF, determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques after purification on Celite microcolumns and Sep-pak C18 cartridge, showed values significantly higher (mean ± SD: 1121±482 pg, 250±129 pg, and 6.89±3.28 ng/mg DNA, respectively;P<0.01) than those of the subcapsular zone (489±190 pg, 114±70 pg, and 3.40±1.90 ng/mg DNA, respectively). A positive linear correlation between EGF, testosterone, and DHT was also observed. The regional distribution of EGF, testosterone, and DHT was similar to that found for bFGF: the highest levels of these factors in the periurethral region allow us to hypothesize on their possible involvement in the rewakening of mesenchymal tissue, leading to the formation of the primitive fibrostromal nodule and then to BPH development.     

Von Recklinghausen's disease presenting as scrotal tumor

A five-year-old boy had an asymptomatic, periurethral, scrotal-perineal mass. An unusual associated urethral defect was subsequently discovered. The locally aggressive lesion was excised and urethroplasty accomplished. The histopathologic diagnosis proved to be plexiform neurofibroma. This is a forme fruste example of ectodermal dysplasia known as neurofibromatosis. I believe this is the first report of similar scrotal, perineal, or periurethral involvement in the syndrome.     

Iontophoresis as a new method of delivering local anesthesia to the urethra: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES: To test the feasibility of using the iontophoretic catheter as a means of delivering local anesthetic (lidocaine hydrochloride) to the urethra for periurethral injection of collagen. METHODS: Eight women with urodynamically proven genuine stress incontinence underwent periurethral collagen injections. Local anesthesia was provided by 4% lidocaine with 1 in 100,000 epinephrine administered over 10 minutes using an iontophoretic catheter. Pain was assessed by Likert and visual analogue scales. Cystoscopic appearance of the urethra was noted. RESULTS: The periurethral bulking procedure was completed without further anesthetic in 7 women, 1 of whom had no pain. There was no evidence of urethral damage from the iontophoresis. CONCLUSIONS: Iontophoresis shows promise as a method of providing analgesia to the urethra. However, the degree of analgesia is variable, and further research is needed on catheter design to ensure transport of anesthetic agent into the periurethral tissues.     

Complications of sterile abscess formation and pulmonary embolism following periurethral bulking agents

PURPOSE: Agents currently used in the treatment of urinary incontinence secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency are effective and minimally invasive. Ensuring a lack of sensitivity to the product or use of autologous material, such as fat, minimizes significant problems. However, local and systemic complications can occur with any bulking agent. We describe rare complications of periurethral bulk injections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cases of sterile abscess formation and 1 of pulmonary embolism after periurethral bulk injections were reviewed. Two patients with intrinsic sphincter deficiency were treated with transurethral injection of glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen at the Mayo Clinic, 1 also treated with collagen for intrinsic sphincter deficiency was referred from elsewhere and 1 underwent periurethral injection of autologous fat for intrinsic sphincter deficiency elsewhere. Clinical information and patient followup were obtained from medical records and discussion with treating physicians. RESULTS: Three patients treated with collagen presented with sterile abscesses at the injection site after routine transurethral injection. Documentation of the abscesses included cystoscopic findings, magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis and/or transvaginal ultrasound. Drainage procedures for relief of obstructive and irritative voiding symptoms were required in 2 patients. In 1 of these patients transurethral unroofing failed, and transvaginal incision and drainage were required while the other had slow spontaneous improvement but a mass remained at the injection site 3 months later. Repeat skin testing was negative in 2 of 3 cases. Currently, these 3 patients are asymptomatic except for continued urinary incontinence. Pulmonary embolism was documented in 1 patient who underwent periurethral autologous fat injection. This patient survived without long-term consequences but was maintained on ventilatory support for a short time. CONCLUSIONS: In general, periurethral injection of bulk agents is safe and effective. However, injectable bulk agents are not without risk of complications, some of which are life threatening and others of considerable morbidity that may require operative intervention.     

Primary transitional cell carcinoma of prostatic periurethral ducts

Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostatic periurethral ducts is a distinct histologic variety of prostate carcinoma. Traditional methods of therapy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate are ineffective. A review of the literature suggests that appropriate radical surgical therapy should be considered for early control of this disease.     

Combined cystometry and perineal electromyography in the diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic urinary incontinence.

Function of the bladder and periurethral striated muscle was determined simultaneously by combined cystometry and electromyography studies in 120 patients. The coordinated tests were extremely helpful in identifying the different types of periurethral striated muscle activity in neurogenic bladder dysfunction, diagnosing the mechanism of incontinence and determining the appropriate therapy.     

Periurethral aggressive angiomyxoma: a case report

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare soft tissue tumor of the pelvis. Notorious for its locally infiltrative behavior, this tumor is identified by pathological appearance. Grossly gelatinous, spindle cells widely separated by collagen fibrils with vascular components can be microscopically visualized. Wide local excision is the treatment of choice. A 19-year-old woman presented with a periurethral mass that extended beyond the hymen with Valsalva. With imaging, the differential was narrowed to a soft tissue mass. Surgical excision was performed and histopathological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of aggressive angiomyxoma. Twenty-four months later the patient remains recurrence free. The typical findings of aggressive angiomyxoma are highlighted as well as the novel presentation as a periurethral mass. Histological and radiological findings are reviewed as well as current treatment options.     

Distribution of Immunoreactive Inhibin Like Material in Different Regions of Human Prostate

Distribution of immunoreactive inhibin material (IR-ILM) in different regions of human prostate was studied by using specific radio-immunoassay. Mean IR-ILM concentrations in the central, peripheral and periurethral zones were 27.3 +/- 9.3, 2.4 +/- 0.7 and 3.0 +/- 1.5 micrograms/mg protein respectively (P central vs periurethral and peripheral less than 0.05).