The Efficacy and Safety of Radiation-Free Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: A Prospective Multicenter-Based, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Fluoroscopy is usually required during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Although fluoroscopy is considered necessary for effective and safe RIRS, there is growing awareness regarding radiation exposure risk to patients and surgeons. We conducted a multicenter-based, randomized, controlled trial to compare the safety and effectiveness of radiation-free (RF) RIRS with radiation-usage (RU) RIRS for kidney stone management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2020 to April 2022, patients with a unilateral kidney stone (≤20 mm) eligible for RIRS were prospectively enrolled in 5 tertiary medical centers after randomization and divided into the RF and RU groups. RIRS was performed using a flexible ureteroscope with a holmium:YAG laser. The primary end point of this study was the success rate, defined as complete stone-free or residual fragments with asymptomatic kidney stones ≤ 3 mm. The secondary end point of this study was ascertaining the safety of RF RIRS. The success rates were analyzed using a noninferiority test. RESULTS: Of the 140 consecutive randomized participants, 128 patients completed this study (RF: 63; RU: 65). The success rates (78% vs 80%, P = .8) were not significantly different between the groups. The rate of high-grade (grade 2-4) ureter injury was not significantly higher in the RF group compared to the RU group (RF = 3 [4.8%] vs RU = 2 [3.1%], P = .6). In RF RIRS, the success rate was noninferior compared to RU RIRS (the difference was 2.2% [95% CI, 0.16-0.12]). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the surgical outcomes of RF RIRS were noninferior to RU RIRS.

Vibration, and temperature run-to-failure dataset of ball bearing for prognostics.

Condition based maintenance (CBM) has become a very important issue in the industry because it can decrease the inventory as the need of parts can be planned by the identification of a potential failure. However, in order to predict the life span of the ball bearing, it is necessary to acquire data according to the all life span of the bearing. This article presents the time-series dataset, including vibration, and temperature, of the ball bearing under run-to-failure. Through the accelerated life test, the ball bearing was failed at 128 working hours, and the vibration and temperature data for the all running section were included. The type of fault was identified through microscopic analysis of the damaged ball bearing. The established dataset can be used to verify newly developed state-of-the-art methods for prognosis the remaining useful life (RUL) of the ball bearing. Mendeley Data. DOI: 10.17632/5hcdd3tdvb.6.

Korean Society of Endourology and Robotics (KSER) recommendation on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of urolithiasis.

This article provides evidence-based recommendations and expert opinions to aid urologists in making optimal decisions regarding managing urolithiasis in various clinical scenarios. The most frequently asked questions by urologists in their clinical practice have been collected and answered in the form of FAQs; based on the latest evidence and expert opinions. The natural history of urolithiasis is divided into active treatment and silent phases, with the active treatment stage divided into typical and special situations and peri-treatment management. The authors address 28 key questions, offering practical guidance for the proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of urolithiasis in clinical practice. This article is expected to be served as a valuable resource for urologists.

Pure uric acid stone prediction model using the variant coefficient of stone density measured by thresholding 3D segmentation-based methods: A multicenter study.

Urinary stones are common urological diseases with increasing prevalence and incidence worldwide. Among the various types of stones, uric acid stones can be dissolved by oral chemolysis without any surgical procedure. Therefore, our study demonstrates that variant coefficient of stone density measured by thresholding a three-dimensional segmentation-based method from noncontrast computed tomography images can be used to identify pure uric acid stones from non-pure uric acid stones. This study provides a preoperative pure uric acid stone prediction model that could reduce invasive procedural treatments. The pure uric acid stone prediction model may offer optimized clinical decision-making for patients with urinary stones. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: While most urinary stones are managed with interventional therapy, uric acid (UA) stones can be dissolved by oral chemolysis without invasive procedures. This study aimed to develop and validate a pure UA (pUA) stone prediction model using a variant coefficient of stone density (VCSD) measured by thresholding a three-dimensional (3D) segmentation-based method. METHODS: Patients with urolithiasis treated at Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital between January 2017 and December 2020 were divided into training and internal validation sets, and patients from Kyungpook National University Hospital between January 2017 and December 2018 were used as an external validation set. Each stone was segmented by a thresholding 3D segmentation-based method using an attenuation threshold of 130 Hounsfield units. VCSD was calculated as the stone heterogeneity index divided by the mean stone density. RESULTS: A total of 1175 urinary stone cases in 1023 patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 224 (19.1%) were pUA stone cases. Among the potential predictors, thresholding 3D segmentation-based VCSD, age, sex, radio-opacity, hypertension, diabetes, and urine pH were identified as independent pUA stone predictors, and VCSD was the most powerful indicator. The pUA stone prediction model showed good discrimination, yielding area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.960 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.940-0.979, P < 0.001), 0.931 (95% CI: 0.875-0.987, P < 0.001), and 0.938 (95% CI: 0.912-0.965, P < 0.001) in the training, internal validation, and external validation sets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: VCSD measured using 3D segmentation was a decisive independent predictive factor for pUA stones. Furthermore, the established prediction model with VCSD can serve as a noninvasive preoperative tool to identify pUA stones.

The natural course of incidental ureteral polyp during ureteroscopic surgery: KSER research.

BACKGROUND: The natural course of polypoid lesions in the ureter during ureteroscopic stone surgery was not yet clarified. METHODS: Patient data were collected prospectively from six teaching hospitals between 2019 and 2021. Patients with polypoid lesions in the ureter distal to ureteral stones were included during ureteroscopy. Computed tomography was performed on all enrolled patients three months after the procedure. Follow-up ureteroscopy was performed only if the patient consented, due to the need for general anesthesia and ethical considerations. RESULTS: Among the 35 patients who were followed up, 14 had fibroepithelial polyps and 21 had inflammatory polyps. Twenty of the followed-up patients underwent ureteroscopy, and nine of them had fibroepithelial polyps. Although fibroepithelial polyps did not disappear in the follow-up ureteroscopy (p = 0.002), the rate of postoperative hydronephrosis was not higher in the fibroepithelial group than in the inflammatory group. Postoperative ureteral stricture and moderate-to-severe hydronephrosis were found to be closely related to the number of resected polyps, regardless of the type of polyp (p = 0.014 and 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: Fibroepithelial polyps in the ureter may persist after treatment of adjacent ureter stones. However, conservative management may be preferable to active removal of ureteral polyps because fibroepithelial polyps may not contribute to clinically significant hydronephrosis after surgery, and inflammatory polyps disappear spontaneously. Hasty resections of polyps may increase the risk of ureteral stricture.

Current treatment patterns within 1 year after prostate cancer diagnosis in Korean patients over 75 years old: a retrospective multicenter study.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the current status of first-line treatment options for prostate cancer in patients aged ≥75 years in Korea. Materials and methods: The study included 873 patients diagnosed with biopsy-proven prostate cancer at 5 institutions in Korea from January 2009 to December 2018. Inclusion criteria were aged ≥75 years at diagnosis, prostate biopsy with ≥12 cores, and follow-up period ≥1 year. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from electronic medical records. Results: Primary treatment for prostate cancer in patients aged ≥75 years included androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (n = 614), radical prostatectomy (RP) (n = 114), and radiation therapy (n = 62). Among patients with RP, nine patients received ADT before RP. The RP group was younger with better Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS), lower initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score (GS), max percent positive cores, less positive cores, and less advanced clinical Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage compared with the ADT group. Multivariate analysis showed that age, ECOG PS, and PSA were independent prognostic factors for RP. When the ADT group was classified by therapeutic regimens, the most common therapeutic regimen was maximal androgen blockade (MAB) (n = 571), and leuprolide + bicalutamide (n = 330) was the most common MAB regimen. Multivariate analysis for secondary treatment showed that age, ECOG PS, GS, and clinical N1 or M1 stage were independent predictive factors. Enzalutamide was the most preferred treatment for tertiary treatment. Conclusion: In patients with prostate cancer aged ≥75 years, the most common treatment option was MAB, and the leuprolide + bicalutamide was the most common MAB regimen. Age, ECOG PS, and PSA are the useful indicators of surgical treatment, which increased during the study period. Younger patients with high GS and advanced clinical stage were more likely to undergo secondary treatment.

Vibration, acoustic, temperature, and motor current dataset of rotating machine under varying operating conditions for fault diagnosis.

Rotating machines are often operated under various operating conditions. However, the characteristics of the data varies with their operating conditions. This article presents the time-series dataset, including vibration, acoustic, temperature, and driving current data of rotating machines under varying operating conditions. The dataset was acquired using four ceramic shear ICP based accelerometers, one microphone, two thermocouples, and three current transformer (CT) based on the international organization for standardization (ISO) standard. The conditions of the rotating machine consisted of normal, bearing faults (inner and outer races), shaft misalignment, and rotor unbalance with three different torque load conditions (0 Nm, 2 Nm, and 4 Nm). This article also reports the vibration and driving current dataset of a rolling element bearing under varying speed conditions (680 RPM to 2460 RPM). The established dataset can be used to verify newly developed state-of-the-art methods for fault diagnosis of rotating machines. Mendeley Data. DOI:10.17632/ztmf3m7h5x.6, DOI:10.17632/vxkj334rzv.7, DOI:10.17632/x3vhp8t6hg.7, DOI:10.17632/j8d8pfkvj2.7.

Vibration and current dataset of three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motors with stator faults.

Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) are widely used in industry applications such as home appliances, manufacturing process, high-speed trains, and electric vehicles. Unexpected faults of PMSM are directly related to the significant losses in the engineered systems. The majority of motor faults are bearing fault (mechanical) and stator fault (electrical). This article reports vibration and driving current dataset of three-phase PMSM with three different motor powers under eight different severities of stator fault. PMSM conditions including normal, inter-coil short circuit fault, and inter-turn short circuit fault in three motors are demonstrated with different powers of 1.0 kW, 1.5 kW and 3.0 kW, respectively. The PMSMs are operated under the same torque load condition and rotating speed. Dataset is acquired using one integrated electronics piezo-electric (IEPE) based accelerometer and three current transformers (CT) with National Instruments (NI) data acquisition (DAQ) board under international organization for standardization standard (ISO 10816-1:1995). Established dataset can be used to verify newly developed state-of-the-art methods for PMSM stator fault diagnosis. Mendeley Data. DOI: 10.17632/rgn5brrgrn.5.

The value of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography (MRI/US)-fusion biopsy in clinically significant prostate cancer detection in patients with biopsy-naïve men according to PSA levels: A propensity score matching analysis.

Objectives: To evaluate the detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography (MRI/US) fusion biopsy in patients with biopsy-naïve men for varying prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Since MRI can efficiently detect csPCa compared to standard transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy; however, the optimal PSA threshold for its use is unclear. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed those who underwent MRI/US-fusion and standard biopsy from January 2016 to June 2018. Patients were divided into three groups: PSA <4, 4-10, >10 ng/mL. Propensity scoring was performed to balance the characteristics of the different biopsy groups, and the detection rate of csPCa was compared. Results: Data from a total of 670 males were included in the analysis (standard TRUS, n = 333; MRI/US fusion, n = 337). Prior to matching, patients who received MRI/US-fusion biopsy had lower prostate volume. Propensity score matching balanced this characteristic and generated a cohort comprising 195 patients from each group. In the matched cohort, patients with PSA 4-10 ng/mL had a significantly increased risk of csPCa by MRI/US-fusion vs. standard biopsy (35.0% vs. 26.6%, P = 0.033). However, patients with PSA <4 ng/mL had csPCa found by MRI/US-fusion versus standard biopsy (12.0% vs. 16.0%, P = 0.342), whereas, patients with PSA >10 ng/mL had csPCa found by MRI/US-fusion versus standard biopsy (78.0% vs. 80.0%, P = 0.596). In multivariate logistic analysis among patients with PSA 4-10 ng/mL, MRI/US-fusion biopsy (odds ratio: 2.46, 95% confidence interval = 1.31-4.60, P = 0.005) were significantly associated with a detection of csPCa. Conclusions: Detection of csPCa by MRI/US-fusion biopsy is more efficient in patients with biopsy-naïve men with PSA 4-10 ng/mL. However, standard TRUS biopsy may identify csPCa in patients with PSA <4 ng/mL and ≥10 ng/mL, emphasizing the importance of performing a standard biopsy in conjunction with MRI/US-fusion biopsy in such populations.

The significance of the visible tumor on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in localized prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between tumor characteristics and visible tumors on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and examined the prognosis of tumor detection on MRI compared with no tumor detection in localized prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 214 patients with pT2N0M0 prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy between January 2009 and December 2016. All the patients underwent MRI preoperatively. The patients were divided into 2 groups postoperatively: no visible tumor on the MRI group (n = 96, 44.9%) and visible tumor on the MRI group (n = 118, 55.1%). The visible tumor was defined as Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System, version 2 Grade ≥ 3 on MRI. Age, prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, positive surgical margin (PSM), lymphovascular invasion, and biochemical recurrence (BCR) were compared between the 2 groups. We also assessed the relationship between visible tumors on MRI and oncologic characteristics. RESULTS: The visible tumor on the MRI group showed a higher Gleason score ≥4 + 3 [45.8% versus (vs.) 17.7%], high frequency of postoperative PSMs (28.8% vs. 16.7%), and higher BCR rate (17.8% vs. 7.3%) than the no visible tumor on the MRI group. The Kaplan-Meier analysis for BCR-free survival also showed a significant difference (P = 0.006). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the detection of tumors on MRI was associated with a higher BCR risk [hazard ratio: 3.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36-8.27; P = 0.009]. We found a positive association between visible tumors on MRI and primary Gleason pattern of ≥4 (odds ratio: 4.31; 95% CI: 2.21-8.40; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In localized prostate cancer, BCR was significantly more frequent when the tumor was detected on MRI, and a visible tumor on MRI was associated with the Gleason score. Therefore, attention should be paid to the possibility of high-grade prostate cancer when a tumor is detected on MRI before radical prostatectomy, and active follow-up may be needed postoperatively.

Functional Evaluation of Upper Urinary Tract with Diuretic Mercaptoacetyltriglycine Renal Scans in Patients with Benign Prostatic Obstruction before and after Surgical Intervention: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated which benign prostatic hyperplasia-related lower urinary parameters are related to upper urinary tract obstruction and whether transurethral prostatectomy could improve upper urinary tract obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with prostate size over 30 g and urodynamically proven bladder outlet obstruction were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Bladder wall thickness and prostate size were measured by ultrasonography. A urodynamic study with laboratory tests including serum creatinine, prostate-specific antigen, and urinalysis was performed. Finally, a diuretic scintigraphy using mercaptoacetyltriglycine was performed. Tests except the urodynamic evaluation were repeated after transurethral prostatectomy. RESULTS: In total, 24 patients were enrolled, and 19 patients completed the present study. The mean values of age (yrs), prostate size (mL), bladder thickness (mm), bladder compliance (ΔmL/Δpr), and the bladder outlet obstruction index were 68.42 ± 8.25, 72.29 ± 32.78, 4.42 ± 1.14, 50.17 ± 32.15, and 82.11 ± 34.68, respectively. The mean T1/2 (min) was 17.51 ± 16.34 on the left side and 15.30 ± 11.96 on the right side. Statistical analysis showed that bladder compliance and bladder thickness were preoperatively related to upper urinary tract obstruction (p = 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). Diuretic mercaptoacetyltriglycine scan in 19 patients showed improvement 6 months after prostate surgery. Clinically significant proteinuria was associated with upper urinary tract obstruction, and proteinuria was also improved after prostate surgery. CONCLUSION: Storage-phase bladder dysfunction could be a reliable urodynamic factor for the indication of upper urinary tract obstruction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and upper urinary tract obstruction with subsequent kidney damage could be improved by surgical decompression of benign prostatic obstruction.

Does a Ureteral Stent with a Smaller Diameter Reduce Stent-Related Bladder Irritation? A Single-Blind, Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Study.

Purpose: To conduct a randomized, controlled, multicenter study that could compare the efficacy and stent-related symptom scores between 5F and 6F ureteral stents after ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS). Materials and Methods: From September 2017 to April 2018, 110 patients having a unilateral ureteral stent after URS were prospectively enrolled from three different tertiary medical centers. The patients were randomly assigned to a 5F or 6F ureteral stent group. A ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ) was administered to patients 2 or 3 weeks after stent placement. The USSQs were used to compare body pain and urinary symptom scores between the two groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in body pain between the 5F and 6F ureteral stent groups. There was also no difference in analgesic usage between the groups. However, patients with 5F ureteral stents expressed significantly fewer urinary symptoms. Postoperative hydronephrosis was not observed in either group. Conclusions: Ureteral stents are associated with various morbidities and impaired quality of life. This study demonstrated that 5F ureteral stents may cause fewer urinary symptoms when compared with 6F ureteral stents. Therefore, the placement of ureteral stents with smaller diameters may reduce stent-related urinary symptoms.

The Role of Antegrade Irrigation via Percutaneous Nephrostomy on Surgical Outcomes in Semirigid Ureteroscopy among Patients with Upper Ureteral Stones.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the role of antegrade irrigation via percutaneous nephrostomy on surgical outcomes in retrograde ureteroscopy in patients with upper ureter stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed 134 patients who underwent retrograde semirigid ureteroscopy for upper ureter stones between August 2012 and December 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: retrograde irrigation group (conventional URS) and antegrade irrigation group (using percutaneous nephrostomy). Operation time, postoperative hospital stay, complications, and stone-free rate were measured for each patient after ureteroscopy. RESULTS: The mean age in the retrograde irrigation and antegrade irrigation groups was 53.3 and 60.7 years, respectively (p=0.007). The operation time was 60.8 min vs. 43.0 min (p=0.002), and stone-free rate was 82.0 % vs. 95.5 % (p=0.033). Stone size, laterality, the proportion of male patients, and urinary tract infection prevalence were comparable between the groups. In the subgroup analysis of stone size >10 mm, the antegrade irrigation group had a shorter operation time and a higher stone-free rate. For stone size of 5-10 mm, operation time in the antegrade irrigation group was shorter and the stone-free rate between the two groups was comparable. CONCLUSION: Antegrade irrigation via percutaneous nephrostomy during ureteroscopy has a higher stone-free rate with a shorter operation time without an increased urinary tract infection risk. Therefore, if percutaneous nephrostomy is necessary before ureteroscopy, antegrade irrigation of external fluid via percutaneous nephrostomy is strongly recommended.

Updated clinical results of active surveillance of very-low-risk prostate cancer in Korean men: 8 years of follow-up.

PURPOSE: Update and reanalysis of our experience of active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer (PCa) in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, single-arm, cohort study was initiated in January 2008. Patients were selected according to the following criteria: Gleason sum ≤6 with single positive core with ≤30% core involvement, clinical stage≤T1c, prostate-specific antigen (PSA)≤10 ng/mL, and negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results. Follow-up was by PSA measurement every 6 months, prostate biopsies at 1 year and then every 2-3 years, and MRI every year. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were treated with AS. Median follow-up was 52 months (range, 6-96 months). Of them, 39 patients (48.8%) discontinued AS for various reasons (17, disease progression; 9, patient preference; 10, watchful waiting due to old age; 3, follow-up loss; 2, death). The probability of progression was 14.0% and 42.9% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Overall survival was 97.5%. PCa-specific survival was 100%. Progression occurred in 5 of 7 patients (71.4%) with a prostate volume less than 30 mL, 7 of 40 patients (17.5%) with a prostate volume of 30 to 50 mL, and 5 of 33 patients (15.2%) with a prostate volume of 50 mL or larger. There were 8 detectable positive lesions on follow-up MRI. Of them, 6 patients (75%) had actual progressed disease. CONCLUSIONS: Small prostate volume was associated with a tendency for cancer progression. MRI was helpful and promising for managing AS. Nevertheless, regular biopsies should be performed. AS is a safe and feasible treatment option for very-low-risk PCa in Korea. However, AS should continue to be used in carefully selected patients.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of tolterodine 2 mg and 4 mg combined with an α-blocker in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and overactive bladder: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose (2 mg) tolterodine extended release (ER) with an α-blocker compared with standard-dose (4 mg) tolterodine ER with an α-blocker for the treatment of men with residual storage symptoms after α-blocker monotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was a 12-week, single-blind, randomized, parallel-group, non-inferiority trial that included men with residual storage symptoms despite receiving at least 4 weeks of α-blocker treatment. Inclusion criteria were total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥12, IPSS quality-of-life item score ≥3, and ≥8 micturitions and ≥2 urgency episodes per 24 h. The primary outcome was change in the total IPSS score from baseline. Bladder diary variables, patient-reported outcomes and safety were also assessed. RESULTS: Patients were randomly assigned to addition of either 2 mg tolterodine ER (n = 47) or 4 mg tolterodine ER (n = 48) to α-blocker therapy for 12 weeks. Patients in both treatment groups had a significant improvement in total IPSS score (-5.5 and -6.3, respectively), micturition per 24 h (-1.3 and -1.7, respectively) and nocturia per night (-0.4 and -0.4, respectively). Changes in IPSS, bladder diary variables, and patient-reported outcomes were not significantly different between the treatment groups. All interventions were well tolerated by patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that 12 weeks of low-dose tolterodine ER add-on therapy is similar to standard-dose tolterodine ER add-on therapy in terms of efficacy and safety for patients experiencing residual storage symptoms after receiving α-blocker monotherapy.

Effect of Detrusor Overactivity on Functional Outcomes After Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate in Patients With Benign Prostatic Obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of detrusor overactivity (DO) on functional outcomes after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ten men with benign prostatic obstruction were evaluated retrospectively. International Prostate Symptom Score, International Continence Society male questionnaire short form, 3-day voiding diary, and uroflowmetry with postvoid residual were evaluated preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The patients underwent urodynamic study preoperatively and were divided into the DO group (58 of 110, 52.7%) and the non-DO group (52 of 100, 47.3%). RESULTS: Patients in the DO group were older than those in the non-DO group (71.4 vs 66.4 years), although prostate volume and degree of obstruction were not significantly different between the 2 groups. All International Prostate Symptom Score and uroflowmetry parameters improved significantly at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Storage symptoms in both groups were comparable preoperatively (9.7 vs 8.6); these improved similarly in both groups during follow-up (5.0 vs 4.0, 6-month follow-up). The number of patients taking anticholinergics increased significantly after HoLEP, from a baseline of 17 patients to 49 patients at the 3-month follow-up and 39 at the 6-month follow-up. More patients in the DO group were taking anticholinergics at the end of the follow-up period (48.3% vs 21.2%). CONCLUSION: Although the storage symptoms improved significantly in both groups, a significant number of patients with DO group took anticholinergics after HoLEP. We recommend that surgeons should counsel the possibility of taking anticholinergics in the early postoperative period to the patients with DO at baseline.

Efficacy and safety of augmentation ileocystoplasty combined with supratrigonal cystectomy for the treatment of refractory bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis with Hunner's lesion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of augmentation ileocystoplasty with supratrigonal cystectomy for the treatment of refractory bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis patients with Hunner's lesion. METHODS: Of 45 patients who underwent augmentation ileocystoplasty with supratrigonal cystectomy between July 2006 and June 2012, 40 patients (33 women, 7 men) were included in the analysis. Primary outcome was the change in the O'Leary-Sant interstitial cystitis symptoms/problem index from baseline to 1, 3 and 6 months. Changes in pain, urgency, frequency, functional bladder capacity and maximal cystometric capacity were also assessed. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Median preoperative symptom duration was 5.0 years (range 3.0-6.0 years). Pain decreased significantly after surgery (8.3 vs. 1.3, P < 0.001). Functional bladder capacity and maximal cystometric capacity increased, whereas frequency, urgency and nocturia decreased significantly after surgery (all P < 0.001). At 6 months, significant improvements in the interstitial cystitis symptom index (17.8 vs. 9.9, P < 0.001) and interstitial cystitis problem index (14.6 vs. 6.5, P < 0.001) compared with baseline were noted. Seven patients developed vesicoureteral reflux and seven patients had acute pyelonephritis that resolved with antibiotic treatment. Five patients required clean intermittent self-catheterization. None of the preoperative factors were significant predictors of treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS: Augmentation ileocystoplasty with supratrigonal cystecomy decreased pain and frequency, and increased bladder capacity significantly. There were no severe complications related to surgery during follow up. Augmentation ileocystoplasty with supratrigonal cystectomy is therefore an appropriate final treatment strategy for refractory bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis patients with Hunner's lesion.

Initial experiences of a novel self-retaining intracorporeal retractor device for urologic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) is a surgical option for a number of urologic operations, although it does carry technical limitations. One of the major obstacles in performing LESS is accomplishing optimal retraction of adjacent organs. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a novel self-retaining intracorporeal retractor device, the Internal Organ Retractor (IOR), and to describe our experience using this device in LESS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 23 patients who underwent LESS using IOR between December 2012 and July 2013 were identified. Among these patients, 11 nephrectomies, 9 adrenalectomies, 1 pyeloplasty, and 2 nephroureterectomies were performed. Perioperative outcomes including operative time, complications related to use of the IOR, and amount of time needed for the application and removal of the IOR were measured during each operation. RESULTS: Adequate retraction was accomplished in all surgical cases. The IOR helped to maintain a consistent operative field throughout the surgery. A median application time of a single IOR was 85.0 (range 44.5-187.5) seconds and removal time was 50.0 (20-400) seconds. The median number of IOR sets used was 2.0 (range 1-4), and the median total application and removal time in a single operation were 170.0 (45-750) seconds and 95.0 (20-400) seconds, respectively. There were no perioperative complications associated with use of the IOR. CONCLUSIONS: The IOR provided satisfactory retraction during LESS, and its application/removal was uncomplicated and needed a minimal amount of time. The IOR reduced the need for additional laparoscopic ports for retraction. We believe that the IOR is a useful retraction tool for LESS and possibly multiport laparoscopic surgeries.

Prevalence and endoscopic features of eosinophilic esophagitis in patients with esophageal or upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) among patients with esophageal or upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms. METHODS: Patients with esophageal or UGI symptoms including dysphagia food impaction, acid regurgitation, heartburn, chest pain, epigastric pain, nausea and/or vomiting were prospectively collected. The enrolled patients responded to a symptomatic questionnaire and underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and esophageal biopsies. Supportive endoscopic findings of EoE (ring-like appearance, liner furrows, whitish papules, shearing or friability) were recorded. EoE was diagnosed if patients had chronic UGI or esophageal symptoms, the esophageal biopsy showed ≥15 eosinophils/high-power field and were unresponsive to 2-3 weeks of proton pump inhibitors. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients were enrolled and supportive endoscopic findings were found in 31 (25.4%) patients [whitish papules: 19 (15.6%), ring-like appearance: 8 (6.6%), linear furrows: 5 (4.1%)]. One patient had a simultaneous ring-like appearance and linear furrows. EoE was diagnosed in 8 (6.6%) patients and supportive endoscopic findings and past history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis were more common in EoE positive than EoE negative patients. The diagnostic yield of endoscopic findings was 40.0% (2/5) in linear furrows, 25.0% (2/8) in ring-like appearance and 15.8% (3/19) in whitish papules. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of EoE among patients with esophageal or UGI symptoms was 6.6%. Linear furrows and ring-like appearance had a relatively high diagnostic value.

Solitary primary gastric mantle cell lymphoma.

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a relatively rare subgroup of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is characterized by an aggressive and severe disease course with frequent involvement of regional lymph nodes and/or early metastasis. Because most cases of MCL are diagnosed in the advanced stages, clinical data on extranodal or early stage MCL is lacking, and MCL that is both extranodal and diagnosed during the early stages is even more rare. There have been several case reports on primary gastric MCL, which comprise a type of extranodal MCLs. However, to our knowledge, there have been no reports on solitary primary gastric MCL without regional lymph node involvement or distant metastasis. Recently, the authors experienced an uncommon case of MCL with the aforementioned characteristics that was managed with chemotherapy followed by allogenic stem cell transplantation.