This is a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of ondemand tramadol for the treatment of lifelong premature ejaculation.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis with metaregression of trials evaluating the use of tramadol to treat premature ejaculation using intravaginal ejaculation latency time as a measure.Relevant studies were identified using PubMed, Ebscohost,MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Collaboration Library.

RESULTS: This analysis included 8 publications. Study of the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) among 599 patients showed that tramadol was effective in subjects with premature ejaculation as seen by the significant difference in mean IELT of tramadol treated patients versus those receiving placebo (mean difference 2.43 minutes; 95% CI 0.93-3.93; P=0.002). The effect on IELT between tramadol and paroxetine was not statistically significant (mean difference -0.58; 95% CI -5.81 to 4.65; P=0.83).Meta-regression analysis showed that the lower the dose of tramadol,the higher its benefit in the prolongation of IELT, however, there was no significant difference (95% CI regression coefficient -0.0956 to 0.0322). There was a significant difference in adverse effects profile of tramadol versus placebo (risk ratio 2.48; 95% CI 1.55-3.98; overall effect Z= 3.79; P<0.0002) and overall therapeutic effectiveness between tramadol compared to placebo (risk ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.46-0.67; P<0.00001).

CONCLUSION: On-demand tramadol is an effective treatment for lifelong premature ejaculation. It significantly prolongs the intravaginal ejaculation latency time. The overall adverse events and overall therapeutic effectiveness are significantly greater during treatment with tramadol.

Human ; Female ; Premature Ejaculation ; Ejaculation ; Tramadol ; Paroxetine ; Medline ; Pubmed

OBJECTIVE: Radical prostatectomy (RP), brachytherapy, cryosurgical ablation and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) are accepted treatment options for localized prostate cancer. The objectives of this study were to determine the overall survival (OS), disease specific survival (DSS) and biochemical no evidence of disease (BNED) rates of the patients who underwent these different treatment modalities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 485 patients with localized prostate cancer treated with RP (n=235), brachytherapy (n=202), cryosurgical ablation (n=33), and IMRT (n=15) were identified from the database of a single urological practice. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare means of patients. Chi-square test was used to compare percentages. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine if the outcome parameters significantly differed according to the methods. P-values less than 0.05 indicate significant difference. All the statistical tests were performed using SPSS 20.0.

RESULTS: The OS rate after RP, brachytherapy, cryosurgical ablation and IMRT were 97.9%, 89.1%, 93.9% and 93.3%, respectively. The DSS rate was 99.6%, 98.0% and 97.0%. respectively. No mortality from prostatic cause was reported from IMRT. The BNED rate was 90.6%, 88.1%, 78.8% and 93.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The overall and disease specific survival were comparable among all treatment modalities. Although radical prostatectomy and IMRT showed an overall better BNED outcomes, this advantage disappeared when the patients were analyzed according to their respective risk stratification into low, moderate and high risk group.

Human ; Male ; Aged 80 and over ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Neoplasms ; Prostatic Neoplasms-therapeutics, therapy ; Survival

OBJECTIVE: Vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) is the most technically challenging part in open radical retropubic prostatectomy (ORRP). Traditionally, it is accomplished using interrupted anastomotic sutures. The objective of this study is to describe our surgical technique of continuous VUA and compare its outcomes with that of interrupted VUA as performed by a single surgeon.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 235 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent ORRP since February 2000 to June 2013 were included. They were divided into Group 1 (n=121) using interrupted VUA and Group 2 (n=114) using our technique of continuous VUA. Primary outcome measures to be evaluated include several operative parameters with respect to operative time, blood loss, anastomotic integrity, hospital stay, continence, potency and occurrence of VUA stenosis. Analysis was done using Welch's t-test and Fisher's exact test. All the statistical tests were performed using SPSS 20.0. P-values less than 0.05 indicate statistically significant difference.

RESULTS: Patients who underwent continuous VUA (Group 2) had significantly less operative time (210.05 ± 1.91 vs 251.37 ± 2.74 mins, P<0.001), anastomotic time (20.86 ± 0.49 vs 41.46 ± 0.58 mins, P<0.001), estimated blood loss (510.81 ±10.11 vs 623.89 ±26.60 ml, P<0.001), need for transfusion (7.89% vs 27.27%, P<0.001), number of days prior to drain removal (3.13 ± 0.05 vs 6.15 ± 0.11, P<0.001), number of days of hospital stay (3.44 ± 0.06 vs 6.36 ± 0.11, P<0.001), leakage per voiding cystourethrogram (0.88% vs 5.76%, P=0.035), number of days prior to urethral catheter removal (10.05 ± 0.12 vs 14.94 ± 0.2, P<0.001) and number of weeks to gain continence (7.05 ± 0.26 vs 12.46 ± 0.31, P<0.001). There were two cases of VUA stenosis for each of the two groups. There was no reported occurrence of pelvic infection, urinoma and acute urinary retention after catheter removal.

CONCLUSIONS: Our technique of continuous VUA for ORRP provides better outcome compared to standard interrupted VUA.

Human ; Male ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; Prostatectomy

The objective of the study is to determine the accuracy of renal cortical scan in detection of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children five years old and below diagnosed with urinary tract infection and to determine if Renal cortical scan can predict the prevalence of VUR in children and screening those who will need voiding cystourethrography (VCUG).
METHODS: The medical records of 302 patients who presented with a first febrile urinary tract infection and underwent VCUG and renal cortical scan during a 10-year period starting from 2000 to 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with systemic diseases other than acute pyelonephritis/VUR and those with other concomitant anatomic or neurological abnormalities were dropped from the study. Included participants were then grouped according to age range; 1 day to 1 month, 1 to 12 months, 13 to 24 months, and 2 to 5 years.
RESULTS: The study consisted of 302 patients and 604 renal units. Males were 45.3% and females were 54.6% of the population. Computed odds ratio and relative risk associated with positive VUR and renal cortical scan using dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) was at 4.15 [Cl 2.93-5.908] and 2.398 [Cl 1.924-2.989] respectively. This suggests that patients with positive Renal cortical scans are 4.15 times more likely to have VUR, or conversely, the risk of developing VUR with a positive renal cortical scan is approximately 2.398 times than if DMSA results were negative. Renal cortical scan has been found to be 96.6% sensitive in detecting VUR among patients with the condition and is 89.82% specific in detecting the absence of VUR among normal individuals [PPV 55.8% and NPV 76.7%].
CONCLUSION: Renal cortical scan could be used a first line imaging investigation tool for determining high grade VUR. VCUG may not be necessary in all young children with first febrile UTI when the renal cortical scan is negative. VCUG could be warranted only foe those children with positive results on renal cortical scan.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Child Preschool ; Infant ; Infant Newborn ; Fever ; Kidney ; Pyelonephritis ; Succimer ; Urinary Tract Infections ; Urination ; Vesico-ureteral Reflux

Objective: The varicocoele exist in approximately 35-40% of primary male factor infertility while two to 10 percent of cases presents with pain.1 Most surgeons favor subinguinal microscopic varicocoelectomy because it offers superior improvement in semen parameters and reproductive outcome with the least complication rate. This study aimed to show an innovative surgical technique in the management of men with varicoceles. Methods: Subinguinal varicocelectomies were performed by a single surgeon on all patients starting with a standard cystoscope stabilized by a customized mechanical holding system attached to the operating bed. All the presumed vascular channels, vas deferens and lymphatics were isolated and marked with vascular loops and surgical ties. After all the presumed vessels were tagged, the standard operating microscope was brought to the operative field and full microsurgical dissection was carried out. Results: Ten varicocelectomies were performed on six men with a mean age of 30.5 years. 13 arteries, 84 veins, and 20 lymphatics were identified by the cystoscope while 18 arteries, 93 veins, and 29 lymphatics were identified by the standard operating microscope. Comparing the two modalities, 72%, 90%, and 69% of the arteries, veins, and lymphatics, respectively, were correctly identified by the cystoscope when compared to the latter. Conclusion Subinguinal varicocelectomy using a standard cystoscope could be offered as an alternative surgical approach in men with varicoceles as it can identify veins comparable with that of the standard operating microscope. In addition, a standard cystoscope can also identify, to some degree, lymphatics and arteries during surgical dissection. This innovative surgical technique can serve as a valuable option in the treatment of men with varicoceles.
Cystoscopes ; Veins ; Arteries

INTRODUCTION: Advancement in male infertility were evident during the past several decades where ashift to evidence-based management is becoming apparent. However, there is still a knowledge gapamong training urologists in the said field where the Philippines is no exception. This is the first studythat would determine the current trend of practice in male infertility among Filipino urologists andrecommend solutions to this problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 42-item self-administered survey questionnaire was carried out using theSurvey Monkey. This Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved online survey consisted of 3 parts:demographics, adherenceto the guidelines andclinical practice.The authors contacted thePhilippineUrological Association (PUA) via email and requested for confidential distribution of an online survey.The participants were given 4 weeks from the date of initial mailing until end of the survey process.STATA 15.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 131 respondents participated in the survey. Only 13% responded that they are “veryinterested” in the specialty of male infertility. About 84% of respondents see less than 5 male infertilitycases per month with 67% of them reporting that male infertility constitutes less than 10% of theirpractice. For the treatment, 36% of them prescribe testosterone for empiric medical therapy of maleinfertility which is contraindicated in the treatment of male infertility and only 5% of respondents offerthe gold standard microsurgical varicocoelectomy in patients with varicocoele. Only 8% of respondentsare affiliated with IVF centers, which is troubling with regards to how men with poor reproductivepotential are treated especially in azoospermic men. Two percent of the respondents rated their exposureto male infertility during residency as “excellent” while only 3% of them rated their knowledge asexcellent. With this, responders suggest more exposure to the specialty, more postgraduate courses,lectures, and webinars, more training opportunities, a local guideline for Filipino urologists to follow,and more exposure to professional networks. CONCLUSION Practice of male infertility in the Philippines is inadequate in terms of knowledge andtreatment for these patients. Most respondents follow the male infertility guidelines available, but itdoes not translate into practice, highlighting their own preferences in diagnosis and treatment. Eventhough they consider it as a necessary part of Urology, lack of exposure to cases, surgical loads, andresearch makes it a challenge when faced with these cases in their clinics. A change in the residency,postgraduate, and national level are recommended to have the best clinical outcome and well-beingfor these patients.

Infertility affects nearly 186 million people worldwide and the male partner is the cause in about half of the cases. Meta-regression data indicate an unexplained decline in sperm concentration and total sperm count over the last four decades, with an increasing prevalence of male infertility. This suggests an urgent need to implement further basic and clinical research in Andrology. Andrology developed as a branch of urology, gynecology, endocrinology, and, dermatology. The first scientific journal devoted to andrological sciences was founded in 1969. Since then, despite great advancements, andrology has encountered several obstacles in its growth. In fact, for cultural reasons, the male partner has often been neglected in the diagnostic and therapeutic workup of the infertile couple. Furthermore, the development of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) has driven a strong impression that this biotechnology can overcome all forms of infertility, with a common belief that having a spermatozoon from a male partner (a sort of sperm donor) is all that is needed to achieve pregnancy. However, clinical practice has shown that the quality of the male gamete is important for a successful ART outcome. Furthermore, the safety of ART has been questioned because of the high prevalence of comorbidities in the offspring of ART conceptions compared to spontaneous conceptions. These issues have paved the way for more research and a greater understanding of the mechanisms of spermatogenesis and male infertility. Consequently, numerous discoveries have been made in the field of andrology, ranging from genetics to several “omics” technologies, oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation, the sixth edition of the WHO manual, artificial intelligence, management of azoospermia, fertility in cancers survivors, artificial testis, 3D printing, gene engineering, stem cells therapy for spermatogenesis, and reconstructive microsurgery and seminal microbiome. Nevertheless, as many cases of male infertility remain idiopathic, further studies are required to improve the clinical management of infertile males. A multidisciplinary strategy involving both clinicians and scientists in basic, translational, and clinical research is the core principle that will allow andrology to overcome its limits and reach further goals. This state-of-the-art article aims to present a historical review of andrology, and, particularly, male infertility, from its “Middle Ages” to its “Renaissance”, a golden age of andrology.

Purpose: Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been associated with male infertility and poor outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to the management of elevated SDF in infertile men, summarize the relevant professional society recommendations, and provide expert recommendations for managing this condition. Materials and Methods: An online global survey on clinical practices related to SDF was disseminated to reproductive clinicians, according to the CHERRIES checklist criteria. Management protocols for various conditions associated with SDF were captured and compared to the relevant recommendations in professional society guidelines and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations and consensus on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF were then formulated and adapted using the Delphi method. Results: A total of 436 experts from 55 different countries submitted responses. As an initial approach, 79.1% of reproductive experts recommend lifestyle modifications for infertile men with elevated SDF, and 76.9% prescribe empiric antioxidants. Regarding antioxidant duration, 39.3% recommend 4–6 months and 38.1% recommend 3 months. For men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, and couples experiencing recurrent miscarriages associated with elevated SDF, most respondents refer to ART 6 months after failure of conservative and empiric medical management. Infertile men with clinical varicocele, normal conventional semen parameters, and elevated SDF are offered varicocele repair immediately after diagnosis by 31.4%, and after failure of antioxidants and conservative measures by 40.9%. Sperm selection techniques and testicular sperm extraction are also management options for couples undergoing ART. For most questions, heterogenous practices were demonstrated. Conclusions This paper presents the results of a large global survey on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF and reveals a lack of consensus among clinicians. Furthermore, it demonstrates the scarcity of professional society guidelines in this regard and attempts to highlight the relevant evidence. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine has gained a lot of momentum in the last decades and has been applied to various fields of medicine. Advances in computer science, medical informatics, robotics, and the need for personalized medicine have facilitated the role of AI in modern healthcare. Similarly, as in other fields, AI applications, such as machine learning, artificial neural networks, and deep learning, have shown great potential in andrology and reproductive medicine. AI-based tools are poised to become valuable assets with abilities to support and aid in diagnosing and treating male infertility, and in improving the accuracy of patient care. These automated, AI-based predictions may offer consistency and efficiency in terms of time and cost in infertility research and clinical management. In andrology and reproductive medicine, AI has been used for objective sperm, oocyte, and embryo selection, prediction of surgical outcomes, cost-effective assessment, development of robotic surgery, and clinical decision-making systems. In the future, better integration and implementation of AI into medicine will undoubtedly lead to pioneering evidence-based breakthroughs and the reshaping of andrology and reproductive medicine.

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.
Antioxidants ; Classification ; Clinical Protocols ; Diagnosis ; DNA ; Embryonic Structures ; Female ; Fertility ; Health Expenditures ; Humans ; Infertility ; Infertility, Male ; Male ; Membranes ; Ovum ; Oxidants ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Oxidative Stress ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Reducing Agents ; Reproductive Health ; Semen ; Spermatozoa ; Subject Headings