Comparison of Postoperative Stress Urinary Incontinence between Anteroposterior Dissection and Modified Gilling Method in Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate.

PURPOSE: Few studies have evaluated the usefulness of anteroposterior dissection holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Thus, this study investigated the incidence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after HoLEP and usefulness of anteroposterior dissection HoLEP in preventing postoperative SUI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 288 patients who underwent HoLEP performed by a single experienced surgeon between May 2014 and September 2021 were enrolled. Furthermore, 134 patients underwent retrograde dissection using the modified Gilling method (surgery 1) and 154 patients underwent anteroposterior dissection HoLEP (surgery 2). The risk factors for SUI, as well as the rates of SUI improvement for the two surgical procedures, were evaluated. RESULTS: Postoperative SUI was observed in 58 (20.1%) of 288 patients, of whom, 48 (82.8%) recovered continence within 6 months. Ten patients (17.2%) required more than 6 months to recover continence. SUI incidence 1 month after HoLEP was 29.9% (40/134 patients) for surgery 1 and 11.7% (18/154 patients) for surgery 2; a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups (odds ratio [OR], 0.311; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.168-0.575; p < 0.001). In addition, surgery 2 was significantly associated with early recovery from SUI compared with surgery 1 (stratified hazard ratio, 0.782; 95% CI, 0.615------0.995; p < 0.001). The multivariable analysis demonstrated that only surgical procedure (OR, 0.350; 95%CI, 0.168-0.732; p=0.005) was an independent predictor of SUI.- Conclusion: We reaffirmed that anteroposterior dissection HoLEP is a useful procedure for reducing the risk of postoperative SUI and early recovery of urinary continence.

Randomized Study of Postoperative Single Intravesical Instillation With Pirarubicin and Mitomycin C for Low-risk Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: To assess the prophylactic efficacy of postoperative single intravesical instillation with pirarubicin (THP) and mitomycin C (MMC) for low-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 103 clinically low-risk NMBC patients were preoperatively randomized into either THP (n=49) or MMC (n=54) groups. The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: The median follow-up periods of the THP and MMC groups were 955 and 1008 days, respectively (p=0.76). Twelve patients (24.5%) in the THP group and 7 (13%) in the MMC group had bladder cancer recurrences. The two-year recurrence-free survival of the THP group and the MMC group was 77.8% and 86.4%, respectively (p=0.20). Neither groups had severe toxicity. CONCLUSION: In low-risk NMBC, the prophylactic effect against postoperative single intravesical instillation with THP was not superior to that with MMC.

[Early effect of non-surgical treatment using betamethasone valerate ointment for phimosis in childhood].

We evaluated the early efficacy of non-surgical treatment using 0.07% betamethasone valerate ointment on, 34 boys with phimosis between January 2001 and June 2005. Patients were treated with 0.07% betamethasone valerate ointment applied to the distal aspect of the prepuce every other day for 2-6 weeks. During the treatment period, patients were instructed to retract the foreskin to penis root without overstraining. The overall success rate was 94.1% and therapeutic effects were observed in 58.8% of the patients in two weeks. There were no medical side effects. Treatment using betamethasone valerate ointment is very effective, easy and safe. We recommend this treatment for patients with phimosis and/or those with recurring balanoposthitis.

[Clinical evaluation of urinary NMP22 (nuclear matrix protein 22) bladder chek in the detection of patients with bladder cancer].

The clinical usefulness of the nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) Bladder Chek test as a novel urine marker in the detection of patients with bladder cancer was evaluated in comparison with the urinary NMP22 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and urinary cytology. A total of 40 patients with pathologically proven bladder cancer voided urine specimen before treatment. The urine samples were divided for NMP22 Bladder Chek test, NMP22 ELISA, and urinary cytology. In the 40 patients with bladder cancer, the overall positive rate was 62.5% for the NMP22 Bladder Chek test, 55% for the NMP22 ELISA test, and 27.5% for urine cytology. There was a significant difference between NMP22 Bladder Chek, NMP22 ELISA and cytology. The positive rate with the NMP22 Bladder Chek and NMP22 ELISA was higher in the patients with high grade and large-size (1 cm < or =) tumor. In 40 patients presenting with microhematuria without urothelial cancer, the false positive rate 12.5, 10, and 0% for NMP22 Bladder Chek, NMP22 ELISA, and urinary cytology. No significant difference was found with the test. In conclusion, the urine NMP22 Bladder Chek test provided a higher positive rate than the NMP22 ELISA test and urinary cytology. Therefore, the NMP22 Bladder Chek test may be clinically more useful as a tumor marker for the diagnosis of bladder cancer.

[A case of liposarcoma of spermatic cord].

An 84-year-old male was referred to our hospital with the chief complaint of a painless inguinal mass. An elastic hard mass was palpable in the right inguinal region next to the spermatic cord. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed an inguinal homogeneous mass which was slightly enhanced. Since the operation appearance indicated the tumor was arising from the right spermatic cord, right radical orchiectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a well-differentiated liposarcoma of the right spermatic cord. This is the 70th case of liposarcoma of the spermatic cord reported in Japan.

The possibility of 'de novo' cancer in the prostate.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the possibility of 'de novo' prostate cancer by analyzing the relationship between high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and latent prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Latent prostate cancers found at autopsy were examined and 55 cancer foci with a poorly (Gleason grade 4 and 5) or moderately (Gleason grade 3) differentiated component were selected. The 55 foci were separated into two groups: (i) foci with either a poorly or moderately differentiated component only (single differentiation group, SDG); and (ii) mixed foci with two or more types of differentiation components (mixed differentiation group, MDG). High grade intraepithelial neoplasia was defined as positive if it was observed within 2 mm from the edge of the cancer focus and the relationship between HGPIN and the two groups was investigated. RESULTS: The MDG had 39 cancer foci (71.0%) and there were 16 in the SDG (29.0%). There were 31 foci that were small-volume cancers (<0.2 mL). In the MDG, 13 small-volume cancer foci were HGPIN positive, but in the SDG, none of the small-volume cancers were HGPIN positive. CONCLUSIONS: Small-volume cancer foci without HGPIN in the SDG may be candidates for de novo prostate cancers.

Does transrectal ultrasound guided eight-core prostate biopsy improve cancer detection rates in patients with prostate-specific antigen levels of 4.1-10 ng/mL?

BACKGROUND: To investigate retrospectively whether the eight-core biopsy method improves the prostate cancer detection rate when compared with the standard sextant biopsy method in patients with prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels of 4.1-10 ng/mL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of 437 patients whose PSA levels ranged from 4.1 to 10 ng/mL, 237 underwent a transrectal ultrasound guided sextant biopsy (sextant group), and 200 underwent an eight-core biopsy (eight-core group). Eight core samples were obtained from each of the far lateral regions in addition to the standard sextant biopsy cores. None of the patients had a previous history of prostate biopsy. RESULTS: Of the 237 patients in the sextant group, prostate cancer was detected in 47 patients (19.8%) and in 50 of the 200 patients in the eight- core group (25.0%). The rates of detection in the two methods were not statistically significant. However, in patients whose PSA density was less than 0.1 ng/mL per cc, the cancer detection rates in the sextant group and the eight-core group were 4.5% and 18.8%, respectively (P = 0.046). The morbidity and complications of the eight-core biopsy method were not notable. CONCLUSIONS: Only in patients with PSA levels of 4.1-10 ng/mL and density of less than 0.1 ng/mL per cc was the eight-core biopsy method an improvement on the sextant biopsy method in terms of prostate cancer detection rate. Accordingly, a number of cores greater than eight will be required to improve the cancer detection rates in patients with PSA levels of 4.1-10 ng/mL and PSA densities of more than 0.1 ng/mL per cc.

[Transurethral resection in saline (TURis): a newly developed TUR system preventing obturator nerve reflex].

PURPOSE: We developed an innovative transurethral resection system (TURis) consisting of a uniquely-designed generator and a resectoscope. The obturator nerve is protected from troublesome reflexes during TURis because the high frequency current delivery route is via the resection loop to the sheath of the resectscope and not via a patient plate. After extensive preclinical evaluation and verification of the system using an animal model to ensure efficacy as well as operational safety, TURis was conducted for treatment of superficial bladder cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In preclinical experiments swine bladder wall was transurethrally resected using the system in a saline environment. The results were compared with data obtained from an identical resection using the conventional system using sorbitol solution irrigation. Electrolytic contents were measured after TUR for comparative evaluation vis-a-vis corresponding pre-TUR data. Also, the depth of heat degeneration was measured in the resected tissue. From December, 2000 to June, 2002, TURis was performed in 25 cases of superficial bladder cancer and 30 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), using saline irrigation. All 55 cases were performed under spinal anesthesia without an obturator nerve block. The output power was set at 280 W for cut and 120 W for coagulation. A smaller electrode than those used in conventional TUR was used to improve the cutting efficacy. Occurrence of obturator nerve reflexes, difference of hematocrit and electrolytic contents before and after TURis, operation time and total volume of irrigated saline were evaluated. RESULTS: TURis in animal model: No adductor contraction of a lower limb was observable except for minimal creeping during the resection of a site close to the urethra. There were no apparent anomalies relative to the blood electrolyte content after TURis. No difference was observed in the mean depth of heat-degeneration tissue change compared with the conventional system. TURis for bladder cancer and BPH: No additional skills were required for TURis compared to conventional TUR. No obturator nerve reflex was observed except for a clinically insignificant thigh movement in one case of bladder cancer. The post-TURis blood tests manifested no significant anomalies in blood electrolyte content. Mean operation time for bladder cancer and BPH were 32 and 42 minutes respectively. Mean volumes of saline consumed during TURis were 6,083 ml for bladder cancer and 16,100 ml for BPH. CONCLUSIONS: TURis worked effectively in a saline-irrigated environment. It does not need a patient plate and obturator nerve block even in cases of bladder cancer on the lateral wall. In addition, saline was both safe and cost-effective compared to non-electrolytic solution as irrigant for TUR of BPH. This suggests that TURis may have more applications than conventional TUR.

[Economic evaluation of treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia--transurethral resection vs thermotherapy vs laser vaporization].

OBJECTIVE: Cost containment has become an important issue in medical practice because of recent bad economic conditions. We analyzed the cost of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) patients and cost-effective analysis was carried out comparing transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP) and transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT). MATERIALS & METHODS: Our series consists of 95 BPH patients treated with TURP, VLAP and TUMT between January 1, 1994 and March 31, 1997. The cost for each patient was calculated (46 were treated with TURP, 31 with VLAP and 28 with TUMT). Considering the clinical outcome, cost-effectiveness was compared in 3 groups retrospectively. RESULTS: The median level of total charges (insurance points) was 59,395 points for the TURP group, 66,784 points for the VLAP group and 14,927 points for the TUMT group. The median follow-up period was 12.4 months, 46.7 months and 14.4 months, respectively. Several patients needed medication after operation in the VLAP group. In the TUMT group, 3 patients needed re-operation and 5 other needed an alternative surgical method (TURP or transurethral needle ablation) and 1 needed both methods. DISCUSSION: TUMT is the most cost-effective method, however the recurent rate is highest in the follow-up period among the three groups. The costs of recurent cases were most expensive. We should select surgical treatment for BPH very carefully.

A new transurethral resection system: operating in saline environment precludes obturator nerve reflexes.

PURPOSE: We developed a transurethral resection system comprising a uniquely designed resectoscope and high frequency wave generator. The obturator nerve is free of electrical stimulation during transurethral resection since high frequency current is delivered via a resection loop to the sheath of the resectoscope in saline irrigation. Preclinical verification of the system was performed in an animal model to ensure its efficacy and operational safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The swine bladder wall was transurethrally resected using the system in a saline environment. Results were subsequently compared with data on identical resection performed with the conventional system in sorbitol solution irrigation. Electrolyte contents were measured after resection for comparative evaluation with corresponding pre-resection data. Also, the depth of heat degeneration was measured in resected tissue. RESULTS: No additional skills were required for bladder resection performed with the new system versus the conventional system. No lower limb adductor contraction was noted except minimal creeping during resection of a site close to the urethra. There were no apparent anomalies of blood electrolytes after transurethral resection. No difference was observed in the mean depth of heat degenerated tissues compared with the conventional system. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed transurethral resection system was effective in a saline irrigated environment, which inhibited the obturator nerve reflex when applied in an animal model. This finding suggests promising potential for the system as a safe and cost-effective alternative compared with conventional transurethral resection.

[Impact of a clinical pathway in cases of transurethral resection of the prostate].

OBJECTIVE: Because of recent increases in health care costs, cost containment has become a important issue in medical practice. We evaluated the effect on cost and clinical outcome with the implementation of clinical care pathway for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) patients. MATERIALS & METHODS: Our series consists of 69 consecutive patients treated with TURP between June 1, 1999 and March 31, 2000. The patients were divided into two groups at random. Thirty-two patients were treated on the clinical pathway (pathway group) and 37 patients were not placed on the clinical pathway program (non-pathway group). Total hospital charges, average length of stay and clinical outcomes were compared in two groups. RESULTS: The average of total hospital charges (insurance points) and average length of stay were 48,424.2 point, and 12.7 days for the pathway group, and 55.365.5 point, and 14.7 days for non-pathway group respectively. Postoperative complications and rehospitalization did not differ between two groups. DISCUSSION: With the implementation of the clinical care pathway, average hospital charges and length of stay were reduced. The clinical pathway program is considered to be a good tool for health care cost management. This methodology can be applied to all patients. However, when we make the clinical pathway program, we take into account the individuality of each patients.

Can initial prostate specific antigen determinations eliminate the need for bone scans in patients with newly diagnosed prostate carcinoma? A multicenter retrospective study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the current study was to assess rigorously whether serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) determination can eliminate the need for bone scans in Japanese patients with newly diagnosed prostate carcinoma with serum PSA levels < or = 10 ng/mL. METHODS: A retrospective assessment of 1294 patients with newly diagnosed, untreated prostate carcinoma was conducted at the authors' institutions. All patients underwent a bone scan, serum PSA measurement, and core needle biopsy of the prostate. The receiver operating characteristic curve for identifying a positive bone scan based on serum PSA levels and a decision tree were analyzed to determine the expected 10-year cumulative cost and disease specific survival rate. Two competing strategies were used: PSA alone and PSA plus baseline bone scan. For the PSA-alone strategy, a baseline bone scan was performed only when the patient had a serum PSA level > 10 ng/mL. RESULTS: The proportion of positive bone scans in patients with serum PSA levels < or = 10.0 ng/mL was 1.33%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.870. Patients with a Gleason Grade > or = 3 tumors or with a Gleason score > or = 7 had a higher proportion of positive bone scans. The 10-year disease specific survival rates with the PSA-alone strategy and the PSA-plus-bone-scan strategy were the same. The PSA-alone strategy was minimally cost effective, with a savings of $16.00 (U.S.) in the cumulative net cost per patient over the PSA-plus-bone-scan strategy. CONCLUSIONS: The current results suggest that baseline bone scans can be eliminated in patients with newly diagnosed prostate carcinoma in Japan who have serum PSA levels < or = 10 ng/mL. Apparently, it is possible to omit baseline bone scans for patients with a Gleason Grade < or = 2 tumors or with a Gleason score < or =6.