The genetic landscape of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in Kuwait.

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common renal monogenic disease, characterized by bilateral accumulation of renal fluid-filled cysts leading to progressive renal volume enlargement and gradual impairment of kidney function, often resulting in end-stage renal disease. Kuwait could provide valuable genetic insights about ADPKD, including intrafamilial phenotypic variation, given its large household size. This study aims to provide a comprehensive description of the pathogenic variants linked to ADPKD in the Kuwaiti population using multiple genetic analysis modalities and to describe and analyse the ADPKD phenotypic spectrum in terms of kidney function, kidney volume and renal survival. Methods: A total of 126 ADPKD patients from 11 multiplex families and 25 singletons were recruited into the study. A combination of targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS), long-range polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification were utilized for genetic diagnosis. Clinical evaluation was conducted through renal function testing and ultrasonographic kidney volume analysis. Results: We identified 29 ADPKD pathogenic mutations from 36 families achieving an overall molecular genetic diagnostic rate of 112/126 (88.9%), including 29/36 (80.6%) in families. A total of 28/36 (77.8%) families had pathogenic mutations in PKD1, of which 17/28 (60.7%) were truncating, and 1/36 (2.8%) had a pathogenic variant in the IFT140 gene. A total of 20/29 (69%) of the identified ADPKD mutations were novel and described for the first time, including a TSC2-PKD1 contiguous syndrome. Clinical analysis indicated that genetically unresolved ADPKD cases had no apparent association between kidney volume and age. Conclusion: We describe for the first time the genetic landscape of ADPKD in Kuwait. The observed genetic heterogeneity underlining ADPKD along with the wide phenotypic spectrum reveal the level of complexity in disease pathophysiology. ADPKD genetic testing could improve the care of patients through improved disease prognostication, guided treatment and genetic counselling. However, to fulfil the potential of genetic testing, it is important to overcome the hurdle of genetically unresolved ADPKD cases.

Enhancing Research and Development in the Health Sciences as a Strategy to Establish a Knowledge-Based Economy in the State of Kuwait: A Call for Action.

Kuwait Vision 2035 is an initiative that was launched in 2017 by His Highness the Emir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This initiative includes the implementation of a detailed development plan aimed at transforming the state of Kuwait into a regional leader in science, technology, and innovation. Health research will arguably prove to be one of the most impactful research arenas when it comes to accomplishing the goals set forth by the Kuwait Vision 2035 Development Plan. The high impact of health research is derived from its capacity to aid in the establishment of a knowledge-based health industry. The state of Kuwait lacks a system for promoting and managing national R&D efforts. At present, the research and development (R&D) expenditure in the state of Kuwait is far below the international standards that have been shown to lead to innovation and the subsequent development of a knowledge-based economy. Improvement of the weak and unstructured existing R&D apparatus in the State of Kuwait is among the most urgent challenges facing the nation as it strives toward innovation and development of a knowledge-based economy. Developing health research capacities in the State of Kuwait can significantly contribute toward improving public health, health promotion, disease prevention and treatment, and overall human welfare. Importantly, the positive impacts of such extensive benefits will not be restricted to the state of Kuwait and its citizens, but may in fact reap benefits for the global society as a whole. This article first analyzes the current status of healthcare services and health science research in the State of Kuwait, and then summarizes some essential R&D design principles that Kuwait needs to implement in order to achieve the milestones set forth in the Kuwait Vision 2035 Development Plan.

Health Promotion Programs to Reduce Noncommunicable Diseases: A Call for Action in Kuwait.

Most public health issues in Kuwait are related to unhealthy behaviours. Research shows that behaviours are the result not only exclusively of personal choices but also of myriads of other social and environmental factors. Kuwait is one of the leading countries in obesity and tobacco use in the world. Cardiovascular diseases stemming from complications related to these and other risk factors are important health issues based on their morbidity and mortality implications. These risks are spread across society and affect the old as well as young boys. The serious gaps between Kuwait's health-related needs and the existing policies to reduce public health risks in Kuwait create a significant obstacle to healthy behaviour change. Kuwait requires adequate laws, policies, regulations, activities, and programs to promote people's health. The Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) has been used successfully in health promotion in various behavioural settings, including obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking. We propose the use of SEM as a planning framework in building sustainable health promotion programs in Kuwait while paying attention to other concepts such as systems thinking, authentic community participation, community capacity, policy development, public health infrastructure enhancement, health coaching, and equity.

Varicocelectomy: Modified loupe-assisted versus microscopic technique - A prospective comparative study.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To compare our novel loupe-assisted varicocelectomy (LV) technique to the 'gold standard' demanding microscopic varicocelectomy (MV) technique for the management of varicoceles. PATIENT AND METHODS: Our LV technique, featuring testicular delivery and proximal spermatic cord occlusion using a tourniquet, has not been used before nor to our knowledge has it been reported in the literature. In the LV group, inguinal incision was done prior to testicular delivery and spermatic cord occlusion. Pampiniform and gubernacular veins were identified then tackled. Proximal spermatic cord occlusion helped in identifying those veins, and not confusing them with other cord structures that should be preserved. In all, 95 infertile men were included in this prospective, comparative study; and divided into LV and MV groups. They were followed-up for 1 year, pregnancy achievement, improvements in semen parameters, and complication rates were assessed. RESULTS: Both groups had statistically significant pregnancy rates and negligible complication rates. However, LV cost 33% less than MV and was quicker to perform. We did not find that the MV technique was better than our simple, more cost-effective, less time-consuming LV technique. CONCLUSION: Our novel LV technique has similar success and complication rates as the 'gold standard' MV technique for the management of varicoceles, and is more cost-effective and less time consuming.

Giant nonfunctioning adrenocortical carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy. Patients usually present early with manifestation of abnormal hormone secretion. However, adrenocortical carcinoma can also be nonfunctioning, and such patients present late with a mass effect or distant metastases. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein report a case of a 30-year-old Sri-Lankan woman who presented with a 3-month history of left flank pain associated with nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Imaging revealed a large left upper quadrant mass with a 1.8-cm left lung nodule. The differential diagnoses included a left adrenal mass, left upper pole renal mass, and retroperitoneal sarcoma. A functional adrenal work-up revealed no abnormal findings. Surgical excision of the mass was uneventful with no postoperative complications. Pathological analysis revealed a nonfunctioning adrenocortical carcinoma measuring 16 × 14 × 10 cm. To our knowledge, a mass of this size is among the largest nonfunctioning adrenocortical carcinomas reported in the published literature. The investigations and approach to treatment were consistent with those in the published literature. CONCLUSION: Large nonfunctioning adrenocortical carcinomas pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, and most are diagnosed at a late stage. Appropriate imaging and functional work-up of the mass are vital before treatment. Surgical excision is safe, even for large adrenocortical carcinomas; excision in patients with advanced disease has been shown to have the best outcomes.

Management of solitary renal pelvic stone: laparoscopic retroperitoneal pyelolithotomy versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is considered the main management option for large single renal pelvic stones; however, laparoscopic retroperitoneal pyelolithotomy (LRP) can be used as an alternative management procedure. We compare both procedures in the management of solitary large renal pelvic stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2002 and July 2010, 105 patients with solitary large renal pelvic stones were selected and randomly divided into two groups; group 1 included 55 patients who were treated by LRP and group 2 included 50 patients who were treated by PCNL. The differences between the two procedures were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups regarding patient demographics and stone size. There was no statistically significant difference between LRP and PCNL regarding mean estimated blood loss (166.4±98.3 mL vs 178±102.4 mL), mean hospital stay (4.5±1.9 d, vs 4.4±1.4 d), mean time of postoperative analgesia (2.2±0.9 d vs 2.4±0.9 d), rate of postoperative blood transfusion (5.5% vs 6%), and stone-free rate (100% vs 96%). The mean operative time was significantly longer in the LRP group (130.6±38.7 min vs 108.5±18.7 min), respectively. There was only one (1.8%) case from the laparoscopy group converted to open surgery because of uncontrolled bleeding. CONCLUSION: RLP is a suitable surgical technique for patients with large renal pelvic stones but with good selection of cases; however, PCNL remains the standard treatment in most cases.

Comparative analysis and interobserver variation of unenhanced computed tomography and intravenous urography in the diagnosis of acute flank pain.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare unenhanced computed tomography (UECT) to intravenous urography (IVU) for detecting urinary tract calculi, signs of obstruction and non-renal causes in the assessment of acute flank pain, and in their interobserver agreement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, carried out at a university hospital over a period of 1 year, 36 patients (27 males and 9 females) participated. Mean age was 44 +/- 15 years (range: 14-73 years). The patients presented with acute flank pain and underwent UECT and IVU. The images were blindly evaluated by 2 experienced radiologists and the two techniques compared using the two-tailed McNemar's test for matched pairs; p values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: UECT detected stones in 11 (30.6%) patients, while IVU found them in only 8 (22.2%). The increased detection by UECT was due to its ability to detect smaller stones (<6 mm). UECT was also found to be better than IVU in determining calculus position, in detecting primary or secondary signs of obstruction and in identifying non-urinary causes of flank pain. The overall average of agreement, as indicated by kappa values, was 0.88 for UECT and 0.61 for IVU. CONCLUSION: UECT showed better detectability and interobserver agreement tan IVU, suggesting that UECT could replace IVU as the first imaging modality in the evaluation of acute renal colic.

Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy: is the retroperitoneal route a better approach?

OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcome of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LP) using the transperitoneal and the retroperitoneal routes. METHODS: Demographics, intraoperative and postoperative clinical parameters were evaluated in 48 laparoscopic pyelolithotomies performed in patients with renal pelvic calculi of diameter >30 mm. The differences between the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal routes were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven LP were performed using the transperitoneal approach (TLP), and 21 using the retroperitoneal approach (RLP). Apart from weight, the patients' demographics and stone size were similar in the two groups. Between the RLP and the TLP routes, the operative time was 112.1 versus 93.2 min (P = 0.01), mean time for oral intake was 1.9 versus 1.2 days (P < 0.01), and mean hospital stay was 5.2 versus 3.8 days (P < 0.01). The mean postoperative analgesic requirement (2.4 vs 2.2 days, P = 0.41), mean convalescence days (9.7 vs 10 days, P = 0.56), and mean estimated blood loss (57.2 vs 62.9 ml, P = 0.5) were similar between RPL and TPL respectively. The stone-free rate at 3 months follow-up was comparable (88.9% vs 90.5%, P = 0.86). The postoperative complications were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the TLP approach, RLP for large renal pelvic stone resulted in a shorter operative time, a shorter resumption time for normal oral intake, and a shorter hospital stay. As the other clinical outcomes are similar, including the stone-free rate, we recommend the RLP route for LP.

An assessment of the clinical utility of transperineal urethrosphincteric block (TUSB) in outpatient rigid cystoscopy: a single-blind, randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain control in outpatient rigid cystoscopy is often achieved via the application of intraurethral lidocaine jelly. This clinical trial was designed to test the effectiveness and safety of a new method to provide local anesthesia, transperineal urethrosphincteric block (TUSB), prior to rigid cystoscopy. METHODS: Male patients posted for outpatient rigid cystoscopy were randomized to receive TUSB (group A) using 10-20 ml of 1% lidocaine, intraurethral 30 ml of 2% lidocaine jelly (group B) or intraurethral 30 ml of neutral jelly (group C) as a method of pain control. Following the procedure, plasma concentrations of lidocaine were measured in group A patients. Outcome assessments included mean urethral and sphincteric numerated pain scores (0-10), overall discomfort level (0-4) and plasma lidocaine levels. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty patients were recruited, 50 in each group. When the three groups were compared, the ratio of group A patients with sphincteric pain score >or=2 was significantly the least. Also, the ratio of group A patients with discomfort level >or=2 was significantly less than the same ratio in either group B or C. Plasma lidocaine concentrations were within nontoxic levels and never exceeded 2.83 microg/ml in 39 subjects. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that TUSB is an effective and safe method in significantly relieving the pain associated with outpatient rigid cystoscopy. TUSB may offer urologists and anesthetists an alternative way to achieve pain control besides intraurethral lidocaine jelly during rigid cystoscopy.

Antioxidant therapy is associated with a reduction in the serum levels of mediators of renal injury following lithotripsy for renal calculi.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of antioxidant therapy on the levels of mediators of shock wave induced renal injury in patients with renal calculi treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients with renal calculi were divided into three treatment groups: Group A patients (n = 39) served as a control group; Group B patients (n = 41) were given 2 capsules of Nature Made((R)) antioxidants 2 hours before, and 2 and 8 hours after ESWL and Group C patients (n = 40) were given 2 capsules of the antioxidants at 2 and 8 hours after ESWL. Blood and urine samples were obtained from all patients just before the start of treatment with ESWL, and at 2 and 24 hours and on day 7 and 28 after ESWL. Levels of mediators of renal injury such as serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Urinary levels of albumin and ALP were also determined as measures of renal tubular injury. RESULTS: Patients given antioxidants had significantly reduced mean serum concentration of ALP (p < 0.001) at 24 hours, lower serum ALP and LDH on day 7 and 28, and lowest CRP on day 28 after ESWL. They also had higher urine albumin (p < 0.001) and ALP (p < 0.001) levels (from 24 hours to day 28) compared with patients who were not given antioxidants. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that oral antioxidant therapy prior to lithotripsy may reduce the severity of long term renal injury caused by the shock waves.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction in men with adult-onset diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with cardiovascular disease such as coronary arteriosclerosis and stroke. However, its role in the development of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) is still putative. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and the presence of vasculogenic ED in men with adult-onset diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This was a case-control study of 97 adult-onset diabetics with vasculogenic ED and 97 concurrently sampled control diabetics, who were free from ED. We obtained risk estimates of odds ratios (ORs), both crude and adjusted, using logistic regression models. We then determined cardiovascular risk factors and HbA1c levels in both groups of patients. RESULTS: Plasma tHcy was significantly higher in cases compared with controls. The mean +/- standard deviation plasma tHcy in cases was 11.2 +/- 3.5 micromol/L versus 8.8 +/- 2.6 micromol/L in controls (P <0.001). Moreover, those with HHcy had 5.2 times the odds of vasculogenic ED compared with men without HHcy (OR 5.2, 95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 18.9). Although the risk of ED did not vary significantly according to body mass index, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and blood HbA1c levels, it was significantly affected by smoking status and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: High plasma tHcy appears to be associated with ED in patient with adult-onset diabetes mellitus.

A pilot study of transperineal urethrosphincteric block for visual internal urethrotomy in patients with anterior urethral strictures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of transperineal urethrosphincteric block (TUSB) in providing analgesia during visual internal urethrotomy for patients with anterior urethral strictures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 26 consecutive patients scheduled for elective visual internal urethrotomy for symptomatic urethral stricture were considered for this prospective study. Twenty-four patients agreed to participate in the study. Their demographics and medical conditions were recorded. Twenty-five percent of the patients had comorbid conditions that would have put them at high risk for general anesthesia. All patients had TUSB as the primary method of analgesia, using 1% lidocaine. Postoperatively, patients were asked to score the severity of the pain experienced during TUSB and during the transurethral surgery on a scale from 0 to 10. Postoperative adverse effects and the need for sedation or additional analgesia were recorded. All patients rated their overall satisfaction with the analgesia. RESULTS: Patient mean age was 43.5 years (range 26-71 years). The mean pain score during instillation of the transperineal block was 1.9 (range 0-3), and for visual internal urethrotomy was 1 (range 0-5). No sedation, narcotics, or additional analgesia were required and no postoperative adverse effects were encountered. Ninety-two percent of the patients were very satisfied with the method of analgesia. CONCLUSION: TUSB is a safe and effective method of local analgesia for visual internal urethrotomy in patients with anterior urethral strictures, and is particularly suitable for those at high risk of general anesthesia.

Treatment of renal calculi by lithotripsy: minimizing short-term shock wave induced renal damage by using antioxidants.

Treatment with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), the preferred method of treating kidney stones <3 cm in size, has been shown to induce silent and often self-limiting acute and chronic lesions in the kidneys and adjacent organs. We conducted a randomized clinical trial to determine whether ESWL produces ischaemia and reperfusion injury in the kidneys and whether oral administration of antioxidants reduces the degree of short-term renal injury in patients treated with ESWL. The study included 120 patients with renal stones (1-3 cm in size) treated with ESWL. The patients were divided into three groups--patients in group A (n=39) served as a control group and were not given any antioxidants; patients in group B (n=41) were given two capsules of antioxidants "Nature Made R: " 2 h before ESWL, and 2 and 8 h after ESWL; and patients in group C (n=40) were given two capsules of the antioxidants 2 and 8 h after ESWL. Double 'J' stents were inserted in patients before treatment with ESWL. Blood and urine samples were obtained from all patients just before the start of treatment with ESWL, and at 2 and 24 h and on 7th and 28th day after ESWL. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), alpha-tocopherol, cholesterol, albumin and ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio were determined. Urinary levels of albumin and beta(2) microglobulin were also determined as measures of renal tubular injury. At 24 h after ESWL, patients given antioxidants (groups B + C) had significantly reduced mean serum concentration of MDA (P<0.001); higher levels of serum ascorbic acid (P<0.001) and serum albumin (P<0.001); lower alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio, lower urinary albumin and beta(2 )microglobulin levels compared with patients who did not receive antioxidants (group A). These findings suggest that treatment with ESWL generates free radicals through ischaemic/reperfusion injury mechanism, and that oral administration of antioxidant may protect these patients from short term renal injury caused by ESWL.

Relative contribution of digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasonography in interpreting serum prostate-specific antigen values for screening prostate cancer in Arab men.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the utility of digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in men in Arabia, an are of the world with a relatively low incidence of this disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 329 patients suspected of having prostate cancer on account of raised serum PSA level (>4 ng/ml), DRE or TRUS findings, underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. Raised PSA individually as well as combined, or a lesion suspicious of carcinoma on DRE or TRUS was recorded as PSA(+), DRE(+) or TRUS(+), respectively. The contribution of DRE, TRUS and serum PSA to the diagnosis of prostate cancer was analysed. RESULTS: Of the 329 patients who had prostate biopsies 109 cases (33.1%) had PCa. Of these 109 patients 56 (51%) had DRE(+), 77 (42%) had TRUS(+) and 49 (66%) had both DRE(+) and TRUS(+). Statistical analysis revealed that DRE(+) tripled the probability for cancer. PSA over a range of 10-50 ng/mL demonstrated an increasing cancer probability ranging from 2 to 3 fold. TRUS(+) was only significantly associated with cancer risk if PSA was elevated. The presence of all three factors increased the cancer probability by 6 to 7 fold. CONCLUSION: TRUS findings are dependent on PSA for interpretation while DRE(+) with elevated PSA makes PCa more likely.

Increasing severity of haematuria with successive pregnancies in a woman with renal angiomyolipoma.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a 31-year-old woman with renal angiomyolipoma (RAML) who presented with progressive massive haematuria with successive pregnancies. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old woman presented with mild haematuria in the third trimester of her second pregnancy. This was due to bleeding from a left RAML. Patient became pregnant for a third time. The RAML increased in size and patient bled more during the third trimester. After delivery she refused partial nephrectomy or renal embolisation. In the third trimester of the fourth pregnancy, she presented with massive haematuria, shock, severe anaemia (haemoglobin of 6gm/l) and required a total of 26 units of blood transfusion during a 4-week period. She required emergency Caesarian section at 36 weeks and simple nephrectomy 3 months postpartum. CONCLUSION: The risk of profuse haemorrhage from RAML may increase with successive pregnancies in women with RAML. This anomaly should be treated in between pregnancies by either angioembolisation or resectional surgery.

The prevalence and predictors of erectile dysfunction in men with newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive samples of men newly diagnosed with type 2 DM attending the diabetes centre in the capital of Kuwait were included in the study. Face-to-face interviews with the men were conducted using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 questionnaire. A threshold IIEF-5 score of <21 was used to identify men with ED. Pertinent clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected. RESULTS: Of 323 men with newly diagnosed type 2 DM, 31% had ED; comparing potent men and men with ED, there were statistically significant differences for smoking, duration of smoking, hypertension, education level, body mass index and serum glycosylated haemoglobin level. Among these, age was the most important risk factor identified by multivariate logistic regression. CONCLUSION: About a third of men with newly diagnosed type 2 DM had ED; this was associated with many variables, but most notably with age at presentation.

Do differences in age specific androgenic steroid hormone levels account for differing prostate cancer rates between Arabs and Caucasians?

OBJECTIVE: Factors responsible for the low incidence of clinical prostate cancer in the Arab population remain unclear, but may be related to differences in androgenic steroid hormone metabolism between Arabs and other populations, especially as prostate cancer is believed to be androgen dependent. We therefore measured the levels of serum androgenic steroids and their binding proteins in Arab men and compared results obtained with values reported for Caucasian populations to determine if any differences could at least partially account for differences in incidence of prostate cancer rates between the two populations. METHODS: Venous blood samples were obtained from 327 unselected apparently healthy indigenous Arab men (Kuwaitis and Omanis) aged 15-79 years. Samples were also obtained from 30 Arab men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Serum levels of total testosterone (TT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), derived free androgen index (FAI); adrenal C19 -steroids, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (ADT) were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Age specific reference intervals, mean and median for each analyte were determined. Frequency distribution pattern for each hormone was plotted. The reference range for hormones with normal distribution was mean +/- 2SD and 2.5-97.5% for those with non-normal distribution. The mean serum levels of the hormones in Arab men with prostate cancer were compared with values in healthy age-matched Arab men. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease between the 21-29 years age group and the 70-79 years age group for TT (-38.77%), DHEAS (-70%), ADT (-36%) and FAI (-63.25%), and an increase for SHBG (+64%). The calculated reference ranges are TT (2.73-30.45 nmol/L), SHBG (6.45-65.67 nmol/L), FAI (14.51-180.34), DHEAS (0.9-11.0 micromol/L) and ADT (0.54-4.26 ng/mL). The mean TT, SHBG, DHEAS and ADT in Arab men were significantly lower than those reported for Caucasians especially in the 21-29 years age group. Arab men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer had higher serum TT (P < 0.7), ADT (P < 0.2), SHBG (P < 0.2) and lower DHEAS (P < 0.008) compared to aged matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: Serum TT, SHBG, DHEAS and ADT levels are significantly lower in Arab men compared to those reported for Caucasian men, especially in early adulthood. Arab men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer have higher circulating androgens compared to healthy controls. We suggest that low circulating androgens and their adrenal precursors in Arab men when compared to Caucasians may partially account for the relatively lower risk for prostate cancer among Arab men.

Two-trocar laparoscopic varicocelectomy: cost-reduction surgical technique.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the technique of two-trocar laparoscopic varicocelectomy and compare it with the standard three-trocar laparoscopic technique in terms of effectiveness, morbidity, and cosmesis. METHODS: Two matched groups of patients with left varicocele were recruited. Each group included 30 patients. One group underwent three-trocar and the other two-trocar laparoscopic varicocelectomy. The results of the two approaches were compared. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in terms of mean hospital stay or morbidity between the two-trocar and three-trocar techniques. A significant difference was found in the operative time and proportion of patients needing postoperative parenteral narcotic analgesia in favor of the two-trocar technique. In both approaches, the previously infertile patients had a significant improvement in sperm count and motility (P <0.05). Cosmetically, the trocar wound scars were aesthetically superior using the two-trocar technique. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was found between two-trocar and three-trocar laparoscopic varicocelectomy in terms of effectiveness and morbidity. The cost of an extra 5-mm disposable trocar in the three-trocar technique and the improved cosmesis after the two-trocar technique have made us prefer the latter technique.

Iatrogenic ureteric injuries: incidence, aetiological factors and the effect of early management on subsequent outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changing pattern in incidence, aetiological factors and the effect of early diagnosis and surgical treatment on the outcome of iatrogenic ureteric injuries in our Urology Unit over a 5 year period. PATIENTS/METHODS: All patients with ureteric injuries caused as a result of any surgical procedures (iatrogenic ureteric injuries) were studied during a 5 year period (1998-2002). Data collected and analysed included yearly incidence of injury, aetiological factors, modalities of treatment and the outcome of management of the injuries. During the study period, our general surgical colleagues had a policy of requesting "J" stent insertion prior to major abdominopelvic surgical procedures. During the same period, in nearly all difficult cases of ureteroscopy (URS) + lithoclast lithotripsy+/-Dormia basket, a ureteric catheter or "J" stent was prophylactically inserted by urological surgeons. RESULTS: There were 82 iatrogenic ureteric injuries in 75 patients over the 5 year period. The total number of iatrogenic ureteric injuries declined from 26 (31.7%) in 1998 to 10 (11.8%) in 2002. Urological, obstetrics and gynaecological and general surgical procedures were involved in 69(84.1%), 7(8.7%), and 4(4.9%) of the injuries respectively. The commonest types of injuries encountered were; injury to ureteric mucosa post URS or lithoclast calculi disintegration 34 (41.5%), complete ureteric perforation 15 (18.3%) and false passage 15 (18.3%). The most severe complications encountered were complete ureteric avulsions 3 (3.75%) and loss of ureteral segment 2 (2.4%). The commonest treatment options used were "J" stent insertion or ureteric catheter placement (48, 59.4%), percutaneous nephrostomy (17, 20.7%), laparotomy and removal of suture on tied ureters (5, 6.1%). Two (2.4%) nephrectomies were performed because of poor renal function in one patient and severe damage to a functioning renal unit during a difficult retroperitoneal surgery in another patient. Recognition and treatment of ureteric injuries at the time of surgery was associated with less morbidity compared to those in whom the diagnosis was delayed. The overall successful resolution of ureteric injuries in this series was 77/82 (93.9%). There was no mortality attributable to these ureteric injuries. CONCLUSION: In our Unit, the incidence of significant iatrogenic ureteric injuries has shown a decline over a 5-year period. We attribute this trend to the prophylactic use of "J" stents or ureteric catheter placement and good surgical technique during major abdomino-pelvic surgeries in our hospital. Endourological procedures are the commonest causes of ureteric injuries. Prompt diagnosis and institution of appropriate corrective surgical procedures often result in a very satisfactory outcome in about 94% of cases.

Tension free vaginal tape versus Burch colposuspension for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: Many surgical procedures have been proposed for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) but none of them has proved completely successful. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of tension free vaginal tape (TVT) with Burch colposuspension in the treatment of SIU. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty female patients, presenting with SUI were randomly divided into two equal groups. SUI was confirmed using urodynamic study in all patients. Group 1 (n=25) patients underwent Burch colposuspension while Group 2 (n=25) underwent TVT. Patients with high grade cystocele, previous surgical failure for SUI, uninhibited detrusor contraction during bladder filling on urodynamic study and incompetent internal sphincters were excluded from this study. A patient was declared cured of SUI, if 3-6 months after surgery she had no SUI. The procedure was judged to be a failure if 3-6 months after surgery, patient had SUI. RESULTS: In group 1 patients, 72% were completely cured, 16% improved and 12% showed no improvement. In group 2 patients, 72 were completely cured, 20% improved and only 8% showed no improvement. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of cure rates. Operative time for TVT was significantly less compared to Burch. Postoperative pain was less in TVT than Burch. Return to normal activity was earlier in TVT compared to Burch group. Intra operative perforation of the urinary bladder occurred in 8% of patients in group 2. Urine retention occurred in 12% of patients in group 1 compared to 20% in group 2. This was successfully managed conservatively. De novo urgency developed in 12% in group I and 8% in group II and was successfully managed by medical treatment. CONCLUSION: The success rates of TVT and Burch colposuspension in the treatment of SUI in our experience are very similar. However, TVT is associated with less morbidity. We recommend TVT procedure for females with genuine SUI.