Safety and efficacy of Rapamune® (Sirolimus) in kidney transplant recipients: results of a prospective post-marketing surveillance study in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Few post-marketing surveillance studies have examined the safety and efficacy of Rapamune® (Sirolimus) in Asian countries. This study aimed to better understand safety and efficacy of Rapamune for kidney transplant recipients in the routine clinical practice setting in Korea. METHODS: This was an open-label, non-comparative, observational, prospective, multi-center, post-marketing surveillance study conducted at 15 Korean transplant centers between 31 August 2009 and 24 September 2015. The subjects were administered Rapamune as part of routine practice. The safety was monitored based on reporting of adverse events (AEs). Efficacy endpoints included acute rejection, graft function, graft survival, and patient survival. RESULTS: Rapamune was most commonly used for late conversion therapy after post-transplant 1 year and was substituted for anti-metabolites (63.6%) or calcineurin inhibitors (28.7%). The median treatment duration of Rapamune was 182 days. Among 209 subjects enrolled, AEs and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported in 54.07% and 43.06% of subjects, respectively, in the safety analysis set. Most of the AEs were expected (96.21%), mild (75.83%), did not result in any action taken with regard to the study drug (72.99%), and resolved by the end of the study (75.36%). The most frequently reported AEs/ADRs were pharyngitis and diarrhea. Most of the serious AEs/ADRs occurred in one or two subjects. Unexpected ADRs of renal artery occlusion and cholangitis were reported by one subject each. The incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection was 2.87%. At the end of the study, 99.51% of the subjects and their grafts had survived. The mean eGFR was 64.72 ± 19.56 mL/min. CONCLUSIONS: Rapamune had an acceptable safety profile in prevention of kidney allograft rejection in Korea.

Perceived barriers and difficulties of intermittent catheterization: In Korean patients with spinal dysraphism and their parents.

AIMS: Integrating regular intermittent catheterization (IC) into daily life is essential for good medical outcomes in patients with neurogenic bladders. The goal is to identify long-term IC-related barriers, or difficulties in Korean patients with spinal dysraphism and their parents. METHODS: The data were prospectively collected using questionnaires from spinal dysraphism patients from two sources: an online community, and those visiting the outpatient clinic of Seoul National university hospital. The questions included were barriers in general and school life, respectively. Also, an open question was included regarding suggestions for school managers or the government in order to overcome identified IC related difficulties. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients and 40 parents answered the questionnaire. Common barriers found in general life were related to lack of places, time, or helpers to perform IC. Substantial numbers of adolescent patients also complained that IC could not be adequately performed due to problems related to privacy or lack of understanding at school. However, the number and nature of barriers varied according to the developmental stage and school environments. Almost all IC barriers seemed to be significant in adolescence. Some parents requested that the government provide space and broaden insurance coverage of catheters in order to facilitate IC. CONCLUSIONS: Various perceived barriers were identified in those who need IC and differences were demonstrated over time. Both dedicated space and time are issues. In addition, patients may benefit from emotional support and enhanced communication with community agencies and government to resolve the problems related with privacy.

The diagnosis of febrile urinary tract infection in children may be facilitated by urinary biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: We prospectively assessed the feasibility of two urinary markers of renal injury as potential diagnostic tests for acute febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) and subsequent renal scarring. METHODS: The patient cohort comprised children aged 0 to 4 years who visited the emergency room. The children were divided into three groups, namely, a febrile UTI (fUTI), febrile control (FC) and a non-febrile control (NFC) group, respectively, which were matched for sex and age. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) was performed on urine collected from each child. The urine levels of both markers were compared between the three groups, and the diagnostic accuracy was determined based on the area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUC). In the fUTI group, the predictability of subsequent renal scarring was assessed by associating urinary levels with dimercaptosuccinic acid findings 6 months after an UTI episode. RESULTS: Significantly elevated levels of urinary NGAL and KIM-1 were observed in the fUTI group, as well as with increased urine esterase, serum C-reactive protein, and pyuria. The AUC was 72 % for KIM-1 and 96 % for NGAL. The AUC of KIM-1 for the prediction of scarring was 71 % (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of febrile UTI and the prediction of subsequent scarring may be facilitated by assaying urine biomarkers with acceptable accuracy.

Translation and linguistic validation of the korean version of the dysfunctional voiding symptom score.

Although studies on pediatric dysfunctional voiding are increasing, there have not been enough efforts to validate the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS) questionnaire. Therefore, we aimed to translate and validate the DVSS into Korean. The DVSS questionnaire was validated between January and October, 2013. Two bilinguals independently translated the English version of the DVSS questionnaire into Korean, and then reconciled the forward translation of the Korean version. The original DVSS was back-translated into English, then assessed for equivalence to the original. Cognitive debriefing interviews with 5 patients to test the interpretation of the translation were made, then modified and distributed to 48 patients for re-evaluation. A statistical analysis of inter-scale correlation, and test re-test consistency was performed with the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The changes from patient interviews were reflected in the final version. In an intra-class correlation, the Cronbach's alpha was high in all of the questions (0.97, P < 0.001). Test re-test Cronbach's alpha analysis of reproducibility was higher than 0.8 for all of the 10 questions (P < 0.001). Translation and linguistic validation of Korean version of the DVSS questionnaire was completed by a proper process, with high reliability and validity.

Clinical value of persistent but downgraded vesicoureteral reflux after dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection in children.

We aimed to investigate the clinical value of persistent but downgraded vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA) injection in children. The medical records of 128 children (195 ureters) who underwent Dx/HA injections for VUR were reviewed. The incidences of pre- and post-operative febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) were analyzed in children with or without persistent VUR on voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) 3 months postoperatively. The surgical results of VUR persistent children who underwent a single additional injection were assessed. The VUR resolved completely in 100 ureters (51.3%), was persistent in 95 ureters, and newly developed in 2 ureters. The incidence of pre/post-operative febrile UTIs were 0.35 ± 0.39 per year and 0.07 ± 0.32 per year in VUR resolved children (P < 0.001), and 0.76 ± 1.18 per year and 0.20 ± 0.61 per year in VUR persistent children (P < 0.001). A single additional Dx/HA injection (44 ureters) resolved VUR in 29 ureters (65.9%), and also reduced the VUR to grade I in 7 ureters (15.9%), II in 4 (9.1%), and III in 4 (9.1%). Even in children with persistent VUR after Dx/HA injection, the incidence of febrile UTIs decreased markedly. The VUR grade significantly decreases after single additional Dx/HA injection.

A nationwide epidemiological study of nocturnal enuresis in Korean adolescents and adults: population based cross sectional study.

We performed a nationwide epidemiological study to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of nocturnal enuresis (NE) in Korean adolescents and adults. A questionnaire was sent via e-mail to 51,073 people aged 16-40 yr by stratified sampling according to age, sex, and region among a 200,000 internet survey panel pool. The questionnaire included following information; presence or absence of NE, frequency of NE, possible risk factors for NE, self-esteem scale score and depression score results, and measures for the treatment of NE. Among the 2,117 responders, 54 (2.6%) had NE (≥1 enuretic episode within 6 months). Of 54 bedwetters, 9.3% wet ≥1 night per week and 20.5% wet ≥1 per month. The prevalence rates remained relatively stable with no apparent trend of reduction with age. The presence of sleep disturbance, family history, urgency, or urge incontinence increased the probability of NE episode significantly. The self-esteem score was lower (P=0.053) and the depression scale score was higher (P=0.003) in bedwetters compared with non-bedwetters. Overall 2.6% of Korean aged 16-40 yr have NE. The higher rate of urgency and urge incontinence in adolescent and adult enuretics suggests that bladder function has an important role in adolescent and adult NE.

Pure transvesical NOTES uterine horn resection in swine as an appendectomy model.

BACKGROUND: Because of size limitation, the lack of reliable instruments, and bladder closure methods, transvesical natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is still in its infancy. The porcine uterine horn is similar to the human vermiform appendix. Therefore, the resection of the porcine uterine horn is an established animal model for the human appendectomy. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of a pure transvesical NOTES approach to uterine horn resection in a porcine model. METHODS: We performed five operations on three female pigs (30-35 kg) under general anesthesia in the Trendelenburg position. The laparoscope at the umbilicus was used only for the purpose of documentation. We used a rigid ureteroscope and a customized access system that prevented gas leakage and facilitated in-and-out passage of the instruments. A vesicostomy was created on the posterolateral bladder wall by using a needle knife through the channel of the ureteroscope. The uterine horn resection was performed by using an electric needle knife, hot forceps, and a polypectomy snare through the access system placed in vesicostomy. Bladder closure was performed with extracorporeal ties using metal clip tagged threads and a knot-pusher. RESULTS: We successfully performed the pure transvesical NOTES uterine horn resections. The mean total operative time was 141.8 (± 58.7) min, and blood loss was minimal in all cases. No leakage was observed at the bladder repair sites after filling with normal saline. The removed uterine horns were approximately 6-12-cm long and 0.6-0.8 cm in diameter. On final inspection, the urethras were not damaged. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of a pure transvesical NOTES uterine horn resection in a porcine model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the world's first report on a pure transvesical NOTES with a therapeutic purpose. This study shows the potential for adoption of the transvesical approach in NOTES procedures.

Outcome of Patients With Elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Receiving Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate.

PURPOSE: This study investigated functional outcomes in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), the incidence of incidental prostate cancer (PCa), and changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients with elevated PSA and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively designed protocol for patients who underwent HoLEP at our institution from January 2010 to May 2020 was conducted. Patients were classified into low-PSA (<3.0 ng/mL) and high-PSA (≥3.0 ng/mL) groups at baseline. Follow-up for PSA was performed at the sixth postoperative month. Baseline and postoperative clinical parameters, functional parameters, PCa incidence, and postoperative changes in PSA were compared between the lowand high-PSA groups. RESULTS: The baseline PSA of 1,296 patients (mean age, 69.7±6.8 years) was 4.0±4.1 ng/mL, with 712 patients (55.0%) in the low-PSA group (1.6±0.8 ng/mL), and 584 patients (45.0%) in the high-PSA group (6.9±4.7 ng/mL). Incidental PCa was detected in 82 patients (6.3%), with a similar incidence in the low-PSA (41 patients, 5.9%) and high-PSA (41 patients, 7.0%) groups (P>0.05). At 6 months postoperatively, both groups showed significant improvements in the maximum flow rate, postvoid residual volume, and all domains of the International Prostate Symptom Score (P<0.05). At postoperative 6 months, the PSA level significantly decreased by 66.6%±23.6% in all patients (54.3%±23.9% in the low-PSA group; 79.6%±14.7% in the high-PSA group) (P<0.05), and the PSA levels of 1,264 patients (97.6%) had normalized. CONCLUSION: In patients with elevated PSA presenting with LUTS/BPH, our study demonstrated significant improvements in functional parameters and decreased PSA after HoLEP. The incidental PCa detection rate did not show a statistically significant difference between the low- and high-PSA groups. Timely surgery for LUTS/BPH without delay due to PSA monitoring should be considered.

99m Technetium-pyrophosphate scintigraphy: a practical guide for early diagnosis of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is caused by the cardiac deposition of insoluble amyloid fibrils formed by misfolded transthyretin proteins and is associated with various cardiac symptoms, such as progressive heart failure, conduction disturbance, and arrhythmia. The implementation of 99m technetium (99m Tc)-labelled bone radiotracer scintigraphy for diagnosing ATTR-CM has enabled accurate diagnosis of the disease with high sensitivity and specificity and positioned this diagnostic modality as an integral part of disease diagnostic algorithms. In 2020, 99m Tc-pyrophosphate scintigraphy received exceptional approval for Japanese national health insurance reimbursement as a diagnostic method of ATTR-CM. Nevertheless, the utility of 99m Tc-labelled bone radiotracer scintigraphy and the importance of an early diagnosis of suspected ATTR-CM using this technique have yet to be internalized as common practice by general cardiologists, and guidance on daily clinical scenarios to consider this technique for a diagnosis of suspected ATTR-CM is warranted. In this review, we discuss the utility of 99m Tc-labelled bone radiotracer scintigraphy for the early diagnosis of ATTR-CM based on published literature and the outcomes of an advisory board meeting. This review also discusses clinical scenarios that could support early diagnosis of suspected ATTR-CM as well as common pitfalls, correct implementation, and future perspectives of 99m Tc-labelled bone radiotracer scintigraphy in daily clinical practice. The clinical scenarios to consider 99m Tc-labelled bone radiotracer scintigraphy in daily practice may include, but are not limited to, patients with a family history of the hereditary type of disease; elderly patients (aged ≥60 years) with unexplained cardiac findings (e.g. cardiac hypertrophy associated with abnormalities on an electrocardiogram, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction associated with unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction associated with atrial fibrillation and left ventricular hypertrophy); and patients with cardiac hypertrophy associated with diastolic dysfunction, right ventricular/interatrial septum/valve thickness, left ventricular sparkling, or apical sparing. Cardiac hypertrophy and persistent elevation in cardiac troponin in elderly patients are also suggestive of ATTR-CM. 99m Tc-labelled bone radiotracer scintigraphy is also recommended in patients with characteristic cardiac magnetic resonance findings (e.g. diffuse subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement patterns, native T1 increase, and increase in extracellular volume) or patients with cardiac hypertrophy and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

Translation and Linguistic Validation of the Korean Version of the "Benefit, Satisfaction, and Willingness to Continue" Questionnaire for Patients With Overactive Bladder.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to develop a Korean version of the Benefit, Satisfaction, and Willingness to Continue (BSW) questionnaire from the original version, with subsequent linguistic validation by Korean patients with overactive bladder who undergo active treatment by a physician. METHODS: Translation and linguistic validation were performed in January 2013. The validation process included permission for translation, forward translation, reconciliation, backward translation, cognitive debriefing, and proofreading. RESULTS: During the forward translation process, the terms or phrases of 'benefit,' 'willingness,' "have you had any benefit?," "taking all things into account" were adjusted to be more appropriate expressions in the Korean language than those used in the original version. During the backward translation process, no changes were made in terms of the sematic equivalence. In the cognitive debriefing session, 5 patients were asked to fill in the answers within 5 minutes; most reported that the translated questions were clear and easy to understand. One patient felt the questions were a little bit difficult to understand; however, the panel decided not to change the expressions because the overall level of comprehension was high and the translated terms were accurate enough to convey the meaning of the original version of the BSW. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed a successful linguistic validation of the BSW questionnaire. Further studies are needed to assess of the psychometric properties of the BSW.

Safety and efficacy of fesoterodine fumarate in patients with overactive bladder: results of a post-marketing surveillance study in Korea.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fesoterodine fumarate (fesoterodine; Toviaz ) in Korean patients with overactive bladder (OAB) in routine clinical practice. METHODS: This was an open-label, non-interventional, prospective, post-marketing surveillance study submitted to the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. A total of 3109 patients aged ≥18 years with OAB symptoms were prescribed flexible doses of fesoterodine at the investigator's discretion. Safety was assessed based upon the reporting of adverse events (AEs). Efficacy was evaluated on the basis of patient self-assessment using a bladder diary as well as on the basis of investigator assessment in terms of overall clinical efficacy. RESULTS: A final analysis was performed on 3107 (99.9%) and 2978 (95.8%) patients for safety and efficacy analysis, respectively. The mean treatment duration of fesoterodine was 83.2 days. The incidence of AEs was 8.5% (265/3107). Common AEs that accounted for more than 1.0% of the total AE incidence included dry mouth (5.4%, 168/3107), constipation (1.5%, 48/3107) and micturition disorder (1.1%, 35/3107). Mean episodes of urinary frequency, urgency, and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) per 24 hours decreased by 4.0, 2.4, and 0.8, respectively (all p < 0.001). At the final follow-up visit, the investigators found improvement in clinical efficacy for the majority of patients (90.1%, 2684/2978). Limitations of this study include the observational study design and the relatively short treatment duration. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that fesoterodine is a well tolerated and effective treatment for Korean patients with OAB in routine clinical practice.

Efficacy and safety of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for extremely large prostatic adenoma in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for extremely large prostates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing HoLEP between July 2008 and December 2013 from the Seoul National University Hospital Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Database Registry were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups according to their total prostate volume (TPV): group A (TPV<100 mL), group B (100 mL≤TPV<200 mL), and group C (TPV≥200 mL); the clinical data of the three groups were compared. All patients were followed up 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 502 patients (group A, 426; group B, 70; group C, 6) with a mean age of 69.0 (standard deviation, ±7.3) years were included in our analysis. The mean prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen level were 68.7±36.9 mL and 4.15±4.24 ng/mL, respectively. The enucleation and morcellation times were longer in group C (p<0.001), and the enucleation efficacy was higher in this group (p<0.001, R(2)=0.399). Moreover, the mean postoperative catheterization and hospitalization periods were significantly longer in group C (p=0.004 and p=0.011, respectively). However, there were no significant differences between the groups in any other postoperative events, including recatheterization, reoperation, urinary tract infection, clot retention, and bladder neck contracture (p range, 0.516-0.913). One patient in group C experienced recurrence of the urethral stricture. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP in patients with an extremely large prostate can be performed efficiently and safely.

An analysis of long-term occurrence of renal complications following pediatric pyeloplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Few reports discuss post-pubertal renal complications after pyeloplasty. We analyzed long-term complications, such as decreased renal function (RF) measured by serum creatinine (SCr), hypertension (HTN), or proteinuria (protU) following pediatric pyeloplasty. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 257 patients who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction from January 1986 to December 2001. Medical history, preoperative and postoperative blood pressure, urinalysis, and SCr results were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (47 male, 8 female) who were followed up for at least 10 years with post-pubertal follow-up data available were analyzed. Seven (12.7%) patients were diagnosed with HTN, and 10 (18.2%) with protU. The grade of hydronephrosis decreased, and the differential RF measured by MAG-3 renal scan significantly increased at final analysis (p<0.001). Presence of preoperative symptoms (p=0.034), and SCr elevation (p=0.018) showed correlation with HTN. HTN took 15.7 (±5.8) (7-25) years, and protU detection took 16.2 (±5.9) (6-23) years, with the highest incidence of both HTN and protU between 15 and 20 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: According to our investigation, a prudent evaluation of signs of RF decrease at 10 years after surgery, and then every 5 years, until 20 years should be recommended, although further studies are necessary.

Reasons for delayed orchiopexies in a korean tertiary care hospital.

PURPOSE: Since the 1990s, it has been well known that orchiopexies should be performed by no later than 2 years of age. Nevertheless, studies from other countries report a substantial number of delayed orchiopexies. On the basis of an analysis of a tertiary care hospital database, we aimed to investigate the incidence of delayed orchiopexies performed in patients after 5 years of age and to understand the causes of such delays and the possible consequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the surgical database of Seoul National University Hospital between 2004 and 2012 and detected patients who underwent orchiopexy later than 5 years of age. Reasons for delayed orchiopexies were studied and the possible consequences of delayed orchiopexies were assessed with respect to surgical difficulty and testicular volume. RESULTS: We found 160 cases of delayed orchiopexies, which accounted for about 15% of all orchiopexies performed. Two major reasons for delay were related to the parents of the child: parental delay and parental request for the treatment of persistent retractile testis. Acquired cryptorchidism was found in 21 cases (13.1%), mainly associated with hypospadias. Surgical difficulty, especially owing to a short testicular cord, was encountered in 48 cases (30.2%), and a comparison with age-matched normative values showed substantially smaller testicular volume. CONCLUSIONS: Despite well-established guidelines for the optimal age of surgery, 15% of orchiopexies were not performed at a proper time. Improved propagation of an optimal age limit is necessary to reduce the rate of delayed orchiopexies considering increases in surgical difficulty and potential testicular growth retardation.

Effect of holmium laser enucleation of prostate on overactive bladder symptoms and urodynamic parameters: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) on overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and urodynamic parameters in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: One hundred sixty-five patients were included in this prospective study. They complained of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia and underwent HoLEP by a surgeon from January 2010 to March 2012. We analyzed the results of International Prostate Symptom Score, overactive bladder questionnaire, frequency-volume chart, and urodynamic studies (UDS) before and after the surgery. Follow-up examinations were repeated 3 and 6 months postoperatively, and a UDS was performed at 6 months after the surgery. RESULTS: The mean age was 68.4 (range, 52-91) years, the preoperative prostate volume measured by transrectal ultrasound was 71.1 (range, 22-202) mL, and the serum PSA level was 4.4 (range, 0.5-21.7) ng/mL. Postoperatively, patients showed significant improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score (total score from 20.7 to 5.5, P <.001), overactive bladder questionnaire score (severity score from 24.8 to 12.5, P <.001), and frequency-volume chart parameters (daytime frequency, nocturia, and maximal capacity, respectively) (P <.001). The peak flow rate (P <.001), postvoid residual urine volume (P <.001), maximal cystometric capacity (P <.002), and bladder outlet obstruction index (P <.001) have improved significantly. The number of patients who showed involuntary detrusor contraction in UDS decreased significantly from 45.5% to 36.4% (P <.001). However, bladder compliance did not improve. CONCLUSION: OAB symptoms and urodynamic parameters were improved significantly after HoLEP surgery in short-term follow-up.

HoLEP does not affect the overall sexual function of BPH patients: a prospective study.

We aimed to prospectively evaluate the influence of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) on the overall postoperative sexual function of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and to explore the relationship between sexual function and LUTS. From January 2010 to December 2011, sixty sexually active consecutive patients with BPH who underwent HoLEP were prospectively enrolled in the study. All patients filled out the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) for evaluation of their overall sexual function and the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) for pre- and post-operative 6 months evaluation of their voiding symptoms. The LUTS and sexual function changes were statistically analyzed. The preoperative and 6 months postoperative status of the patients was compared using uroflowmetry and IPSS questionnaires. The analysis revealed significant improvements following HoLEP. Among the sub-domains of the MSHQ, postoperative sexual function, including erection, ejaculation, sexual satisfaction, anxiety or sexual desire, did not significantly change after HoLEP (P > 0.05), whereas satisfaction scores decreased slightly due to retrograde ejaculation in 38 patients (63.3%). Sexual satisfaction improved significantly and was correlated with the improvements of all LUTS and the quality-of-life (QoL) domains in IPSS after surgery (QoL; relative risk [RR]: -0.293; total symptoms, RR: -0.411; P < 0.05). The nocturia score was associated with the erectile function score (odds ratio 0.318, P = 0.029). The change in ejaculatory scores did not show significant association with IPSS scores. HoLEP did not influence overall sexual function, including erectile function. In addition, sexual satisfaction improved in proportion with the improvement of LUTS.

Transurethral surgical anatomy of the arterial bleeder in the enucleated capsular plane of enlarged prostates during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

PURPOSE: To identify the endoscopic vascular anatomy of the prostate during Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), and analyze the clinical risk factors associated with significant arterial bleeding. METHODS: We identified 107 consecutive patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent HoLEP between September 2009 and August 2010, performed by a single surgeon (S.J.O.). Two independent reviewers reviewed the surgery video database and completed a prespecified form. The location of bleeding arteries was marked at the level of the bladder neck, proximal prostate, distal prostate, and verumontanum. Arterial bleeding was classified into one of three grades according to bleeding severity (grades 2 and 3 indicate significant bleeding). RESULTS: The mean prostate volume was 65.1±31.5 mL, and the mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 3.69±3.58 ng/mL. During the HoLEP procedure, the most common locations of significant bleeders were the 2-5 and 7-10 o'clock positions in the proximal prostate. The average number of bleeding arteries was 12.1±7.9 per procedure, and 1.93±1.20 per 10 mL of prostate volume. Multivariate analysis revealed that prostate volume and serum PSA were significant parameters for estimating the number of bleeding vessels. CONCLUSIONS: During the HoLEP procedure, the most common locations of significant bleeders were the 2-5 and 7-10 o'clock positions in the proximal prostate. Prostate volume was associated with the number of bleeders. A careful approach to the capsular plane of the proximal prostate facilitates early hemostasis during the HoLEP procedure, especially with larger adenomas.

Korean version of the functional assessment of cancer therapy (FACT)-vanderbilt cystectomy index (VCI): translation and linguistic.

PURPOSE: To develop a Korean version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-Vanderbilt Cystectomy Index (VCI) from the original English version, with subsequent linguistic validation in Korean patients who underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Translation and linguistic validation were carried out between January and May of 2013, which consisted of the following stages:(1) permission for translation;(2) forward translation;(3) reconciliation;(4) backward translation;(5) cognitive debriefing and(6) final proof-reading. RESULTS: During the forward translation phases,word as such as "bother","spend time", "support", "coping" and "concern" were adjusted to be more comprehensible to the target population. There conciled Korean version was accepted without certain objections because the original version and the backward translation were almost congruent except for minor differences in a subset of questions. The translation was tested using 5 Korean-speaking subjects. The subjects took an average of 8.2 minutes to complete the questionnaire, without difficulty and found the questionnaire clear and easy to understand. The panel discussed each of the issues raised by subjects and most terms were judged by the panel as to not require further changes because the overall comprehension levels were relatively high and because the translated terms were accurately rendered in the target languages. CONCLUSION: This report has demonstrated that despite translation difficulties, the linguistic validation of the FACT-VCI in the Korean language was successful. The next step is to assess the psychometric properties of the Korean version of FACT-VCI.

Efficacy of salvage interferential electrical stimulation therapy in patients with medication-refractory enuresis: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: In pediatric patients with enuresis, the protocol for salvage therapy in patients in whom first-line therapy was not successful has not yet been established. Interferential electrical stimulation (IF-ES) therapy is advantageous because it is noninvasive and shows high compliance. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of IF-ES therapy on pediatric enuresis in a pilot study. METHODS: We investigated 10 patients who underwent IF-ES therapy between August 2012 and March 2013 at our clinic. Patients with a history of previous treatment with desmopressin and anticholinergic agents for at least 3 months and those in whom alarm treatment previously failed or was refused by parents were eligible. Electrical current was given starting at approximately 20 mA and was increased until the patient complained of discomfort. Treatment was performed once a week, 20 minutes per treatment, 6 times per cycle. After each cycle, an interview was performed and voiding diaries were filled. The physician in charge evaluated improvement according to the International Children's Continence Society criteria. RESULTS: A final analysis was performed in 10 patients (5 male and 5 female patients) in whom therapy for nocturnal enuresis had failed. Eight patients had nonmonosymptomatic enuresis and 2 had monosymptomatic enuresis. The mean age of the patients was 8.5±2.4 years, and the mean number of treatments was 10.6±3.6 times. A full response was observed in 1 patient (10%); a good response, in 1 patient (10%); a partial response, in 7 patients (70%); and no response, in 1 patient (10%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that IF-ES therapy can be a promising treatment for the future, is safe, and can benefit from appropriate clinical trials in carefully selected groups. IF-ES therapy is expected to be a safe and effective treatment modality for children with enuresis.