Influence of Demography and Personality on Patient Choice of Treatment in Symptomatic Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

UNLABELLED: Background: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a common age-dependent urological condition that can adversely affect quality of life if the patient's treatment choice is inap- propriate. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether patients' demography and personality affect their decision regarding the type of treatment: namely, conservative or surgical. METHODS: A total of 105 BPH patients treated during the period 2005-2008 were retrospectively categorized into three groups according to treatment received: (i) medication only (n = 056), (ii) combined treatment (the initial medication treatment was switched to surgical treatment) (n = 32), and (iii) surgery only (n = 17). A prerequisite for inclusion in the study was use of BPH medication for at least half a year before the study (groups 1 and 2). These groups completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire at the start of BPH medical treatment (IPSS 1) and at the start of the trial (IPSS 2), and the staff calculated the difference (IPSS 1-IPSS 2 = Delta IPSS = DIPSS). All three groups provided demographic data (age, country of origin, education) and completed tri-dimensional personality questionnaires (TPQ) to measure three independent "temperament" personality dimensions to evaluate how different individuals feel or behave: novel seeking (NS), harm avoidance (HA), and reward dependence (RD). Data were analyzed using chi-square, t-test, one-way ANOVA and logistic regression. RESULTS: The choice of BPH treatment differed according to demographic variables and the RD dimension. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that symptomatic BPH treatment is influenced less by the patient's personality and more by his life circumstances. Israeli-born patients were more conservative, Russian-born patients were ambivalent, and other foreign-born patients predominantly preferred surgical treatment. We assume that personality has a more decisive effect on patients with malignant disease and they accept the medical advice more easily.

Radical cystectomy with W-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder constructed with non-absorbable titanium staples-long term follow-up.

PURPOSES: We retrospectively assessed our experience with the W-shaped orthotopic ileal pouch, which was constructed with non-absorbable titanium staples. For these purpose, we discuss the results of bladder capacity, urinary continence and early and long-term postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included in the study 17 patients who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy followed by construction of an orthotopic W-shaped ileal pouch between October 2000 and November 2009. A 65-70 cm segment of ileum was isolated and prearranged into a W-configuration, leaving two 10 cm intact segments on both sides of the ileal fragment. In our technique we entirely anatomized all adjacent limbs in order to create a sphere-shaped pouch. The ureters were directly anastomized to both intact segments of the ileal division. All our patients underwent pouchscopy 6 months after operation and annually. RESULTS: Mean operative time for neobladder reconstruction and ureteral anastomoses was 87 ± 7.67 minutes. In one patient a leak from the ileo-ileal anastomosis was confirmed on the 3rd day after operation. In 2 cases unilateral stricture of the ureteral-neobladder anastomosis was documented. Staple lines were mostly covered with ileal mucosa after 6 months. The mean functional bladder capacity was 340 ± 27.6 mL and 375 ± 43.4 mL at 6 and 12 months, respectively. First-year daytime and nighttime continence was good and acceptable in 90% and 78% of patients, while it increased to 95% during the 2nd year. CONCLUSIONS: The long term follow-up shows that non-absorbable titanium staples can be safely used for creation of an orthotopic ileal neobladder. However, these data should be further validated in a larger series of patients.

Geometry and temperature distribution during radiofrequency tissue ablation: an experimental ex vivo model.

PURPOSE: To investigate the temperature distribution and geometry of lesions created by radiofrequency (RF) tissue ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed an ex-vivo thermal model based on the ability of egg whites to coagulate at 62 degrees to 65 degrees C. This property allows us to observe and record the formation of "lesions" created by different commercially available RF generators and probes. RESULTS: The lesions created by the Radionics Cool-Tip RF system were mostly cylindrical or barrel-shaped, while RITA StarBurst XL and StarBurst XLi electrodes produced cone-like or mushroom-shaped lesions. The time required to achieve maximum lesion size was between 3 and 5 minutes in most trials. The formation of lesions stopped when thermodynamic equilibrium was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The geometry of lesions does not correlate precisely with manufacturer reports, which describe spherical lesions for both RF systems. The 12-minute treatment cycle recommended by company's algorithm may not be necessary because lesion formation was completed and thermodynamic equilibrium was reached significantly earlier. We believe the results of our study may be useful in better understanding the RF ablation process, better planning, and improvement of clinical outcome.

Patients with Persistently Elevated PSA and Negative Results of TRUS-Biopsy: Does 6-Month Treatment with Dutasteride can Indicate Candidates for Re-Biopsy. What is the Best of Saturation Schemes: Transrectal or Transperineal Approach?

To identify patients who actually need a re - biopsy, based on alterations in PSA readings after 6-month treatment with Dutasteride. We also sought to bring out the most beneficial re-biopsy scheme. We have reviewed the records of patients with persistently elevated PSA and at least one set of TRUS biopsies. Patients who were treated with alpha -blockers/Dutasteride combination were considered as the study group, while patients in control received alpha-blockers alone. Patients in both groups underwent re-biopsy 6 months later. The two protocols of re-biopsies were used at that time: 20-24 cores saturation transrectal (ST)) and ≥ 40 cores saturation transperineal template-guided (STT) biopsies. One hundred thirty-three patients were included in this study. In 86.7 % of the patients in the study group mean PSA decreased from 7.4 ± 2.69 to 4.037 ± 1.53 (p-0.001). The overall cancer detection rate was 29 % (n-39: 19 v/s 20, control and study groups, respectively). In the study group PSA decreased to 26.73 ± 11.26 % in patients with cancer, compared with 40.54 ± 13.3 % in patients without. It must be emphasized that STT-biopsies detected significantly more cancers (38.46 v/s 20.59 %, p- 0.005). Mean cores number got to 21 ± 2.45 and 45 ± 5.65 in ST and STT biopsies, respectively. Six-month treatment with Dutasteride decreases PSA readings in 86.7 % of the patients. A PSA decline of less than 40% (cutoff) should be considered as an indicator for re-biopsy. Transperineal template-guided biopsies had a higher cancer detection rate.

Variables affecting deflection of a new third-generation flexible ureteropyeloscope (DUR-8 elite).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We performed an ex vivo study to measure the effects of various factors on the deflection angles of a new flexible ureteroscope with active primary and secondary deflections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Active primary and secondary deflections in different sequences were measured initially without working devices (baseline measures). Nine different working instruments were then placed in the working channel, and alterations in ureteroscope deflectability were measured. RESULTS: Baseline measures showed excellent angles of deflections, consistent with the manufacturer's reporting. Among the wires tested, only the stiff wire had a negative (minor) impact on deflectability. There were similar minimal decreases of deflection with baskets. The 1.6F electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) probe had minimal influence on deflectability compared with the 3.0F EHL probe. The 200-microm and 365-microm laser fibers significantly (>20 degrees ) decreased the angles of deflection. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the changes in deflectability with almost all working instruments, there were no significant decreases in the angles with most of them. The sequence is important in obtaining optimal deflection.

Laparoscopic laser soldering for repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the porcine model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is used for the repair of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Our objective was to introduce laser soldering to this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed a system based on a CO2 laser, an infrared detector, and two infrared transmitting optical fibers to obtain temperature-controlled laser soldering of cuts in tissues. The system was used for laparoscopic soldering of incisions in the kidneys of pigs. RESULTS: We carried out laparoscopic pyeloplasty successfully in a porcine model using fiberoptic laser soldering. Laparoscopic laser soldering was found to be faster than suturing. It was easier to use and provided watertight bonding. CONCLUSIONS: This technique will be useful in pyeloplasty as well as other laparoscopic surgical procedures.

Transrectal ultrasonography-guided injection of long-acting steroids in the treatment of recurrent/resistant anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Different techniques have been used for the treatment of patients with anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy (RP). In this retrospective study, we analyzed our experience with urethral dilation and consecutive transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided injections of long-acting steroids in the scar area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of patients who underwent RP in our department from 2002 to 2010 and presented to the outpatient clinics with symptomatic anastomotic stenosis. Patients were treated with: Urethral dilation, cold knife (CK) urethrotomy, transurethral resection (TUR) of stenosis and dilation/resection of the strictures with consecutive TRUS-guided injection of a long-acting steroid (dilation+TRUS-steroids). Patients remained under follow-up, which included the assessment of voiding and continence patterns, as well as cystourethroscopy. RESULTS: In 32 (10.8%) patients, symptomatic anastomotic stenosis was diagnosed. Initial urethral dilation succeeded in only 3 (10.3%) patients; thus, 29 remained with recurrent/resistant stenosis. Urethral dilation+TRUS-steroids was performed in 14 patients, while 8 patients underwent CK and in 7 TUR was performed. Patients in the dilation+TRUS-steroids group had lower re-treatment rates, and none of these patients became incontinent. Patients in the TUR group needed no re-treatment; however, they had the highest incontinence rate (57.1%). As a result, the highest efficiency quotient was in the dilation+TRUS-steroids with the lowest in the TUR group. CONCLUSION: Urethral dilation with consecutive TRUS-guided injections of steroids has the highest efficiency quotient and can be performed under local anesthesia with a low risk of incontinence.

Study of urological devices coated with fullerene-like nanoparticles.

Insertion of endoscopes and other medical devices into the human body are ubiquitous, especially among aged males. The applied force for the insertion/extraction of the device from the urethra must overcome endoscope-surface-human-tissue interactions. In daily practice a gel is applied on the endoscope surface, in order to facilitate its entry into the urethra, providing also for local anesthesia. In the present work, a new solid-state lubricant has been added to the gel, in order to reduce the metal-urethra interaction and alleviate the potential damage to the epithelial tissue. For that purpose, a urethra model was designed and fabricated, which allowed a quantitative assessment of the applied force for extraction of the endoscope from a soft polymer-based ring. It is shown that the addition of MoS2 nanoparticles with fullerene-like structure (IF-MoS2) and in particular rhenium-doped nanoparticles (Re:IF-MoS2) to Esracain gel applied on the metal-lead reduced the friction substantially. The Re:IF-MoS2 showed better results than the undoped fullerene-like nanoparticles and both performed better than the gel alone. The mechanism of friction reduction is attributed to fullerenes' ability to roll and act as a separator between the active parts of the model.

Radical cystectomy with W-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder constructed with non-absorbable titanium staples-long term follow-up

Purposes We retrospectively assessed our experience with the W-shaped orthotopic ileal pouch, which was constructed with non –absorbable titanium staples. For these purpose, we discuss the results of bladder capacity, urinary continence and early and long-term postoperative complications. Materials and Methods We included in the study 17 patients who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy followed by construction of an orthotopic W-shaped ileal pouch between October 2000 and November 2009. A 65-70 cm segment of ileum was isolated and prearranged into a W- configuration, leaving two 10 cm intact segments on both sides of the ileal fragment. In our technique we entirely anatomized all adjacent limbs in order to create a sphere-shaped pouch. The ureters were directly anastomized to both intact segments of the ileal division. All our patients underwent pouchscopy 6 months after operation and annually. Results Mean operative time for neobladder reconstruction and ureteral anastomoses was 87 ± 7.67 minutes. In one patient a leak from the ileo-ileal anastomosis was confirmed on the 3rd day after operation. In 2 cases unilateral stricture of the ureteral-neobladder anastomosis was documented. Staple lines were mostly covered with ileal mucosa after 6 months. The mean functional bladder capacity was 340 ± 27.6 mL and 375 ± 43.4 mL at 6 and 12 months, respectively. First-year daytime and nighttime continence was good and acceptable in 90% and 78% of patients, while it increased to 95% during the 2nd year. Conclusions The long term follow-up shows that non-absorbable titanium staples can be safely used for creation of an orthotopic ileal neobladder. However, these data should be further validated in a larger series of patients. .

Intracorporeal lithotripsy: which modality is best?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A large number of related articles published within the last year were reviewed. Different types of intracorporeal lithotripter devices were compared according to their advantages, disadvantages, efficacy, safety and clinical applications. General directions of future developments are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Ultrasound lithotripters employed through rigid endoscopes provide high fragmentation rates (97-100%) and stone free rate (94%). Clinical evaluation of a new combination ultrasound and pneumatic lithotripter reported an overall stone free rate of 80-89.7%. No major complications were observed. The holmium:YAG (Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet) laser lithotripter is able to destroy all compositions of stone. The stone free rate for ureteral stones is close to 100%. Complications are rare and minimal. Newer wavelengths such as erbium:YAG are currently impractical. There are limited clinical data regarding frequency-doubled double-pulse neodymium:YAG laser lithotripsy. SUMMARY: Ultrasound lithotripsy is still the preferable modality applied through rigid endoscopes. A new combination of ultrasound and pneumatic impactor includes the advantages of each mode. The holmium:YAG laser lithotripter is the method of choice for flexible endoscopic procedures. Further development of new lithotripters with different energy sources and their combination is necessary.