[Clinical study of 62 patients with symptoms of male climacterium].

We prospectively reviewed the records of 62 patients who had sought evaluation at our hospital with a chief complaint of male climacteric symptoms. Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH)-related symptoms were evaluated during the initial visit based on the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) score, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) -5 score, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Laboratory and endocrinologic testing, including the free testosterone (FT) level, was performed with blood samples collected before 10 : 00 am. The AMS psychological and CES-D scores in patients with a FT ＞8.5 pg/ml were significantly higher than those in patients with a FT ≦8.5 pg/ml. The study included 32 patients who were diagnosed with LOH (FT ≦8.5 pg/ml) and treated with androgen replacement therapy (ART). The total, somatic, psychological, and sexual scores of the AMS were significantly decreased after the third intramuscular administration of testosterone enanthate; there were no serious complications. Because a significant proportion of depressed patients may be amongst the patients with aging male's symptoms, it is important to consider depression in the exclusion diagnosis during a clinical examination for LOH.

[First 25 cases of photo-selective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with 120-watt high performance system for benign prostatic hyperplasia].

PURPOSE: We examined the safety and efficacy of photo-selective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) using a 120-W high-performance system (HPS) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively reviewed the records of 25 patients who had undergone PVP using a 120-W HPS in our institution. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively, and at 2 weeks and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULT: The mean age was 73.6 years, and the mean estimated preoperative prostate volume was 51.5 ml. Laser vaporization was performed successfully in all 25 patients. The operating time was 104 +/- 29 minutes. The mean decrease in hemoglobin was 0.6 g/dl on post-operative day 1. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), QOL score, maximum flow rate, and residual urine volume were significantly improved 2 weeks after the procedure. There were no serious complications during the peri-operative period, and no patients were transfused. CONCLUSION: PVP using a 120-W HPS was shown to be an effective, safe procedure for patients with BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms.