Surgical Anatomy of Vertebral Artery in Relation to Atlantoaxial Instrumentation: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: With the advent of pedicle screws and advanced instrumentation techniques, internal fixation and stabilization of upper cervical vertebrae are possible in fractures of an axis. However, the proximity of vertebral arteries (VAs) poses a unique challenge to surgeons during these procedures and can result in profound physical impairment to patients. Cadaveric studies contributing to fine anatomical details necessitate conducting such studies. METHODS: After receiving due ethical permission, this descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 10 cadavers in the department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Rishikesh. Twenty VAs were dissected along their course, and measurements of parameters related to the axis and atlas vertebra were noted. RESULTS: The length of the pre-osseous segment related to the axis (VAX-1) on the right and left sides were from 3.8 to 14.5 mm (7.48±3.88 mm) and 4.46 to 10.5mm (6.94±2.01mm) respectively. The length of the osseous segment related to the axis (VAX-2) on the right side and left sides were from 6.82 to 31 mm (17.9±7.84mm) and 7.35 to 20 mm (15.6±4.53). The osseous segment of the VA related to the axis (VAX-2) shows genu (bend), which extends to a variable distance towards the midline. The mean distance of VA genu from the midline of the axis vertebral body on the right and left sides was 15.6mm and 17.5 mm, respectively. The percentage of superior articular facet (SAF) surface area of the axis occupied by the VA was 25-50% in nine and 50-75% in 11 cadavers, reflecting incomplete occupancy. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that for instrumentation of the axis vertebra in the midline, the minimum distance between the genu of both sides of VA segments, related to an osseous segment of the axis (VAX-2) and medial extent of the VA groove of the atlas, should be considered as a safe zone to minimize inadvertent VA injury. During atlantoaxial fixation through a posterior approach in interarticular, pars, and pedicle screws, the surgical anatomy of the VA in relation to the osseous segment of the VA within the transverse process of the axis should be kept in mind to avoid inadvertent VA injury.

Preputial/penile skin flap, as a dorsal onlay or tubularized flap: a versatile substitute for complex anterior urethral stricture.

UNLABELLED: Study Type--Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4. What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? For long complex anterior urethral stricture augmentation urethroplasty is considered the standard procedure but the best substitute material is still to be ascertained. Preputial/penile skin is a very good substitute especially when used as a dorsal onlay. It demonstrates exceptional functional and cosmetic results even in patients with unsuitable oral mucosa. OBJECTIVE: • To present our experience of single-stage reconstruction of urethral stricture with preputial/penile skin flap, as a dorsal onlay flap (DOF) where there is an adequate urethral plate and as a tubularized flap (TF) where there is a compromised urethral plate, in cases of complex anterior urethral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: • We retrospectively reviewed 144 patients, who underwent single-stage repair of pendular /bulbar urethral strictures with preputial/penile flap as either a DOF or a TF, between January 2001 and December 2008. • Patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 consisted of patients who underwent transverse preputial DOF; Group 2 consisted of those who underwent tube urethroplasty; and Group 3 consisted of those patients who were circumcised and for whom the penile skin was used as a DOF (circumpenile flap). • Patients were followed up by physical examination, retrograde urethrography, uroflowmetry and post-void residual urine measurement. RESULTS: • The mean follow-up was 40.1 months (range 36-84 months). • The primary success rates at 1 year follow-up were 90, 85 and 93.3% for Groups1, 2 and 3, respectively, and at 3-years follow-up they were 85, 75 and 86.7%, respectively. • Half of the recurrences were successfully managed with a single visual internal urethrotomy or dilatation. • The secondary success rate was defined as recurrent stricture managed by a single endoscopic procedure and was 5, 10 and 6.8% in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The overall success rate was 90.85 and 93.3%, respectively. • A total of 75% of the patients in the study completed 60 months of follow-up with no additional recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: • A preputial/penile flap for complex anterior urethral stricture is a good treatment option, with results similar to other techniques, has acceptable donor site morbidity and is effective even in circumcised patients and for those patients with unsuitable oral mucosa. • A DOF is less likely to lead to diverticula formation and post-void dribbling. TFs have a higher failure rate than DOFs but, when combined judiciously with secondary endoscopic procedures, can provide good results.

The application of pelvic osteotomy in adult female patients with exstrophy: applications and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: • To apply the technique of pelvic osteotomy to a select group of adult female patients with exstrophy, in view of the low complication rate and acceptable success rate of the technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • We applied this technique as an adjunct to uterovaginal suspension and abdominal wall repair after our prior success in treating patients with extreme pelvic diastasis. • Bilateral innominate (transverse) and vertical iliac osteotomies were done from an anterior approach and an external fixator was placed. The fixator and pelvic bones were gradually cranked together over a period of 2-3 weeks until the diastasis was less than 4 cm. • Then sacrocolpopexy was performed with revision of the abdominal wall and revision genitoplasty along with the placement of an intrasymphyseal titanium plate. RESULTS: • Six patients presented with uterine/vaginal prolapse and concerns about the appearance of their abdominal wall and genitalia. Three patients had undergone uterine suspension before and one patient had had five prior attempts at suspension, which failed. The mean (range) age was 22.3 (18-26) years. • All the patients underwent staged reduction of pubic diastasis and sacrocolpopexy along with revision of the abdominal wall and in four cases revision genitoplasty was also performed. The mean (range) diastasis was 12.8 (8-18) cm and 2.8 (3-4) cm before and after staged reduction respectively. • Complications included transient femoral nerve palsy (two) and foot drop secondary to sciatic nerve stretch (one), which resolved with time. The symphyseal plate needed to be removed in three patients: secondary to persistent pain at the site (one), persistent discharge from the lower abdominal wound (one) and erosion into the anterior wall of the vagina (one). • At a mean (range) follow-up of 60.7 (2-137) months the cosmetic and functional outcome of the abdominal wall reconstruction and genitoplasty was good with all the patients being satisfied. Five patients are currently sexually active and none has had a recurrence of their prolapse. None has become pregnant yet. CONCLUSIONS: • Although the morbidity of this procedure in the adult is not insignificant, it is a valuable adjunct to pelvic floor reconstruction in young women of childbearing age even in those who have had prior suspension procedures. • In addition, it allows the movement of lateral previously unoperated skin into the midline, allowing scar and skin replacement with healthier more vascularized tissue.

Urethral Duplication With Heterotopic Colonic Epithelium Presenting as Penoscrotal Mass: A Rare Association.

We present a rare case of a 7-year-old male with a perineal mass with urethral duplication. Perineal mass histopathology showed colonic mucosa. The association of heterotopic colonic mucosa with urethral duplication, hypospadias, bifid scrotum, and normal anus has not been described previously in the literature.

Efficacy and Safety of Supracostal Access for Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of supracostal percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) through the 11th intercostal space and compare it with subcostal PCNL in children with renal calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with renal calculi who underwent PCNL between January 2010 and December 2017 were divided into 2 groups: supracostal PCNL (group 1) and subcostal PCNL (group 2). Stone location, stone burden, location of the access points, operative time, postoperative visual pain score, success rate, hospital stay, and complications according to the modified Clavien classification were compared. Comparison of medians was done using Mann Whitney U test and the means were compared using t test. RESULTS: Group 1 had 50 patients while group 2 had 60 patients. The stone-free rate was 84.0% and 85.0% in groups 1 and 2, respectively after 1 session of PCNL (P = .885). After auxiliary procedures, it increased to 96.0% and 96.6%, respectively (P = .852). The mean fall in hematocrit was 0.9% in group 1 and 1.5% in group 2 (P = .11) whereas the median pain score was 4 in group 1 and 3 in group 2 (P = .37). In all, 54 complications were recorded the commonest among which were grade I (81.5%). Twenty-nine complications were observed in group 1 while 25 complications were observed in group 2 (P = .088). One patient developed nephropleural fistula while another patient developed hydropneumothorax. Both belonged to group 1. CONCLUSION: Supracostal access for PCNL is an effective and safe alternative to subcostal access for children with renal calculi in terms of stone-free rate and complications.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty: a versatile alternative to open pyeloplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To report the safety, efficacy and versatility of laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LPP) in treatment of pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2002 to November 2006, 185 patients (186 units; 182 with primary and 4 with secondary PUJO) underwent LPP (transperitoneal approach in 184; retroperitoneal approach in 2). A double J stent was placed antegradely in 121 (68.4%) units, cystoscopically in 50 units (28.2%), and 6 units (3.4%) were stentless. Patients were followed up clinically, with additional diuretic renogram. RESULTS: Surgery was completed laparoscopically in 177 units, and conversion was required in 9 (4.8%) units. Pyeloplasty was dismembered in 143 units, Foley YV plasty in 26 units, and Fenger pyeloplasty in 8 units. The median estimated blood loss, operative time and hospital stay were 50 ml, 180 min and 4 days, respectively. Overall, 18 (9.6%) patients had complications. Improvements in drainage patterns of 167 out of 177 units (94.3%) were shown on a renal scan at a median follow-up of 39 months (range: 3-63 months). CONCLUSION: LPP is a safe, effective and versatile method for treatment of PUJO, which is applicable to all age groups, even in the presence of secondary stones, crossing vessels and secondary PUJO.

Role of early povidone iodine instillation in post-renal transplant lymphorrhea: A prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the role of early povidone iodine instillation in the management of post-renal transplant lymphorrhea. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Live-related renal transplant recipients operated between January 2002 and December 2015 were included in the study. Significant lymphorrhea was defined as >50 mL lymph from drain beyond postoperative day 5. Such patients were randomized into two groups by simple randomization using a computer-generated random list: group A (received 0.5% povidone iodine instillation) and group B (no instillation). Absolute risk reduction and numbers needed to treat were calculated to estimate the effect of povidone iodine instillation for the treatment of lymphorrhea and decrease in the incidence of lymphocoele. RESULTS: A total of 1766 patients underwent renal transplant during this period. One hundred seventeen patients with lymphorrhea through the drain underwent randomization into group A (n=61) and group B (n=56). In group A, 58 patients had successful resolution within 2 weeks, whereas in group B, 34 patients had successful resolution within 2 weeks. Overall, 9 (14.75%) patients in group A and 29 (51.78%) patients in group B had lymphatic collections (both symptomatic and asymptomatic). Symptomatic lymphocoele was present in 1 patient in group A and 7 patients in group B on follow-up. Absolute risk reduction was 10.8%, and for every symptomatic lymphocoele prevented, 10 patients needed povidone iodine instillation. CONCLUSION: Povidone iodine instillation after 5 days of transplantation aids in the early resolution of post-renal transplantation lymphorrhea, as well as reduces the incidence of future lymphocoele.

Failure of Angiographic Management in Cases of Postrenal Intervention Bleed: Risk Factors and Management Approach.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors predicting the risk for failed angiographic management (AM), we retrospectively studied cases of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and superselective angiography (SSA) to control severe/delayed bleeding following renal interventions, which may otherwise be life threatening and often require nephrectomy. METHODS: We have retrospectively evaluated the data of 154 patients who underwent DSA and or SSA during January 2006 to June 2016. Twenty-one patients (Group A) with failed AM were compared to patients with success AM (n = 133, Group B). RESULTS: Out of 21 patients in whom AM failed, 20 should be managed with subsequent sessions of DSA/SSA and only 1 had to undergo nephrectomy. On univariate analysis, low hemoglobin (P = .025), multiple tracts (n > 1) during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (P = .01), multiple bleeding site (>1 = 0.01 and >2 = 0.001) and patients, who needed inotropes (P = .008) were found to predict risk for failure. On multivariate analysis, multiple bleeding site >2 (P = .003, odds ratio 5.23, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-22.5) and patients on inotropes (P = .02, odds ratio 2.56, 95% confidence interval = 2.15-4.75) were found to independently predict the failure. CONCLUSION: Patients with multiple bleeding lesions and who are on inotropic (leading to intrarenal vasoconstriction) are at high risk for failure of AM. Most of them can be successfully managed by subsequent session AM.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: long-term outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To asses the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in pediatric patients. METHODS: Data of pediatric patients under the age of 14 years, who had undergone laparoscopic pyeloplasty from January 2000 to December 2005, were prospectively analyzed. The various parameters recorded were: operative time, blood loss, need for analgesics, intra/postoperative complications, hospital stay and postoperative outcome. Success was defined as either symptomatic improvement and/or better drainage on postoperative isotope renography RESULTS: There were 53 patients with a mean age of 9.12 years (1-14 years) and a male to female ratio of 4.3:1. Dismembered pyeloplasty was done in 41 patients and Foley Y-V plasty in 12 patients via a transperitoneal approach using 3 ports in 50 children or 4 ports in 3 children. Mean operative time was 181 min (78-369); mean blood loss was 118.01 mL (50-250) with a mean hospital stay of 5.05 days (2-11). Conversion to open surgery was required in 4 (7.54%) patients. Follow-up renograms were available in 49 patients, which showed improvement in drainage in 44 patients and an obstructed pattern in five; of these, two patients had significant deterioration in split function. Two patients among the obstructed group underwent redo pyeloplasty by open technique while the other three elected for a conservative approach. Thus at a mean follow up of 24.58 months (4-45) the overall success rate was 89.75%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a safe and effective, minimally invasive procedure in pediatric patients with a good intermediate term success rate and minimal morbidity.

Bilateral Transvesicoscopic Cross-trigonal Ureteric Reimplantation in Children: Surgical Subtleties and a Prospective Summary.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the surgical technique and results of bilateral transvesicoscopic cross-trigonal ureteric reimplantation (TVUR) in children with vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) and compare the results and surgical subtleties with the existing literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2015, children between 2 and 14 years of age with bilateral primary VUR grades II-IV underwent bilateral TVUR at a tertiary referral center in Northern India. The grade of VUR was II in 12 patients, III in 19 patients, and IV in 3 patients. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Success was defined as the absence of VUR on direct radionuclide cystogram at 8 weeks. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (34 refluxing ureters) underwent bilateral TVUR during the study period. They included 13 girls and 4 boys. The median age was 4.6 years (range: 2-14 years). Two patients required conversion to open surgery. Resolution of VUR was seen in 16 patients (32 out of 34 ureters). Hydronephrosis resolved on postoperative ultrasonography in all patients with low-grade reflux (lower than grade IV) and all except one patient with grade IV reflux. CONCLUSION: TVUR is a feasible method with success rate equal to that of open technique if patient selection is good. Success rate is low in high-grade reflux, and dilated and tortuous ureter. Subtle modifications in the surgical steps can make significant contribution toward learning this minimally invasive technique.

Post-traumatic urethral strictures in children: what have we learned over the years?

BACKGROUND: Urethral stricture presents an uncommon but difficult urological problem in the pediatric population. Treatment protocols are different from in adults due to anatomical considerations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A thorough manual and Medline search was conducted to review the existing literature on post-traumatic pediatric urethral strictures, with key words: stricture, children, post-traumatic, urethroplasty, pediatric. RESULTS: Opinion early on was that, due to the confined perineum, high incidence of supramembranous injury resulting in less predictable distraction defects of the posterior urethra and a high incidence of prostatic displacement, transperineal urethroplasty is technically more difficult than in adults and thus the transpubic approach is more feasible. Recent reports revealed that both approaches resulted in almost the same clinical outcomes for children with post-traumatic posterior urethral strictures. CONCLUSION: The ideal reconstruction for the treatment of post-traumatic posterior urethral strictures in children is bulboprostatic anastomosis. This procedure should be initially attempted through the perineum in every case. A transpubic procedure should be done only when tension-free anastomosis cannot be accomplished through the perineum.

Aggressive approach to staghorn calculi-safety and efficacy of multiple tracts percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an aggressive approach to staghorn calculi using multiple-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data from 149 patients with staghorn calculi, who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy using multiple (two or more) access tracts, at our institute from 1999 to 2006. The data were analyzed with regard to stone burden, stone clearance, perioperative morbidity, complications, and the number of ancillary procedures. RESULTS: A total of 164 renal units in 149 patients (118 men and 31 women, mean age 39.8 years, range 12 to 65 years) were treated. Of the 164 renal units, 43 (26.2%) had a complete staghorn, 85 (51.8%) had a partial staghorn and 36 (21.9%) had a borderline stone bulk. A total of 420 tracts were established in the 164 renal units. The maximal number of tracts used in a single renal unit was six (range two to six), most required three tracts. Supracostal access was established in 98 renal units (59.7%). The complications included blood transfusion in 46 patients, pseudoaneurysm in 4, sepsis in 8, hydrothorax in 7, hemothorax in 1, and perinephric collection in 1 patient. A complete stone clearance rate of 70.7% was achieved after a single session of percutaneous nephrolithotomy that increased to 89% after a second-look procedure (n = 30) and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (n = 16). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have shown that an aggressive approach to staghorn calculi using multiple-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy is safe and effective in achieving a greater stone clearance rate with acceptable morbidity. A supracostal approach can be used more often without increasing the risk of significant complications.

Posttraumatic posterior urethral strictures in children--management and intermediate-term follow-up in tertiary care center.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the management and intermediate-term follow-up of posttraumatic posterior urethral strictures in children. METHODS: From March 2000 to November 2006, the surgical records of 28 children (< or = 18 years) who had been admitted for treatment of posttraumatic posterior urethral strictures were retrospectively reviewed. The patients had been followed up for a median of 36 months (range 3-58). The cause of trauma, extent of urinary tract injury, radiologic examination findings, previous treatment, and its effect on the final outcome, treatment complications,, and failures were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 12.1 years (range 5-18) at the injury. The estimated radiographic mean stricture length before surgery was 3.41 cm (range 2-6). Of the 28 patients, 27 were treated with transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty, with a success rate of 75%. All treatment failures were at the anastomotic site and occurred within the first year of anastomotic urethroplasty. The failed repairs (7 cases) were successfully managed endoscopically in 4 patients and by redo urethroplasty in 3, for a final success rate of 100%. Of the 28 patients, 15 (80%) with urethral manipulation before anastomotic urethroplasty had a satisfactory result compared with 69.3% of patients without previous surgical treatment. The difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Most posttraumatic posterior urethral strictures in children can be managed through the perineal route. The transpubic approach should be reserved for more complex posterior strictures. Previous urethral manipulations did not affect the intermediate-term results of anastomotic urethroplasty.

Role of computed tomography with no contrast medium enhancement in predicting the outcome of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for urinary calculi.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of urinary calculi attenuation values from non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) in predicting the outcome of treatment by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 112 patients with solitary renal and upper ureteric calculi of 0.5-2 cm undergoing ESWL. All patients had NCCT at 120 kV and 240 mA on a spiral CT scanner. During each ESWL session 3000 shock waves were given to a maximum of 3.0 kV. A final X-ray of the kidney, ureters and bladder was taken 12 weeks after the last ESWL session. Fragments of < or = 5 mm were regarded as clinically insignificant residual fragments (CIRF). The calculi retrieved were analysed by X-ray diffraction and the results assessed by comparing the mean density (as measured in Hounsfield units, HU) with the number of ESWL sessions and clearance. RESULTS: In all, 82 (76%) patients had complete clearance of stones and 26 (24%) had CIRF. There was a linear relationship between the calculus density and number of ESWL sessions required. Of patients with calculi of < or = 750 HU, 41 (80%) needed three or fewer ESWL sessions and 45 (88%) had complete clearance. Of patients with calculi of > 750 HU, 41 (72%) required three or more ESWL sessions, and 37 (65%) had complete clearance. The best outcome was in patients with calculus diameters of < 1.1 cm and mean densities of < or = 750 HU; 34 (83%) needed three or fewer ESWL sessions, and the clearance rate was 90%. The worst outcome was in patients with calculus densities of > 750 HU and diameters of > 1.1 cm; 23 (77%) needed three or more ESWL sessions and the clearance rate was only 60%. The calculus density was a stronger predictor of outcome than size alone. CONCLUSIONS: The use of NCCT for determining the attenuation values of urinary calculi before ESWL might help to predict the treatment outcome, and so might help in planning alternative treatment in patients with a likelihood of a poor outcome from ESWL.

Spectrum of stone composition: structural analysis of 1050 upper urinary tract calculi from northern India.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present paper was to study the spectrum of stone composition of upper urinary tract calculi by X-ray diffraction crystallography technique, in patients managed at All India Institute of Medical Sciences. METHODS: Between 30 April 1998 and 31 March 2003, a total of 1050 urinary calculi (900 renal, 150 ureteric) were analyzed. The stone fragments were collected after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, or retrieval by endoscopic (percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureterorenoscopy), laparoscopic and various open surgical procedures. The structural analysis of the stones was done using X-ray diffraction crystallography. RESULTS: Four types of primary and three secondary X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained. The primary patterns were as follows. Pattern A, well organized crystalline structure; pattern B, moderately organized crystalline structure; pattern C, poorly organized crystalline structure; pattern D, very poorly organized crystalline structure. The three secondary patterns mainly highlighted the mixed variety of stones. These patterns were further analyzed and compared with standard X-ray diffraction (powder) photographs. Of the 1050 stones analyzed, 977 (93.04%) were calcium oxalate stones, out of which 80% were calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and 20% were calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD). Fifteen were struvite (1.42%) and 19 were apatite (1.80%). Ten were uric acid stones (0.95%) and the remaining 29 (2.76%) were mixed stones (COM + COD and calcium oxalate + uric acid, calcium oxalate + calcium phosphate, and calcium phosphate + magnesium ammonium phosphate). A total of 89.98% of staghorn stones were made of oxalates (COM/+COD) and only 4.02% were struvite. CONCLUSION: Urinary stone disease in the Indian population is different from that in Western countries, with a larger percentage of patients having calcium oxalate stones, predominantly COM. Also, the majority of staghorn stones (89.98%) were made of oxalates.

Combined androgen blockade in the management of advanced prostate cancer: a sensible or ostensible approach.

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy of orchiectomy alone and orchiectomy plus flutamide in treating patients with advanced carcinoma prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was initiated on 1 July 1997 and closed after enrolling 100 patients on 30 June 2000. Patients were prospectively randomized to orchiectomy alone (O) and orchiectomy plus flutamide (OF). A complete response (CR) was defined as the normalization of bone scans and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels returning to normal (< 4 ng/mL). A partial response (PR) was defined as a 50% reduction in metastasis mass compared to the initial study or a decrease in the PSA level of 50% of the initial value. Progressive disease (PD) was defined as the development of any new hot spot on bone scan or any increase in previously existing PSA level by 25%. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were entered in the study. The maximum percentage change in PSA levels in both groups was found in the first 3 months after orchiectomy, that is, 95% and 97% for the O and OF groups, respectively. In more than 80% of the patients this decrease in PSA was maintained for 3 years. The mean percentage change at 3 years in the O and OF groups was 70% and 75% (P = 0.95), respectively, and the overall response rate (CR + PR) was 88.50% and 86.53% in the two groups, respectively (P = 0.85). The follow-up period ranged between 3 and 5 years (mean, 3.5 years). The mean time to progression was 27 and 29 months in the O and OF groups, respectively. The overall survival rate at 3 and 5 years in two treatment groups was 45.83% and 48.07%, 20.83% and 23.07% in the O and OF groups, respectively (P = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Maximum percentage decrease in PSA is seen within the first 3 months of therapy. Orchiectomy alone is as effective as combination therapy in decreasing serum PSA. Overall survival at 3 and 5 years in the orchiectomy only group was as good as that of combination therapy. These data suggest that the routine addition of flutamide to orchiectomy is not advisable.