Timing of radiotherapy (RT) after radical prostatectomy (RP): long-term outcomes in the RADICALS-RT trial (NCT00541047).

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of radiotherapy (RT) after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer has been uncertain. RADICALS-RT compared efficacy and safety of adjuvant RT versus an observation policy with salvage RT for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RADICALS-RT was a randomised controlled trial enrolling patients with ≥1 risk factor (pT3/4, Gleason 7-10, positive margins, preoperative PSA≥10 ng/ml) for recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Patients were randomised 1:1 to adjuvant RT ('Adjuvant-RT') or an observation policy with salvage RT for PSA failure ('Salvage-RT') defined as PSA≥0.1 ng/ml or three consecutive rises. Stratification factors were Gleason score, margin status, planned RT schedule (52.5 Gy/20 fractions or 66 Gy/33 fractions) and treatment centre. The primary outcome measure was freedom-from-distant-metastasis (FFDM), designed with 80% power to detect an improvement from 90% with Salvage-RT (control) to 95% at 10 years with Adjuvant-RT. Secondary outcome measures were biochemical progression-free survival, freedom from non-protocol hormone therapy, safety and patient-reported outcomes. Standard survival analysis methods were used; hazard ratio (HR)<1 favours Adjuvant-RT. RESULTS: Between October 2007 and December 2016, 1396 participants from UK, Denmark, Canada and Ireland were randomised: 699 Salvage-RT, 697 Adjuvant-RT. Allocated groups were balanced with a median age of 65 years. Ninety-three percent (649/697) Adjuvant-RT reported RT within 6 months after randomisation; 39% (270/699) Salvage-RT reported RT during follow-up. Median follow-up was 7.8 years. With 80 distant metastasis events, 10-year FFDM was 93% for Adjuvant-RT and 90% for Salvage-RT: HR=0.68 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43-1.07, P=0.095]. Of 109 deaths, 17 were due to prostate cancer. Overall survival was not improved (HR=0.980, 95% CI 0.667-1.440, P=0.917). Adjuvant-RT reported worse urinary and faecal incontinence 1 year after randomisation (P=0.001); faecal incontinence remained significant after 10 years (P=0.017). CONCLUSION: Long-term results from RADICALS-RT confirm adjuvant RT after radical prostatectomy increases the risk of urinary and bowel morbidity, but does not meaningfully improve disease control. An observation policy with salvage RT for PSA failure should be the current standard after radical prostatectomy. TRIAL IDENTIFICATION: RADICALS, RADICALS-RT, ISRCTN40814031, NCT00541047.

Danish Prostate Registry (DanProst) - an Updated Version of the Danish Prostate Cancer Registry, Methodology, and Early Results.

In 2016, we introduced the Danish Prostate Cancer Registry (DaPCaR) which was built on the National Pathology Register from 1995 to 2011. DaPCaR was laborious to use as most data had to be manually imputed with no regular updates. In here we present a new comprehensive centralized prostate registry called the Danish Prostate Registry (DanProst), which includes all men having undergone any histological evaluation of prostate tissue merged with laboratory-, treatment-, prescription data as well as vital status. Here the data included and the methodology of DanProst are described. DanProst is built upon all men with a histological assessment of the prostate from the Danish National Registry for Pathology. The primary histology and potential prostate cancer histological diagnosis for each unique individual is extracted and translated by newly made algorithms for topography, procedure, diagnostic conclusion, and pathological staging. Further information is added from DaPCaR, the CPR Registry, the Danish Cause of Death Registry, the Danish Cancer Registry, the National Patient Registry, the Danish Register of Laboratory Results for Research, and the Danish National Prescription Registry. The translation algorithms were validated based on the comparison with DaPCaR in the period 2010-2016. DanProst includes 190,422 men. A total of 95,152 (50%) men are diagnosed with prostate cancer until 2021. Median diagnostic PSA was 11 ng/ml, most men are diagnosed by ultrasound-guided biopsy (N = 63,751; 67%), and most frequently defined primary treatment was radical prostatectomy (N = 14,778; 19%). DanProst to DaPCaR coherency was > 99%, 95%, and 94% for the primary histological procedure, primary histological conclusion, and diagnostic histological conclusion, respectively. DanProst is a continuously updated, centrally kept, validated registry with automatic integration of data from other national registries, allowing for contemporary nationwide analysis in men with histological assessment of the prostate.

Prostate artery embolisation for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Prostate artery embolisation (PAE) is a new minimally invasive treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The purpose of this study was to review the efficacy and safety of PAE in the treatment of BPH with LUTS. METHODS: A systematic review performed according to the PRISMA guidelines with a pre-specified search strategy for PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase databases protocol (PROSPERO ID: CRD42017059196). Trials studying the efficacy of prostate artery embolisation to treat LUTS with more than ten participants and follow-up longer than 6 months were included by two independent authors. Outcomes investigated were International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), prostate volume (PV), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), peak void flow (Qmax), post-void residual (PVR) and complications. To summarise mean change from baseline, a meta-analysis was done using the random-effects model. RESULTS: The search returned 210 references, of which 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 1,254 patients. Patients in the included studies with data available for meta-analysis had moderate to severe LUTS and a mean IPSS of 23.5. Statistically significant (p value < 0.05) improvements of all investigated outcomes were seen at 12-month follow-up. Major complications were reported in 0.3% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that PAE can reduce moderate to severe LUTS in men with BPH with a low risk of complications. KEY POINTS: • Prostate artery embolisation (PAE) improved International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) by 67%. • Major complications after PAE are very rare. • Use of cone-beam CT may reduce risk of non-target embolisation.

Football training over 5 years is associated with preserved femoral bone mineral density in men with prostate cancer.

This study investigated the association between long-term adherence to football training and retaining bone mineralization and physical capacity in men with prostate cancer (PCa) managed with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Patients completing follow-up at 32 weeks in the FC Prostate Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) in 2012 or 2013 were invited to 5-year follow-up assessments in May 2017 (n = 30). Changes in physiological outcomes over time between the football participants (FTG) and nonparticipants (CON) were examined. Twenty-two men accepted the invitation of which 11, aged 71.3 ± 3.8 years, had continued to play self-organized football 1.7 (SD 0.5) times per week for 4½ years (±8 months). At 5 years, right femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) had improved significantly in the FTG compared to CON (P = .028). No other significant between-group differences were observed. In FTG, RHR decreased by 4.3 bpm (P = .009) with no changes in CON. Muscle mass, knee-extensor muscle strength, VO2 max, and postural balance decreased in both groups. In FTG, the fraction of training time with HR between 80%-90% or >90% of HRmax was 29.9% (SD 20.6) and 22.8% (SD 28.7), respectively. Average distance covered during 3 × 20 minutes of football training was 2524 m (SD 525). Football training over a 5-year period was associated with preserved femoral neck BMD in elderly men with PCa managed on ADT. Intensity during football training was >80% of HRmax for 51% of training time after 5 years. Body composition and physical capacity deteriorated over 5 years regardless of football participation.

Association between PSA kinetics and cancer-specific mortality in patients with localised prostate cancer: analysis of the placebo arm of the SPCG-6 study.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics in untreated prostate cancer (PCa) patients is debatable. We investigated the association between PSA doubling time (PSAdt), PSA velocity (PSAvel) and PSAvel risk count (PSAvRC) and PCa mortality in a cohort of patients with localised PCa managed on watchful waiting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with clinically localised PCa managed observationally, who were randomised to and remained on placebo for minimum 18 months in the SPCG-6 study, were included. All patients survived at least 2 years and had a minimum of three PSA determinations available. The prognostic value of PSA kinetics was analysed and patients were stratified according to their PSA at consent: ≤10, 10.1-25, and >25 ng/ml. Cumulative incidences of PCa-specific mortality were estimated with the Aalen-Johansen method. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-three patients were included of which 116, 76 and 71 had a PSA at consent ≤10, 10.1-25, and >25 ng/ml, respectively. Median follow-up was 13.6 years. For patients with PSA at consent between 10.1 and 25 ng/ml, the 13-year risks of PCa mortality were associated with PSA kinetics: PSAdt ≤3 years: 62.0% versus PSAdt >3 years: 16.3% (Gray's test: P < 0.0001), PSAvel ≥2 ng/ml/year: 48.0% versus PSAvel <2 ng/ml/year: 11.0% (Gray's test: P = 0.0008), and PSAvRC 2: 45.0% versus 0-1: 3.8% (Gray's test: P = 0.001). In contrast, none of the PSA kinetics were significantly associated with changes of 13-year risks of PCa mortality in patients with PSA at consent ≤10 or >25 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: We found that magnitude changes in 13-year risks of PCa mortality that can be indicated by PSA kinetics depend on PSA level in patients with localised PCa who were managed observationally. Our results question PSA kinetics as surrogate marker for PCa mortality in patients with low and high PSA values. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT00672282.

Efficacy of recreational football on bone health, body composition, and physical functioning in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: 32-week follow-up of the FC prostate randomised controlled trial.

UNLABELLED: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) impairs musculoskeletal health. We evaluated the efficacy of 32-week football training on bone mineral density (BMD) and physical functioning in men undergoing ADT for PCa. Football training improved the femoral shaft and total hip BMD and physical functioning parameters compared to control. INTRODUCTION: ADT is a mainstay in PCa management. Side effects include decreased bone and muscle strength and increased fracture rates. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 32 weeks of football training on BMD, bone turnover markers (BTMs), body composition, and physical functioning in men with PCa undergoing ADT. METHODS: Men receiving ADT >6 months (n = 57) were randomly allocated to a football training group (FTG) (n = 29) practising 2-3 times per week for 45-60 min or to a standard care control group (CON) (n = 28) for 32 weeks. Outcomes were total hip, femoral shaft, femoral neck and lumbar spine (L2-L4) BMD and systemic BTMs (procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide, osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen). Additionally, physical functioning (postural balance, jump height, repeated chair rise, stair climbing) was evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-two-week follow-up measures were obtained for FTG (n = 21) and for CON (n = 20), respectively. Analysis of mean changes from baseline to 32 weeks showed significant differences between FTG and CON in right (0.015 g/cm(2)) and left (0.017 g/cm(2)) total hip and in right (0.018 g/cm(2)) and left (0.024 g/cm(2)) femoral shaft BMD, jump height (1.7 cm) and stair climbing (-0.21 s) all in favour of FTG (p < 0.05). No other significant between-group differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to standard care, 32 weeks of football training improved BMD at clinically important femoral sites and parameters of physical functioning in men undergoing ADT for PCa.

"All boys and men can play football": a qualitative investigation of recreational football in prostate cancer patients.

Evidence is accumulating that exercise-based rehabilitation improves physical capacity and quality of life in cancer survivors. However, recruitment and persistence of male cancer patients in rehabilitation and physical activity are low and novel health promotion strategies are warranted. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the meaning of recreational football as a team and interaction-oriented health-promoting activity in men with prostate cancer (n = 26). Qualitative data were collected through six focus group interviews (n = 4-6) and 20 h of participant observations. The two data sets were analyzed using framework analysis. The analysis produced 11 subthemes that were structured into three overarching themes: (a) motivational drivers; (b) united in sport; and (c) confirmation of own capacity. The findings indicated that participants regarded football as a welcome opportunity to regain control and acquire a sense of responsibility for own health without assuming the patient role, and football training legitimized and promoted mutual caring behavior in a male-oriented context. In conclusion, the study suggests that football, due to its cultural representation of masculine ideals, may be a potent and unique strategy for increasing recruitment and adherence to physical activity in prostate cancer patients.

Football training improves lean body mass in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains a cornerstone in the management of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) despite adverse effects on body composition and functional parameters. We compared the effects of football training with standard care in PCa patients managed with ADT (> 6 months). Fifty-seven men aged 67 (range: 43-74) were randomly assigned to a football group (FG, n = 29) or a usual care control group (CON, n = 28). The primary outcome was change in lean body mass (LBM) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning. Secondary outcomes included changes in knee-extensor muscle strength (one repetition maximum), fat percentage, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max ). Mean heart rate during training was 137.7 (standard deviation 13.7) bpm or 84.6 (3.9)% HRmax. In FG, LBM increased by 0.5 kg [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1-0.9; P = 0.02] with no change in CON (mean group difference 0.7 kg; 95% CI 0.1-1.2; P = 0.02). Also, muscle strength increased in FG (8.9 kg; 95% CI 6.0-11.8; P < 0.001) with no change in CON (mean group difference 6.7 kg; 95% CI 2.8-10.7; P < 0.001). In FG, VO2max increased (1.0 mL/kg/min; 95% CI 0.2-1.9; P = 0.02) and fat percentage tended to decrease (0.7%; 95%CI 1.3-0.0; P = 0.06), but these changes were not significantly different from CON. In conclusion, football training over 12 weeks improved LBM and muscle strength compared with usual care in men with prostate cancer receiving ADT.

Socioeconomic position and participation in colorectal cancer screening.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with faecal occult blood test (FOBT) has the potential to reduce the incidence and mortality of CRC. Screening uptake is known to be inferior in people with low socioeconomic position (SEP) when compared with those with high position; however, the results of most previous studies have limited value because they are based on recall or area-based measures of socioeconomic position, and might thus be subject to selective participation and misclassification. In this study we investigated differences in CRC screening participation using register-based individual information on education, employment, and income to encompass different but related aspects of socioeconomic stratification. Also, the impact of ethnicity and cohabiting status was analysed. METHODS: A feasibility study on CRC screening was conducted in two Danish counties in 2005 and 2006. Screening consisted of a self-administered FOBT kit mailed to 177 114 inhabitants aged 50-74 years. Information on individual socioeconomic status was obtained from Statistics Denmark. RESULTS: A total of 85 374 (48%) of the invited returned the FOBT kits. Participation was significantly higher in women than in men (OR=1.58 (1.55-1.61)), when all socioeconomic and demographic variables were included in the statistical model. Participation also increased with increasing level of education, with OR=1.38 (1.33-1.43) in those with a higher education compared with short education. Also, participation increased with increasing income levels, with OR=1.94 (1.87-2.01) in the highest vs lowest quintile. Individuals with a disability pension, the unemployed and self-employed people were significantly less likely to participate (OR=0.77 (0.74-0.80), OR=0.83 (0.80-0.87), and OR=0.85 (0.81-0.89), respectively). Non-western immigrants were less likely to participate (OR=0.62 (0.59-0.66)) in a model controlling for age, sex, and county; however, this difference might be attributed to low SEP in these ethnic groups ((OR=0.93 (0.87-0.99), when adjusting for SEP indicators). CONCLUSION: This study based on individual information on several socioeconomic dimensions in a large, unselected population allowed for identification of several specific subgroups within the population with low CRC screening participation. Improved understanding is needed on the effect of targeted information and other strategies in order to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in screening.

Palliative Prostate Artery Embolization for Prostate Cancer: A Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is recognized as a treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. LUTS and urinary retention are common in men with prostate cancer (PCa). The purpose of this study was to estimate the efficacy and safety of palliative PAE on LUTS or urinary retention in men with advanced PCa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, single-center trial was conducted from March 2017 to November 2018. The trial protocol was registered online (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03104907). Only men with advanced PCa suffering from LUTS or urinary retention were included. The primary outcome was the ability to void without a catheter and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in non-catheter-dependent patients. The paired t test was used to analyze changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were assessed for eligibility, and 15 patients with a mean age of 73.8 years were enrolled. Four men did not complete follow-up: cancer-related death (n = 2), lost to follow-up (n = 1), and unsuccessful embolization due to severe atherosclerosis (n = 1). Bilateral embolization was achieved in ten cases, and urinary retention resolved in one of six patients. LUTS improved in the remaining (n = 5) patients by a mean 12.2-point reduction in IPSS (95% CI - 23.53; - 0.87). According to the CIRSE classification, two grade 1 and two grade 3 complications occurred. CONCLUSION: In this study, palliative PAE was safe and efficient for treatment for LUTS associated with PCa. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, Case Series. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03104907.

SPCG-15: a prospective randomized study comparing primary radical prostatectomy and primary radiotherapy plus androgen deprivation therapy for locally advanced prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To describe study design and procedures for a prospective randomized trial investigating whether radical prostatectomy (RP) ± radiation improves cause-specific survival in comparison with primary radiation treatment (RT) and androgen deprivation treatment (ADT) in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer (LAPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: SPCG-15 is a prospective, multi-centre, open randomized phase III trial. Patients are randomized to either standard (RT + ADT) or experimental (RP with extended pelvic lymph-node dissection and with addition of adjuvant or salvage RT and/or ADT if deemed necessary) treatment. Each centre follows guidelines regarding the timing and dosing of postoperative RT and adjuvant treatment such as ADT The primary endpoint is cause-specific survival. Secondary endpoints include metastasis-free and overall survival, quality-of-life, functional outcomes and health-services requirements. Each subject will be followed up for a minimum of 10 years. RESULTS: Twenty-three centres in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, well established in performing RP and RT for prostate cancer participated. Each country's sites were coordinated by national coordinating investigators and sub-investigators for urology and oncology. Almost 400 men have been randomized of the stipulated 1200, with an increasing rate of accrual. CONCLUSIONS: The SPCG-15 trial aims to compare the two curatively intended techniques supplying new knowledge to support future decisions in treatment strategies for patients with LAPC The Scandinavian healthcare context is well suited for performing multi-centre long-term prospective randomized clinical trials. Similar care protocols and a history of entirely tax-funded healthcare facilitate joint trials.

Danish Prostate Cancer Registry - methodology and early results from a novel national database.

BACKGROUND: Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED) codes are computer-processable medical terms used to describe histopathological evaluations. SNOMED codes are not readily usable for analysis. We invented an algorithm that converts prostate SNOMED codes into an analyzable format. We present the methodology and early results from a new national Danish prostate database containing clinical data from all males who had evaluation of prostate tissue from 1995 to 2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SNOMED codes were retrieved from the Danish Pathology Register. A total of 26,295 combinations of SNOMED codes were identified. A computer algorithm was developed to transcode SNOMED codes into an analyzable format including procedure (eg, biopsy, transurethral resection, etc), diagnosis, and date of diagnosis. For validation, ~55,000 pathological reports were manually reviewed. Prostate-specific antigen, vital status, causes of death, and tumor-node-metastasis classification were integrated from national registries. RESULTS: Of the 161,525 specimens from 113,801 males identified, 83,379 (51.6%) were sets of prostate biopsies, 56,118 (34.7%) were transurethral/transvesical resections of the prostate (TUR-Ps), and the remaining 22,028 (13.6%) specimens were derived from radical prostatectomies, bladder interventions, etc. A total of 48,078 (42.2%) males had histopathologically verified prostate cancer, and of these, 78.8% and 16.8% were diagnosed on prostate biopsies and TUR-Ps, respectively. FUTURE PERSPECTIVES: A validated algorithm was successfully developed to convert complex prostate SNOMED codes into clinical useful data. A unique database, including males with both normal and cancerous histopathological data, was created to form the most comprehensive national prostate database to date. Potentially, our algorithm can be used for conversion of other SNOMED data and is available upon request.

Patterns of finasteride use in the male populations of four Nordic countries: A cross-national drug utilization study.

Objective Finasteride 5 mg is a drug used to treat prostate hyperplasia. Little is known about its pattern of usage. This cross-national analysis of individual-level data from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden was undertaken to appraise its usage and describe cross-national differences. Materials and methods Individual-level data from nationwide prescription registers in Denmark (1995-2009), Finland (1997-2010), Norway (2004-2009) and Sweden (July 2005-2011) were used to examine cross-national finasteride utilization patterns in the adult male population (≥15 years). The study presents period prevalences, incidence rates, waiting time distributions and Lorenz curves. Results During the study period, 295,620 men had at least one prescription redemption of finasteride 5 mg, and there were approximately 3 million dispensing events of finasteride prescriptions in the four Nordic countries. Different patterns of finasteride use were observed among the four Nordic countries. The period prevalence was markedly higher in Finland and Sweden than in Denmark and Norway. In 2009, period prevalences were 18.2/1000 males in Finland and 12.0/1000 males in Sweden compared to 6.7/1000 males in Norway and 4.9/1000 males in Denmark. Incidence rates of finasteride use for Finland, Norway and Sweden were about three times that for Denmark in 2008-2009. Long-term use of finasteride was found in all four Nordic countries with a high ratio between prevalent and incident users. Conclusion Despite resemblances regarding political systems and healthcare services in the Nordic countries, differences in finasteride utilization were found across Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Pleurodesis with polidocanol in pigs. An experimental study.

Polidocanol was instilled in five pleural cavities of three pigs. Adhesions formed in all. Adhesion distribution varied from covering a minor part to most of the lung, depending on the amount of polidocanol. One control cavity treated with sodium chloride was unaffected. Microscopy showed fibrous bridges between the pleural layers and mild submesothelial fibrosis and inflammation.

Prostate cancer in Denmark: a 50-year population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To review the trends in prostate cancer (PC) incidence and mortality rates in Denmark during a 50-year period. METHODS: A population-based register study was performed of all new cases of PC recorded in the Danish Cancer Registry from 1943 to 1992. RESULTS: The age-standardized incidence rate for PC increased from 11.5/100,000 in 1943 to 1947 to 30.9/100,000 in 1988 to 1992. Age-specific incidence rates increased in all age groups over 50 years of age. Mortality rates increased from 13.5/100,000 in 1953 to 1957 to 17.8/100,000 in 1988 to 1992. No major changes in the distribution of age, stage at the time of diagnosis, or in diagnostic procedures were found, indicating that the observed change in incidence rates was not caused by attempted early detection or changes in diagnostic strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the increased PC incidence observed during the period of cancer registration in Denmark represents a true increase in the number of patients with clinical PC.

[Radical prostatectomy for localized prostatic cancer]. / Radikal prostatektomi for losaliseret cancer prostatae.

Curatively intended surgical management of clinically localized prostate cancer has recently been introduced in Denmark. This literature review covers results of preoperative evaluation, impact of stage and grade on outcome, and the results following radical prostatectomy.

[Sperm granulomata]. / Spermagranulomer.

Sperm granulomata are rare without prior surgical intervention but constitute a common complication of vasectomy and affect 35 and 42% with the conventional methods. Refertilizing and sperm quality are better in cases of sperm granulomata and, as opposed to previous assumptions, reduced fertility is not found in cases of sperm granulomata in patients with sperm antibodies. Fewer complaints are observed after open end vasectomy despite the particularly high incidence of sperm granulomata. Unfortunately, the literature does not appear to contain randomized investigations as guidelines for the choice of surgical method for vasectomy.

PIP: Sperm granulomata are frequent complication of bilateral vasectomy ranging between 35% and 42% in case of conventional ligation. New investigations have hinted at the beneficial effect of refertilization. 9000 vasectomies and 200-300 refertilizations are performed annually in Denmark. Granulomas are knot like tumors localized in the testis, epididymis, or ductus deferens and usually measure 3-7 mm. The earliest changes appear 4 days after vasectomy, and the fully developed granuloma appears after 208 days. Clinical symptoms can include pain radiating to the groin imitating kidney spasms. The pains are usually of modest intensity but can last from months to a year. Almost half of them granulomas are without symptoms. Their incidence after vasectomy ranges between 5% and 97% depending on the type of surgery; they occur most often after open ended vasectomy and least often after electrocoagulation. Finding a sperm granuloma at the testicular duct end means less dilatation, and such a patient with good sperm quality has normal fertility after vasovasostomy. Between 34% and 73% of vasectomized men develop sperm antibodies. The development of sperm antibodies did not affect fertility. It seems that refertilization is easier in the presence of sperm granuloma, and likewise sperm quality is the best if there has been a sperm granuloma. However, this is contrasted with the fact that out of 9000 vasectomized patients barely 3% regretted it. Antibodies developing after vasectomy do not have a definite relationship to sperm granulomata, and did not affect the conception rate after a well-executed vasovasostomy.

[Abdominal pregnancy with a living infant]. / Abdominal graviditet med levende barn.

Abdominal pregnancy resulting in a liveborn infant is an obstetric rarity in Denmark. A case is reported and four cases reported during the past 20 years are reviewed. In the present case, the diagnosis of extrauterine pregnancy was not established in advance. The infant, a full-term boy weighing 3,650 g, was delivered transplacentally by Caesarean section during epidural analgesia. The placenta was adherent to the intestines and was left in the abdomen for spontaneous resorption but was expelled gradually through an amnio-percutaneous fistula over a period of three months. The infant did not present any evidence of congenital abnormalities.

[Frequency of recurrence after acute herniotomy]. / Recidivfrekvensen efter akut herniotomi.

Ninety-one cases of emergency herniotomy are reviewed as regards the short- and long-term results. The review shows that immediate surgery does not involve any increased risk to the patient as regards mortality and recurrence rate. The frequencies of bowel resection and mortality are related to the duration of the history and the type of hernia.