The Risk of Stress Urinary Incontinence After Hysterectomy for Uterine Fibroids.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the relationship between previous hysterectomy for uterine fibroids and subsequent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: This study analyzed national health insurance data. The hysterectomy group (aged 40 to 59) comprised patients who underwent hysterectomy for uterine fibroids between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2014, and the control group (aged 40 to 59) comprised patients who visited a medical facility for a checkup during the same time span. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed to balance confounders. SUI was defined as the need for SUI surgery accompanied by a diagnosis code for SUI. RESULTS: After matching, 81,373 cases (hysterectomy group) and 81,373 controls (nonhysterectomy group) were enrolled. The mean follow-up period was 7.9 years for the cases and 7.8 years for the controls. The incidence of anti-incontinence surgery was slightly but significantly higher in the cases than in the controls (2.0% vs. 1.7%, P<0.001). Compared to the control group, abdominal hysterectomy significantly increased the likelihood of anti-incontinence surgery both before (hazard ratio [HR], 1.235; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.116-1.365) and after adjusting for confounders (HR, 1.215; 95% CI, 1.097-1.347). In contrast, laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy with adnexal surgery, and abdominal hysterectomy with adnexal surgery were not associated with an increased rate of anti-incontinence surgery. The significant association between abdominal hysterectomy and an elevated rate of anti-incontinence surgery persisted even after stratifying patients by age group. CONCLUSION: Prior abdominal hysterectomy without adnexal surgery was associated with an increased incidence of subsequent anti-urinary incontinence surgery.

Surgical Correction of Upper Eyelid Ectropion Presenting Dry Eye Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Upper eyelid ectropion occurs as a post-blepharoplasty complication or involution change, and it causes dry eye symptoms that cannot be resolved with conservative management. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe the authors' surgical technique of anatomical correction of upper eyelid ectropion, including tarsal scoring incision. METHODS: The technique involves the following 4 steps: (1) adhesiolysis at the preaponeurotic layer; (2) undermining and redraping of the pretarsal flap in a pretarsal plane; (3) optional, partial thickness tarsal scoring incision over the central two-thirds; and (4) downward repositioning of the pretarsal flap and lower fixation to the tarsus. Outcomes were assessed based on the position of eyelid margin and the improvement of the dry eye symptoms. RESULTS: A retrospective review of 54 cases of patients who underwent ectropion correction, including tarsal scoring incision, was performed. The eyelid margin was well positioned in 51 patients (94.4%). Of the 32 patients involved in the study assessed with the 7-point Patient Global Impression of Improvement, 29 (90.6%) reported the resolution of dry eye symptoms. Furthermore, in the 22 patients assessed with the Ocular Surface Disease Index, the mean score significantly decreased from 43.2 ±â€…24.1 before surgery to 29.8 ±â€…23.3 (P = 0.006) after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of partial-thickness tarsal plate scoring and lower flap redraping surgical techniques resolved the upper eyelid ectropion, reducing the dry eye symptoms.

Trends in End-of-Life Resource Utilization and Costs among Prostate Cancer Patients from 2006 to 2015: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate end-of-life resource utilization and costs for prostate cancer patients during the last year of life in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used the National Health Information Database (NHIS-2017-4-031) of the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Healthcare claim data for the years 2002 through 2015 were collected from the Korean National Health Insurance System. Among 83,173 prostate cancer patients, we enrolled 18,419 after excluding 1,082 who never claimed for the last year of life. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2015, there was a 3.2-fold increase the total number of prostate cancer decedents. The average cost of care during the last year of life increased over the 10-year period, from 14,420,000 Korean won to 20,300,000 Korean won, regardless of survival time. The cost of major treatments and medications, other than analgesics, was relatively high. Radiologic tests, opioids, pain control, and rehabilitation costs were relatively low. Multiple regression analysis identified age and living in rural area as negatively associated with prostate cancer care costs, whereas income level and a higher number of comorbidities were positively associated. CONCLUSIONS: Expenditure of prostate cancer care during the last year of life varied according to patient characteristics. Average costs increased every year. However, the results suggest underutilization of support services, likely due to lack of alternative accommodation for terminal prostate cancer patients. Further examination of patterns of utilization of healthcare resources will allow policymakers to take a better approach to reducing the burden of prostate cancer care.

National practice patterns and direct medical costs for prostate cancer in Korea across a 10 year period: a nationwide population-based study using a national health insurance database.

BACKGROUND: A complete enumeration study was conducted to evaluate trends in national practice patterns and direct medical costs for prostate cancer (PCa) in Korea over a 10-year retrospective period using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. METHODS: Reimbursement records for 874,924 patients diagnosed between 2002 and 2014 with primary PCa according to the International Classification of Disease (ICD) 10th revision code C61 were accessed. To assess direct medical costs for patients newly diagnosed after 2005, data from 68,596 patients managed between January 2005 and 31 December 2014 were evaluated. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2014, the total number of PCa patients showed a 2.6-fold increase. Surgery and androgen deprivation therapy were the most common first-line treatment, alone or within the context of combined therapy. Surgery as a monotherapy was performed in 23.5% of patients in 2005, and in 39.4% of patients in 2014. From 2008, the rate of robot-assisted RP rose sharply, showing a similar rate to open RP in 2014. Average total treatment costs in the 12 months post-diagnosis were around 10 million Korean won. Average annual treatment costs thereafter were around 5 million Korean won. Out-of-pocket expenditure was highest in the first year post-diagnosis, and ranged from 12 to 17% thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Between 2005 and 2014, a substantial change was observed in the national practice pattern for PCa in Korea. The present data provide a reliable overview of treatment patterns and medical costs for PCa in Korea.

Medical Travel among Non-Seoul Residents to Seek Prostate Cancer Treatment in Medical Facilities of Seoul.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the trend in medical travel by non-Seoul residents to Seoul for treatment of prostate cancer and also to investigate the possible factors affecting the trend. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study represents a retrospective cohort study using data from theKoreanNationalHealth Insurance System from 2002 to 2015. Annual trends were produced for proportions of patients who traveled according to the age group, economic status and types of treatment. Multiple logistic analysiswas used to determine factors affecting surgeries at medical facilities in Seoul among the non-Seoul residents. RESULTS: A total of 68,543 patients were defined as newly diagnosed prostate cancer cohorts from 2005 to 2014. The proportion of patients who traveled to Seoul for treatment, estimated from cases with prostate cancer-related claims, decreased slightly over 9 years (28.0 at 2005 and 27.0 at 2014, p=0.02). The average proportion of medical travelers seeking radical prostatectomy increased slightly but the increase was not statistically significant (43.1 at 2005 and 45.4 at 2014, p=0.26). Income level and performance ofrobot-assisted radical prostatectomy were significant positive factors for medical travel to medical facilities in Seoul. Combined comorbidity diseases and year undergoing surgery were significant negative factors for medical travel to medical facilities in Seoul. CONCLUSION: The general trend of patients travelling from outside Seoul for prostate cancer treatment decreased from 2005 to 2014. However, a large proportion of traveling remained irrespective of direct distance from Seoul.

Phosphorus as predictive factor for erectile dysfunction in middle aged men: A cross sectional study in Korea.

PURPOSE: High serum inorganic phosphorus level is related with atherosclerosis and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. At the same time, the association of phosphorus with erectile dysfunction (ED) is not well reported. We studied the effect of serum phosphorus on ED and the relationship with other clinical variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March to September 2013, 1,899 police men aged 40 to 59 years who entered in a prostate health screening were targeted. All subjects underwent a clinical checking using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire translated into Korean. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), testosterone, inorganic phosphorus, body mass index, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and prostate ultrasound were also examined. RESULTS: Serum inorganic phosphorus (r=-0.108, p<0.001) had the highest correlation coefficient with IIEF-5 score other than age, followed by prostate volume (PV) (r=-0.065, P<0.001). Using logistic regression analysis, age, phosphorus, and MetS were predictive factors for moderate to severe ED in univariate analysis. PSA, testosterone, body mass index, and PV could not predict ED. Age, MetS, and phosphorus were independent predictive factors of moderate to severe ED (p<0.001; odds ratio [OR], 1.119; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.086-1.153; p=0.048; OR, 1.283; 95% CI, 1.003-1.641; and p=0.048; OR, 1.101; 95% CI, 1.076-1.131) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, phosphorus level is related with ED. Phosphorus is a significant predictor of ED and a strong factor that can be modified in the middle-age. Controlling phosphorus in men may have a particular meaning of preventing the occurrence of ED.

Revision Upper Blepharoplasty.

The ideal shape and height of the double eyelid varies widely depending on the patient and the culture. Patients may be dissatisfied after a double eyelid operation for the following reasons: scar, low versus high fold, shallow versus deep fold, triple folds, pretarsal fullness, ptosis, and asymmetry. Here the author describes the complications experienced after double eyelid surgery and corrective procedures.

Oncologic aspects of long-term followed incidental prostate cancer detected by cystoprostatectomy in Korean patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and clinical features of incidentally discovered prostate adenocarcinoma in patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy (CPT) for bladder cancer. METHODS: Ninety-six consecutive patients scheduled to undergo CPT were prospectively enrolled. The prostates were excised completely during CPT. The CPT specimens were examined, and the clinicopathologic characteristics of incidental prostate cancer studied. Complete transverse sections of the prostate were taken from the apex to the base at 4-mm intervals and all prostates were examined by a single pathologist. RESULTS: The mean patient age and prostate-specific antigen level were 66.1 ± 10.0 years and 2.8 ± 5.0 ng/mL, respectively. Of the 96 patients, 35 (36.5%) had prostate cancer (PCa). Of these incidental PCas, 57.1% (20.8% of all patients undergoing CPT) were clinically significant. None of the patients who were age ≤50 years had incidental PCa. However, the incidences of PCa in the 51-60 years, 61-70 years, and ≥71 years age groups were 27.8% (5/18), 48.7% (19/39), and 35.5% (15/31), respectively, and the difference according to the age subgroup was significant (P = 0.048). During the median follow-up of 49 months, 29.2% (28/96) of patients died. There were no PCa-specific deaths, and two patients (2.1%) showed biochemical recurrences. CONCLUSION: Incidental PCas were diagnosed in ∼40% of CPT specimens, and ∼50% of incidental PCas were clinically significant. During radical CPT in patients aged ≥60 years, the possibility of the presence of PCa and the potential oncologic risk of partial prostatectomy during CPT should be remembered.

Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and metabolic syndrome as predictors of middle-aged men's health.

PURPOSE: There is no reported evidence for an anthropometric index that might link obesity to men's sexual health. We evaluated the ability of an anthropometric index and the symptom scores of five widely used questionnaires to detect men's health problems. We determined the predictive abilities of two obesity indexes and other clinical parameters for screening for lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction in middle-aged men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,910 middle-aged men were included in the study. Participants underwent a detailed clinical evaluation that included recording the symptom scores of five widely used questionnaires. The participants' body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio were determined. Serum prostate-specific antigen, urinalysis, testosterone, estimated glomerular filtration rate, evaluation of metabolic syndrome, and transrectal ultrasonography were assessed. RESULTS: By use of logistic regression analysis, age and total prostate volume were independent predictors of lower urinary tract symptoms. Metabolic syndrome was the only significant negative predictive factor for chronic prostatitis symptoms. Age and metabolic syndrome were independent predictive factors for erectile dysfunction. Waist-to-hip ratio had a statistically significant value for predicting erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that total prostate volume is a significant predictor of lower urinary tract symptoms, and central obesity has predictive ability for erectile dysfunction. Metabolic syndrome was the only significant negative predictive factor for chronic prostatitis-like symptoms. The management of correctable factors such as waist-to-hip ratio and metabolic syndrome may be considered preventive modalities against the development of men's health problems.

Treatment outcome of docetaxel plus prednisolone for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in Korea.

AIM: We retrospectively reviewed the treatment outcomes of docetaxel plus prednisolone chemotherapy in Korean men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This Study included 106 consecutive Korean patients with mCRPC who were treated with a 3-weekly regimen of docetaxel plus prednisolone chemotherapy between 2005 and 2011. The oncologic results and treatment-related adverse events were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 66 years. Of the 106 patients, 70 (66.0%) received docetaxel as the first-line chemotherapy. A 50% reduction in prostate-specific antigen and objective response in measurable lesion were observed in 45 (48.9%) and 14 (17.9%) patients respectively. Fifteen (14.4%) patients experienced grade 3 or higher neutropenic fever. One patient had a treatment-related death. median follow-up time was 26.5 months. The median progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were 6.0 and 16.0 months respectively. Of several factors examined, multivariate analysis Identified good performance status and first-line setting predict longer OS. The median OS of the patients in the first- and second-line setting was 23.0 versus 11.0 months (Hazard ratio 2.485, 95% confidence interval 1.558-3.966, P < 0.001). The survival rates in the first-line at 12 and 24 months were 73.8% and 47.2% respectively. CONCLUSION: Korean castration-resistant prostate cancer patients that receive docetaxel chemotherapy have a relatively longer survival outcome compared with western countries in the first-line setting. In addition, good performance status and first-line setting predicts longer survival. A prospective study including genetic background associated with the prognosis of mCRPC patients might be required.

Prostate volume measurement by transrectal ultrasonography: comparison of height obtained by use of transaxial and midsagittal scanning.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare prostate volume measured by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) between transaxial scanning and midsagittal scanning. We tried to determine which method is superior. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 968 patients who underwent TRUS for diagnosis of any diseases related to the prostate were included in this study. When measuring prostate volume by TRUS, we conducted the measurements two ways at the same time in all patients: by use of height obtained by transaxial scanning and by use of height obtained by midsagittal scanning. Prostate volume was calculated by using the ellipsoid formula ([height×length×width]×π/6). RESULTS: For prostate volume measured by TRUS, a paired t-test revealed a significant difference between using height obtained by transaxial scanning and that obtained by midsagittal scanning in all patients (28.5±10.1 g vs. 28.7±9.9 g, respectively, p=0.004). However, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of prostate volume more than 20 g (known benign prostatic enlargement [BPE]) between the two methods by chi-square test (90.5% [n=876], 90.8% [n=879], respectively; p=0.876). When analyzed in the same way, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of prostate volume more than 30 g (generally, high-risk BPE) between the two methods (34.5% [n=334], 36.3% [n=351], respectively; p=0.447). CONCLUSIONS: Although prostate volume by TRUS differed according to the method used to measure height, that is, transaxial or midsagittal scanning, we conclude that there are no problems in diagnosing BPE clinically by use of either of the two methods.

Under-through levator complex plication for correction of mild to moderate congenital ptosis.

PURPOSE: Congenital ptosis is most commonly of mild to moderate severity, with good to fair levator function. The appropriate procedures for this condition are levator resection or levator aponeurosis approaches. Among the latter, the levator plication method has received little attention because of a relatively high rate of ptosis recurrence secondary to weak adhesion. In this study, the authors described and retrospectively analyzed the results of an alternative plication technique, the "under-through levator complex plication" method. This method differs from conventional levator plication primarily by the posterior part of the levator complex being advanced to the tarsal plate to produce strong adhesion. METHODS: Five hundred and ten eyelids of 255 consecutive patients who underwent the under-through levator complex plication for congenital bilateral symmetrical ptosis were included in this study. Final outcomes were assessed at more than 5 months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean preoperative and postoperative marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) were 1.73 and 3.71 mm, respectively, and the mean amount of levator plication for every 1-mm increase in MRD1 was 3.31 mm. After the levator complex was plicated by the amount planned preoperatively, 65.1% of eyelids were at the target height. After subsequent intraoperative adjustments of the amount of plication, the overall surgery success rate was 94.5%. Recurrent ptosis due to relapse was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The newly described surgical technique has overcome the limitations of conventional levator plication, by increasing the success rate and markedly reducing the relapse rate, while preserving the advantages of the conventional technique.

Validation of the MSKCC and Heng risk criteria models for predicting survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib.

PURPOSE: To validate the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and Heng models with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib, and to investigate prognostic factors in these patients. METHODS: This study included 106 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who were treated with sunitinib from April 2007 to July 2012 including 35 patients who received systemic treatment before sunitinib and 71 that were naive to systemic treatment. Patients were evaluated using the MSKCC and Heng models, and the significance of several prognostic factors were evaluated. RESULTS: The application of the MSKCC and Heng risk criteria resulted in stratification into 3 groups (favorable, intermediate, and poor risk) with distinctly different overall survival (OS) curves (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), for the pretreated patients (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The Heng model had slightly better discriminatory ability (χ (2) = 30.82, Harrell's C = 0.6895) than the MSKCC model (χ (2) = 25.13, Harrell's C = 0.6532). Multivariate analysis revealed that the absence of nephrectomy and no hypertension at baseline, along with elevated C-reactive protein levels, were independent risk factors for poorer OS. CONCLUSIONS: The MSKCC and Heng model were both valid models for predicting OS. The no nephrectomy, no hypertension at baseline, and high C-reactive protein levels were independently associated with poorer OS.

Overestimation of nuclear matrix protein 22 in concentrated urine.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the hypothesis that nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) is overestimated in concentrated urine, we compared the NMP22 values measured at different dietary states. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 531 healthy subjects who had had abnormal urinary NMP22 values ≥ 10 U/mL at the first test and underwent a second NMP22 test within 2 weeks. The first NMP22 test was performed after overnight fasting, and the second was performed with no dietary restrictions. We compared the NMP22 values between the 2 measurements and investigated the relationship between the NMP22 value and urine specific gravity. RESULTS: At the second test, 504 subjects (94.9%) had a normal NMP22 value of <10 U/mL and only 27 subjects (5.1%) persistently had an abnormal NMP22 value of ≥ 10 U/mL. Both NMP22 and urine specific gravity at the first test were significantly higher than at the second test (P <.0001). Subjects with an abnormal NMP22 value tended to have a more concentrated urine with a greater urine specific gravity than did the subjects with a normal NMP22 value. This difference was significant in the subgroup undergoing bowel preparation for colonoscopy (P <.001). CONCLUSION: NMP22 will be overestimated in concentrated urine after overnight fasting. When interpreting the NMP22 value, we should consider the overestimation of NMP22 in concentrated urine.

Relationship of estimated glomerular filtration rate with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia measures in middle-aged men with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/benign prostatic hyperplasia measures in middle-aged men. METHODS: A total of 1400 male police officers with moderate and severe LUTS (international prostate symptoms score [IPSS] >7) and aged 40-59 years who had participated in a health examination were included. LUTS/benign prostatic hyperplasia was measured with IPSS, transrectal ultrasonography, uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual urine volume. We estimated the GFR using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Spearman correlation tests and multiple linear regression tests were used to evaluate the relationship. RESULTS: The median age was 50.0 years, and the median GFR was 85.3 mL/min/1.73 m(2). The GFR showed a significant positive correlation with the maximal flow rate (Qmax; r = .112; P <.001). However, there was no significant correlation of GFR with IPSS (r = -.018; P = .493), total prostate volume (r = -.032; P = .237), and postvoid residual (r = -.066; P = .051). After adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), and metabolic syndrome, only Qmax showed a positive correlation with GFR (beta = .114; P = .003). CONCLUSION: Qmax demonstrated a significant correlation with GFR in middle-aged men with moderate to severe LUTS in this study. Our data suggest that improved clinical attention is required for patients with LUTS and a low Qmax.

Current status of targeted therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

The treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has recently evolved from being predominantly cytokine-based treatment to the use of targeted agents, which include sorafenib, sunitinib, bevacizumab (plus interferon alpha [IFN-α]), temsirolimus, everolimus, pazopanib, and most recently, axitinib. Improved understanding of the molecular pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of RCC has led to the development of specific targeted therapies for treating the disease. In Korea, it has been 5 years since targeted therapy became available for mRCC. Thus, we now have broader and better therapeutic options at hand, leading to a significantly improved prognosis for patients with mRCC. However, the treatment of mRCC remains a challenge and a major health problem. Many questions remain on the efficacy of combination treatments and on the best methods for achieving complete remission. Additional studies are needed to optimize the use of these agents by identifying those patients who would most benefit and by elucidating the best means of delivering these agents, either in combination or as sequential single agents. Furthermore, numerous ongoing research activities aim at improving the benefits of the new compounds in the metastatic situation or their application in the early phase of the disease. This review introduces what is currently known regarding the fundamental biology that underlies clear cell RCC, summarizes the clinical evidence supporting the benefits of targeted agents in mRCC treatment, discusses survival endpoints used in pivotal clinical trials, and outlines future research directions.

Adjuvant intravesical instillation for primary T1G3 bladder cancer: BCG versus MMC in Korea.

AIM: To compare the efficacy of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and mitomycin-C (MMC) intravesical instillation for primary T1G3 bladder cancer (BC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 107 patients with newly diagnosed primary T1G3 BC who were treated by transurethral resection (TUR) plus intravesical instillation. The BCG group was administered BCG-RIVM (2×10(8) colony forming unit) instilled once weekly for 6 weeks, or the same regimen as induction therapy followed by three once-weekly instillations at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after initiation of the induction therapy. The MMC group was administered MMC (30 mg) in six weekly instillations, or the same regimen with subsequent monthly instillations for one year. We evaluated differences between these agents in disease recurrence-free survival and disease progression rate at the time of recurrence. RESULTS: The mean observation period was 24.3±28.6 months. The BCG and MMC groups comprised 53 patients (49.5%) and 54 patients (50.5%), respectively. During the observation period, recurrences developed in 61 patients (57.0%). The median time to recurrence for the BCG and MMC arm were 24.0 and 26.0 months, respectively. There were no significant differences for recurrence-free survival between the two groups (log-rank p=0.616). At the time of recurrence, 9.4% (5 out of 53) of patients in the BCG arm and 7.4% (4 out of 54) patients in the MMC arm also experienced by disease progression (p=1.000). CONCLUSION: There were no statistically significant differences regarding recurrence and disease progression rate at the time of recurrence between the two adjuvant treatments in primary T1G3 BC. Thus, large prospective studies in Asian population are required.

Correcting upper eyelid retraction by means of pretarsal levator lengthening for complications following ptosis surgery.

BACKGROUND: Eyelid retraction is a condition in which the upper eyelid ascends past its ideal position, 1 to 2 mm below the upper limbus of the cornea. This condition can be a result of overcorrecting ptosis, hyperthyroidism, and other causes. The authors present studies conducted on eyelid retraction caused by ptosis overcorrection. An innovative approach for levator lengthening using the pretarsal tissue as a spacer flap is introduced as a method to correct the retraction. METHODS: A series of 60 patients over a 6-year period underwent 71 eyelid procedures to correct upper lid retraction following upper blepharoplasty and ptosis repair. All eyelid retractions ranged from 1 to 3 mm above its ideal position. All eyelids were corrected with the authors' technique of lengthening the levator with pretarsal tissue. Twelve cases that required further lengthening were completed by creating a superiorly based rotation flap. RESULTS: Of the 71 cases, 61 (86 percent) observed favorable results, six (8 percent) attained mild ptosis after surgery, and four (6 percent) regained upper eyelid retraction. All of the unsuccessful cases were corrected through early revision surgery, more advancement for the ptosis, and further recess or rotation flap for the retraction. No other complications were observed, except formation of supratarsal fold asymmetry, which was corrected through minor revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: It is very difficult to correct eyelid retraction caused by tissue fibrosis and muscle degeneration. Correction of the retraction by levator lengthening using the pretarsal tissue is simpler to execute, measurable during surgery, and easy to adjust, and offers high predictability in its result. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Role of pelvic lymph node dissection in prostate cancer treatment.

Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is the most accurate and reliable staging procedure for detecting lymph node invasion (LNI) in prostate cancer. Recently, [(11)C]-choline positron emission tomography imaging and magnetic resonance imaging with lymphotropic superpara-magnetic nanoparticles have shown potential for detecting LNI but are still under investigation. The risk of LNI in low-risk groups could be underestimated by use of the current nomograms, which rely on data collected from patients who underwent only limited PLND. Extended PLND (ePLND) shows higher lymph node yield, which leads to the removal of more positive nodes and fewer missed positive nodes. It may be possible to refrain from performing PLND on low-risk patients with a prostate-specific antigen value <10 ng/ml and a biopsy Gleason score ≤6, but the risk of biopsy-related understaging should be kept in mind. Theoretically, meticulous ePLND may also impact prostate cancer survival by clearing low-volume diseases and occult micrometastasis even in pN0. The therapeutic role of PLND in prostate cancer patients is still an open question, especially in individuals with low-risk disease. Patients with intermediate- to high-risk disease are more likely to benefit from ePLND.

Prostate volume has prognostic value only in pathologic T2 radical prostatectomy specimens.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic roles of the prostate volume, tumor volume, and tumor percentage as a function of the pathologic T stage in radical prostatectomy specimens. This study included 259 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2005 and 2010. The mean follow-up period was 41.2 months. In all of the specimens, prostate volume (P = 0.021), the Gleason score (P = 0.035), and seminal vesicle invasion (P = 0.012) were independent predictors of biochemical recurrence (BCR). In the T2 group, multivariate analysis showed that the BCR was significantly associated with prostate specific antigen (PSA) (P = 0.028), a lower prostate volume (P = 0.004), and the Gleason score (P = 0.040). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that a smaller prostate volume was significantly associated with a greater risk of BCR (< 30 vs ≥ 30 mL; P = 0.010). In the T3 group, patients with seminal vesicle invasion had a significantly shorter mean BCR-free survival (P = 0.030). In this study, tumor volume and tumor percentage did not predict BCR. Notably, a lower prostate volume is an independent predictor for BCR only in the organ-confined radical prostatectomy specimens. But, prostate volume could not predict BCR in most locally advanced tumors.