A comparison of sonourethrography and retrograde urethrography in evaluation of anterior urethral strictures

AIM: This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the abnormalities of the male anterior urethra using high-resolution ultrasound (sonourethrography) and to compare the efficacy with that of retrograde urethrography (RGU) using operative findings as the gold standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with symptoms of lower urinary tract obstruction underwent RGU followed by sonourethrography. The sonologist was blinded to the findings of RGU. The parameters studied were compared with the intra-operative findings as gold standard, and the sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy for the procedures were calculated. Chi-square test and kappa statistics were used where appropriate. RESULTS: All patients found to have urethral stricture disease by RGU were also detected by sonourethrography and confirmed intra-operatively. In the estimation of stricture length, RGU showed a lower sensitivity (60-80%) for lengths 1-4 cm, compared with sonourethrography (73.3-100%). Spongiofibrosis was detected by sonourethrography with a sensitivity of 77.3-83.3%. All the false tracts and calculi detected at sonourethrography were confirmed at surgery, whereas RGU showed a low sensitivity in their detection. The complications encountered during the procedures were pain, urethral bleeding and contrast intravasation. The frequency of pain during RGU was greater (p < 0.001); however, the difference in frequency of bleeding after the two procedures was not significant (p < 0.5). CONCLUSION: RGU and sonourethrography are equally efficacious in detection of anterior urethral strictures. Further characterization of strictures in terms of length, diameter and periurethral pathologies, like spongiofibrosis and false tracts, is done with greater sensitivity using sonourethrography as compared with RGU, with the added benefit of lower incidence of complications.     

MR urethrogram versus combined retrograde urethrogram and sonourethrography in diagnosis of urethral stricture

Objectives: To compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) urethrogram versus combined RUG and sonourethrography (SUG) in diagnosis urethral stricture with evaluation of their impact in management choice.Material and methods: From March 2006 through February 2007; 30 male patients (mean age, 45 ± 18 years, range 15-75) with clinically suspected urethral stricture. All patients underwent RUG, SUG and MR urethrogram.Results: The final diagnosis of the 30 cases included in our study, after endoscopy and surgical management, was classified into two main groups either isolated stricture (20 cases) or associated with other pathologies (9 cases). There was one case with normal urethral caliber at endoscopy. For the anterior stricture the sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy of RUG was 91%, 90% and 90%, respectively and for the posterior stricture it was 89%, 91.7% and 90%, respectively. At SUG, all cases of anterior were detected with 100% accuracy while for cases of posterior stricture, the overall accuracy was 60%. MR urethrogram diagnosed all the cases of anterior and posterior stricture with exact delineation of its length except one case of normal caliber was diagnosed falsely at MR as anterior short segment urethral with 100% sensitivity, 91.7% specificity and 95% overall accuracy.Conclusion: MR urethrogram has comparable results with the combined RUG and SUG in diagnosing the anterior and posterior urethral strictures as regard the site and extension and degree of spongiofibrosis but MR is superior in diagnosis of associated pathologies with stricture.     

Role of MDCT in evaluation of urethral lesions

Objectives

To evaluate the role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the diagnosis of urethral lesions.

Methods

Thirteen CT urethrography examinations on 13 male patients were performed with 4-MDCT, over a 15 month duration. These patients were clinically examined and a urethral lesion was suspected. The study included recently traumatized patients and patients with suspected urethral lesions. The study was performed by retrograde urethral injection or during micturition after IV contrast injection. 3D-volume rendering (VR) images and VR-multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) sagittal images and virtual images were done.

Results

Out of the 13 patients, two patients were diagnosed having avulsed prostatic urethra.Nine patients were diagnosed having urethral strictures: two at the bulbous urethra (one of them associated with fistulous stricture), five at the membranous urethra (one of them having associated hypospadias) and two at the prostatic urethra. Two postoperative patients with hypospadias were evaluated, one with glans collection and the other with urethral stricture. One patient was diagnosed having urethral neoplasm.

Conclusion

MDCT urethrography is an accurate method in delineating small lesions, site, length, degree of strictures and extraluminal structures.     

Comparison of radiographic and sonographic urethrography for assessing urethral strictures

The aim of this study was to compare radiourethrography (RUG) and sonourethrography (SUG) for assessment of urethral strictures and to evaluate whether RUG underestimates stricture length, as has been reported. Fifty-one men with suspected urethral strictures were evaluated by both methods performed consecutively. Stricture lengths and diameters measured by RUG were significantly greater (mean 22%, 30%) than those measured by SUG because of radiographic magnification. Both methods, however, detected a similar percentage lumen reduction and similarly graded stricture severity. Equally significant non-correlation between both methods for length measurements in the bulbar and penile urethra (p<0.001, R²=0.33 and 0.34, respectively) supported radiographic magnification. Previous inaccuracies appear to relate to RUG measurements of the central tight stricture (mean 44% of the entire length in our series), not the full stricture length. Use of sonographic contrast medium intra-urethrally improved the definition of long narrow strictures. The SUG gave information about peri-urethral tissues not provided by RUG. Once radiographic magnification was taken into account, there were no major differences in the assessment of urethral strictures by both methods. With correct measurement methods, RUG does not underestimate stricture length. For full assessment, the combination of RUG and SUG, which gives information about peri-urethral disease, is optimal in many patients.     

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.     

肾盂移行细胞癌的影像诊断

目的比较静脉尿路造影（IVU）、逆行尿路造影（RU）、B超、CT检查对肾盂移行细胞癌的诊断敏感性。方法回顾性分析28例经手术病理证实的肾盂移行细胞癌的影像学资料，18例经IVU检查；14例经逆行。肾盂造影；28例均经CT检查，其中11例为平扫，17例为平扫加增强；20例经超声检查。结果对照手术病理结果，IVU的敏感性为55，6％（10／18）；逆行肾盂造影的敏感性为92．9％（13／14）；CT检查的敏感性为89．3％（25／28）；B超的敏感性为60％（12／20）。结论RU准确率最高，CT和B超其次，IVU最低，但因IVU是无创性检查，临床依然将其作为肾盂移行细胞癌常规的首选检查方法，RU，CT和B超作为IVU重要的补充。     

尿道内支架置入术初步实验研究

目的：主要了解尿道粘膜对内支架置入后的反应。材料与方法：雄性犬５条。球囊扩张式钽丝支架（Ｓｔｒｅｃｋｅｒｓｔｅｎｔ），内支架扩张后内径６ｍｍ。先行逆行尿道造影后，支架置入前列腺部位尿道内，术后３天、２周和１个月造影复查，取病理检查。结果：造影复查显示尿道通畅，有１例内支架移位。病理巨检见支架与尿道结合紧密，支架网眼内粘膜增生，镜检示粘膜上皮细胞增生，结缔组织内有炎性细胞浸润及小血管增生，电镜下钽丝表面光滑。结论：粘膜上皮对该内支架无明显炎性反应，适用于前列腺成形术。     

尿道损伤134例

目的：总结近十年来各类型尿道损伤的诊治经验。方法回顾分析了１３４例尿道损伤的临床分型及其诊断和治疗，并对其中６７例（４例为女性）的治疗效果进行了随访。结果男性Ⅱ、Ⅲ型损伤和Ⅳ型损伤的术后尿道狭窄的发生率分别为１９％（７／３６）和４４％＊１２／２７），两组差异有显著性意义（Ｐ〈０．０５）；阳痿的发生率分别为２５％（９／３６）和４４％（１２／２７）（Ｐ〈０．０１）；尿失禁的发生率分别为０和１１％（３／     

Removal of retrievable self-expandable urethral stents: experience in 58 stents

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of removing retrievable self-expandable urethral stents using a retrieval hook wire. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the removal of 58 polyurethane or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)-covered stents was attempted in 33 patients using a retrieval hook wire. Indications for removal were elective removal (n=21), stent migration (n=19), formation of tissue hyperplasia around or inside of the stent (n=14), stent deformity (n=3), and severe pain (n=1). The mean time the stents remained in place was 64.8±42.9 days (range, 1–177 days). Fifty-six (97%) of the 58 stents were successfully removed using the retrieval hook wire despite the following difficulties; hook wire disconnection (n=2), untied drawstrings (n=3), and polyurethane membrane disruption/separation (n=4). The removal procedure using a retrieval hook wire failed in two stents (3%) which had migrated into the urinary bladder. One of the two stents with migration into the urinary bladder was removed using a snare through the cystostomy route. The overall complication rate was 14% (seven hematuria cases and one urethral tear case), and all were minor and spontaneously resolved without further treatment. In conclusion, removal of retrievable urethral stents using a retrieval hook wire was safe and effective despite some technical difficulties. It is a useful method for allowing temporary stent placement and solving various complications of stent use.     

超声检查在男性创伤性尿道狭窄诊断中的价值

目的探讨超声检查对男性创伤性尿道狭窄的诊断价值。方法对21例男性创伤性尿道狭窄患者进行超声检查,14例同时联合尿道造影检查,结果与术中所见进行对比分析。结果21例超声结果与术中所见一致。14例联合检查中,造影检查有2例前尿道狭窄漏诊,2例狭窄近侧结石未发现,2例正常后尿道误诊为狭窄,2例后尿道狭窄长度不能估计;2例会阴部瘘管造影清晰显示而超声显示不佳。结论超声在狭窄定位、长度测量、瘢痕范围估测及显示继发结石等方面优于造影,造影显示瘘管清晰,必要时两者应联合应用。     

Intraoperative translabial ultrasound for urethral diverticula: a road map for surgeons

Purpose

To highlight the importance of intraoperative translabial ultrasound, for identification of diverticular neck allowing complete resection of periurethral diverticula and decrease in the recurrence rate.

Material and methods

This study included 4 women of age range between 38 and 68 years presenting for recurrent urinary tract infections and urethral pain. All had translabial urethral ultrasound and cystoscopy with and without U/C guidance.

Results

Prior cystoscopy in all these patients failed to demonstrate the diverticulum. Translabial ultrasound showed the diverticula some of which were infected. Ultrasound was used intraoperatively to guide the surgeon. With this approach the abnormality was confirmed and the neck of the diverticulum was identified through percutaneous needle insertion. This allowed complete resection of the diverticula.

Conclusion

Translabial ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that plays a major role in examining the urethra and identifying the periuthral diverticula. In our experience, it was very useful as an adjunct to guide the surgeon intraoperatively allowing complete excision of the diverticulum.     

尿道损伤早期手术方式的选择与改进

目的：探索尿道损伤早期最佳治疗方法。方法：回顾性分析128例尿道损伤早期处理。结果：球部尿道部分损伤12例,留置尿管2周治愈。球部尿道完全断裂48例,行对端吻合术39例,窥镜下置管术4例均得到治愈,膀胱造瘘5例需再次手术,另外68例中男性后尿道损伤51例,儿童6例、女性尿道损伤11例;行膀胱瘘24例,仅2例伤后3个月恢复自行排尿;会师牵引23例,18例排尿通畅;对端吻合及修补术21例,19例治愈。结论：球部尿道断裂对端吻合术疗效良好,窥镜下经尿道置管术可使部分病人免除手术,改进后的尿道会师术创伤小,可作为后尿道损伤首选方法,对膀胱颈断裂、女性及儿童后尿道断裂应争取行对端吻合Ⅰ期尿道修补术。     

263例后尿道损伤的早期治疗

目的：探讨尿道损伤早期安全、合理、有效的治疗方法,方法对２６３例后尿道损伤的早期处理进行回顾性分析,尿道不全断裂行尿道插管成功２１例;尿道完全断裂行尿道会师术（包括会师＋Ｆｏｌｅｙ尿管奇引术）１７８例,尿道吻合术１１例,病情危重者仅行耻骨上膀胱造瘘术５３例。结果留置尿管的２１例中,排尿通畅１８例,排尿接近正常２例,失败１例;１５１例（８４．８％）行尿道会师术者得到治愈;９例（８１．８％）行尿道吻合     

Penile fracture: MRI demonstration of a urethral tear associated with a rupture of the corpus cavernosum

We report a case of traumatic urethral tear associated with a rupture of the corpus cavernosum, demonstrated on MRI. We discuss the potential role of a non-invasive preoperative assessment by MRI. Received 10 February 1997; Revision received 5 June 1997; Accepted 6 June 1997     

Comparison of voiding cystourethrography and double-balloon urethrography in the diagnosis of complex female urethral diverticula

The preoperative work-up of female urethral diverticula should provide the surgeon with maximum data regarding the anatomy and structure of the diverticulum. Preoperatively, the number of diverticula, as well as the location, size, configuration, and communication to the urethra need to be clearly depicted. The objective of this study was to compare the information gained by voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and positive-pressure double-balloon urethrography (DBU), and to verify which imaging modality can better delineate the features of the diverticula. Twelve women with a presumptive clinical diagnosis of a urethral diverticulum underwent VCUG followed by DBU, and the radiological data from each modality were compared. In 4 of 12 patients (33.3%) VCUG completely failed in demonstrating the diverticulum, whereas DBU showed a large complex diverticulum in 2 patients and a distinct mid-urethral diverticulum in 2 patients. In the remaining 8 women (66.7%) VCUG delineated only the lower part of the diverticulum, whereas DBU depicted a large diverticulum extending beneath the bladder neck in 3 patients and multiple diverticula in 5 patients. The sensitivity of DBU and VCUG, in our series, was therefore 100 and 66.7%, respectively. The DBU supplied excellent documentation regarding the location, size, configuration, and communication of the diverticula to the urethra in every case, which markedly facilitated surgical excision of the diverticula in 9 of 12 patients. Three patients refused surgery and elected conservative treatment. In our experience, VCUG had a low sensitivity as a screening test for the diagnosis of female urethral diverticula, and failed to demonstrate properly the major structural characteristics of the diverticula, whereas DBU was highly sensitive as a diagnostic tool and supplied excellent anatomical delineation of the diverticula. Electronic Publication     

Cerebrovascular trauma

Vascular injury of the head and neck region is a rare and often life-threatening complication of head or neck trauma and is due to two major pathomechanisms: penetrating or blunt trauma. Both the arterial and the venous site of the CNS vasculature can be involved, the latter one being often overlooked. Concerning arterial lesions, depending on how many layers of the arterial vessel are affected and on the spatial relationship to adjacent structures, dissections, false aneurysms or arteriovenous fistulae may develop. On the venous side, dural tears, compressive effects on pial veins and a deranged clotting system may lead to delayed venous thrombosis. In this review we describe clinical and imaging findings, as well as diagnostic and treatment strategies in these lesions.     

High resolution magnetic resonance imaging of urethral anatomy in continent nulliparous pregnant women

Introduction

To quantify the distribution of morphologic appearances of urethral anatomy and measure variables of urethral sphincter anatomy in continent, nulliparous, pregnant women by high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and methods

We studied fifteen women during their first pregnancy. We defined and quantified bladder neck and urethral morphology on axial and sagittal MR images from healthy, continent women.

Results

The mean (±standard deviation) total transverse urethral diameter, anterior–posterior diameter, unilateral striated sphincter muscle thickness, and striated sphincter length were 15 ± 2 mm (range: 12–19 mm), 15 ± 2 mm (range: 11–20 mm), 2 ± 1 mm (range: 1–4 mm), and 13 ± 3 mm (range: 9–18 mm) respectively. The mean (±standard deviation) total urethral length on sagittal scans was 22 ± 3 mm (range: 17.6–26.4 mm).

Discussion

Advances in MR technique combined with anatomical and histological findings will provide an insight to understand how changes in urethral anatomy might affect the continence mechanisms in pregnant and non-pregnant, continent or incontinent individuals.     

Endovascular approach to acute aortic trauma

Traumatic thoracic aortic injury remains a major cause of death following motor vehicle accidents. Endovascular approaches have begun to supersede open repair, offering the hope of reduced morbidity and mortality. The available endovascular technology is associated with specific anatomic considerations and complications. This paper will review the current status of endovascular management of traumatic thoracic aortic injuries.     

Acute knee trauma: role of ultrasound

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of high spatial resolution ultrasonography (US) in the detection of lipohemarthrosis of the knee and to evaluate this sign as criteria of intra-articular fracture. Forty-eight patients with clinical suspicion of knee fracture were prospectively examined by conventional radiography, sonography examination and computed tomography (CT) within 48 h after trauma in order to depict direct (fracture line) and indirect (lipohemarthrosis) signs of intra-articular fracture. Lipohemarthrosis was defined as a multi-layered collection in the subquadricipital recess. CT was considered as the gold standard for both direct and indirect fracture criteria. CT imaging showed direct signs of intra-articular fracture in 31 patients (65%). Among these patients, 30 (97%) had a lipohemarthrosis. Conventional radiographs showed intra-articular fracture in 26 patients (54%). Among these, 18 (69%) had a lipohemarthrosis. Sonographic examinations could not depict any direct sign of intra-articular fracture but showed a lipohemarthrosis in 29 (93%) of patients with proven fracture via CT. This allowed the depiction of four out of five occult knee fractures. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of sonography for the diagnosis of lipohemarthrosis was 97, 100, 100 and 94%, respectively, compared with 55, 100, 100 and 55% with conventional radiographs. Using lipohemarthrosis as criterion of fracture, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of sonography for early detection of intra-articular knee fractures was 94, 94, 97 and 89%, respectively, compared with 84, 88, 93 and 75% with conventional radiographs. We concluded that, by showing lipohemarthrosis in the subquadricipital recess, high-resolution sonography is a reliable and accurate technique for the evaluation of intra-articular knee fractures.