Interval from Prostate Biopsy to Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALP): Effects on Surgical Difficulties

PURPOSE: Traditionally, an interval of 4 to 6 weeks has been recommended after prostate biopsy before open radical prostatectomy. However, such an interval is not explicitly specified in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). This study was designed to determine whether the interval from prostate biopsy to RALP affects surgical difficulties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and May 2009, a total of 237 men underwent RALP in our institution. The interval from biopsy to RALP was categorized as follows: 2 to 4 to 6 to 8 weeks. Multivariate analysis was used to identify whether the interval from prostate biopsy to RALP was an independent predictor of operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), margin positivity, continence, and potency. RESULTS: Among the 5 groups, there were no significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, or preoperative International Index of Erectile Dysfunction-5 score (all p>0.05). In the multivariate analysis, operative time was significantly associated with prostate volume. EBL was associated with prostate volume and BMI. Margin positivity was associated with preoperative serum PSA, prostate volume, and biopsy Gleason score. Postoperative continence and potency were significantly associated with age. However, in univariate and multivariate analyses, the interval from biopsy to RALP was not significantly associated with operative time, EBL, margin positivity, postoperative continence, or potency (all p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the interval from prostate biopsy to RALP is not related to surgical difficulties.

Clinical Significance of Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Level at Diagnosis of Liver Metastases in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: In numerous clinical trials to stratify prognosis of patients with liver metastases (LM) from colorectal cancer (CRC), the clinical value of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels at diagnosis of LM has not been fully investigated in these group. The aim of this study is to explore the relation of CEA to characteristics of LM and to analyze prognostic value of this widely used tool. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 143 LM patients who were performed surgical intervention or non-surgical intervention. The cohort was divided into two groups; normal CEA group (NCEAG, or =5 ng/ml, n=102). We examined correlation between serum CEA at diagnosis of LM and other clinicopathologic factors and performed univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the clinical impact of this marker on survival. RESULTS: Compared to ECEAG, the characteristics of LM of NCEAG was associated with unilobar distribution of LM (P=0.003), less metastases (P<0.001), less rate of synchronocity (P=0.008) and more surgical intervention of hepatic deposits (P<0.001). The 5-year survival rate for NCEAG was better than ECEAG (P=0.031). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of lymphatic duct invasion, no performance of chemotherapy, bilobar distribution of LM, and treatment of non-surgical intervention had a significant effect on survival. CEA elevation was identified as independently associated with bilobar distribution and non-surgical intervention of LM. CONCLUSIONS: Although CEA level is not a independent prognostic factor in this study, the clinical characteristics identified in this study and correlation to non surgical intervention of LM may help better patient selection in the management of CRC LM patients.

Voiding Pattern and Incontinence after Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder in Male Patients / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: To report the voiding pattern and continence stati in male patients having undergone a radical cystectomy and orthotopic bladder substitution. MATERIALS AND MATHODS: Between March 2000 and June 2005, 20 men with advanced bladder cancer had a radical cystoprostatectomy and urinary diversion via an ileal orthotopic bladder substitution. The voiding pattern and continence stati were assessed using patient interviews, frequency- volume charts and pad tests at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after catheter removal. RESULTS: The mean age and follow-up were 60.5 years (41-72) and 34.1 months (12-69), respectively. Neobladder substitution was performed with an ileum in all patients. 17 patients had reconstruction with a Studer neobladder and 3 with a W-pouch Hautmann. All patients had transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and their tumor stages ranged from T1G3 to T4aN1M0. The frequency of voiding ranged from 4 to 12 times during the day, and 0 to 5 times during the night, with a mean maximum neobladder capacity of 336ml (200-620) and maximum flow rate of 24.6ml/sec (12-46) 12 months after removal of the catheter. No patient required intermittent self-catheterization. All-time continence rates were 15, 30, 65 and 85%, and all-time incontinence rates were 55, 25, 10 and 5% at 1, 3, 6 and 9 months after catheter removal, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Orthotopic bladder substitution has an excellent functional outcome over time, resulting in high daytime and nighttime continence rates within 9 months of catheter removal.

Segmental Testicular Infarction Masquerading as Testicular Neoplasm / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Segmental testicular infarction is an uncommon and usually idiopathic phenomenon. Some case reports have linked segmental infarction to sickle cell anemia, hypersensitivity angiitis, polycythemia, and an idiopathic cause. Magnetic resonance imaginge (MRI) might be of great diagnostic value as the ischemic lesions have a characteristic pattern. Nonetheless, as its clinical and radiological presentation may resemble testicular tumors, a definite diagnosis can only be established following surgery. We report a case of testicular infarction which presented as a malignancy even in the frozen biopsy.

Intrauterine Device Migrating into the Bladder / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Migration of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) into the urinary bladder is very rare. We experienced a case of a foreign-body migrating into the bladder of a 35-year-old women who has been suffering from frequency and dysuria for the recent 5 months. The IUD had originally been inserted 10 years ago. Removal of the IUD had been performed for achieving pregnancy, but the IUD was not detected at the correct site 7 years ago. One year later, the patient had given birth without complication. It is thought that it took less than 6 years for the IUD to invade the bladder wall.

Estrogen Producing Adrenocortical Carcinoma / 대한비뇨기과학회지

An estrogen producing adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare, highly malignant tumor. Fewer than 100 cases of feminizing adrenocortical carcinomas in men have been reported. These tumors are usually large in size and show high levels of serum total estrogen and estradiol. Recently, two cases of estrogen producing adrenocortical carcinoma were experienced by our selves during in year. A unilateral adrenalectomy, with mass excision, was performed in both patients, with an ipsilateral nephrectomy performed in just one. Mitotane or cisplatin based adjuvant chemotherapy was also performed.