Ultrasound Evaluation of Mid-Urethral Sling Position: A Potential Predictor of Outcomes and Adverse Effects.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate mid-urethral sling (MUS) position and its association with postoperative outcomes and complications. DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study. Ninety-two women who underwent MUS procedure with a median follow-up period of 11 months (interquartile range 5-24 months) were recruited. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Two-dimensional trans-labial ultrasound with an endovaginal probe was used to visualize the urethral length (UL), sling distance to the bladder neck (BN) and to the urethra longitudinal smooth muscle (LSM). RESULTS: Mean sling-LSM, UL, and sling-BN distances were 5.97 ± 2.04 mm, 28.66 ± 3.19 mm, and 18.85 ± 4.46 mm, respectively. Sling position relative to BN (proximal vs. middle vs. distal) was not associated with surgery outcomes and complications; however, mean sling-LSM in patients with exposure (4.3%) was significantly higher compared to those who did not experience exposure (8.80 ± 1.9 mm vs. 5.8 ± 2.0 mm, p = 0.048). Moreover, the mean sling-LSM distance was associated with patient satisfaction (5.87 ± 2.0 mm in satisfied patients with VAS > 6 vs. 6.29 ± 2.1 mm in unsatisfied patients, p value = 0.043). Likewise, patients who had worsened or showed de novo overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms (8.8%) had significantly higher mean sling-LSM distance compared to patients with improved OAB symptoms (6.52 ± 2.0 mm vs. 5.37 ± 1.9 mm, p = 0.007). Mean sling-LSM distance was lower in patients with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), voiding dysfunction, and improved stress urinary incontinence, whereas patients with dyspareunia after surgery had higher mean sling-LSM distance; however, these differences were not statistically significant. LIMITATIONS: Both trans-obturator and retropubic procedures with or without concomitant prolapse surgery were assessed. Heterogeneity of the study population and pelvic floor ultrasound being performed by a single urogynecologist were the limitations of the current study. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound visualization of MUS is feasible and has the potential to predict outcomes and complications. High sling-LSM distance was associated with exposure, and low sling-LSM distance with increased satisfaction rate, probability of voiding dysfunction, and recurrent UTI.

The role of nutritional interventions in prostate cancer: A review.

The high prevalence rate in conjunction with the long latency period made prostate cancer (PCa) an attractive and reasonable candidate for preventive measures. So far, several dietary and nutritional interventions have been implemented and studied with the aim of preventing the development or delaying the progression of PCa. Calorie restriction accompanied by weight loss has been shown to be associated with decreased likelihood of aggressive PCa. Supplements have played a major role in nutritional interventions. While genistein and lycopene seemed promising as preventive agents, minerals such as zinc and selenium were shown to be devoid of protective effects. The role of vitamins has been widely studied, with special emphasis on vitamins with antioxidant properties. Data related to Vitamin A and Vitamin C were rather controversial and positive effects were of insignificant magnitude. Vitamin E was associated with a decreased risk of PCa in high-risk groups like smokers. However, when it comes to Vitamin D, the serum levels might affect the risk of PCa. While deficiency of this vitamin was associated with increased risk, high serum levels imposed the risk of aggressive disease. Despite the seemingly promising effects of dietary measures on PCa, no firm recommendation could be made due to the limitations of the studies and evidence. However, the majority of these advices could be followed by the patients with the intent of living a healthy lifestyle.

Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity in 195 Countries over 25 Years.

BACKGROUND: Although the rising pandemic of obesity has received major attention in many countries, the effects of this attention on trends and the disease burden of obesity remain uncertain. METHODS: We analyzed data from 68.5 million persons to assess the trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adults between 1980 and 2015. Using the Global Burden of Disease study data and methods, we also quantified the burden of disease related to high body-mass index (BMI), according to age, sex, cause, and BMI in 195 countries between 1990 and 2015. RESULTS: In 2015, a total of 107.7 million children and 603.7 million adults were obese. Since 1980, the prevalence of obesity has doubled in more than 70 countries and has continuously increased in most other countries. Although the prevalence of obesity among children has been lower than that among adults, the rate of increase in childhood obesity in many countries has been greater than the rate of increase in adult obesity. High BMI accounted for 4.0 million deaths globally, nearly 40% of which occurred in persons who were not obese. More than two thirds of deaths related to high BMI were due to cardiovascular disease. The disease burden related to high BMI has increased since 1990; however, the rate of this increase has been attenuated owing to decreases in underlying rates of death from cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid increase in the prevalence and disease burden of elevated BMI highlights the need for continued focus on surveillance of BMI and identification, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based interventions to address this problem. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.).

Resolution of Hydronephrosis in Children with Dysfunctional Voiding After Biofeedback Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

We assessed efficacy of biofeedback therapy and home pelvic floor muscle exercises in children with dysfunctional voiding (DV) associated with mild to moderate hydronephrosis. This prospective study comprised fifty seven children (21 boys, 36 girls; mean age 8.9 ± 2.6) with DV and mild to moderate hydronephrosis. Children were randomly allocated into two treatment groups including control group who underwent standard urotherapy and case group who received biofeedback therapy in addition to standard urotherapy. A 99mTc diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (99mDTPA) scan, voiding cystoureterography, kidney and bladder ultrasounds, voiding diary and uroflowmetry with electromyography (EMG) were performed in all study participants at the baseline. Children with evidence of complete obstruction in DTPA scan and vesicoureteral reflux were excluded from enrollment. A complete voiding diary, kidney and bladder ultrasounds and uroflowmetry/EMG were also performed 6 months and 1 year after completion of the treatment. We noted a more significant decline in anteroposterior pelvic diameter in case group compared to control group (P < 0.05). The mean maximal urine flow rate prior to treatment was 16.5 ± 2.6 and 16.1 ± 3 ml/s in case and control groups, respectively. This finding increased significantly 1 year after the treatment in case group compared to controls (25 ± 7.2 ml/s vs. 18.4 ± 5.9 ml/s, respectively; P < 0.001). Improvement of various parameters in voiding diary was also more significant in the case group. Biofeedback therapy can effectively resolve non-refluxing and non-obstructive hydronephrosis in children with DV.

Global, Regional and National Burden of Bladder Cancer, 1990 to 2016: Results from the GBD Study 2016.

PURPOSE: Bladder cancer is among the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Data on the bladder cancer burden are valuable for policy-making. We aimed to estimate the burden of bladder cancer by country, age group, gender and sociodemographic status between 1990 and 2016. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from vital registration systems and cancer registries were the input to estimate the bladder cancer burden. Mortality was estimated in an ensemble model approach, incidence was estimated by dividing mortality by the mortality-to-incidence ratio and prevalence was estimated using the mortality-to-incidence ratio as a surrogate for survival. We modeled the years lived with disability using disability weights of bladder cancer sequelae. Years of life lost were calculated by multiplying the number of deaths by age by the standard life expectancy at that age. Disability adjusted life-years were calculated by summing the years lived with disability and the years of life lost. Moreover, we also estimated the burden attributable to bladder cancer risk factors, smoking and high fasting plasma glucose using the comparative risk assessment framework of the Global Burden of Disease study. RESULTS: In 2016 there were 437,442 incident cases (95% UI 426,709-447,912) of bladder cancer with an age standardized incidence rate of 6.69/100,000 (95% UI 6.52-6.85). Bladder cancer led to 186,199 deaths (95% UI 180,453-191,686) in 2016 with an age standardized rate of 2.94/100,000 (95% UI 2.85-3.03). Bladder cancer was responsible for 3,315,186 disability adjusted life-years (95% UI 3,193,248-3,425,530) in 2016 with an age standardized rate of 49.45/100,000 (95% UI 47.68-51.11). Of bladder cancer deaths 26.84% (95% UI 19.78-33.91) and 7.29% (95% UI 1.49-16.19) were due to smoking and high fasting glucose, respectively, in 2016. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of bladder cancer incident cases is growing globally, the age standardized incidence and number of deaths are decreasing, as mirrored by a decreasing smoking contribution.

Global, regional and national burden of testicular cancer, 1990-2016: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016.

OBJECTIVE: To provide estimates of the global incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with testicular cancer (TCa) between 1990 and 2016, using findings from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2016 study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the GBD 2016 study, cancer registry data and a vital registration system were used to estimate TCa mortality. Mortality to incidence ratios were used to transform mortality estimates to incidence, and to estimate survival, which was then used to estimate 10-year prevalence. Prevalence was weighted using disability weights to estimate years lived with disability (YLDs). Age-specific mortality and a reference life expectancy were used to estimate years of life lost (YLLs). DALYs are the sum of YLDs and YLLs. RESULTS: Global incidence of TCa showed a 1.80-fold increase from 37 231 (95% uncertainty interval [ UI] 36 116-38 515) in 1990 to 66 833 (95% UI 64 487-69 736) new cases in 2016. The age-standardized incidence rate also increased from 1.5 (95% UI 1.45-1.55) to 1.75 (95% UI 1.69-1.83) cases per 100 000. Deaths from TCa remained stable between 1990 and 2016 [1990: 8394 (95% UI 7980-8904), 2016: 8651 (95% UI 8292-9027)]. The TCa age-standardized death rate decreased between 1990 and 2016, from 0.39 (95% UI 0.37-0.41) to 0.25 (95% UI 0.24-0.26) per 100 000; however, the decreasing trend was not similar in all regions. Global TCa DALYs decreased by 2% and reached 391 816 (95% UI 372 360-412 031) DALYs in 2016. The age-standardized DALY rate also decreased globally between 1990 and 2016 (10.31 [95% UI 9.82-10.84]) per 100 000 in 2016). CONCLUSION: Although the mortality rate for TCa has decreased over recent decades, large disparities still exist in TCa mortality, probably as a result of lack of access to healthcare and oncological treatment. Timely diagnosis of this cancer, by improving general awareness, should be prioritized. In addition, improving access to effective therapies and trained healthcare workforces in developing and under-developed areas could be the next milestones.

Global, Regional and National Burden of Prostate Cancer, 1990 to 2015: Results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015.

PURPOSE: Data on the incidence, mortality and burden of prostate cancer as well as changing trends are necessary to provide policy makers with the evidence needed to allocate resources appropriately. This study presents estimates of prostate cancer incidence, mortality and burden from 1990 to 2015 by patient age, country and developmental status using the results of the Global Burden of Disease 2015 study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from vital registration systems and cancer registries were used to generate mortality estimates. Cause specific mortality served as the basis for estimating incidence, prevalence and disability adjusted life years. The global number of incident cases, deaths and disability adjusted life years attributable to prostate cancer are reported as well as age standardized rates. RESULTS: Incident cases of prostate cancer increased 3.7-fold from 1990 to 2015. The age standardized incidence rate also increased 1.7-fold during the study period and in 2015 it reached 56.71/100,000 person-years (95% uncertainty interval 45.86-78.45). Global estimates of the age standardized death rate decreased slightly to 14.24 deaths (95% uncertainty interval 11.8-17.95) per 100,000 person-years in 2015. The decline in the age standardized death rate was more prominent in high income countries. Disability adjusted life years attributable to prostate cancer increased by 90% during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The prostate cancer mortality rate is decreasing in high income countries. However, the incidence and burden of disease are steadily increasing globally, resulting in further challenges in the allocation of limited health care resources. The current study provides comprehensive knowledge of the local burden of disease and help with appropriate allocation of resources for prostate cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

Feasibility and Safety of Ultrasonography Guidance and Flank Position during Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is generally performed using fluoroscopy, which is associated with exposure to radiation. Another drawback of fluoroscopic guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the prone position, which is not suitable for all patients. In this study we evaluated the feasibility, safety and efficacy of ultrasound guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy with the patient in the flank position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 603 patients with a mean ± SD age of 50.9 ± 13 years were included in this study from December 2010 to July 2016. Access to the collecting system and tract dilation were performed under ultrasound guidance. Perioperative data on the stone-free rate, operative time, length of stay and complication rates were recorded. RESULTS: Successful access was achieved in all but 1 patient. Mean operative time was 56.6 ± 6.5 minutes. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 529 patients (87.7%) and Clavien-Dindo grade 3 complications were noted in 17 (2.8%). Blood transfusion was necessary in 43 patients (7.1%). However, bleeding was self-limited in all cases and did not require angioembolization. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the largest series of ultrasound guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy with the patient in the flank position. Unlike in other studies we used this procedure in all patients irrespective of stone burden, renal anomaly and body habitus. Ultrasound guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy has outcomes comparable to those of conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy and it is not associated with radiation exposure. Furthermore, anesthesia while in the flank position might be less harmful in some patients, including those with obesity or cardiopulmonary comorbidities.

Association between race and oncologic outcome following radical prostatectomy for clinically organ-confined prostate cancer: a long-term follow-up study.

PURPOSE: Few studies have evaluated prostate cancer oncologic outcomes in different ethnic groups following radical prostatectomy for clinically organ-confined disease. Existing studies lack long-term outcome data. We conducted this study to assess the impact of racial differences on risk profile and oncologic outcomes in a large cohort of patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy. METHODS: Using our institutional review board-approved prostate cancer database, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 3437 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy with curative intent in our institution between 1987 and 2009. Based on ethnicity, patients were divided into Asian Americans (n = 133), African Americans (n = 155) and Caucasians (n = 3149). Baseline characteristics and oncologic outcomes including biochemical recurrence free, clinical recurrence free and overall survival were compared between the study groups. RESULTS: A total of 3437 patients with a mean age of 63 ± 9.8 years and median follow-up period of 8.7 (range 0.1-24.1) years were included in the analysis. Pathologic stage and the frequency of poorly differentiated cancer were higher in Asian Americans; however, margin status did not differ significantly. Moreover, oncologic outcomes were comparable between different ethnic groups. In multivariate analysis, both pathologic stage and grade were independent predictors of oncologic outcomes, but race was not. CONCLUSIONS: In this large, ethnically diverse long-term follow-up study, we noted that Asian Americans compared to African Americans and Caucasians are more likely to have high risk prostate cancer; however, race was not an independent predictor of oncologic outcome following radical prostatectomy with curative intent.

Oncological Outcomes After Radical Prostatectomy for High-Risk Prostate Cancer Based on New Gleason Grouping System: A Validation Study From University of Southern California With 3,755 Cases.

BACKGROUNDS: To assess the prognostic value of new Gleason grade grouping system in high-risk prostate cancer patients, we compared oncological outcomes after radical prostatectomy for patients with Gleason score 8 versus 9-10. METHODS: Between 1987 and 2008, 3,755 men underwent radical prostatectomy with curative intent at University of Southern California. Patients who had Gleason score 8-10 at final histopathological evaluation (pT2-4N0) were included in this study. Eligible patients were divided into two groups; 226 with Gleason score 8 and 132 with Gleason score 9-10. Various patient and disease characteristics as well as oncological outcomes (biochemical recurrence, clinical recurrence, and overall survival) were compared between the groups. Impact of Gleason score on outcomes was controlled for preoperative prostate specific antigen, pathological stage, use of adjuvant radiotherapy, and neoadjuvant/adjuvant hormone therapy in multivariable analyses. RESULTS: A total of 358 patients (mean age: 65 years) were included in the analysis. Mean age and median duration of follow-up (9.6 years) were comparable between the study groups. Gleason 9-10 prostate cancer was associated with worse biochemical (HR 1.6; 95%CI [1.1-2.3]) and clinical recurrence free survival (HR = 1.9; 95%CI [1.1-3.3]); however, overall survival did not differ significantly between the groups. In addition, more patients with Gleason score 9-10 received adjuvant hormone therapy in the course of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up after radical prostatectomy revealed significant differences in disease-specific outcomes between patients with Gleason score 8 versus 9-10. This sub-classification of high-risk patients might be helpful for patient counseling and determining therapeutic strategies. Prostate 77:743-748, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.