Lower urinary tract symptoms associated with neurological conditions: Observations on a clinical sample of outpatients neurorehabilitation service.

OBJECTIVES: The overall aims of this study were to investigate the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with neurological conditions and their prevalence and impact on a clinical sample of outpatients of a neurorehabilitation service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the files of 132 patients treated in our neurorehabilitation service from December 2012 to December 2013. Patients were divided into several subgroups based on the neurological diagnosis: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), other demyelinating diseases, Peripheral Neuropathy, neurovascular disorders (ND), neoplastic disease, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson and Parkinsonism, spinal cord injuries (SCI). Urinary status was based on medical evaluations of history of LUTS, type, degree, onset and duration of symptoms. We tried to analyze prevalence, kind of disorder, timing of presentation (if before or after the neurological onset) and eventual persistence of urological disorders (in the main group and in all subgroups). RESULTS: At the time of admission to our rehabilitation service, LUTS were observed in 14 out of 132 cases (11%). A high proportion of these outpatients (64.2%) presented bothersome urinary symptoms such as incontinence, frequency and urgency (storage LUTS). The most frequent symptom was urinary urge incontinence (42.8%). This symptom was found to be prevalent in the multiple sclerosis and neurovascular disorders. In 93% the urinary symptoms arose as a result of neurologic conditions and 78.5% did not present a complete recovery of urological symptoms in spite of improved self-reported functional activity limitations. None of these patients performed urological rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological disorders are a significant issue in rehabilitation services and it can lead to lower tract dysfunction, which causes LUTS. Storage symptoms are more common, especially urge incontinence. Current literature reports that a further optimization of the rehabilitation potential of neurologically ill patients is possible through an implementation of urological basic measures into the neurological treatment routine.

Efficacy of spermatic vein ligation in patients affected by high grade left varicocele.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of high grade varicocele treatment in infertile patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients were selected by the following criteria: infertility persisting for more than 1 year; abnormal semen parameters; no other infertility-related disease; no obvious causes of infertility in the subject's partner; basal eco-color Doppler ultrasound demonstrating continuous reflux in the spermatic vein. All patients considered for the study had at least a six months period from the diagnosis to the surgery due to waiting list, choice of the patient or time needed to complete diagnostic evaluation of the couple. The surgical procedure was performed through an inguinal approach. All enrolled patients were counseled to have unprotected intercourse during the ovulation period in order to maximize the probability of pregnancy within the 6-month preoperative period. The achievement of pregnancy and semen parameters were recorded during the preoperative and postoperative period. RESULTS: Two of the seventy-five patients were excluded because of persistent varicocele after surgery. The preoperative pregnancy rate was 1.3% (1 couple). The postoperative pregnancy rate was 42.5%. The stratification of pregnancies by semester showed a significantly higher rate in the first postoperative period (p = 0.0012). Mean time to conception was 13.5 months. Mean preoperative sperm count was 17.6x10(6)/mL compared to 19.7x10(6)/mL in the postoperative period (p < 0.0001). Mean percentage of progressive sperm motility was 13.7%, compared to 17.6% in the postoperative period (p < 0.0001). Mean percentage of normal sperm morphology was 7.6%, compared to 15.2% postoperatively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of high grade varicocele proved to effectively treat associa¬ted infertility by improving seminal parameters and pregnancy rate in our patient cohort.

Impairment of Renal and Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cell Compartments in Frailty Syndrome: Link With Oxidative Stress, Plasma Cytokine Profiles, and Nuclear DNA Damage.

Frailty is an age-related syndrome that drives multiple physiological system impairments in some older adults, and its pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. We evaluated whether frailty-related biological processes could impair stem cell compartments, specifically the renal stem compartment, given that kidney dysfunctions are frequent in frailty. A well-characterized in vitro nephrosphere model of human adult renal stem/progenitor cells has been instrumental to and was appropriate for verifying this hypothesis in our current research. Evaluating the effects of plasma from older individuals with frailty (frail plasma) on allogeneic renal stem/progenitor cells, we showed significant functional impairment and nuclear DNA damage in the treated cells of the renal stem compartment. The analysis of the frail plasma revealed mitochondrial functional impairment associated with the activation of oxidative stress and a unique inflammatory mediator profile in frail individuals. In addition, the plasma of frail subjects also contained the highest percentage of DNA-damaged autologous circulating hematopoietic progenitor/stem cells. The integration of both molecular and functional data obtained allowed us to discern patterns associated with frailty status, irrespective of the comorbidities present in the frail individuals. The data obtained converged toward biological conditions that in frailty caused renal and hematopoietic impairment of stem cells, highlighting the possibility of concomitant exhaustion of several stem compartments.

Simultaneous management of renal carcinoma with caval vein thrombosis and double coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: Recent advances in surgical and anesthesiology techniques allow simultaneous thoracic and abdominal operations to be performed for severe heart disease and benignant or malignant abdominal diseases. CASE REPORT: The simultaneous surgical management in a 75-year-old patient suffering from severe double coronary artery disease and a renal cell carcinoma with extended intravascular growth into the inferior vena cava is reported. CONCLUSION: The postoperative course was uneventful. Simultaneous surgery proved to be beneficial and safe, showing optimal results in our patient.

Inguinal polypropylene plug: a cause of unusual testicular tumor pelvic metastasis.

We report the case of a patient who had undergone polypropylene plug placement 3 years before and referred to our institution with testicular tumor. CT scan demonstrated an enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes on the tumor side while retroperitoneal nodes were normal. Orchifunicolectomy was performed and histopathological examination showed a mixed germ cell tumor involving the tunica vaginalis, rete testis, epididymis and spermatic cord. After surgery the patient was addressed to adjuvant chemotherapy according to PEB scheme. Clinical re-staging showed a decrease of the pelvic bulk disease whereas retroperitoneal nodes were still normal and tumor markers were negative. Left external, internal and common iliac lymphadenectomy as well as left modified template nervesparing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed. Intraoperatively the node bulk was firmly adherent to the external iliac artery and extended until the common iliac bifurcation. In the deeper part of this enlarged and firm lymphatic chain the polypropylene plug placed at the time of hernioplasty was found. Behind the plug all retroperitoneal nodes appeared normal and resulted negative on histopathologic examination. The patient had an unusual metastatization, probably due to the plug.

Effectiveness and safety of spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing open radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer is one of the most widespread neoplasms affecting the male gender. The most commonly used procedures in various urological centers are laparoscopic and robotic surgery because they are considered minimally invasive techniques. We present our experience in traditional open radical prostatectomy performed under spinal anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the clinical courses of 88 consecutive patients who underwent open radical prostatectomy performed under spinal anesthesia at our Institution. RESULTS: Median age: 67.7 years. Median follow up duration: 48 months. Median pre-operative PSA: 15,9 ng/ml, median Prostate weight: 44.5 gr, median surgical time: 96.5 minutes (range 55-138). Perioperative complications were recorded. The most frequent complication was anemia, 9 cases need blood transfusion after surgery. Complications directly related to spinal anesthesia were not observed. Most patients were discharged within 5 days from the procedure. After two weeks we observed a quick recovery of total continence in 90% of patients. After 6 months all patients were perfectly continent. Erectile dysfunction after 6 months was reported by 48 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The reasons why the gold standard of radical prostatectomy surgery has been considered general anesthesia are essentially two: the long duration of the surgical procedure and the associated significant blood loss. Multiple evidences show that radical retropubic prostatectomy can be safely performed under spinal anaesthesia with various advantages. It is therefore no longer justified to consider general anesthesia as the gold standard for radical prostatectomy with an open technique.

Erectile properties of the Rho-kinase inhibitor SAR407899 in diabetic animals and human isolated corpora cavernosa.

BACKGROUND: RhoA-Rho kinase complex contributes to keep the cavernosus smooth muscle contracted and its inhibition is considered a potential strategy for the therapy of erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: We compared the effects of SAR407899, the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 and the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil for their ability to relax corpus cavernosum strips contracted with phenylephrine in healthy and diabetic animals. Strips were obtained from WKY, spontaneous hypertensive (SHR), control CD, and diabetic CD rats, humans, control and diabetic rabbits. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin or alloxan injection. In vivo penile erection (length) induced by drugs was measured in conscious rabbits. RESULTS: SAR407899 dose-dependently relaxed the pre-contracted corpora cavernosa in all species, with similar potency and efficacy in healthy vs diabetic rats, WKY vs SHR rats, healthy vs diabetic rabbits (IC(50) range from 0.05 to 0.29 µM, Emax range 89 to 97%). In the presence of the NO-synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NAME, the SAR407899 response did not decrease in any of the species or experimental conditions. The effect was confirmed in human strips where sildenafil was significantly less potent and effective, with IC50 respectively 0.13 and 0.51 µM; Emax 92 and 43%. Unlike SAR407899, the potency and efficacy of sildenafil and Y27632 were significantly reduced by diabetes and L-NAME. In vivo, SAR407899 dose-dependently induced rabbit penile erection, with greater potency and longer duration of action than sildenafil. Sildenafil, but not SAR407899, was less effective in alloxan-induced diabetes. CONCLUSION: The induction of penile erection by SAR407899, unlike that by sildenafil, is largely independent of e-NO activity. This suggests its use in erectile dysfunction for diabetic and hypertensive patients where e-NO activity is impaired.

The role of bladder neck preservation during radical prostatectomy: clinical and urodynamic study.

AIMS: Bladder neck preservation has caused an increase in urinary continence following radical prostatectomy, and has given rise to much controversy. We have reviewed our clinical and urodynamic experience collected since 1995 in patients subjected to radical prostatectomy with bladder neck preservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 180 patients were followed postoperatively using a pad test, an incontinence questionnaire and PSA dosage. In 66 early continent patients, test of maximum urethral closing pressure, functional length and active urethral continence were carried out, together with Valsalva leak point pressure tests and a pressure/flow study. The obtained data were then analysed. RESULTS: Urinary continence was achieved in 132/180 men (73%) already two weeks after operation. Three months, six months and one year later the continence rate was 89%, 95.5% and 97.7% (176/180) respectively. As far as the urodynamic parameters of the 66 patients fully tested are concerned, all showed high results. The active urethral continence capacity exceeded 200 cm/water, and the Valsalva leak point pressure equalled or exceeded 150 cm/water. CONCLUSIONS: Following an accurate dissection of the distal urethra, bladder neck preservation guarantees early recovery of continence, as confirmed by local urodynamic figures, and restores functional integration of both the urethral sphincteric-smooth proximal and distal striated units.

Early detection of urothelial premalignant lesions using hexaminolevulinate fluorescence cystoscopy in high risk patients.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate fluorescence cystoscopy with hexaminolevulinate (HAL) in the early detection of dysplasia (DYS) and carcinoma in situ (CIS) in select high risk patients. METHODS: We selected 30 consecutive bladder cancer patients at high risk for progression. After endoscopic resection, all patients received (a) induction BCG schedule when needed, and (b) white light and fluorescence cystoscopy after 3 months. HAL at doses of 85 mg (GE Healthcare, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom) dissolved in 50 ml of solvent to obtain an 8 mmol/L solution was instilled intravesically with a 12 Fr catheter into an empty bladder and left for 90 minutes. The solution was freshly prepared immediately before instillation. Cystoscopy was performed within 120 minutes of bladder emptying. Standard and fluorescence cystoscopy was performed using a double light system (Combilight PDD light source 5133, Wolf, Germany) which allowed an inspection under both white and blue light. RESULTS: The overall incidence was 43.3% dysplasia, 23.3% CIS, and 13.3% superficial transitional cell cancer. In 21 patients, HAL cystoscopy was positive with one or more fluorescent flat lesions. Of the positive cases, there were 4 CIS, 10 DYS, 2 association of CIS and DYS, 4 well-differentiated non-infiltrating bladder cancers, and 1 chronic cystitis. In 9 patients with negative HAL results, random biopsies showed 1 CIS and 1 DYS. HAL cystoscopy showed 90.1% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity with 95.2% positive predictive value and 77.8% negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic diagnosis should be considered a very important tool in the diagnosis of potentially evolving flat lesions on the bladder mucosa such as DYS and CIS. Moreover, detection of dysplasic lesions that are considered precursors of CIS may play an important role in preventing disease progression. In our opinion, HAL cystoscopy should be recommended in the early follow-up of high risk patients.

Elasto-sonography of the testis: preliminary experience.

OBJECTIVES: We report our experience in elastosonography, a new developed ultrasonographic diagnostic dynamic technique used to provide an estimation about tissue stiffness. METHODS: 41 patients who presented with scrotal pain, painless enlargement of the scrotum or testicular nodules and infertility were submitted to ultrasound examination (US), color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU), elastosonography examination (E). During ultrasonography examination we obtained conventional B-mode images. Lesion size was defined by the major diameter The color Doppler examination was performed to evaluate the vascular pattern. Subsequently we obtained elasticity images, with the patient in supine position. We used Hi Vision 8500 (Hitachi-Tokyo, Japan) ultrasonography machine with SonoElastography imaging option and we scanned with 7,5 MHz linear probe. To obtain images that were appropriate for analysis, we applied the probe with only light pressure, which we defined as a level of pressure that maintained contact with the skin and permitted imaging conditions for which the association between pressure and strain was essentially proportional. RESULTS: In 38 cases elastosonography confirmed the US and CDU findings. In the remaining 3 cases it allowed a better characterization of 2 small benign tumors and of an intratesticular haematoma. CONCLUSION: In our preliminary experience elastosonography can provide additional informations by an higher definition in those cases where there are solid testicular lesions smaller than 10 mm. Infact elastosonography resulted helpful in the determination of 2 small lesions diagnosticated after surgery as Sertoli tumor and adenomatoid tumor of the testis, respectively in a third case the elastosonography identified an intraparenchimal hematoma (confirmed after surgical exploration )in the differential diagnosis with a solid tumor. Further systematic experience is needed for better characterization of testicular lesions with this newly developed technique.

Optional caval filter in kidney cancer patients with tumor thrombus level I and II.

BACKGROUND: Kidney diseases requiring a radical surgical approach can come up complicated by the presence of a thrombus of the renal vein or the inferior vena cava (IVC). The overwhelming majority of these cases concern the presence of a kidney tumor, especially renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Kidney tumor presenting with thrombus extension into the IVC represents a difficult operative challenge, especially for the risk of thrombus dislocation due to the manipulation of the IVC during tumor isolation, which may result in pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: We propose a retrospective cohort study regarding 10 patients (thrombus level I or II) operated in our center from 2010 to 2015. All of them had a renal tumor. In 8 patients TC proved tumor thrombus extended into the IVC<2 cm above the renal vein (level I), in the remaining patients the thrombus entered the IVC>2 cm above the renal vein but below the hepatic veins (level 2). All the patients underwent an IVC temporary/optional filter placement as a preoperative maneuver before radical nephrectomy. RESULTS: The efficacy of the procedure is confirmed by the absence of any inter- or postsurgical thromboembolic event in all patients; filter was removed in 3 patients, moreover, concerning the long-term information we obtained about the patients, none of them has showed complete occlusion of IVC. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study support effectiveness of preoperative temporary IVC placement to prevent thrombosis embolism shedding and to improve surgical safety.

Lazy bladder syndrome (the infrequent voider) causing a vesicoureteral reflux in the child.

The Infrequent Voider Syndrome or Lazy Bladder Syndrome in children is characterized by a large capacity bladder, frequently associated with a significant volume of residual urine. Usually these patients arrive at medical examination with a history of recurrent urinary infections but without anomalies in the upper urinary tract. We report about a young girl affected by one-sided 20 degree vesico-ureteral reflux due to Lazy Bladder Syndrome that had never been diagnosed before. This patient has been submitted to a prompt bladder training and seems presently to have at last gained a physiological micturition after 9 months of follow-up,without actual evidence of vesico-ureteral reflux. Therefore we must stress that it is prominently important considering every notice about infrequent micturition in a paediatric case history or a large capacity bladder, noticed by chance too. These reports may be fundamental for early diagnosis of Lazy Bladder Syndrome.

"Ejaculatory disorders and alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists therapy: clinical and experimental researches".

BACKGROUND: It is well known that the use of the alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists in the BPH therapy may induce ejaculatory disorder. A review of clinical literature shows a greater incidence of ejaculatory disorder during the use of tamsulosin compared with alfuzosin. Anejaculation has been until now referred to retrograde ejaculation due to relaxation of prostatic and bladder neck smooth muscle tone. In a recent researches was evaluated the effect of tamsulosin and alfuzosin on rat vas deferent "in vitro", concluding that tamsulosin may "cause ejaculatory dysfunction by altering the progression and emission of sperm". An abnormal increase of contraction would be the cause of ejaculatory disorder. The aim of our paper is to compare human and rat vas deferens contractile activity and to evaluate with a clinical study if tamsulosin causes retrograde ejaculation disorder. METHODS: We have revaluated the human and rat vas deferens contractile activity in vitro according to our experience and literature. We have also performed a clinical study on 10 patients (48-72 y) affected by anejaculation. Post-coital urine was examined to search spermatozoa. RESULTS: Human and rat vas deferens activity is not comparable. Contractile activity induced by norepinephrin after tamsulosin incubation in rat prostatic vas deferens strips is similar to the contractile activity evoked by norepinephrin in human strips. Spermatozoa were found in post coital urine of 6 patients. CONCLUSION: In our opinion the treatment with tamsulosin may induce retrograde ejaculation but not other ejaculatory disorder due to abnormal sperm progression.

Evaluation of post-operative residual function of corpora cavernosa after soft penile prosthesis implant for Peyronie's disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of surgical implant with a new soft penile prosthesis, called SSDA, without plaque surgery in the treatment of impotence associated with Peyronie's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 64 men with Peyronie's disease who underwent placement of a penile prosthesis. All the patients were followed for at least one year. RESULTS: The implant of this kind of prosthesis straightened the penile shaft in all cases, restoring sexual satisfaction to the couple, as described in a clinical interview. No operative or postoperative complications occurred and no further operations were needed. Ten patients underwent a further examination with basal and duplex dynamic color Doppler ultrasound to establish the residual function of the corpora cavernosa. DISCUSSION: The outcome is very positive: the penis preserves the ability to enhance the tumescence and the penile girth. We conclude that SSDA penile prosthesis are safe and effective in the treatment of Peyronie's disease associated with impotence.

Voiding disorders as etiologic cofeature of overactive bladder syndrome. An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Overactive bladder (OAB) is very common in the urological and gynecological practice. It is well known that the correlation between clinical features and urodynamics findings is often poor. In this observational study urodynamic findings of an OAB population have been retrospectively analyzed with the aim to identify a possible role of voiding disorders in the pathophysiology of OAB syndrome. METHODS: Urodynamics executed between January 2005 and December 2010 have been analyzed. Female patients presenting characteristics of OAB syndrome according to International Continence Society definition were identified. Urodynamic investigations have been carried out according to the good practice guidelines for urodynamics. The Blaivas-Groutz cut off for female urinary obstruction was to detect voiding disorders. RESULTS: According to the selection criteria 258 patients presenting OAB syndrome have been considered eligible to join the study. Eighty-one patients (30%) showed voiding difficulties: in 21 of them pressure-flow study was diagnostic for frank outlet obstruction, in 47 a mild form and 13 bladder sphincter pseudo-dyssynergia. CONCLUSIONS: OAB syndrome can be related to voiding disorders mostly represented by a mild degree of obstruction. Such condition could trigger irritative symptoms. These clinical findings require an instrumental assessment represented by a pressure-flow analysis. This approach seems to be mandatory in patients refractory to drug therapy.

Radio guided radical prostatectomy: evaluation of feasibility, safety and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The standard surgical treatment of PCa consists of radical prostatectomy (RP). Lymphadenectomy with removal of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) is now evolving towards the concept of radio guided surgery as an instrument for the removal of the lymph nodes of primary drainage. METHODS: From October 2012 to September 2013 laparotomic SLN dissection was performed in 43 patients during standard open radical prostatectomy. Twenty hours before surgery, 240 MBq of 99mTc nanocolloid were injected into the prostate gland under transrectal ultrasound guidance. A planar scintigraphy and a SPET/CT scan were performed 1-2 hours after the injection. Intraoperatively, all LNs detected by gamma-probe with an activity significantly higher than background were removed and classified as SLNs. We evaluated operative time, complications, postoperative outcomes and costs of the procedures of patients who underwent radio guided surgery. We measured radioactive exposure rates. RESULTS: The intraoperative detection of SLNs occurred in all 43 patients, while the scintigraphic localization was observed in 42/43 patients. A total of 77 SLNs were found, at histopathological analysis 7/77 SLNs resulted positive for metastases (4/43 patients): 3 were in the obturator fossa while the remaining SLNs were in the internal iliac chain (1), common iliac chain (1), external iliac chain (2). Global radiation exposure was not significant. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data confirm the feasibility and the safety of SLN biopsy in nodal staging of PCa. The intraoperatively SLN detection rate resulted 100%. In 3 patients (7%) a micrometastases was found outside of obturator fossa in a not routinely sampled site.

Reduction in PSA messenger-RNA expression and clinical recurrence in patients with prostatic cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy before radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the incidence of micro-metastases at surgical margins (SM) and pelvic lymph nodes (LN) in patients submitted to radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP) after neoadjuvant therapy (NT) or to RP alone. We compared traditional staging to molecular detection of PSA using Taqman-based quantitative real-time PCR (qrt-PCR) never used before for this purpose. METHODS: 29 patients were assigned to NT plus RP (arm A) or RP alone (arm B). Pelvic LN were dissected for qrt-PCR analysis, together with right and left lateral SM. RESULTS: 64,3% patients of arm B and 26.6% of arm A had evidence of PSA mRNA expression in LN and/or SM. 17,2% patients, all of arm B, had biochemical recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Qrt-PCR may be more sensitive, compared to conventional histology, in identifying presence of viable prostate carcinoma cells in SM and LN. Gene expression of PSA in surgical periprostatic samples might be considered as a novel and reliable indicator of minimal residual disease after NT.

Relationship between sun exposure and kidney cancer: preliminary experience with the evaluation of recreational UV exposure.

INTRODUCTION: Recent findings reported an inverse relationship between solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure and mortality from various types of cancers, including renal cancer. METHODS: We reviewed the literature concerning the relationship between sun exposure and incidence of kidney cancer. We performed a case-control study, evaluating recreational sun exposure in 50 kidney cancer patients and 50 controls.A questionnaire concerning sun exposure habits during childhood, adult life and in the previous 2 years was filled in by every patient. The questionnaire focused on: hours/day spent in the sun during summer; hours/day spent sunbathing (considering as well which kind of UV protection was used); sunburns; holidays in tropical countries. RESULTS: We found and analyzed few articles concerning the relationship between kidney cancer and sunlight exposure. The two cohorts of patients we evaluated were homogeneous for age, phototype, origin and living area.We found no statistically significant differences between sun exposure in patients affected by kidney cancer and controls, both during childhood and adult life; no differences were found in the use of sunscreens either. CONCLUSIONS: Recreational sunlight exposure does not differ in our cohorts of patients and controls; studies on greater cohorts are needed to evaluate the effect of recreational sun exposure in the development of kidney cancer.

Preoperative blood donation program and postoperative low molecular weight heparine (LMWH) prophylaxis in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The need and timing of perioperative heparin prophylaxis is matter of debate. The aim of our work is to review the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after radical retro pubic prostatectomy (RRP) in patients undergoing preoperative blood donation, compressive stockings, haemodilution, surgical prevention of lymphocoele and postoperative low molecular weight heparin therapy as prophylaxis for thrombotic events. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis considering a series of 500 RRP performed between 1999 and 2006 by the same Surgeon (MG) at the Urological Unit, Desio, Hospital, Milan, Italy. All the patients were enrolled in an auto transfusion program and were subjected to autologous blood donation. Low molecular weight heparin (.04 ml of Calcic Nadroparin 3800 UI s.c. daily) was administrated within 24 hours following surgery until the 11th post-operative. Age, PSA, basal, preoperative and postoperative haemoglobin values were assessed in each patient. The incidence of venous thromboembolism was calculated taking into consideration occurrences of both pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis. RESULTS: In this retrospective analysis we did not observe any major event including intra- or peri-operative deaths. There was one occurrence of pulmonary microembolism and one sural phlebitis that were treated with prolonged heparin and dicumarol therapy. Two significant haemorrhagic events occurred in the postoperative period requiring surgical revision. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that low weight heparin prophylaxis starting with 24 hours following radical prostatectomy, associated with preoperative blood donation, intra-operative haemodilution, compression stockings, surgical care to avoid lymphocoele and early mobilization in preventing venous thromboembolism.

Efficacy of spermatic vein ligation in patients affected by high grade left varicocele

Purpose: To study the effect of high grade varicocele treatment in infertile patients. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five patients were selected by the following criteria: infertility persisting for more than 1 year; abnormal semen parameters; no other infertility-related disease; no obvious causes of infertility in the subject’s partner; basal eco-color Doppler ultrasound demonstrating continuous reflux in the spermatic vein. All patients considered for the study had at least a six months period from the diagnosis to the surgery due to waiting list, choice of the patient or time needed to complete diagnostic evaluation of the couple. The surgical procedure was performed through an inguinal approach. All enrolled patients were counseled to have unprotected intercourse during the ovulation period in order to maximize the probability of pregnancy within the 6-month preoperative period. The achievement of pregnancy and semen parameters were recorded during the preoperative and postoperative period. Results: Two of the seventy-five patients were excluded because of persistent varicocele after surgery. The preoperative pregnancy rate was 1.3% (1 couple). The postoperative pregnancy rate was 42.5%. The stratification of pregnancies by semester showed a significantly higher rate in the first postoperative period (p = 0.0012). Mean time to conception was 13.5 months. Mean preoperative sperm count was 17.6x10 6 /mL compared to 19.7x10 6 /mL in the postoperative period (p < 0.0001). Mean percentage of progressive sperm motility was 13.7%, compared to 17.6% in the postoperative period (p < 0.0001). Mean percentage of normal sperm morphology was 7.6%, compared to 15.2% postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Surgical treatment of high grade varicocele proved to effectively treat associated infertility by improving seminal parameters and pregnancy rate in our patient cohort. .