Urinary prostate-specific antigen: predictor of benign prostatic hyperplasia progression?

INTRODUCTION: Urinary prostate-specific antigen (uPSA) can be used as additional parameter of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2001 to December 2011, uPSA was determined in 265 patients with benign prostate. Based on total prostate volume (TPV), the patients with benign prostate were divided in two groups: TPV < 31 mL and TPV ≥ 31 mL. Additional three groups were formed upon MTOPS study criteria: non- progressive BPH group (TPV < 31 mL, PSA < 1.6 ng/mL, age < 62 yrs), intermediate group (one, or two parameters {TPV, PSA, age} increased) and progressive BPH group (TPV ≥ 31 ml, PSA ≥ 1.6 ng/mL, age ≥ 62 yrs). RESULTS: Average uPSA values in the groups TPV < 31 mL and TPV ≥ 31 mL were 119.3 ± 124.5 and 255.5 ± 204.9 ng/mL, respectively and they were significantly different (p < 0.0001). Average uPSA values in the non- progressive BPH group, intermediate group and progressive BPH group were 86.8 ± 82.4 ng/mL, 166.6 ± 164.9 ng/mL and 274.9 ± 208.3 ng/mL, respectively and they were significantly different (p < 0.0001). The level of uPSA correlated significantly with TPV (r = 0.32, p < 0.0001). The cut off uPSA level of 150 ng/mL discriminates the patients with non-progressive BPH and progressive BPH with specificity of 0.83 and sensitivity of 0.67. CONCLUSION: The level of uPSA reflects prostatic hormonal activity and correlates with TPV, PSA and age. UPSA level ≥ 150 ng/mL can be used as additional predictive parameter of BPH progression.

Vesico-uterine fistula: report of 14 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the indications, diagnosis, major causes and basic principles of surgical treatment of vesico-uterine fistulas (VUF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1970 to 2006, 14 patients underwent surgical repair of VUF in two Belgrade hospitals. The most common cause of a fistula was previous Caesarean section (13/14). The mean (range) age was 27 (22-38) years. Five women underwent transvesical fistula suture, and nine underwent a transperitoneal surgical approach with the interposition of a tissue flap; an omental flap in five and a peritoneal flap in four. RESULTS: The mean (range) duration of surgery was 85 (70-120) min. The mean hospital stay was 14 (12-22) days. The urethral catheter was removed 10 days after surgery. One woman with no tissue flap repair relapsed and none of the women with a tissue flap repair relapsed. After surgery, eight patients became pregnant and underwent Caesarean section. CONCLUSION: Successful closure of VUF requires accurate diagnostic evaluation, appropriate repair using techniques that utilize basic surgical principles, and the careful application of interposing tissue flaps.

Vesico-vaginal fistula: report of 220 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To present the major causes, diagnosis, indications, and basic principles of surgical treatment of vesico-vaginal fistulas (VVF). METHODS: From 1978 to 2004, 235 surgical procedures in 220 women with vesico-vaginal fistulas were performed at the Clinical Center of Serbia, Urological Clinic, due to primary or recurrent VVF. There were 220 primary procedures: 129 transvesical approaches (TVES), 59 transvaginal repairs (TVAG), and 32 transperitoneal approaches with flap interposition (TPA). Transvesical approach was the most common procedure in the early period (1978-1993) and less frequent in the late period (1994-2004). The main causes of VVF were hysterectomy for benign conditions (62.7%), hysterectomy for malignant conditions (30.4%), cesarean section (5.9%), and obstetric injuries (0.9%). RESULTS: There was no perioperative mortality. There were fifteen recurrent fistula formations: twelve after the first operation and three after the second. The recurrence rates between the procedures were comparable: TVES 6.6%, TVAG 6.4%, and TPA 5.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The total recurrence rate of 6.4% did not differ significantly between various procedures. However, TVAG is less invasive and suitable for uncomplicated cases, whereas TPA should be recommended for great and recurrent VVF.