No abstract

Introduction: To identify the predisposing factors, etiological and clinical characteristics as well as the Fournier’s gangrene (FG) severity index (FGSI) in the outcomes of patients with FG. Materials and Methods: The data from 71 patients diagnosed with FG in a period of 17 years were retrospectively reviewed for the age of the patient, their history, predisposing factors, etiology, prodromal symptoms, FGSI, culture results, hospitalization period, surgical interventions, responses to the therapy and complications. Results: All of the patients were Caucasian males, and the mean age was 61.3 (range 36–92) years. The mean duration from the onset of symptoms to surgery was 7.5 days. The mean hospitalization time was 27.4 days and the most common etiological factor for FG was a perineal abscess. The overall mortality rate was 29.6%. The relationship between the number of predisposing factors and mortality rates in patients with FG was the most statistically significant parameter (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Multiple predisposing factors predict a poor prognosis and correlate significantly with mortality. Extension of the disease and the FGSI score were not predictive of outcome. The most essential intervention for stopping the rapidly progressing infectious process of FG consists of early recognition of the disease, proper management of the predisposing factors and aggressive surgical debridement. Such an intervention can improve clinical outcomes.

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of diagnostic ureterorenoscopy (URS) prior to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) on intravesical recurrence (IVR), in patients with primary upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> Retrospective analysis of 354 patients, who underwent RNU for UTUC from 10 urology centers between 2005 and 2019, was performed. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of IVR after RNU. Patients were divided into URS prior to RNU (Group 1) and no URS prior to RNU (Group 2). Rates of IVR after RNU were compared, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate potential predictors of IVR. <b><i>Results:</i></b> After exclusion, a total of 194 patients were analyzed: Group 1 <i>n</i> = 95 (49.0%) and Group 2 <i>n</i> = 99 (51.0%). In Group 1, a tumor biopsy and histopathological confirmation during URS were performed in 58 (61.1%). The mean follow-up was 39.17 ± 39.3 (range 12–250) months. In 54 (27.8%) patients, IVR was recorded after RNU, and the median recurrence time within the bladder was 10.0 (3–144) months. IVR rate was 38.9% in Group 1 versus 17.2% in Group 2 (<i>p</i> = 0.001). In Group 1, IVR rate was 43.1% in those undergoing intraoperative biopsy versus 32.4% of patients without biopsy during diagnostic URS (<i>p</i><b> =</b>0.29). Intravesical recurrence-free survival (IRFS) was longer in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (median IRFS was 111 vs. 60 months in Groups 2 and 1, respectively (<i>p</i><b></b>&#x3c; 0.001)). Univariate analysis revealed that IRFS was significantly associated with URS prior to RNU (HR: 2.9, 95% CI 1.65–5.41; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). In multivariate analysis, URS prior to RNU (HR: 3.5, 95% CI 1.74–7.16; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001) was found to be an independent prognostic factor for IRFS. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Diagnostic URS was associated with the poor IRFS following RNU for primary UTUC. The decision for a diagnostic URS with or without tumor biopsy should be reserved for cases where this information might influence further treatment decisions.

The case of a 65-year-old male with pheochromocytoma arising in the urinary bladder is presented. Clinical evaluation included ultrasonography, intravenous pyelography and computerized tomography (CT) scan. Transurethral resection of an exophytic tumor 1 cm in diameter was performed. The histological diagnosis was pheochromocytoma of the bladder. The evaluation and management of this type of tumor is discussed.

No abstract