DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction as predictive factors of response and outcome following neoadjuvant methotrexate, vinblastine, epirubicin and cisplatin (M-VEC) chemotherapy for invasive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction (SPF) as factors that could predict response and outcome of invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder to neoadjuvant methotrexate, vinblastine, epirubicin and cisplatin (MVEC) chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with localized invasive TCC of the bladder (stages T3 to T4a, NoMo) were treated with neoadjuvant MVEC chemotherapy. DNA flow cytometry was performed in paraffin-embedded tissue obtained by transurethral resection before chemotherapy. Radical cystectomy specimens were utilized for complete pathologic staging. The tumors were subdivided into high- and low-SPF tumors according to their SPF value. DNA ploidy status was evaluated into two groups (diploidy and nondiploidy). RESULTS: DNA ploidy was not correlated to the response to chemotherapy (p = 0.67), and overall or disease-free survival (p = 0.27 and p = 0.69, respectively). Major response (pathologic complete response and partial response) was more often found in the high SPF group than among tumors with low SPF (p = 0.02). High SPF tumors were significantly associated with increased overall and disease-free survival (p = 0.0056 and p = 0.0059, respectively). CONCLUSION: A high SPF, but not DNA ploidy, may be helpful to identify patient likely to respond and survive longer following neoadjuvant MVEC chemotherapy in the treatment of invasive bladder cancer.

A nonrefluxing, serous lined extramural tunnel for ureteroileal anastomosis in ileal conduit urinary diversion: first clinical experience in 10 patients.

PURPOSE: We report the surgical technique and functional outcome of a new application for serous lined, anti-refluxing ureteroileal anastomosis in ileal conduit urinary diversion. Reflux prevention relies on the construction of a serous lined extramural ileal tunnel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 25 cm. distal ileal segment was isolated. The proximal 7 cm. of the ileal segment was folded and the 2 proximal 7 cm. segments were joined by seromuscular sutures. The antimesenteric borders of these 7 cm. segments were incised and the medial edges of each ureter were joined. A mesenteric window was opened at the level of ileal folding and the ureters were passed through it. They were inlaid within the trough and the conjoined ureteral end were anastomosed to the intestinal mucosa. The tunnel was then closed over the implanted ureters. The lateral limbs of the detubularized ileal segment were then joined. The technique was performed in 10 patients with a mean followup of 9.9 months (range 3 to 19). The patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: None of the 10 patients had reflux on x-ray of the loop. One patient had previously undergone unilateral nephrectomy. Excretory urography showed a stabilized or improved upper tract in 18 renal units. Left ureterohydronephrosis was present in 1 renal unit because of ureteroileal stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: The initial clinical results of the serous lined extramural ileal tunnel technique for ureteroileal anastomosis in ileal conduit cases are promising. The technique appears effective and reliable.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia, low- and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostatic carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the incidence of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), low- and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and prostatic carcinoma lesions, and to explore the role of iNOS in prostate tumorigenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunoreactivity for iNOS was examined in 20 samples each of BPH, high-grade PIN, low-grade PIN and prostatic carcinoma. RESULTS: Positive iNOS immunostaining was detected in all samples from all patients; iNOS was detected in both basal epithelial cells and secretory cells of the glandular epithelium. High-grade PIN and prostatic carcinoma samples had more intense iNOS immunostaining than low-grade PIN and BPH samples. In all samples, smooth muscle cells showed weak or moderate iNOS immunoreactivity and endothelial cells showed moderate immunostaining. CONCLUSIONS: Nitric oxide generated by iNOS may be involved in prostate tumorigenesis and further studies with immunohistochemical and molecular biology are needed to determine the exact role of iNOS in the pathogenesis of prostatic carcinoma.

Large cavernous hemangioma of the kidney presenting as a solid renal mass.

We report a case of large renal hemangioma that completely filled the collecting system in a 43-year-old man. Most of the renal hemangiomas are small in size and this situation is extremely rare. The diagnosis and treatment of the case is discussed.

Determination of transition zone volume by transrectal ultrasound in patients with clinically benign prostatic hyperplasia: agreement with enucleated prostate adenoma weight.

PURPOSE: Accurately estimating transition zone volume is important for the medical or surgical management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia and determination of prostate specific antigen density of the transition zone. We evaluated whether preoperative transrectal ultrasound measurements of the transition zone predict enucleated adenoma weight. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured transition zone volume preoperatively using transrectal ultrasound and the prolate ellipsoid method in 50 patients with presumed benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent suprapubic prostatectomy. Transition zone volume corresponds to the adenoma. Enucleated adenoma weight was then correlated with preoperatively determined transition zone volume. RESULTS: As measured by transrectal ultrasound, mean transition zone volume plus or minus standard deviation was 80.88 +/- 37.42 cc (range 31 to 200). Mean enucleated adenoma weight was 68.70 +/- 36.26 gm. (range 18 to 180). There was a statistically significant correlation of estimated transrectal ultrasound volume of the transition zone with enucleated prostate adenoma weight (r = 0.95, p <0.001). However, when prostate adenoma weight was determined using the formula, prostate adenoma weight = -6.00 + 0.92 x transition zone volume, we noted a significant difference in mean prostate adenoma weight and mean transition zone volume (p <0.001). Since the regression coefficient of transition zone volume was significantly different from 1, we identified no agreement of prostate adenoma weight with estimated transrectal ultrasound volume of the transition zone. CONCLUSIONS: These data reveal a significant difference in mean prostatic adenoma weight and mean transition zone volume. Although transition zone volume measurements are well described, clear agreements on such measurements should be obtained to determine transition zone volume more precisely.

Influence of tumor stage, size, grade, vascular involvement, histological cell type and histological pattern on multifocality of renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We assessed the influence of clinical and pathological factors on multifocality of renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 1995 and September 1999 radical nephrectomy was performed in 71 men and 32 women with a mean age of 56.5 years. The 103 removed kidneys with renal cell carcinoma were sectioned at 3 mm. intervals and inspected microscopically for satellite carcinomas. We evaluated pathological stage, grade, cell type, histological pattern, vascular involvement, tumor size and the incidence of multifocality. To determine cell type we used several classification systems. RESULTS: The primary tumor was 2 to 20 cm. (mean plus or minus standard deviation 7.10 +/- 3.48). Overall satellite carcinomas were present in 22 of the 103 cases (21.4%). When the predominant lesion was 5 cm. or smaller, the incidence of multifocality was 19%. The incidence of multifocality was statistically higher in patients with stage pT3 than in those with stage pT1 or pT2 disease (p = 0.022). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only primary tumor pathological stage was a significant predictor of renal cell carcinoma multifocality in stages T3 versus T1 and T3 versus T2 cancer (odds ratio 3.45, 95% confidence interval 1.15 to 10.39 and 5.75, 1.31 to 25.29, respectively). Other parameters, such as tumor size, grade, vascular invasion, cell type and histological pattern, did not correlate with multifocality. CONCLUSIONS: Our results imply that primary tumor stage is a significant factor for multifocal disease. Therefore, more precise preoperative staging of the primary lesion is required if nephron sparing surgery is indicated.

Extraperitoneal laparoscopic bladder neck suspension using hernia mesh and tacker.

OBJECTIVES: To report our initial experience with extraperitoneal bladder neck suspension for female stress incontinence due to urethral hypermobility. METHODS: Between September 1996 and September 1999, 35 patients (mean age 49.5 years) underwent extraperitoneal bladder neck suspension at our institution. An extraperitoneal space was created by a trocar-mounted balloon device, and suspension was created using a 5-mm endoscopic hernia stapler and polypropylene mesh. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 39.5 minutes. In 2 patients, the bladder was inadvertently perforated during the bladder neck dissection. The perforation was repaired by laparoscopic suture ligation. The mean urethral catheterization and hospitalization time was 2.1 and 2.3 days, respectively. Urethral recatheterization because of temporary urinary retention was required in 11.4% of the patients. Symptoms of bladder instability were experienced by 13.5% of the patients in the early postoperative period. A total of 28 patients (80.0%) reported that they were totally dry after a mean of 23.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Extraperitoneal bladder neck suspension using hernia mesh and a stapler seems to be an effective and safe procedure, with a shorter operative time, in selected patient groups.

Eosinophilic cystitis in a case presenting with an initial diagnosis of invasive bladder tumor.

Eosinophilic cystitis is a rare condition of the bladder that presents with hematuria, dysuria and suprapubic tenderness. A case of eosinophilic cystitis presenting as an invasive bladder tumor is reported.

Outcome of augmentation sigmoidocystoplasty in children with neurogenic bladder.

PURPOSE: The role of augmentation cystoplasty in the neuropathic bladder has been well determined since clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) has been accepted as a treatment modality in voiding dysfunction. We present our clinical experience with sigmoid augmentation cystoplasty in children with neurogenic bladder disorder. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1991 to 1997 sigmoid augmentation cystoplasty with modified clam technique was performed in 18 cases with neuropathic bladder pathologies. In 4 cases, ureteroneocystostomy was performed, 2 of whom were bilateral. Age range of these patients was 5-17 years (mean 10.3 years) and follow-up period was from 16 to 70 months (mean 41 months). RESULTS: Pyuria was detected in 10 cases and 2 of them were symptomatic. Clinical acidosis was detected in only 1 case. Fifteen cases (83%) were continent by using CISC with 4-6 hourly and detrusor pressure lower than 30 cm water at maximal bladder capacity. CONCLUSION: In children with neurogenic bladder pathologies refractory to conservative management, augmentation cystoplasty with CISC is an effective treatment modality in protecting the upper urinary tract and preventing incontinence.

Effect of microsurgical subinguinal varicocele ligation to treat pain.

OBJECTIVES: The traditional treatment for a painful varicocele consists of conservative measures followed by varicocelectomy. We report our results with microsurgical subinguinal varicocele ligation to treat pain. METHODS: From 1996 to 1999, a total of 119 men underwent subinguinal microsurgical varicocele ligation for painful varicocele. The diagnosis of varicocele was based on the findings of both physical examination and color Doppler ultrasound. Patients described pain with testicular discomfort as scrotal heaviness or a dull ache. While waiting for the operation (range 3 to 5 weeks), all the patients underwent a preoperative trial of conservative management for pain. RESULTS: Of 119 men, 82 (69 %) were available for follow-up 3 months postoperatively. Of those 82 patients, 72 (88%) reported complete resolution of pain, 4 patients (5%) partial resolution, 5 patients (6%) no change, and 1 patient (1%) epididymal discomfort that resolved with conservative measures. Of the 9 patients with partial or no change, 2 patients had reflux recurrence as seen on color Doppler ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Subinguinal microsurgical varicocele ligation is an effective treatment for painful varicocele when performed in selected patients.

Three dimensional conformal radiotherapy in patients with T2a-b, N0, M0 prostatic carcinoma.

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) relapse free survival and the prognostic factors in a total of 38 patients with stages of T2a-b, N0, M0 prostate carcinoma treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT). Mean 69.63 Gy was given with 3D-CRT, the mean follow up time was 13.89 months, and the mean prebiopsied PSA level was 25.12 ng/ml. The 2-year PSA relapse free survival was 47.37% for the entire group. The 2-year PSA relapse free survival rates were 100% and 44.74% for the patients with Gleason score < or = 7 and greater than 7 (p < or = 0.05). Patients with prebiopsied PSA level < or = 10 ng/ml and the stages of T2a or T2b did not show any significant differences (p > or = 0.05). Although the few case number and short term follow up, in this study 3D-CRT was a new effective technique to prostate cancer for our institutes and the Gleason score was important predictor of PSA relapse free survival.

Penile epithelioid sarcoma.

Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm. We had the opportunity to report a case of epithelioid sarcoma of the penis.

Relationship among pediatric voiding dysfunction and vesicoureteral reflux and renal scars.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the relationship among non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and renal scarring, taking into consideration whether the reflux was unilateral or bilateral. VUR is a common problem in the pediatric age group. Although unilateral reflux is usually due to primary insufficiency of the vesicoureteral junction, bilateral reflux can also be the result of underlying voiding dysfunction. METHODS: Between 1993 and 1998, 80 children, 52 girls and 28 boys, median age 5.7 years (range 3.8 to 14), were evaluated because of VUR. Eighteen patients who presented with associated anomalies and obvious neuropathic bladder dysfunction were excluded from the study. Complete urologic, neurologic, and urodynamic investigations were performed in all patients. RESULTS: Of 62 patients, 25 (40.3%) had unilateral and 37 (59.6%) had bilateral reflux. Voiding dysfunction was found in 7 patients (28%) with unilateral reflux and in 27 patients (72.9%) with bilateral reflux (P <0.01 ). Two (25%) of the 8 patients with unilateral reflux and renal scarring had voiding dysfunction but no demonstrable urinary tract infection, and 10 (55.5%) of the 18 patients with bilateral reflux and renal scarring had voiding dysfunction and no demonstrable urinary tract infection (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: If VUR is bilateral, the prevalence of existing underlying voiding dysfunction seems to be higher. The first step in management should be a detailed evaluation of bladder function to choose an appropriate treatment modality and to prevent renal deterioration.

Does the position of the patient affect the presence and/or degree of reflux in an ileal conduit urinary diversion?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of patient position (supine, sitting or standing) on ileo-ureteric reflux in patients with an ileal conduit urinary diversion, in whom such reflux is normally detected when they are supine during a retrograde loopogram. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 10 patients with an ileal conduit as a primary urinary diversion; a loopogram was obtained with the patient upright or supine and a further film taken with the patient supine but at 45 degrees to the ground. RESULTS: When supine, free ileo-ureteric reflux occurred into both ureterorenal units in eight patients. The remaining two patients, who had previously undergone unilateral nephrectomy, also had reflux into their existing renal units. Of the 18 units, 15 had grade III and three had grade IV reflux. In the upright and 45 degrees position, reflux still occurred in al ureterorenal units. The patient's position did not affect the degree of reflux in 16 units, but in one unit with grade IV reflux and another with grade III reflux, the reflux was one grade less severe. CONCLUSIONS: Ileo-ureteric reflux is common after ileal conduit diversion and may contribute to the likelihood of renal deterioration. The presence and/or degree of reflux is generally not affected by the position of the patient.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in children with voiding dysfunction: retrospective analysis of 81 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with voiding dysfunction and a normal neuro-orthopedic assessment. The differential diagnosis of neurogenic and non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction, particularly in children with occult neurogenic pathologic findings without a clinically demonstrable neurologic defect, is a commonly encountered problem. METHODS: Eighty-one children with voiding dysfunction, including a history of diurnal incontinence, frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, incomplete bladder emptying, recurrent urinary tract infection, and persistent vesicoureteral reflux, constituted our study group. A detailed neuro-orthopedic evaluation was performed in all patients. The urologic evaluation consisted of a detailed history (including bowel function disturbances), renal sonography or excretory urography, spinal x-ray, urinalysis and culture, voiding cystourethrography, and multichannel water cystometry. In all cases, lumbosacral spinal axial and sagittal T1- and T2-weighted MRI performed with a 1.5-Tesla surface coil was reviewed by one neuroradiologist. RESULTS: MRI revealed pathologic findings in 17 (38.6%) of 44 patients who had voiding dysfunction and a normal neuro-orthopedic assessment. All these patients underwent early surgical intervention in our pediatric neurosurgery department. In the postoperative period, objective and/or subjective improvement in voiding symptoms within short (6 months) and long (14 months) periods was observed in 8 (47.0%) and 5 (29.4%) patients, respectively. Ten (58.8%) of those 17 patients had a history of voiding dysfunction refractory to conservative management. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that MRI of the lower spinal cord is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of occult spinal cord disorders, especially in patients with voiding dysfunction refractory to conservative management strategies and normal neurologic and orthopedic assessments.

Transmurally absorbed intravesical chemotherapy with dimethylsulfoxide in an animal model.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) enhances the absorbtion of the intravesical chemotherapeutics. METHODS: Fifty male Wistar rats received 1.5 mg N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) intravesically every other week (weeks 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) for a total of five doses. After week 14, rats underwent intravesical installation of either epirubicin (1 mg) or epirubicin + DMSO (50%) every other week (weeks 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22). The absorbtion of epirubicin was estimated histologically by observing its fluorescence in the bladder. RESULTS: We observed papiller and/or hyperplastic formations in rat bladders (10/50 rats) due to installation of MNU. Epirubicin fluorescence was observed in the entire bladder wall of normal or hyperplastic regions in rats that were given DMSO prior to epirubicin. However, epirubicin was observed only in normal-appearing mucosa or in superficial layers of hyperplastic regions. CONCLUSIONS: The concomittant addition of DMSO with intravesical epirubicin enhances the absorbtion of epirubicin to the entire bladder wall. In this way, epirubicin cytotoxicity and antitumor activity can be potentiated. This can be useful for both the treatment of superficial bladder cancer (especially in local recurrence and progression) and invasive bladder cancer (especially in regional chemotherapy).

Comparative study of long-term stone recurrence after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and open stone surgery for kidney stones.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has become the treatment of choice for most calculi of upper urinary tract and the need for open stone surgery (OSS) have considerably reduced. However, stone recurrence is often encountered as a long-term problem requiring re-treatment. METHODS: In the present retrospective study, the recurrence rates of ESWL and OSS were compared in the treatment of kidney calculi. During the 1 year period of the present study, 43 patients were treated by OSS and 400 underwent ESWL (the Dornier MPL 9000 lithotriptor). The recurrence of stone was defined as reappearance of the stone on plain abdominal radiography during the follow-up period. RESULTS: Complete removal of all stone fragments was achieved in 51.2% of patients (n = 22) treated with OSS. In the ESWL group, the stone free rate was 56.7% (n = 237). The recurrence rate was 31.8% within a mean of 40 months (range 32-48 months) in the OSS group, whereas this figure was 13.9%, with a mean period of 46 months (range 42-48 months) in the ESWL group (P < 0.05). The mean periods of recurrence in ESWL and OSS groups were 20 (range 6-42 months) and 11 months (range 8-44 months), respectively (P < 0.05). However, the mean stone burdens of both groups were different (2.9 +/- 0.8 vs 1.4 +/- 1.1 cm). For comparable stone burdens, the recurrence rate was similar. In the ESWL group, stones in the lower calyx, multiple stones and larger stones showed a higher recurrence rate. The recurrence after OSS was also influenced by stone burden. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrate that stone burden may be the primary risk factor for stone recurrence after ESWL and OSS.

Analysis of the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in patients with bladder carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the immune system of patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) by using peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and to further compare the relationship between these subsets with respect to tumor stage and grade (superficial versus invasive and low versus high grade). METHODS: Thirty patients with superficial TCC of the bladder, 30 patients with invasive TCC of the bladder, and 30 age- and sex-matched control subjects without any malignancy or immunologic abnormality were included in this study. The peripheral blood lymphocyte subset analysis was performed in all patients before any treatment was performed. RESULTS: All lymphocyte subset values of patients with invasive bladder cancer, except B cell value, were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than the values of the control group. There were no significant differences between the lymphocyte subset values of patients with superficial bladder cancer and those of control subjects. The comparison of the lymphocyte subset values of the patients with superficial versus invasive bladder carcinoma revealed that in patients with invasive bladder carcinoma, the numbers of T and natural killer (NK) cells were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of patients with superficial bladder carcinoma. Patients with high-grade tumors had significantly fewer (P < 0.05) T and NK cells than patients with low-grade tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that analysis of mean NK and T cell values and the mean ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells in peripheral blood might be a useful adjunct for the clinical evaluation of patients with bladder cancer.

The significance of testicular reactive oxygen species on testicular histology in infertile patients.

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the effects of testicular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and testicular histology on infertile patients with the aid of xanthine oxidase system and testicular tissue malondialdehyde levels. Forty patients with idiopathic infertility constituted our study group. Bilateral testicular biopsies were performed and spermatogenesis was assessed histopathologically. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to spermatogenic pattern (normal spermatogenesis; hypospermatogenesis; maturation arrest; Sertoli cell only syndrome). Testicular tissue xanthine oxidase and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were analyzed in each sample by spectrophotometric assay and thiobarbituric acid reaction assay, respectively. Testicular tissue MDA and xanthine oxidase concentrations were not statistically different in patients having normal spermatogenesis, with respect to Sertoli cell only syndrome, maturation arrest and hypospermatogenesis, respectively. As a result of our study we think that there are still some factors other than ROS which may be important contributors to spermatogenetic injury that need to be examined.