["Sandwich" urethra reconstruction improves the early continence following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the safety and efficacy of "sandwich" urethra reconstruction in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) for the early recovery of continence. METHODS: LRP was performed using a urethra surrounding tissue reconstruction in 37 consecutive patients, and without reconstruction procedure in 34 consecutive patients at the same period from March 2012 to January 2013. The baseline data, preoperative data: The patient age, body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), International prostate symptoms score (IPSS), prostate volume, preoperative PSA, Gleason score were assessed retrospectively; Operative data: The neurovascular bundle preservation, operation time, blood loss were assessed; and the primary outcome measure was urinary continence assessed at the end of 1, 2, 4, 12 and 24 weeks after the catheter was removed. Other data recorded were duration of indwelling catheter, positive margin rate and complications. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to baseline,preoperative and operative data except of the operative time (P=0.003). Between the two groups, the continence of the reconstruction group was higher than that of the control group at the end of 4 and 12 weeks (P=0.007, P=0.020, respectively). CONCLUSION: Urethra surrounding tissue reconstruction in LRP is safe and feasible, and it could improve early recovery of continence.

Retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for the treatment of retrocaval ureter.

PURPOSE: To present our surgical techniques for retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) pyelopyelostomy for retrocaval ureter and our initial experience with this method in 4 patients. METHODS: From June 2010 to May 2011, 4 patients with retrocaval ureter underwent retroperitoneal LESS pyelopyelostomy with a homemade single-port device and standard straight laparoscopic instruments. The single-port device was made with a surgical glove and Foley catheter and allowed the introduction of three trocars. A 3-cm incision was made at the middle axillary line, midway between the iliac crest and the twelfth rib. The retrocaval segment of the ureter was mobilized and transposed anteriorly to the inferior vena cava. The pyelopyelostomy anastomosis was completed with intracorporeal freehand suturing. A double-pigtail ureteral stent assembly was implanted in 3 of the 4 patients. RESULTS: All retroperitoneal LESS pyelopyelostomies were successful without conversion to standard laparoscopy or open surgery. The mean operating time was 105 min (range, 90-135 min). The mean blood loss was 18 mL (range, 5-50 mL). None of the patients required blood transfusion. The double-pigtail ureteral stent was removed 4-6 weeks postoperatively. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.3 days (range, 6-9 days). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. At a mean follow-up of 10 months, excellent improvement in the ureteral obstruction was observed. CONCLUSIONS: We report our initial experience using LESS for the treatment of retrocaval ureter. Our results in 4 patients suggest that this minimally invasive approach is a feasible treatment of retrocaval ureter. Long-term follow-up of more cases is needed to confirm its benefits.

[Orthotopic T pouch ileal neobladder: evaluations of urodynamics and upper urinary tract functions].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the urodynamics and functions of upper urinary tract in a substitute of orthotopic T pouch ileal bladder. METHODS: From June 2004 through September 2009, 90 patients underwent the construction of an orthotopic T pouch ileal neobladder after radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The radiographic or ultrasound evaluation of upper urinary tract, determination of renal functions and urodynamic evaluation of T pouch ileal neobladder were performed by data analysis. RESULTS: Renal function as determined by serum creatinine remained in a normal range in all patients. Temporary dilation of renal pelvic and ureter was observed in 18 patients (20.0%) at Day 45 post-operation and then disappeared spontaneously in the late follow-up. A slight dilation of collecting system was found in other 4 patients (4.4%), but there was no negative impact on renal function. Reflux into afferent limb of neobladder was observed in 4 patients (4.4%) by cystography. Excellent daytime and nighttime continence was reported in 100% and 82.2% of evaluated patients respectively. The urodynamic assessment showed a mean capacity of (316 ± 96) ml with a mean intra-bladder pressure of (16 ± 10) cm H2O. These evaluated patients voided with a mean maximum intra-bladder pressure of (87 ± 25) cm H2O, a mean maximum flow rate of (17 ± 10) ml/s and a mean residual urine of (33 ± 29) ml. CONCLUSION: With an intermediate follow-up, the functional results of T pouch ileal neobladder are encouraging with an excellent capacity and compliance, successful daytime and nighttime continence and anti-reflux mechanism.

Differential expression of 5-alpha reductase isozymes in the prostate and its clinical implications.

The development of human benign or malignant prostatic diseases is closely associated with androgens, primarily testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). T is converted to DHT by 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) isozymes. Differential expression of 5-AR isozymes is observed in both human benign and malignant prostatic tissues. 5-AR inhibitors (5-ARI) are commonly used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and were once promoted as chemopreventive agents for prostate cancer (PCa). This review discusses the role of the differential expression of 5-AR in the normal development of the human prostate and in the pathogenesis and progression of BPH and PCa.