Success rate and patients' satisfaction following intradetrusor dysport injection in patients with detrusor overactivity: a comparative study of idiopathic and neurogenic types of detrusor overactivity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intradetrusor Dysport (a type of botulinum toxin type A) injection in patients with idiopathic or neurogenic detrusor overactivity, who were refractory to antimuscarinic drugs, and to compare the efficacy of Dysport injection in both groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and 18 patients with idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO) participated in this study. All the patients received intravesical injection of 500 units of Dysport. They were followed up for 3 months after injection with maximum cystometric capacity, maximum detrusor filling pressure, and number of catheterization or pad usage. RESULTS: After 3 months, the mean maximum cystometric capacity increased from 109.36 ± 24.11 mL to 266.81 ± 97.18 mL (P = .000) in the NDO group and from 192.24 ± 36.21 mL to 272.61 ± 63.37 mL (P = .000) in the IDO group. The mean maximum detrusor filling pressure decreased from 48.14 ± 26.51 cmH2O to 28.91 ± 9.01 cmH2O (P = .005) in the NDO group and from 39.22 ± 9.92 cmH2O to 29.64 ± 10.14 cmH2O (P = .003) in the IDO group. CONCLUSION: Intradetrusor Dysport injection improved urodynamic parameters and quality of life (QoL) in both groups significantly. We did not find significant difference in QoL or urodynamic parameters between both groups.

Clitoromegaly caused by cavernous hemangioma: A rare case report and review of the literature.

Hemangioma is a common benign neoplasm, but a location such as the clitoris is very rare. However, it is very important to differentiate clitoral hemangioma from enlargement of the clitoris secondary to androgen excess. To the best of our knowledge, only three cases of clitoromegaly caused by cavernous hemangioma have been reported in the English literature. Herein, we report our experience with a 16-year-old girl who presented with clitoromegaly and normal hormonal assay that turned out to be clitoral cavernous hemangioma after pathologic examination of the clitoral mass.

Intrascrotal solitary neurofibroma: A case report and review of the literature.

Solitary Neurofibroma of the scrotum is an extremely rare benign tumor, particularly when it is not associated with neurofibromatosis type I. To the best of our knowledge, less than 10 cases have been reported in the English literature. Herein, we report a 52-year-old man with the diagnosis of scrotal solitary neurofibroma.

Detection of recurrent bladder cancer: NMP22 test or urine cytology?

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of voided urine cytology versus urinary nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) qualitative assay in the diagnosis of various grades and stages of recurrent bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2007 to February 2009, all patients with history of superficial bladder TCC were included in this multi-center study. Each patient provided three serial voided urine samples for cytologic examination and one sample for the NMP22 qualitative assay prior to urethrocystoscopy. The sensitivity and specificity of urine cytology and the NMP22 test were determined. RESULTS: The sensitivities of the NMP22 test and cytology for detection of recurrence were 78.8% and 44.2%, respectively (P = .001), while the specificities were 69.6% and 83.7%, respectively (P = .019). The NMP22 test showed significantly higher sensitivity than cytology in detecting recurrences in low-risk and intermediate-risk groups. CONCLUSION: The NMP22 assay could be used for detection of superficial bladder cancer, especially in low- and intermediate-risk groups; however, the value of the test is limited by its low specificity.

Renal parenchymal damage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy with one-stage tract dilation technique: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of one-stage vs gradual dilation techniques during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) on postoperative renal scar formation and overall renal function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 152 adult patients who underwent surgery during the study period, 48 were randomized into two groups. In group 1 (n=19), gradual tract dilation with Alken metallic dilators was used, and in group 2 (n=29), one-stage tract dilation was used. We compared patient demographics, intraoperative and preoperative parameters, postoperative overall renal function, and renal scar formation on the target renal pole. RESULTS: Access time (P=0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.19-6.30) and radiation exposure during access (P=0.03; 95% CI: 0.03-0.66) were significantly shorter in group 2. In group 1, the decrease in mean technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (99m-Tc DMSA) uptake from 44.1±20.1% to 43.4±19.6% 4 weeks postoperatively (-0.7%±0.5%; P=0.27; 95% CI: -0.56-1.93) was not significant. In group 2, however, there was a significant decrease in post-PCNL 99m-Tc DMSA uptake 2 (-2.4±0.3%, from 50.1±13.5% to 47.7±13.8%; P=0.001; 95% CI: 1.13-3.66). Four weeks after surgery, new scar formation or progression of the preoperative scar at the site of access were seen in 14 of 29 (48.3%) patients who were treated with one-stage dilation whereas only 2 of 19 (11.0%) patients who were treated with gradual dilation developed new scarring at the access site (P=0.007). CONCLUSION: Although the one-stage tract dilation technique reduced radiation exposure and access time, in the short term, it may cause more parenchymal damage than the gradual dilation technique.

In situ reversed ileocystoplasty for less invasive augmentation cystoplasty: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the application of a reversed intact ileal patch for augmentation cystoplasty in terms of improvements in bladder urodynamics and to eliminate the need for bowel anastomosis in an experimental model. METHODS: 12 cross-bred adult dogs were used for reversed seromuscular ileocystoplasty with intact bowel segment. The procedure was comprised of selecting a 7- to 10-cm ileal loop from about 20 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. The seromuscular layer of the ileal loop from its antimesenteric aspect was sutured to the bladder mucosa of the previously bivalved bladder with running stitches. RESULTS: 10 animals survived and completed their 4-week follow-up period. Postoperative urodynamic study revealed a 26% increase of mean maximal cystometric capacity [from 226 to 285 ml (p = 0.002)] and a significant increase in mean bladder compliance [from 11.8 to 17.8 ml/cm H(2)O (p = 0.002)]. Mean maximal detrusor filling pressure decreased significantly from 20 to 16.1 cm H(2)O (p = 0.011). Histopathologic examination of the augmented bladder showed complete epithelialization of the serosal surface of ileum with layers of transitional urothelium. CONCLUSIONS: The early results of this less invasive technique were promising in terms of improvements in bladder urodynamic variables and growth of transitional urothelium. Longer follow-up is necessary to show the durability of these effects.

Preventive role of exogenous testosterone on cisplatin-induced gonadal toxicity: an experimental placebo-controlled prospective trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the preventive role of exogenous T on spermatogenesis after cisplatin chemotherapy. DESIGN: Placebo-controlled study. SETTING: The animal laboratory of a medical university. ANIMAL(S): Eighty-eight male BALB/c mice were divided into three groups; each group was subdivided into four groups. INTERVENTION(S): Subgroups a received two or three cycles of cisplatin (2.5 mg/kg for 5 days + 16 days of recovery), subgroups b received the same chemotherapy regimen with adjuvant high-dose T enanthate (5 mg/100 g body weight) starting 1 week before chemotherapy and repeated every 21 days during chemotherapy, subgroups c received only high-dose T enanthate at the same dosage and intervals; subgroups d received a placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Testis spermatogenesis function was evaluated after 35 days (short term, group I) or 105 days (long term, groups II and III) of recovery, after the final dose of cisplatin, by histopathology and sperm count. RESULT(S): Testis tissue destruction and a significant dose-dependent decrease in spermatogenesis were identified in subgroups a. Both recovered partially during long-term recovery. Exogenous high-dose T caused damage to spermatogenesis, which was reversible (subgroups c). Adjuvant treatment with T had no additive long-term effect in animals treated with low-dose cisplatin (two cycles). However, a significant long-term preventive effect of T was seen in animals receiving high-dose cisplatin (three cycles). CONCLUSION(S): Hormonal intervention with exogenous T during chemotherapy had promising effects on spermatogenesis in mice receiving high-dose chemotherapy (regimens frequently used clinically). It had no additive long-term effects in animals receiving low-dose regimens.

Hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for nephrectomy with standard laparoscopic instruments: experience in a canine model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) nephrectomy with standard laparoscopic instruments through a modified vaginal trocar in a canine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten cross-bred adult female dogs were used for right (n = 4) and left (n = 6) transvaginal nephrectomy. After transumbilical peritoneoscopy, a laparoscopic transvaginal trocar was introduced through the posterior vaginal fornix under direct vision. Using a 10-mm working laparoscope lens with a 3-mm working channel as endovision via the umbilical port and the transvaginal port, triangulation and dissection of the kidney and its hilum were performed. The renal artery and vein were closed with Hem-o-lok clips transvaginally. At the end of the procedure, after snaring the kidney in an endobag, the specimen was retrieved through a colpotomy incision by extending the vaginal port site. RESULTS: All procedures were completed without need for conversion. The mean operative time was 101 minutes (75-135 minutes). The mean preoperative/postoperative hemoglobin was 12.01/11.7 g/dL and intraoperative blood loss was minimal. The mean size of the removed kidneys was 9.1 x 5.1 cm and the mean weight was 98.5 g (90-115 g). Exploration of the abdomen and vagina after 1 month showed complete healing of the colpotomy incision with no visceral injury. There were no significant adhesions or fibrotic changes in the renal fossa. CONCLUSION: Hybrid NOTES nephrectomy is technically feasible in canine model with a standard laparoscopic setup and instruments. This study may remove barriers for further investigational work with NOTES technique, especially with a view to adapting it for use in low-resource centers, while offering a strategy to help surgeons train with this novel technology.

Application of appendicular-based cecal flap for less invasive augmentation cystoplasty: a novel technique.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of a new modified technique for augmentation cystoplasty on selected cases, both in terms of improvements in bladder urodynamics and creating an ideal conduit for clean intermittent catheterization. METHODS: Ten patients suffering from intractable low-compliance bladder and reasonable capacity underwent appendicular-based cecal flap augmentation cystoplasty. The procedure comprised the isolation of a 10 to 12 x 3 to 5-cm cecal flap on the base of the appendicular pedicle, by which the bladder was augmented and the appendix was brought out through the abdominal wall for catheterization. Without any bowel anastomosis, the cecal anterior wall was repaired. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 23.8 months, 9 of 10 patients became continent. Postoperative urodynamic study revealed a 53.8% increase in mean maximal cystometric capacity (from 171.4 to 263.7 ml; p = 0.012) and a 7.7-fold increase in mean bladder compliance (from 3.39 to 26.66 ml/cm H(2)O; p = 0.012). Mean maximal detrusor filling pressure decreased by 79% (from 62.2 to 13 cm H(2)O; p = 0.012). Renal function remained stable in all patients. Appendicular stoma was easy to catheterize, and no stomal stenosis occurred during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Early results of this less invasive technique could be promising in patients with high filling pressure and acceptable maximum bladder capacity.

Evaluation of plasma interleukin-8 concentration in patients with prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) has been used as a screening test for the early detection of prostate cancer (PC) for many years. Although the introduction of PSA test led to a considerable increase in reported prostate cancer cases, there is still some controversy over the sensitivity and specificity of this marker in distinguishing PC patients from those with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), the most common benign prostate condition. OBJECTIVE: An attempt is made to elucidate if the plasma level of Interleukin 8 (IL-8) could be used effectively as a marker for the detection of prostate cancer. METHODS: Plasma levels of IL-8 and PSA were measured in two groups of 40 BPH and PC patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques, respectively. In addition IL-8 levels in PC3 and DU145 cell line supernatants were measured by ELISA technique. RESULTS: The concentration of IL-8 in the plasma of PC patients was not significantly higher than the BPH subjects. Although, a correlation between plasma IL-8 concentration and the Gleason score of PC patients was found, no indicated correlation was detected between the concentration of IL-8 or PSA and age of the patients in both groups. DU145 and PC3 cell lines produced and secreted IL-8 in the media. CONCLUSION: Data of this investigation collectively conclude no correlation between IL-8 concentration in PC and BPH patients.

Application of amniotic membrane as xenograft for urethroplasty in rabbit.

OBJECTIVES: Uroepithelium repair has always been the subject of discussion in urology surgeries. Using human amniotic membrane allograft has already proved to be useful in other fields. In this study, we use amniotic membrane to repair uroepithelium injuries in rabbits. METHODS: Twenty healthy rabbits underwent surgery to induce a 10-mm incision, 10 mm from the meatus on ventral part of the urethra. Then a 5 x 10 mm patch of amniotic membrane was sutured to the incised urethra. All of the rabbits were catheterized for a week and then the patches were removed. The rabbits were studied for a month for any signs of infection and fistula formation. RESULTS: All samples revealed complete re-epithelialization of reconstructed urethra by transitional epithelium. There was one case of infection and following fistula (5%). There were two cases of urethral strictures (10%). CONCLUSION: The result from this study suggests that amniotic membrane is an inexpensive, easy, and biodegradable graft with very little antigen effect which seems to be the ideal solution for urethroplasty.

Can thymic tissue induce tolerance to kidney allografts?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of donor thymic tissue to induce tolerance in thymokidney allografts, transplanted to thymectomized cross-bred canines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven pairs of transplant donors and recipients were selected from 3- to 4-month-old cross-bred canines with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) mismatches. Recipients underwent partial thymectomy 4 weeks before transplantation and received an autologous thymic graft under the renal capsule, which had been engrafted in the donors 3 months before transplantation (thymokidney). Successful engraftment with evidence of thymocyte development in the donors was determined by gross and histologic examination at the time of transplantation. Biopsy specimens were obtained at the transplant day and 3 months after transplantation and were studied histologically for evidence of hyperacute or acute rejection. RESULTS: At 90 days after the operation, all 7 juvenile thymic grafts had developed with normal thymic structure under the renal capsule. Hyperacute rejection was not observed in allografts, and all of them were functioning until the end of follow-up; however, all of the allografts showed acute cell-mediated rejection 3 months after transplantation. CONCLUSION: No tolerance was induced by vascularized donor thymokidneys in MHC-mismatched canines. The advantages of tolerance over chronic immunosuppression are so great that a potentially tolerogenic approach such as thymic transplantation would seem worthy of further investigations on large animal models. To evaluate the beneficial effects of thymic tissue in tolerance induction, utilizing a short course, low-dose adjuvant immunosuppressant to this regimen and/or application of in-bred MHC-matched canines is suggested.