Music from noise-canceling headphones is beneficial against anxiety in male bladder cancer patients undergoing follow-up cystoscopy: A prospective randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Bladder cancer, with a greater incidence in males than in females, requires frequent cystoscopies. We aim to evaluate the effect of music played through noise-canceling headphones on male bladder cancer patients during follow-up cystoscopy. METHODS: A total of 160 male bladder cancer patients undergoing follow-up flexible cystoscopy were randomly divided into the noise-canceling headphones without music group and the noise-canceling headphones with music group (groups 1 and 2, respectively; n = 80 per group). The patients' clinical characteristics were examined and objective and subjective measurements were compared before and after cystoscopy. The primary outcomes that were evaluated included the visual analog scale (VAS, 0-10) and the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI, 20-80). Other outcomes, including vital signs and scores for assessing satisfaction and the willingness to repeat the procedure, were also examined. RESULTS: The characteristics of the patients in groups 1 and 2, and their pre-cystoscopy status, did not differ significantly. Although post-cystoscopy vital signs for the objective parameters and VAS pain scores were similar between the groups, subjective parameters were not. When compared with group 1, post-cystoscopy STAI-state scores were significantly lower in group 2, whereas patients' satisfaction scores and the willingness to repeat the procedure were significantly higher in group 2 (p = 0.002, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Additionally, in group 2, STAI-state scores changed significantly after the procedure when compared with before the procedure (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In male bladder cancer patients, music from noise-canceling headphones might have reduced anxiety and improved satisfaction and the willingness to repeat cystoscopy.

2023 Korean sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines for Mycoplasma genitalium by KAUTII.

The Korean Association of Urogenital Tract Infection and Inflammation and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency updated the Korean sexually transmitted infections (STIs) guidelines to respond to the changing epidemiologic trends, evolving scientific evidence, and advances in laboratory diagnostics and research. The main recommendations in the Mycoplasma genitalium infection parts of the Korean STIs guidelines 2023 revision are as follows: 1) For initial treatment: azithromycin 500 mg orally in a single dose, then 250 mg once daily for 4 days. 2) In case of treatment failure or recurrence, a macrolide susceptibility/resistance test is required, when susceptibility/resistance test is not feasible, doxycycline or minocycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days, followed by azithromycin 1 g orally on the first day, then azithromycin 500 mg orally once daily for 3 days and then a test-of-cure should be considered 3 weeks after completion of therapy. 3) In case of macrolide sensitivity, doxycycline or minocycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days, followed by azithromycin 1 g orally initial dose, then azithromycin 500 mg orally once daily for 3 days. 4) In case of macrolide resistance, doxycycline or minocycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days, followed by moxifloxacin 400 mg orally once daily for 7 days. In the Korean STIs guideline 2023, macrolide resistance-guided antimicrobial therapy was emphasized due to the increased prevalence of macrolide resistance worldwide. Therefore, in case of treatment failure or recurrence, a macrolide susceptibility/resistance test is required.

Effectiveness of fosfomycin-based antimicrobial prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: A Korean multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Recent studies have highlighted increasing infectious complications due to fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant organisms in men undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSPB). This study investigated whether fosfomycin (FM)-based antibiotic prophylaxis reduces infections after TRUSPB and identified risk factors for infective complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter study was conducted in the Republic of Korea from January 2018 to December 2021. Patients undergoing prostate biopsy with FQ or FM-based prophylaxis were included. The primary outcome was the post-biopsy infectious complication rate after FQ (group 1) or FM-based antibiotic prophylaxis with FM alone (group 2) or FQ and FM (group 3). Risk factors for infectious complications after TRUSPB were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Patients (n=2,595) undergoing prostate biopsy were divided into three groups according to the type of prophylactic antibiotics. Group 1 (n=417) received FQ before TRUSPB. Group 2 (n=795) received FM only and group 3 (n=1,383) received FM and FQ before TRUSPB. The overall post-biopsy infectious complication rate was 1.27%. The infectious complication rates were 2.4%, 1.9%, and 0.5% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p=0.002). In multivariable analysis, predictors of post-biopsy infectious complications included an association with health care utilization (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.74-12.4; p=0.002) and combination antibiotic prophylaxis (FQ and FM) (adjusted OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09-0.69; p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with monotherapy with FM or FQ, combination antibiotic prophylaxis (FQ and FM) showed a lower rate of infectious complications after TRUSPB. Utilization of health care was an independent risk factor for infectious complications after TRUSPB.

Fosfomycin for Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Men Undergoing a Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: To assess the effects of fosfomycin compared with other antibiotics as a prophylaxis for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men undergoing transrectal prostate biopsies. Materials and Methods: We searched multiple databases and trial registries without publication language or status restrictions until 4 January 2022. Parallel-group randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies (NRS) were included. The primary outcomes were febrile UTI, afebrile UTI, and overall UTI. We used GRADE guidance to rate the certainty of evidence of RCTs and NRSs. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022302743). Results: We found data on five comparisons; however, this abstract focuses on the primary outcomes of the two most clinically relevant comparisons. Regarding fosfomycin versus fluoroquinolone, five RCTs and four NRSs with a one-month follow-up were included. Based on the RCT evidence, fosfomycin likely resulted in little to no difference in febrile UTIs compared with fluoroquinolone. This difference corresponded to four fewer febrile UTIs per 1000 patients. Fosfomycin likely resulted in little to no difference in afebrile UTIs compared with fluoroquinolone. This difference corresponded to 29 fewer afebrile UTIs per 1000 patients. Fosfomycin likely resulted in little to no difference in overall UTIs compared with fluoroquinolone. This difference corresponded to 35 fewer overall UTIs per 1000 patients. Regarding fosfomycin and fluoroquinolone combined versus fluoroquinolone, two NRSs with a one- to three-month follow-up were included. Based on the NRS evidence, fosfomycin and fluoroquinolone combined may result in little to no difference in febrile UTIs compared with fluoroquinolone. This difference corresponded to 16 fewer febrile UTIs per 1000 patients. Conclusions: Compared with fluoroquinolone, fosfomycin or fosfomycin and fluoroquinolone combined may have a similar prophylactic effect on UTIs after a transrectal prostate biopsy. Given the increasing fluoroquinolone resistance and its ease to use, fosfomycin may be a good option for antibiotic prophylaxis.

TNM-Based Head-to-Head Comparison of Urachal Carcinoma and Urothelial Bladder Cancer: Stage-Matched Analysis of a Large Multicenter National Cohort.

PURPOSE: Outcome analysis of urachal cancer (UraC) is limited due to the scarcity of cases and different staging methods compared to urothelial bladder cancer (UroBC). We attempted to assess survival outcomes of UraC and compare to UroBC after stage-matched analyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 203 UraC patients from a multicenter database and 373 UroBC patients in single institution from 2000 to 2018 were enrolled (median follow-up, 32 months). Sheldon stage conversion to corresponding TNM staging for UraC was conducted for head-to-head comparison to UroBC. Perioperative clinical variables and pathological results were recorded. Stage-matched analyses for survival by stage were conducted. RESULTS: UraC patients were younger (mean age, 54 vs. 67 years; p < 0.001), with 163 patients (80.3%) receiving partial cystectomy and 23 patients (11.3%) radical cystectomy. UraC was more likely to harbor ≥ pT3a tumors (78.8% vs. 41.8%). While 5-year recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival were comparable between two groups (63.4%, 67%, and 62.1% in UraC and 61.5%, 75.9%, and 67.8% in UroBC, respectively), generally favorable prognosis for UraC in lower stages (pT1-2) but unfavorable outcomes in higher stages (pT4) compared to UroBC was observed, although only 5-year CSS in ≥ pT4 showed statistical significance (p=0.028). Body mass index (hazard ratio [HR], 0.929), diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.921), pathologic T category (HR, 3.846), and lymphovascular invasion (HR, 1.993) were predictors of CSS for all patients. CONCLUSION: Despite differing histology, UraC has comparable prognosis to UroBC with relatively favorable outcome in low stages but worse prognosis in higher stages. The presented system may be useful for future grading and risk stratification of UraC.

Prognostic value of the endothelial activation and stress index in patients with upper tract urothelial cancer undergoing radical nephroureterectomy.

PURPOSE: The relationship with endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX), which represents the degree of endothelial dysfunction, is unwell known in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). The present study aims to assess the prognostic value of the EASIX for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 627 patients with UTUC who underwent RNU without neoadjuvant chemotherapy at three hospitals between 2002 and 2019. EASIX scores were calculated using the formula "serum lactate dehydrogenase (U/L)×creatinine (mg/dL)/platelet count (109/L)" and evaluated based on log2-transformed values. We divided the patients according to the EASIX score (>1.27 vs. ≤1.27). RESULTS: Among 627 patients, 380 were finally analyzed. Using maximally selected log-rank statistics, the optimal EASIX cutoff value was 1.27 on the log2 scale. The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups except for age. The high EASIX score group had worse RFS and OS than the low EASIX score group (log-rank p=0.001 and p=0.006, respectively). At 5 years, the mean RFS and OS difference between the low and high EASIX score groups was 11.1 and 7.35 months, respectively. High EASIX score remained a key prognosticator of RFS and OS after RNU in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: EASIX score may represent endothelial dysfunction in patients with UTUC and may serve as a readily available prognostic factor for oncologic outcomes.

Comparison of amikacin with fosfomycin as an add-on to ciprofloxacin for antibiotic prophylaxis in transrectal prostate biopsy: A single-center retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of ciprofloxacin (CP) and fosfomycin compared with CP and amikacin in patients with a fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant rectal flora who have undergone transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSPB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 516 patients with FQ-resistant rectal flora based on rectal swab cultures were divided into two groups according to prophylactic antibiotics. Patients in both groups were administered CP (400 mg, intravenous [IV], twice daily) on the same day as TRUSPB and 1 day after biopsy. The amikacin group (n=260) was administered a single injection of amikacin (1 g, IV) 1 hour before TRUSPB, whereas the fosfomycin group (n=256) was administered fosfomycin (3 g, orally) the night before the procedure. The primary endpoint was the rate of infectious complications in the two groups. RESULTS: Overall, 13 patients (2.5%) reported infectious complications: 12 patients (4.62%) in the amikacin group compared with 1 patient (0.39%) in the fosfomycin group (risk ratio, 0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.65), respectively, which was a statistically significant difference (p=0.017). This corresponds to a number needed to treat of 24 patients (95% CI, 15-65) to prevent one infectious complication. In the multivariate analysis to assess variables related to infectious complications, prophylactic antibiotics with added fosfomycin was associated with infectious complications (odds ratio, 0.060; 95% CI, 0.008-0.459). CONCLUSIONS: In the era of FQ resistance, CP and fosfomycin may reduce the rate of infectious complications compared with CP and amikacin prophylaxis.

Mean platelet volume is the most valuable hematologic parameter in differentiating testicular torsion from epididymitis within the golden time.

Background: We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of hematologic parameters in the differential diagnosis of testicular torsion and epididymitis within and after the golden time. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 250 patients aged <25 years who were diagnosed with epididymitis (n=119) or testicular torsion (n=131). The characteristics and hematologic parameters of patients in the two groups were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the validity of hematologic parameters as differential diagnostic tools with respect to the golden time (defined as 6 h of symptom duration). Further, we evaluated the predictive factors associated with orchiectomy in patients with testicular torsion. Results: The mean patient age was 14.4 years. Among patients with testicular torsion, 91.40% (53 of 58) underwent detorsion and orchiopexy within the golden time, whereas only 27.40% (20 of 73) of the affected testes were preserved after the golden time. Within the golden time, mean platelet volume (MPV) seemed to be the most valuable hematologic parameter [area under the curve (AUC) 0.855, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.778-0.932]. In a multivariate analysis, symptom duration (symptoms beyond the golden time) was associated with orchiectomy in patients with testicular torsion. Conclusions: MPV showed the greatest hematologic value in the early stage of testicular torsion and epididymitis, suggesting its potential use for the differential diagnosis of these two conditions within the golden time.

Role of oral pentosan polysulfate in Bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation, although an important treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, exerts local and systemic adverse effects. Pentosan polysulfate (PPS) is a bladder mucosal protective drug that acts by replacing mucus in the glycosaminoglycan layer of the damaged urothelium. We hypothesized that co-administration of oral PPS with BCG instillation would relieve BCG-related adverse effects without affecting its efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 217 patients receiving BCG instillation were enrolled. They were placed in two groups and analyzed retrospectively: group A (n=122) received BCG instillation only and group B (n=95) received 100 mg of PPS thrice daily during the BCG treatment. RESULTS: After BCG instillation, the rate of BCG-treatment discontinuation owing to adverse effects was 15.6% in group A and 6.3% in group B (p=0.034). The proportion of patients with bacteriuria after BCG was higher in group B; however, no statistical difference was observed (28.7% vs. 41.1%; p=0.057). The proportion of patients with pyuria was significantly higher in group B (81.1% vs. 91.6%; p=0.029). The proportion of patients using antibiotics was significantly higher in group A (73.8% vs. 43.2%; p=0.001). The recurrence rate within 1 year was 29 (23.8%) in group A vs. 19 (20.0%) in group B (p=0.507). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that antibiotic use had a statistically significant effect on BCG discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Oral PPS effectively decreased the discontinuation rate and antibiotic use without affecting the BCG efficacy.

The Potential Role of Urinary Microbiome in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia/Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Historically, urine in the urinary tract was considered "sterile" based primarily on culture-dependent methods of bacterial detection. Rapidly developing sequencing methods and analytical techniques have detected bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid and live bacteria in urine, improving our ability to understand the urinary tract microbiome. Recently, many studies have revealed evidence of a microbial presence in human urine in the absence of clinical infections. In women, fascinating evidence associates urinary tract microbiota with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, the association between urinary tract microbiota and men with LUTS, particularly those with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), has not been established. In addition, the identification of the proinflammatory cytokines and pathogens responsible for the clinical progression of BPH is still underway. This review article aimed to address microbiome-related evidence for BPH. Further studies are required for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the urogenital microbiome and BPH pathogenesis to facilitate the development of preventive and therapeutic approaches for male LUTS.

Do prostate-specific antigen parameters have a similar role in predicting prostate cancer regardless of serum testosterone levels in men with gray-zone prostate-specific antigen levels?

Background: To evaluate whether various prostate-specific antigen (PSA) parameters have a similar diagnostic value in predicting prostate cancer (PCa) in men with gray-zone PSA levels (4.0-10.0 ng/mL) depending on different serum testosterone levels. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 635 men with gray-zone PSA levels who underwent prostate biopsy between January 2015 and December 2019. The study cohort was divided into two groups according to serum testosterone levels: normal (≥300 ng/dL) and low (<300 ng/dL) testosterone. Using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC), we analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of PSA parameters (total PSA, free PSA, free-to-total PSA ratio, testosterone-to-PSA ratio, and PSA density) in predicting PCa and compared the results between the two groups. Results: The median age was 68 (range, 40-88) years, and 76.1% (483 of 635) of the men had low testosterone levels. The PCa incidence was higher in the low testosterone group than in the normal testosterone group (45.5% vs. 35.5%, P=0.030). The AUC of free-to-total PSA ratio for predicting PCa showed no difference between the normal and low testosterone groups (AUC 0.616 vs. 0.684, P=0.257). Moreover, total PSA, testosterone-to-PSA ratio, and PSA density showed similar performance in predicting PCa between the two groups. Conclusions: The analyzed PSA parameters showed a similar diagnostic value in predicting PCa regardless of testosterone levels in men with gray-zone PSA levels.

Effects of leuprolide acetate on the quality of life of patients with prostate cancer: A prospective longitudinal cohort study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with prostate cancer (PC) and compare the changes in the HRQOL between ADT alone and ADT plus intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with PC were prospectively recruited between October 2018 and April 2020. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire and the PC-specific module (PR25) were administered before ADT (baseline) and at 3, 6, and 12 months after ADT. All patients received subcutaneous injections of 45 mg leuprolide acetate at 6-month intervals for 12 months. RESULTS: Fifty-five of the 71 patients (77.5%) completed the 12-month study. Twenty-two of the 55 patients received IMRT. There were no differences in the baseline characteristics with respect to IMRT. Compared with baseline, physical function and role function deteriorated after 3 months (p = 0.003, p = 0.019). However, the global quality of life (QOL) did not change over time. The symptom scales of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire indicated that there was a statistically significant deterioration in dyspnea and fatigue symptoms at 12 months (p = 0.004, p = 0.004). Responses to the QLQ-PR25 revealed that patients experienced an increase in hormonal treatment-related symptoms after 3, 6, and 12 months (p = 0.002, 0.001, and 0.004). Comparisons between the ADT group and ADT plus IMRT group showed that body function and role function did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.815, p = 0.759), and there was also no difference in global QOL (p = 0.624). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that treatment with leuprolide acetate at 6-month intervals was not accompanied by changes in global QOL, despite deterioration of body and role functions and hormonal treatment-related symptoms. The combination of ADT and IMRT did not lead to additional deterioration in the HRQOL.

Does music from noise-canceling headphones have a beneficial effect on men undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy?

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of music with noise-canceling headphones on men undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSPB) in a prospective randomized study. METHODS: From January to February 2020, 94 men underwent TRUSPB at our institution. They were divided into two groups and wore noise-cancelling headphones-group 1 (n = 47) did not listen to music and group 2 (n = 47) listened to music. We examined the patients' clinical characteristics and compared the objective and subjective measurements before and after the procedures. Primary outcomes included vital signs, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI, 20-80) scale; and the visual analog scale (VAS, 0-10) for the assessments of pain, satisfaction, and willingness to repeat the procedure. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patients' characteristics or the prebiopsy status between the groups. Postbiopsy vital signs for objective parameters were statistically similar between the groups; however, the subjective parameters were not. Postbiopsy STAI-state and VAS scores were significantly lower and VAS scores for the patients' satisfaction and willingness to repeat the procedure were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p = 0.004, p = 0.009, p = 0.004, and p = 0.003, respectively). In addition, changes in the STAI-state score before and after the procedure were significant in Group 2 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Music from noise-canceling headphones may have beneficial effects on anxiety, pain, satisfaction, and willingness to repeat the procedure in men undergoing TRUSPB.

Comparison of a combined regimen of fosfomycin and ciprofloxacin with ciprofloxacin alone as antimicrobial prophylaxis for transrectal prostate biopsy in the era of high fluoroquinolone-resistant rectal flora.

BACKGROUND: To assess the prophylactic effect of fosfomycin (FM) and ciprofloxacin combinations for infectious complications of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSPB) compared to that of ciprofloxacin alone. METHODS: In total, 1,578 patients were enrolled and were divided into two groups according to the prophylactic antibiotics. Group 1 (n = 1234) received ciprofloxacin on the day of the biopsy and for an additional 1-2 days, whereas Group 2 (n = 334) was given FM in addition to ciprofloxacin in the same manner as Group 1. The primary outcome was overall infectious complications within 1 month of TRUSPB. The secondary outcome was the risk factors of infectious complications after TRUSPB. RESULTS: Infectious complications occurred in 31 patients (2.5%) and 1 patient (0.3%) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Our results indicated that fluoroquinolone (FQ) and FM significantly reduced the risk of infectious complications compared to FQ (relative risk: 0.12; 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.87, P = 0.015). Based on the multivariate analysis, previous antibiotic exposure (odds ratio [OR] = 3.59, P = 0.026), and the addition of FM (OR = 0.12, P = 0.038) were associated with infectious complications. Based on the rectal swab, FQ resistance was 28.0% (n = 294) in total. FQ resistance in the FQ and FM group was higher than that in the FQ group (n = 178, 54.9% vs. n = 116, 16.0%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The combination of ciprofloxacin and FM exhibited reduced infectious complications after TRUSPB compared with ciprofloxacin monotherapy and may be applicable in the era of the high abundance of FQ-resistant rectal flora.

Is acute kidney injury after laparoscopic adrenalectomy related to the progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with primary aldosteronism?

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the predictors of kidney outcome after laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 74 patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy for the treatment of PA from January 2011 to December 2019. Patient characteristics and serial data on postoperative changes in kidney function were analyzed and compared between the two groups according to the presence of acute kidney injury (AKI). Postoperative AKI was defined as a decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of >50% or an increase in the serum creatinine level of ≥0.3 mg/dL at 1 week after surgery compared with perioperative levels. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² present for 3 months. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (25.7%) had postoperative AKI. Patients who experienced postoperative AKI had higher aldosterone-to-renin ratios, higher rates of dyslipidemia, and more left ventricular hypertrophy than did patients without postoperative AKI (p=0.015, 0.036, and 0.033, respectively). Twenty-eight patients (37.8%) had CKD at 6 months after surgery, including 15 patients who had newly progressed to CKD postoperatively. In the multivariate regression analysis of patients without preoperative CKD, the only independent predictor of the progression to CKD was preoperative albuminuria (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, one-quarter of the patients had postoperative AKI after unilateral adrenalectomy for the treatment of PA. However, postoperative AKI was not directly correlated with CKD progression. Preoperative albuminuria was an independent predictor of the progression of CKD.

The Prognosis and Oncological Predictor of Urachal Carcinoma of the Bladder: A Large Scale Multicenter Cohort Study Analyzed 203 Patients With Long Term Follow-Up.

AIM: This study evaluated the prognosis and survival predictors for bladder urachal carcinoma (UC), based on large scale multicenter cohort with long term follow-up database. METHODS: A total 203 patients with bladder UC treated at 19 hospitals were enrolled. Clinical parameters on carcinoma presentation, diagnosis, and therapeutic methods were reviewed for the primary cancer and for all subsequent recurrences. The stage of UC was stratified by Mayo and Sheldon pathological staging system. Oncological outcomes and the possible clinicopathological parameters associated with survival outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 54.2 years. Among the total of 203 patients, stages I, II, III, and IV (Mayo stage) were 48 (23.8%), 108 (53.5%), 23 (11.4%), and 23 (11.4%), respectively. Gross hematuria and bladder irritation symptoms were the two most common initial symptoms. The mean follow-up period was 65 months, and 5-year overall survival rates (OS), cancer-specific survival rates (CSS), and recurrence-free survival rates (RFS) were 88.3, 83.1, and 63.9%, respectively. For the patients with Mayo stage ≥III, OS, CSS, and RFS were significantly decreased to 38.0, 35.2, and 28.4%, respectively. The higher pathological stage (Mayo stage ≥III, Sheldon stage ≥IIIc), positive surgical margin (PSM), and positive lymphovascular invasion (PLM) were independent predictors of shorter OS, CSS, and RFS. CONCLUSION: The pathological stage, PSM, and PLM were significantly associated with the survival of UC patients, emphasizing an importance of the complete surgical resection of tumor lesion.

Transurethral Foley catheter misplacement into the upper urinary tract in a patient with a history of lung cancer and chemotherapy: a case report and considerations to keep in mind.

Indwelling urethral catheter placement is a common and comparatively safe procedure. Misplacement of a urethral catheter into the upper urinary tract is unusual, and only a few cases have been reported. We describe the case of a 43-year-old man who presented with oliguria and had a history of chemotherapy for known metastatic lung cancer. As he had no history of urological disease, urethral catheterization was expected to be uneventful. The catheter was unable to be pulled back to the bladder neck once the balloon was inflated, and the patient expressed discomfort. Subsequent computed tomography revealed that the tip of the catheter was placed in the middle of the right ureter. Unbeknownst to the physicians before urethral catheterization, the patient had severe lower urinary tract symptoms and urinary bladder dysfunction with hydronephrosis, likely due to chemotherapy. Based on the patient's symptoms and imaging results, we judged the possibility of severe ureteral injury to be low. The malpositioned catheter was removed uneventfully after complete balloon deflation and then reinserted properly. He was admitted to the medical department but died as a result of an exacerbation of the underlying disease unrelated to the incident. If urethral catheter placement seems abnormal, physicians should aspirate and irrigate to confirm correct positioning before balloon inflation; then, they should carefully pull the inflated balloon near the neck of the bladder while monitoring the patient's symptoms. Although urethral catheter placement is comparatively safe, physicians must keep in mind that patients who have undergone chemotherapy might be at a risk for this rare complication.

Favorable prognosis of patients who received adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy after radiotherapy achieving undetectable levels of prostate-specific antigen in high- or very high-risk prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: To determine the prognostic significance of long-term adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (A-ADT) over 1 year in achieving undetectable levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) less than 0.001 ng/mL in prostate cancer patients with high- or very high-risk prostate cancer who underwent radiotherapy (RT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 197 patients with prostate cancer received RT, with a follow-up of ≥12 months. Biochemical failure was defined as PSA ≥nadir + 2 ng/mL after RT. We analyzed clinical outcomes, including survival, failure patterns, and prognostic factors affecting outcomes. RESULTS: Biochemical failure-free survival (BCFFS), clinical failure-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival (OS) rates at 5 years were 91.1%, 95.4%, 96.9%, 99.5%, and 89.1%, respectively. Administration of long-term A-ADT significantly predicted favorable BCFFS (p = 0.027) and OS (p < 0.001) in multivariate analysis. Nadir PSA ≤0.001 ng/mL was an independent prognostic factor for BCFFS (p = 0.006) and OS (p = 0.021). The use of long-term A-ADT significantly affected nadir PSA ≤0.001 ng/mL (p < 0.001). The patients with A-ADT for 1 year or longer had better BCFFS or OS than those for less than 1 year or those without A-ADT (p < 0.001). The best prognosis was demonstrated in patients treated with long-term A-ADT and nadir PSA ≤0.001 ng/mL in BCFFS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The addition of long-term A-ADT over 1 year to RT demonstrated good treatment outcomes in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. Achieving a nadir PSA value ≤0.001 ng/mL using combination therapy with RT and A-ADT is a powerful clinical predictor of treatment outcomes.

The Urinary Tract Microbiome in Male Genitourinary Diseases: Focusing on Benign Prostate Hyperplasia and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

The human body is sterile during gestation; however, but during and after birth, the entire body surface becomes host to an enormous variety of microorganisms. Urine in the urinary tract was once considered sterile based on the lack of cultured microorganisms. Many recent studies have revealed evidence of microorganisms in human urine in the absence of clinical infection. Sequencing methods and analytical techniques are rapidly evolving to improve the ability to detect bacterial DNA and living bacteria and to understand the microbiota of the urinary tract. In women, fascinating evidence associates urinary tract microbiota with lower urinary tract symptoms. However, in men, the relevance of urinary tract microbiota in low urinary tract symptoms and prostate disease has not been established. In this review, we highlight a recent study that increases our ability to understand the urinary tract microbiota in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Does multidetector computed tomographic urography (MDCTU) T staging classification correspond with pathologic T staging in upper tract urothelial carcinoma?

PURPOSE: Multidetector computed tomographic urography (MDCTU) is not yet sufficient to be used in the clinical staging of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of MDCTU T stage classification and pathologic T staging for UTUC. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 125 patients with UTUC who underwent preoperative MDCTU. A single radiologist classified the MDCTU pattern of the tumors as either low or advanced T stage for localized or locally advanced tumors, respectively. The diagnostic values of MDCTU for locally advanced tumors and the kappa agreement between MDCTU and pathologic T stage were investigated. RESULTS: Among 85 pathologic low T stage (Ta-T2) tumors, 71 low T stage tumors were correctly detected by MDCTU, while 30 out of 40 advanced T stage (T3-T4) tumors were correctly diagnosed by MDCTU. MDCTU led to under-staging in 8% (10/125) tumors and over-staging in 11.2% (14/125) tumors. Therefore, the overall accuracy of MDCTU in the diagnosis of low and advanced T stage tumors was 80.8% (101/125 patients). The sensitivity for advanced T stage tumors was 75% (30/40), the specificity was 83.5% (71/85), and the positive and negative predictive values were 68.1% (30/44) and 87.6% (71/81), respectively. The kappa agreement value between the MDCTU T stage and pathologic T stage was 0.57 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-0.72), which was statistically significant (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: MDCTU T stage classification may be relatively accurate for the detection and staging of UTUC correspondence with a pathologic stage.