TGF-ß1 promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stemness of prostate cancer cells by inducing PCBP1 degradation and alternative splicing of CD44.

CD44 is a marker of cancer stem cell (CSC) in many types of tumors. Alternative splicing of its 20 exons generates various CD44 isoforms that have different tissue specific expression and functions, including the CD44 standard isoform (CD44s) encoded by the constant exons and the CD44 variant isoforms (CD44v) with variant exon insertions. Switching between the CD44v and CD44s isoforms plays pivotal roles in tumor progression. Here we reported a novel mechanism of CD44 alternative splicing induced by TGF-ß1 and its connection to enhanced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness in human prostate cancer cells. TGF-ß1 treatment increased the expression of CD44s and N-cadherin while decreased the expression of CD44v and E-cadherin in DU-145 prostate cancer cells. Other EMT markers and cancer stem cell markers were also upregulated after TGF-ß1 treatment. RNAi knockdown of CD44 reversed the phenotype, which could be rescued by overexpressing CD44s but not CD44v, indicating the alternatively spliced isoform CD44s mediated the activity of TGF-ß1 treatment. Mechanistically, TGF-ß1 treatment induced the phosphorylation, poly-ubiquitination, and degradation of PCBP1, a well-characterized RNA binding protein known to regulate CD44 splicing. RNAi knockdown of PCBP1 was able to mimic TGF-ß1 treatment to increase the expression of CD44s, as well as the EMT and cancer stem cell markers. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to show that CD44s promoted prostate cancer cell migration, invasion, and tumor initiation. Taken together, we defined a mechanism by which TGF-ß1 induces CD44 alternative splicing and promotes prostate cancer progression.

[Clinical efficiency of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for small-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia with severe LUTS].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and clinical efficiency of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of small-volume BPH (SBPH) complicated by severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 82 cases of SBPH with severe LUTS treated by HoLEP from January 2017 to December 2018. The patients were aged (65.5 ± 7.6) years, with a mean prostate volume of <40 ml, a total IPSS of 24.8 ± 4.6, a QOL score of 5.2 ± 0.8, the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) of (7.6 ± 3.7) ml/s, and a mean PSA level of (1.8 ± 1.4) µg/L. RESULTS: All the operations were successfully completed, the mean operation time averaging (30.2 ± 5.0) min, enucleation time (26.7 ± 5.6) min and comminution time (3.5 ± 1.1) min, and the enucleated tissue weighing (20.3 ± 4.9) g. After surgery, the bladders were irrigated for (3.5 ± 1.9) h, with (3.0 ± 1.7) L of rinse solution, and catheterization lasted (24.8 ± 9.7) h. Histopathology revealed moderate or severe lymphocytic infiltration in 69 cases (84.1%). At 6 months after operation, significant improvement was observed in the IPSS, QOL, Qmax and PSA level compared with the baseline (P < 0.05). To date, no urethral stricture-related reoperation was ever necessitated. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP is safe and effective for the treatment of SBPH complicated by severe LUTS and can be employed after adequate preoperative evaluation of the patient.《.

[Modified transobturator bulbourethral sling suspension for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect of modified transobturator bulbourethral sling suspension (TBSS) in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy. METHODS: Seven male patients with stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy were treated by modified TBSS in our hospital from June 2015 to June 2017 and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean operation time of the 7 cases was 60－80 minutes and the mean intra-operative blood loss was 20－40 m1. The catheter was removed on the first day after surgery, and all the incisions were healed in stage Ⅰ. During a follow-up of 6－18 months, all the 7 cases were found cured, with transient acute urinary retention in 1 case and short-term perineal pain in another as post-operative complications. At 6 months after surgery, urodynamic examinations showed no statistically significant differences from the baseline in the maximum urinary flow rate (ï¼»15.0 ± 1.6ï¼½ vs ï¼»13.7 ± 2.1ï¼½ ml/s, P > 0.05), urine output volume (ï¼»318.6 ± 52.1ï¼½ vs ï¼»298.6 ± 36.3ï¼½ ml, P > 0.05), and postvoid residual urine volume (ï¼»11.4 ± 9.4ï¼½ vs ï¼»7.1 ± 5.7ï¼½ ml, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Modified TBSS, with the advantages of less invasiveness, few complications, and low cost, is an effective option for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.

[Surgical repair of the tunica albuginea for penis fracture: Selection of incision].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnosis and management of penile fracture. METHODS: From June 1993 to May 2017, 46 cases of penile fracture were treated in our hospital, averaging 33.5 (25－42) years of age and 3.45 (1－10) hours in duration, of which 41 occurred during sexual intercourse, 4 during masturbation and 1 during prone sleeping, 4 with hematuria, but none with dysuria or urethral bleeding. Hematoma was confined to the penis. Emergency surgical repair was performed for all the patients, 45 under spinal anesthesia and 1 under local anesthesia, 16 by coronal proximal circular incision and the other 30 by local longitudinal incision according to the rupture location on ultrasonogram. The tunica albuginea ruptures averaged 1.31 (0.5－2.5) cm in length, which were sutured in the "8" pattern for 6 cases and with the 3－0 absorbable thread for 18 cases. The skin graft or negative pressure drainage tube was routinely placed, catheters indwelt, and gauze used for early pressure dressing. In the recent few years, elastic bandages were employed for 3－5 days of pressure dressing and antibiotics administered to prevent infection. The stitches and catheter were removed at 7 days after surgery. RESULTS: Short-term postoperative foreskin edema occurred in 14 of the 16 cases of circular degloving incision, but no postoperative complications were observed in any of the cases of local incision. Twenty-eight of the patients completed a long-term follow-up of 49.4 (10－125) months, which revealed good erectile function, painless erection, and satisfactory sexual intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: For most penile fractures, local longitudinal incision is sufficient for successful repair of the tunica albuginea, with mild injury, no influence on the blood supply or lymph reflux, and a low rate complications. It therefore is obviously advantageous over circular degloving incision except when the cavernous body of urethra is to be explored, which necessitates circular degloving incision below the coronal groove.

Sulforaphane Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence Via the Nrf2-ARE Pathway in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To explore the effect of sulforaphane (SFN) treatment in rats through the induction of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) via the Nrf2-ARE pathway. METHODS: A total of 18 female rats (Sprague-Dawley) were assigned to three groups: a control group, an SUI group, and an SUI+SFN group (six rats per group). Rats in the treatment groups were induced via postpartum vaginal balloon dilation and bilateral ovariectomy. Rats in the SUI+SFN group were treated via intraperitoneal injection once per day for a total of one month. Urethral sphincter muscle histological was observed by HE and Masson staining. Peak voiding pressure and interval of micturition were measured by cystometry. Oxidative stress markers and protein expression in the Nrf2-ARE pathway were examined by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. RESULTS: Prolonged micturition interval and higher peak voiding pressure were observed in the SUI+SFN group. Disturbance of muscle morphology was ameliorated, muscle content was elevated, and collagen content was restrained in response to SFN treatment. The SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activities were elevated in the SUI+SFN group compared to those in the control group. The level of cell apoptosis was decreased in SUI rats after SFN treatment; however, apoptosis was mainly located in the urethral mucosa instead of the muscle layer. SFN reduced the Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio. Nrf2 and Nrf2 target antioxidant proteins were elevated in the SFN group. CONCLUSIONS: SFN was effective for SUI treatment via decreasing oxidative stress and activating the Nrf2-ARE pathway.

[Effects of different medications with tadalafil on erectile dysfunction in males with primary sexual failure].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of three different medications with tadalafil on erectile dysfunction (ED) in young men with primary sexual failure. METHODS: This study included 76 male ED patients aged 21－35 years who had primary sexual failure but normal nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity and failed to respond to psychotherapy. We randomly assigned them to receive oral tadalafil once daily, on demand, or once-daily + on-demand. After 2－3 months of treatment, we evaluated the effects based on the scores of the patients in the five domains of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). RESULTS: After medication, all the patients showed significantly increased scores in the four domains of IIEF-5, namely, erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. The on-demand group achieved even higher scores in erectile and orgasmic functions but a lower score in sexual desire than the once-daily group. However, the patients in the once-daily + on-demand group exhibited more significant improvement than those in the other two in all the five domains. CONCLUSIONS: Once-daily + on-demand medication with tadalafil can significantly enhance the therapeutic effect on psychogenic ED in young men with primary sexual failure.

["3+1" bladder function restoration combined with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia with acontractile detrusor].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of "3+1" bladder function restoration combined with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with acontractile detrusor (ACD). METHODS: We treated 35 BPH patients with ACD by HoLEP followed by "3+1" bladder function restoration, that is, a 3-phase bladder function training plus simultaneous 1-drug medication after surgery. We recorded and analyzed the detrusor pressure, post-void residual urine volume (PVR), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) scores, quality of life (QoL), voluntary micturition, satisfaction with the bladder function, hydronephrosis, ureterectasia, renal function, and urinary tract infection of the patients before and after treatment. RESULTS: Compared with the base line, at 6 months treatment, the patients showed significantly increased detrusor pressure (ï¼»35.1±2.7ï¼½vs ï¼»50.2±2.3ï¼½ cmH2O, P<0.05) and Qmax (ï¼»4.2±2.7ï¼½vs ï¼»21.1±4.1ï¼½ ml/s, P<0.05) but decreases in PVR (ï¼»173.0±31.6ï¼½ vs ï¼»30.5±12.9ï¼½ml, IPSS score (27.3±3.2 vs 5.1±1.4, P<0.05) and QoL (4.1±0.8 vs 0.8±0.1, P<0.05), elevated rates of voluntary urination (0% ï¼»0/35ï¼½ vs 100% ï¼»35/35ï¼½, P<0.05), regularurination (0% ï¼»0/35ï¼½ vs 85.71% ï¼»30/35ï¼½, P<0.05), grade Ⅰ satisfaction with bladder function (0% ï¼»0/35ï¼½ vs 85.71% ï¼»30/35ï¼½, P<0.05), reduced rate of overflowing urinary incontinence (28.57% ï¼»10/35ï¼½ vs 5.71% ï¼»2/35ï¼½, P<0.05), and increased percentages of normal renal function (34.29% ï¼»12/35ï¼½ vs 85.71% ï¼»30/35ï¼½, P<0.05) and non-infection of the urinary system (17.14% ï¼»6/35ï¼½ vs 94.29% ï¼»33/35ï¼½, P<0.05). After treatment, urination was markedly improved in 94.29% (33/35) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: "3+1" bladder function restoration combined with HoLEP produced a desirable effect on BPH with ACD, though its long-term effect remains to be further investigated.

Poly r(C) binding protein-1 is central to maintenance of cancer stem cells in prostate cancer cells.

AIMS: To investigate global proteomic changes induced in CD44+CD24- stem cells isolated from the prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP and DU145, post prolonged TGF-ß treatment in order to understand underlying mechanisms that promote stemness in prostate cancer cells. METHODS: CD44+CD133+α2ß1Integrin+CD24- population was isolated from mock or TGF-ß treated (7 days) prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP, through fluorescent activated cell sorting. Cell lysates were obtained from the ±TGF-ß cell population and proteomics profiling (MS/MS) was performed by mass spectrometry. Relative enrichment or depletion in the CD44+CD24-population post-TGF-ß treatment was determined relative to mock-treated CD44+CD24- cells post normalization to GAPDH expression levels. RESULTS obtained from MS/MS were validated using immunoblotting. Functional validation of one putative regulator was performed using gain-of-function strategy to investigate its role in rendering stemness in LNCaP and DU145 cells in vitro and in promoting tumorigenicity in vivo. RESULTS: TGF-ß treatment caused significant enrichment of CD44+CD24- population in LNCaP cells (22.35 ± 0.94% in mock treated vs 95.23 ± 2.34% in TGF-ß treated cells; P < 0.01), which were also positive for CD133 and α2ß1Integrin. Mass spectrometry analysis of the enriched cell population revealed that sixty-three proteins were either up- or down-regulated greater than five folds, out of which the poly r(C) binding protein (PCBP)-1 was the most down-regulated (9.31 ± 0.05 folds). Ectopic overexpression of PCBP1 in LNCaP and DU145 cells not only attenuated enrichment of CD44+CD133+CD24- population in these cells following TGF-ß treatment, but also significantly decreased tumorigenicity of the stem cell subset, as assessed by in vitro soft agar colony formation and in vivo xenograft assays. CONCLUSION: Our proteomic profiling and subsequent validation indicate that PCBP1 is central to CSCs enrichment and functionality in prostate cancer.

[Six-o'clock tunnel holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: a modified procedure for benign prostate hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a modified method of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)--6-o'clock tunnel HoLEP for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We included 112 cases of BPH in this study, 57 treated by 6-o'clock tunnel HoLEP (experimental group) and the other 55 by conventional HoLEP (control group). We compared the operation time, volume of the resected prostatic tissue, intraoperative blood transfusion, volume of bladder irrigation solution, postoperative hemoglobin change, and incidence of urinary incontinence between the two groups. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in the operation time ([56.01 ± 8.62] min vs [68.65 ± 9.08] min), cases of intraoperative blood transfusion (0 vs 2), volume of bladder irrigation solution ([27.51 ± 3.67] L vs [36.89 ± 6.47] L), postoperative hemoglobin decrease ([10.70 ± 2.50] g/L vs [12.60 ± 3.30] g/L), and cases of postoperative stress-induced urinary incontinence (2 vs 7) (all P <0.05). One-month follow-up revealed smooth urination in both groups of patients but no true urinary incontinence or secondary bleeding in either. CONCLUSION: Modified 6-o'clock tunnel HoLEP can significantly reduce the operation time, bladder irrigation, and intraoperative bleeding, and therefore can be used as a safe and effective option for the treatment of BPH.

[Safety and efficacy of L-carnitine and tadalafil for late-onset hypogonadism with ED: a randomized controlled multicenter clinical trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effect of L-carnitine combined with tadalafil in the treatment of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) with erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: We randomly divided 140 cases of LOH with ED aged 40 -70 years into a treatment and a control group to receive L-carnitine + tadalafil and testosterone undecanoate + tadalafil, respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, we obtained the scores on IIEF-5 and Aging Male Symptoms (AMS), observed changes in the levels of sex hormones, analyzed the results of the routine blood test and PSA level, and evaluated the safety of medication. RESULTS: Finally, 110 cases were included, 60 in the treatment group and 50 in the control. After 8 weeks of medication, the IIEF-5 and AMS scores were significantly improved as compared with the baseline both in the treatment group (17.7 +/- 3.5 vs 10.2 +/- 2.7 and 36.2 +/- 6.5 vs 48.8 +/- 5.8) and in the control group (16.7 +/- 2.6 vs 9.3 +/- 2.4 and 35.8 +/- 6.6 vs 50.7 +/- 5.0) (both P < 0.05), with no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). As for the safety of medication, there were no significant differences between the two groups before and after treatment (P > 0.05). Two patients in the control group showed a PSA level > 4 microg/L, which was confirmed to be caused by prostatitis during follow-up. CONCLUSION: L-carnitine combined with tadalafil is safe and effective for the treatment of LOH with ED.

A prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing plasmakinetic resection of the prostate with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate based on a 2-year followup.

PURPOSE: We compared plasmakinetic resection with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia by analyzing 2-year followup data from a prospective randomized clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 280 patients were randomly treated with plasmakinetic resection or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. Perioperative and postoperative outcome data were obtained during a 2-year followup. RESULTS: No significant differences between the 2 surgical groups were observed in the preoperative data. Both groups displayed significant improvements after surgery. However, we identified no significant differences between the 2 groups in the 2-year followup data for I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score), quality of life scores or maximum flow rate values. Patients in the holmium laser enucleation group displayed a lower risk of hemorrhage, shorter bladder irrigation and catheter times, and shorter hospital stays. A larger amount of prostate tissue was retrieved in the holmium laser enucleation group, but the operation time was longer for this group than for the plasmakinetic resection group. CONCLUSIONS: Plasmakinetic resection and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate are effective and safe treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate can be applied to prostates of all sizes, and involves less risk of hemorrhage, decreased bladder irrigation and catheter times, as well as reduced hospital stay. Thus, we believe holmium laser enucleation of the prostate should be proposed as a potential new gold standard surgical therapy instead of transurethral resection of the prostate for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

A comparative study of the use of a transverse preputial island flap (the Duckett technique) to treat primary and secondary hypospadias in older Chinese patients with severe chordee.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcome between the primary and secondary hypospadias with severe chordee in older patients by the transverse preputial island flap (TPIF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 53 hypospadias patients who were performed with TPIF for urethroplasty, including 25 primary hypospadias (Group 1) and 28 secondary hypospadias (Group 2). The mean age in Group 1 was 12.12 ± 10.709 and 18.64 ± 8.727 in Group 2 (P = 0.0181). The mean follow-up time was 38.7 months (22-60 months). RESULTS: All of the foreskin flaps survived after the operation without necrosis. The overall complication rate was 24 % in Group 1 and 53.57 % in Group 2 (P = 0.0280). All the patients were also divided into two cohorts according to their ages in surgery. In the 0-10-yr cohort, there was a significant difference in the overall complication rate between the primary and secondary groups (P = 0.0173). But in the cases who were over 11 year old, there was no significant difference in the overall complications between two groups (P = 0.1603). Also no significant difference was found in the mean length of the urethral defect between two groups (P = 0.8312). CONCLUSION: The Duckett technique is an optional choice for some older Chinese patients undergoing primary operations, but it has a higher complication rate in those who have undergone previous failed urethroplasties. The unsatisfactory results found in the reoperative group were supposed to be linked to the older age, the lack of subcutaneous flap coverage and local scar tissue, but not to the length of the urethral defect.

[Safety and effectiveness of testicular prosthesis implantation for testis loss: clinical observation of 18 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and safety of the implantation of a new type of testicular prosthesis in the treatment of testis loss. METHODS: We recruited for this study 18 patients with testis loss treated by testicular prosthesis implantation, including 10 cases of prostate cancer, 3 cases of anorchia, 2 case of orchiatrophy, 2 cases of hermaphroditism and 1 case of cryptorchidism. The prosthesis was a hollow silicone elastomer YH-G1 made in China, selected according to the volume of the scrotum and the size of the contralateral testis. RESULTS: Thirteen of the patients received testicular prosthesis implantation with orchiectomy, and the other 5 underwent the procedure 6 months later. The operation time of testicular prosthesis implantation was (22.6 +/- 4.6) min, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. All the patients were discharged after 12 hours of postoperative observation, with a mean hospital stay of (1.3 +/- 0.4) days. A follow-up after 6 months revealed no complications in 17 cases. Rejection occurred in 1 case at 3 months after the implantation, ending in the removal of the prosthesis. Of the 17 successful cases, 15 were very satisfied with the size of the prosthesis, 14 with its weight, 12 with its comfortableness, and all with the appearance of the scrotum and the position of the prosthesis, while 5 found the implant too rigid. CONCLUSION: The implantation of the new home-made silicone elastomer testicular prosthesis YH-G1 was safe and effective for the treatment of testis loss, and could meet the esthetic and psychological requirements of the patient. But further observation is needed for its long-term complications and influence on the patient's quality of life.

[Small-dose vardenafil restores erectile function after penile surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of penile surgery on the erectile function of the patient and to evaluate the role of small-dose vardenafil in restoring the impaired penile erection. METHODS: Sixty cases of penile cavernosum surgery were equally and randomly divided into a vardenafil and a control group, the former treated 5 - 7 days after surgery with 10 mg vardenafil every other day, while the latter given vitamin E at 100 mg once a day, both for 12 weeks. The penile erectile function of the patients was evaluated with the IIEF-5 questionnaire before surgery and at 3 and 6 months after vardenafil medication. RESULTS: The mean IIEF-5 scores of the vardenafil group were 18.83 +/- 2.98 and 20.13 +/- 2.98 at 3 and 6 months after vardenafil medication, significantly higher than 14.21 +/- 3.62 before surgery (P > 0.05), while that of the control group was significantly decreased at 3 months as compared with the preoperative score (13.38 +/- 2.82 versus 15.80 +/- 3.02, P < 0.05). The vardenafil group showed the highest IIEF-5 score after surgery (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Long-term administration of small-dose vardenafil after penile surgery helps to restore and maintain penile erectile function.

[Snodgrass technique, Duckett repair and bladder mucosa grafting for hypospadias: an analysis of 251 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To present the experience in using the Snodgrass technique, Duckett repair and bladder mucosa grafting for hypospadias. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 251 cases of middle and posterior hypospadias treated by the Snodgrass technique, Duckett repair and bladder mucosa grafting from February 1997 to December 2008. RESULTS: The success rates of the Snodgrass technique, Duckett repair and bladder mucosa grafting were 80.3% (53/66) , 76% (19/25) and 78.9% (15/19) for middle hypospadias and 68. 3% (41/60) , 63.6% (14/22) and 88. 1% (52/59) for the posterior type without statistical significant differences (all P > 0.05). Bladder mucosa grafting showed a significantly higher success rate than the other two procedures in either one-stage or two-stage surgical repair of posterior hypospadias (P < 0.05). Duckett repair achieved a significantly higher rate of success in children under 14 years than in the older ones (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Of the three surgical options, bladder mucosa grafting is the most suitable for posterior hypospadias, and Duckett repair is recommended for children under 14 years of age.

[Duckett's procedure of one-stage urethroplasty for hypospadias].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effect of Duckett's procedure of one-stage urethroplasty with the transverse preputial island flap in the treatment of hypospadias. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 20 cases of hypospadias treated by Duckett's procedure of one-stage urethroplasty with the transverse preputial island flap (Group A) from 2003 to 2007. The patients ranged in age from 2 to 22 years (mean 11.3 years). Another 30 hypospadias patients aged 7 to 34 (mean 16.1) years underwent urethroplasty with mucous membrane of the bladder (Group B) in the same period. Of the 50 cases, 13 were the penile type, 33 the penoscrotal type, 2 the scrotal type, and 2 the perineal type. Catheters were indwelled in Group A, but both cystostomy and catheter indwelling were used in Group B. RESULTS: For Duckett's procedure, surgery succeeded in 17 cases (85%), urethra stenosis developed in 1 (5%) and urinary fistula in 2 (10%), which were successfully repaired 6 months after the operation. The mean operation frequency was 1.1 per patient. In Group B, the operation was accomplished in 2 stages and succeeded in 26 cases (86.7%), with postoperative development of urinary fistula in 3 (10%) and urethra stenosis in 1 (3.3%). The mean operation frequency was 2.1 per patient. The 2 cases of postoperative urethra stenosis were both cured by urethral sounding. CONCLUSION: Duckett's procedure of one-stage urethroplasty with the transverse preputial island flap is effective in hypospadias repair, with a success rate close to that of other types of operations and a low rate of postoperative complications. Compared with the use of mucous membrane of the bladder, it has the advantages of one-move accomplishment and gives a better penile appearance.

[Human foreskin acellular matrix graft: a good scaffold for urethral tissue engineering].

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence of using the human foreskin acellular matrix graft for urethral tissue engineering. METH-ODS: The human foreskin acellular matrix graft was prepared, its safety and biocompatibility as urethral material were determined by histological observation, cytotoxicity test using primary epithelial cells and experiment in vivo. RESULTS: Intact cells were absent from the foreskin acellular matrix graft. The cytotoxicity test showed that the relative growth rate of the cells was between 75% and 99%, and the cytotoxicity of the foreskin acellular matrix graft was grade 1, consistent with the national standard. With the lengthening of time, the foreskin acellular matrix graft became perfectly compatible with the urothelial cells and the urethral multi-layer structure was restored to normal gradually. CONCLUSION: The human foreskin acellular matrix graft, with its low antigenicity and good biocompatibility, could be a good scaffold for urethral tissue engineering.

[Repair and functional reconstruction of the penis (a report of 62 cases)].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of surgery treatment on serious penile lesions and malformation. METHODS: Sixty-two patients, aged from 19 to 63 years old (mean 35 ys), were included in the study. Among them, 4 patients suffered from penis partial defection were respectively treated with restoring defective penis, penis lengthening and urethroplasty; three patients with penis completely missing were treated with penis reconstruction surgery; 22 cases with serious penile curvature were treated with the 16-dot plication technique (Lue's procedure); 15 cases with penile fracture were treated with conservative treatment for 1 case and with patch penis, corpus spongiosum, and deep penile dorsal vein ligation for 14 cases; 5 cases with post-operative complications of 3-pieces of penile prosthesis, including the prosthesis perforating to the urethra, water pump failure, broken connection tube, erection angle < 60 degrees and failure to expansion the corpus cavernosum, were treated by taking out prostheses, urethral repair cracks, replacement of the prostheses, excision of fibrosis scar and re-implantation prostheses respectively. Four cases with penis complete amputation were treated with the penis replantation; three cases of avulsion injury were treated with the replantation and free flap skin; 6 with Paget's disease of penises were treated with the lesion free skin buried in the scrotum and penis. RESULTS: All these patients were followed up for 3 months to 4 years, with the average of 9 months. Among the 4 cases of penis partial defection, 2 patients were satisfied with the penile appearance and sexual function; 1 got some satisfactory and 1 was unsatisfied. Three cases with the loss of the penis completely were satisfied with both the postoperative appearance and urination, and 1 was not satisfied. Twenty-two cases of penile curvature deformities were corrected, and one case was recurrence. Fourteen of the 15 patients with penile fracture were followed, and all got the restoration of sexual function. Among them, 5 cases with post-operative complications, including mild bending, algopareunia, subcutaneous induration, poor hardness and poor sexual pleasure, were not further treated, and another case lost; Five cases with post-operative complications of three-pieces penile prosthesis were treated successfully, and 4 of their spouses were satisfied with their sexual function after operation, only 1 of their spouse not satisfied. Among four cases with complete amputation of penis, two cases of penis were replanted successfully while two necrosis. Three cases with avulsion were treated with skin grafting successfully. All 6 cases with penile Paget's disease were followed for 2 -4 years, and free skin grafts were all survival. One patient died of brain metastases 18 months after operation and five cases were disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: The patients should be treated based on the procedure of andrological and urological surgery, together with microsurgical, flap or skin graft technique. The urologist should design personalized surgical procedure. Most of the patient's penis shape and erectile dysfunction can be reconstructed by our procedures, but some patients can not achieve the desired appearance or function of penis. New approaches of the treatment ought to be developed to restore both of the shape and function for those severe injury of the penis.

Penile and scrotal Paget's disease: 130 Chinese patients with long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To report a retrospective series of 130 Chinese patients with penoscrotal extramammary Paget's diseases (EMPD), with a long-term follow-up, and thus improve the diagnosis and therapy of this disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The history, clinical presentation, pathology, treatment, and prognosis of 130 patients were analysed. All cases were confirmed by skin biopsy, and then the patients had local wide resection to remove the involved skin and subcutaneous tissue. The large defective wound was reconstructed using a split-thickness skin graft or local flap. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were evaluated by frozen-section biopsy of the margins during surgery, five of whom had positive margins and then had an extended resection immediately. Most of these patients had local skin or adjacent scrotal flaps to cover their skin defects. Of the 130 patients, 81 had a mean (range) follow-up of 3.2 (0.5-10) years after surgery. Five of nine patients with positive margins and three (4%) of 72 with negative margins had tumour recurrence. Five patients died from metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: Penoscrotal EMPD needs be differentiated from other chronic dermatitis. A 3 cm surgical margin should be sufficient and frozen-section pathological examinations are necessary for some complicated conditions. Skin grafts or local flaps are good for large skin defects.

[Successive "Z" incision and skin flaps: a better procedure for penile lengthening].

OBJECTIVE: To recommend the successive "Z" incision and skin flaps as a method for repairing the wound in penile lengthening procedures. METHODS: We performed penile lengthening surgery by successive "Z" incision for 5 patients complaining of short penis, who ranged in age from 16 to 34 years (22.4 +/- 7.2), and 3 of whom had a history of urethroplasty, circumcision and penile reconstruction, respectively. The superficial suspensory ligament and part of the deep suspensory ligament of the penis were exposed and severed to release the penis, and the "Z" skin flaps sutured in a tensionless state. Drainage was necessitated by exudation and the catheter removed in 24-48 hours. The penis was wrapped up by an elastic bandage, and the stitches taken out 8-10 days after the operation. RESULTS: We achieved a mean erectile length of 8.4 cm (range 7.8-9.2 cm) after the operation, as compared with 4. 8 cm (range 4.0-5.8 cm) before the surgery. Two students of the patients obviously became active and confident. No penile contraction was noted during the 12-48 months follow-up, and both the patients and their family members were satisfied with the outcomes. CONCLUSION: Compared with the V-, M- and Z-incision, the successive "Z" incision and skin flaps can yield longer penile length, solve the problem of insufficient skin flap to cover the wound and reduce such complications as skin necrosis and infection. It is well worth recommending for patients complaining of short penis because of penile abnormality, post-operation scar on the penis or circumcision.