Global Practice Patterns and Variations in the Medical and Surgical Management of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey, Guidelines and Expert Recommendations

PURPOSE

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common, but complex problem, with multiple therapeutic options and a lack of clear guidelines. Hence, there is considerable controversy and marked variation in the management of NOA. This survey evaluates contemporary global practices related to medical and surgical management for patients with NOA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 56-question online survey covering various aspects of the evaluation and management of NOA was sent to specialists around the globe. This paper analyzes the results of the second half of the survey dealing with the management of NOA. Results have been compared to current guidelines, and expert recommendations have been provided using a Delphi process.

RESULTS

Participants from 49 countries submitted 336 valid responses. Hormonal therapy for 3 to 6 months was suggested before surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) by 29.6% and 23.6% of participants for normogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism respectively. The SSR rate was reported as 50.0% by 26.0% to 50.0% of participants. Interestingly, 46.0% reported successful SSR in <10% of men with Klinefelter syndrome and 41.3% routinely recommended preimplantation genetic testing. Varicocele repair prior to SSR is recommended by 57.7%. Half of the respondents (57.4%) reported using ultrasound to identify the most vascularized areas in the testis for SSR. One-third proceed directly to microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in every case of NOA while others use a staged approach. After a failed conventional TESE, 23.8% wait for 3 months, while 33.1% wait for 6 months before proceeding to mTESE. The cut-off of follicle-stimulating hormone for positive SSR was reported to be 12-19 IU/mL by 22.5% of participants and 20-40 IU/mL by 27.8%, while 31.8% reported no upper limit.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest survey to date on the real-world medical and surgical management of NOA by reproductive experts. It demonstrates a diverse practice pattern and highlights the need for evidence-based international consensus guidelines.

Global Practice Patterns in the Evaluation of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Results of a World-Wide Survey and Expert Recommendations

PURPOSE

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the persistent absence of sperm in ejaculate without obstruction, stemming from diverse disease processes. This survey explores global practices in NOA diagnosis, comparing them with guidelines and offering expert recommendations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 56-item questionnaire survey on NOA diagnosis and management was conducted globally from July to September 2022. This paper focuses on part 1, evaluating NOA diagnosis. Data from 367 participants across 49 countries were analyzed descriptively, with a Delphi process used for expert recommendations.

RESULTS

Of 336 eligible responses, most participants were experienced attending physicians (70.93%). To diagnose azoospermia definitively, 81.7% requested two semen samples. Commonly ordered hormone tests included serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (97.0%), total testosterone (92.9%), and luteinizing hormone (86.9%). Genetic testing was requested by 66.6%, with karyotype analysis (86.2%) and Y chromosome microdeletions (88.3%) prevalent. Diagnostic testicular biopsy, distinguishing obstructive azoospermia (OA) from NOA, was not performed by 45.1%, while 34.6% did it selectively. Differentiation relied on physical examination (76.1%), serum hormone profiles (69.6%), and semen tests (68.1%). Expectations of finding sperm surgically were higher in men with normal FSH, larger testes, and a history of sperm in ejaculate.

CONCLUSIONS

This expert survey, encompassing 367 participants from 49 countries, unveils congruence with recommended guidelines in NOA diagnosis. However, noteworthy disparities in practices suggest a need for evidence-based, international consensus guidelines to standardize NOA evaluation, addressing existing gaps in professional recommendations.

Video exoscope as a cost-effective alternative to surgical microscope in microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy in Indonesia: A case report

Microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSV) is considered the preferred treatment for varicocele. However, its adoption among urologists in Indonesia is limited due to the high cost of acquiring a surgical microscope. Therefore, most varicoceles were managed using loupe-assisted MSV, which is considered a less effective approach. This paper presents a case study of a patient with bilateral grade II varicocele who underwent a successful MSV procedure using a video exoscope. The exoscope provided sufficient magnification and image quality for the safe and efficient performance of MSV on a patient.

Daily activities and training experiences of urology residents during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Indonesia: A nationwide survey

Objective

To explore the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the training experiences of urology residents in Indonesia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a web-based questionnaire (SurveyMonkey) involved all registered urology residents in Indonesia. The questionnaire was structured in Bahasa Indonesia, composed of 28 questions, and divided into three sections: demographic characteristics, current daily activities, and opinions regarding training experiences during the COVID-19 outbreak. The survey was distributed to all respondents via chief of residents in each urology center from May 26, 2020 to Jun 2, 2020.

Results

Of the total 247 registered urology residents, 243 were eligible for the study. The response and completeness rate for this study were 243/243 (100%). The median age of respondents was 30 (range: 24-38) years old, and 92.2% of them were male. Among them, 6 (2.5%) respondents were confirmed as COVID-19 positive. A decrease in residents' involvement in clinical and surgical activities was distinguishable in endourological and open procedures. Most educational activities were switched to web-based video conferences, while others opted for the in-person method. Smart learning methods, such as joining a national or international speaker webinar or watching a recorded video, were used by 93.8% and 80.7% of the respondents, respectively. The respondents thought that educational activities using web-based video conferences and smart learning methods were effective methods of learning. Overall, the respondents felt unsure whether training experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were comparable to the respective period before.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected urology residents' training experiences. However, it also opened up new possibilities for incorporating new learning methodologies in the future.

Evaluating knowledge retention and perceived benefits of medical webinar for professional development among Indonesian physicians

PURPOSE

To assess knowledge retention of physicians after participating in a webinar series and its perceived benefits on daily practice and career development.

METHODS

The webinar series comprised six separate webinars about daily practice. Online questionnaires were sent to all participating physicians via email 3 months after the webinars. The questionnaire assessed knowledge retention through the difference between initial and follow-up post-test as well as the webinar series' benefits on daily practice and career development. Participants' demographic information, including their age, gender, education, year of graduation, and work details, were collected to compare outcomes between demographic groups.

RESULTS

A total of 689 responses were gathered, and 622 were analyzed. At follow-up, the median knowledge score was significantly lower than the initial median knowledge score (Z=-6.973, p<0.001). Participants' perception of the webinar series' benefits on daily practice and career development was very positive. A significant weak negative correlation was found between age and knowledge score at follow-up (rs=-0.157, p<0.001). Physicians who graduated more recently and worked for less than 3 years scored significantly higher on knowledge tests at follow-up. Meanwhile, perception score towards webinar series' benefits on daily practice was significantly higher among physicians with more extended work history. Male physicians scored significantly higher on perception score towards webinar series' benefits on career development.

CONCLUSION

Online continuing medical education programs like webinars can encourage physicians to maintain their competence, but further research on improving knowledge retention over time is necessary. Overall, physicians perceived webinars to be beneficial for their professional development.

Impact of metabolic syndrome on lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia

BACKGROUND Studies evaluating the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) are lacking in Indonesia. This study aimed to discover the association of LUTS and MetS in men with BPH. METHODS Subjects who underwent biopsy were recruited from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia from January 2014 to January 2018, but only men who had biopsy-proven BPH were included. Body mass index, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, prostate volume (PV), and international prostate symptom score (IPSS) were collected before the biopsy. MetS criteria were based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. IPSS was assessed for LUTS and consisted of irritative and obstructive symptoms and quality of life (QoL). Independent t-test or Mann–Whitney test was used to analyze numerical data. RESULTS Of 227 men with biopsy-proven BPH, 87 (38.3%) were diagnosed with MetS. PV was similar in men with or without MetS (54.4 [20.3–100] versus 49.9 [19.5–100] cm3, p = 0.239). Men with MetS generally had more LUTS (15 [1–30] versus 11 [0–35], p = 0.005), more irritative symptoms (8 [0–20] versus 6 [0–20], p = 0.007), and lower QoL (4 [0–6] versus 3 [0–6], p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS BPH patients with MetS had greater LUTS, particularly irritative symptoms and QoL score.

Assessing webinar outcomes for health professionals: a perspective from Indonesia during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

PURPOSE

With the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, health institutions and hospitals are increasingly relying on e-learning for continuing education. However, in many countries there is still limited data on the effectiveness of online learning particularly in the healthcare field. This study aims to evaluate whether webinar as a form of online educational intervention is satisfactory and effective for the continuing education of health professionals in Indonesia.

METHODS

We collected participants' demographic information including health profession, place of work, work unit, and year of graduation. There were six independent webinars included in this study. Webinar outcomes included satisfaction and learning scores. Regarding satisfaction, participants were told to complete a satisfaction survey and asked whether they would recommend the webinar to their colleagues. Regarding learning, information on their mean pre-test and post-test scores was collected.

RESULTS

A total of 3,607 health professionals were enrolled, with the highest participation in webinars about emergency cases and COVID-19 management. The response towards satisfaction was overwhelmingly positive. In all six webinars, post-test scores were statistically significantly higher than pre-test scores. Recently graduated physicians scored higher in learning than senior physicians, while place of work and work unit did not significantly affect the scores.

CONCLUSION

The use of webinar for health professionals training in Indonesia was well-received amid the ongoing pandemic. In the future, health institutions and teaching hospitals should optimize the implementation of webinar training as it is associated with low cost, high flexibility, and less time commuting.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Urology Practice in Indonesia: A Nationwide Survey

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on urology practice in Indonesia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study using web-based questionnaire (Survey Monkey), which was distributed and collected within a period of three weeks. All practicing urologists in Indonesia were sent an e-questionnaire link via E-mail, WhatsApp Messenger application, and/or short message service, and the chief of residents in each urology centre distributed the e-questionnaire to urology residents.

RESULTS

The response rate was 369/485 (76%) among urologists and 220/220 (100%) among urology residents. Less than 10 percent of the responses in each section were incomplete. There are 35/369 (9.5%) of urologists and 59/220 (26.8%) of urology residents had been suspected as COVID-19 patients, of whom seven of them were confirmed to be COVID-19 positive. The majority of urologists (66%) preferred to continue face-to-face consultations with a limited number of patients, and more than 60% of urologists preferred to postpone the majority (66%) or all elective surgery. Most urologists also chose to postpone elective surgery in patient with COVID-19-related symptoms and patient who required post-operative ICU-care. Urologist and urology residents reported high rates of using personal protective equipment, except for medical gowns and N95 masks, which were in short supply. Several uro-oncology surgeries were considered to be the top priority for Indonesian urologist during COVID-19 epidemic period.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a decline in urology service in both outpatient clinic and surgery services with uro-oncological procedure as a priority to conduct.

Penile entrapment by metal ring: Case reports of effective non-surgical management

Penile strangulation by metal ring is a rare urological emergency situation which requires urgent intervention and treatment. We believe that an entrapped ring should be removed by the most efficient and if possible, a non-surgical method for better recovery. We present a case of penile strangulation caused by metal ring insertion. The metal ring was successfully removed using metal clamp. Penile strangulation by metal ring can be properly treated using available mechanical or electrical tools in a timely manner in the emergency setting.

Meta-analysis of neoadjuvant chemotherapy compared to radical cystectomy alone in improving overall survival of muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Most patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) developed metastasis within 2 years, even after radical cystectomy (RC). The recurrence rate of MIBC was more than 50% of the cases. A meta-analysis conducted by Yin et al. showed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) + RC improves overall survival in MIBC compared with RC only. However, a new meta-analysis by Li et al. concluded that NAC + RC was not superior to RC only in improving overall survival. The inconsistencies of these studies required further comprehensive analysis to recommend NAC use in bladder cancer treatment. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to analyze previous studies that compare the efficacy of NAC + RC versus RC only to improve overall survival of MIBC.

METHODS

The articles were searched using Pubmed with keywords "muscle-invasive bladder cancer", "neoadjuvant chemotherapy", "cystectomy", and "overall survival". The articles that were published until June 2020 were screened. The overall survival outcome was analyzed as hazard ratio (HR) and presented in a forest plot.

RESULT

Seventeen studies were included in meta-analysis with a total sample of 13,391 patients, consist of 2890 received NAC followed by RC and 10,418 underwent RC only. Two studies used methotrexate/vinblastine/doxorubicin/cisplatin (MVAC), two studies used gemcitabine/cisplatin (GC), one study used Cisplatin-based regimen, one study used MVAC or GC, one study used gemcitabine/carboplatin (GCarbo) or GC or MVAC, one study used Cisplatin/Gemcitabine or MVAC, one study used Cisplatin only, one study used Cisplatin-based (GC, MVAC) or non-Cisplatin-based (combined paclitaxel/gemcitabine/carboplatin), one study used GC, MVAC, Carboplatin, or Gemcitabine/Nedaplatin (GN), and five studies did not mention the regimen The overall survival in the NAC + RC only group was significantly better than the RC only group (HR 0.82 [0.71-0.95], p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

NAC + RC is recommended to improve overall survival in MIBC patients. A further study assessing side effects and quality of life regarding NAC + RC is needed to establish a strong recommendation regarding this therapy.

Correlation Between Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion with Prostate Volume, Uroflowmetry and International Prostate Symptom Score in Men Over 50 Years Old

To evaluate the relationship between IPP, age, prostate volume, uroflowmetry result, PSA, and IPSS. We retrospectively studied 162 patients presenting with LUTS suggestive of BPH between January 2012 and December 2014, analyzing age, IPP, pressure flow study, prostate volume, PSA, and International Prostate Symptom Score. IPP was classified into three stages: grade 1 (≤5 mm), grade 2 (5 mm < IPP ≤ 10 mm), and grade 3 (>10 mm). Statistical analysis included Kruskall-Wallis with Mann-Whitney as post hoc analysis and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were performed. The mean age was 67±7.7 years old. Achieved IPP values were the following: grade 1–40 (24.7%), grade 2–60 (37%), and grade 3–62 (38.3%). Results show statistically significant difference between IPP grades Qmax, PVR, and PV (p ≤ 0.05). Mean difference between IPP groups were significant using Mann-Whitney post hoc test for Qmax, PVR, and PV between IPP group 1 and 2, PV between IPP group 1 and 3, and Qmax, PVR, and PV between IPP group 2 and 3. Spearman’s correlations coefficient show positive correlation between IPP and PV (r = 0.506, p ≤ 0.05), PVR (r = 0.341, p ≤ 0.05), and PSA (r = 0.253, p ≤ 0.05). Intravesical prostate protrusion measured through abdominal ultrasound are a non-invasive and accessible method that significantly correlates with peak flow rate (Qmax), prostate volume, post void residue, and prostate specific antigen.

The influence of water intake on waiting time prior to uroflowmetry: a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial

Background: In uroflowmetry examination, patients are usually instructed to intake a large volume of water and wait until the bladder is full. The association between the volume of water intake and the waiting time before uroflowmetry is unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the volume of water intake and the waiting time prior to uroflowmetry.Methods: This trial was designed as a randomized, researchers, caregivers and patients blinded, superiority trial with three parallel groups and primary endpoint of waiting time prior to the uroflowmetry study based on the volume of patients’ water intake. Randomization was performed by block randomization with a 1:1:1 allocation. Patients scheduled for uroflowmetry at the Urology Clinic of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital were enrolled from March 2013 until December 2013. The eligibility criteria were male patients with ages above 50 years and body mass index 18.5–24.9 kg/m2.Results: A total of 83 patients was randomly assigned into 3 study groups: 300 ml (28 patients), 400 ml (28 patients), and 500 ml (27 patients). All patients were included in final analysis. Mean waiting time were 85.1±59.8 min, 107.2±70.4 min, and 66±28.4 min for patients intake 300, 400, and 500 ml of water respectively (p=0.07). The final bladder volumes for three groups were statistically different (262.4±130.8 ml, 289.4±126.2 ml, 359.2±137 ml; p=0.02).Conclusion: The volume water intake of 300–500 ml did not affect waiting time before uroflowmetry. Increasing water intake at least 500 ml added the final bladder volume and shorter the waiting time.

Thrombus-like Tumor of Renal Cell Carcinoma Mimicking Transitional Cell Carcinoma of Kidney: A Case Report

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignancy of the kidney. It is not commonly form tumor thrombus in the ureter or renal pelvis. A 29-year-old woman presented with asymptomatic gross hematuria. Contrast CT study revealed a tumor suspected to be a Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC). However, tumor thrombus was found in the renal pelvis and ureter. We performed Nephroureterectomy, bladder cuff excision, and lymph node dissection, and the tumor was diagnosed histopathologically as RCC. We report a very rare case of thrombus-like tumor of renal cell carcinoma mimicking transitional cell carcinoma of kidney.

The Effectiveness of a Three Day Course Antibiotic Post-urodynamic Study in Preventing Lower Urinary Tract Infection

AIM

to evaluate the effect of a 3-day course antibiotic post-urodynamic study (UDS) to prevent urinary tract infection (UTI).

METHODS

this was a randomized double blind clinical trial on the proportion of UTI in patients who received levofloxacin 500 mg once a day for 3 days after UDS compared to nontreated patients. The outcome of this study was the incidence of lower UTI in levofloxacin group and placebo group. Lower UTI was defined as patient with one or more clinical symptoms of lower UTI and one or more urinalysis parameter of UTI. Chi-square was used to evaluate the association between the lower UTI and treatment group.

RESULTS

a total of 126 patients were enrolled in this study from two outpatient urology clinics in Jakarta: Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and Asri Hospital. Overall, 26 patients (20.6%) had UTI post UDS (8 out of 63 patients from levofloxacin arm (12.7%) and 18 out of 63 patients from placebo arm (28.6%); p=0.028). The most common isolate found was E. coli (n=18 patients; 69.2%). The most common indications to perform UDS were Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) with failure of therapy (n=43 patients; 25%), LUTS after invasive treatment (n=29 patients; 16.9%), and overactive bladder with failure of therapy (n=22 patients; 12.7%).

CONCLUSION

the use of antibiotic post-UDS can prevent incidence of lower UTI.

The impact of obesity towards prostate diseases

Evidence has supported obesity as a risk factor for both benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). Obesity causes several mechanisms including increased intra-abdominal pressure, altered endocrine status, increased sympathetic nervous activity, increased inflammation process, and oxidative stress, all of which are favorable in the development of BPH. In PCa, there are several different mechanisms, such as decreased serum testosterone, peripheral aromatization of androgens, insulin resistance, and altered adipokine secretion caused by inflammation, which may precipitate the development of and even cause high-grade PCa. The role of obesity in prostatitis still remains unclear. A greater understanding of the pathogenesis of prostate disease and adiposity could allow the development of new therapeutic markers, prognostic indicators, and drug targets. This review was made to help better understanding of the association between central obesity and prostate diseases, such as prostatitis, BPH, and PCa.