A randomized controlled trial evaluating low-intensity shockwave therapy for treatment of persistent storage symptoms following transurethral surgery for benign prostatic obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Low-intensity shockwave therapy (Li-SWT) can improve bladder function through enhancement of angiogenesis and nerve regeneration and suppression of inflammation and overactivity. In this trial, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Li-SWT on persistent storage symptoms after transurethral surgery (TUS) for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). METHODS: Between July 2020 and July 2022, 137 patients with persistent storage symptoms; urgency episodes/24 h ≥ 1 and daytime frequency ≥8, for at least three months after TUS for BPO were randomly allocated to Li-SWT versus sham versus solifenacin 10 mg/day in 3:1:1 ratio. The primary end point was the percent reduction from baseline in overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) at 3-month follow-up. The changes in 3-day voiding diary parameters, quality of life (QoL) score, peak flow rate and residual urine at 3 and 6-month follow-up were compared. Treatment-related adverse effects were also evaluated. RESULTS: Baseline data were comparable between groups. The percent reduction from baseline in OABSS at 3-month follow-up was significantly higher in Li-SWT compared to sham (-55% versus -11%), and it was comparable between Li-SWT and solifenacin-10 (-55% versus -60%). Li-SWT achieved significant improvement like solifenacin-10 in 3-day voiding diary parameters and QoL score at 3-month follow-up. This improvement remained comparable between Li-SWT and solifenacin-10 at 6-month follow-up. No adverse effects related to Li-SWT were noted apart from tolerable pain during the procedure. Solifenacin-10 was associated with bothersome adverse effects in 73% of the patients with 11.5% discontinuation rate. CONCLUSIONS: Li-SWT ameliorates persistent storage symptoms and promotes QoL after TUS for BPO, with comparable efficacy and better tolerance compared to solifenacin.

Prophylaxis against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in canine model: Stem cell approach.

INTRODUCTION: Stem cell therapy at the time of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury has been hypothesized to attenuate the severity of acute kidney injury and to accelerate the regeneration process in lower animal models. Data in higher animal models is limited and discordant. We aimed to explore the reno-protective effects of stem cells on I/R related renal injury in a canine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven dogs that were treated with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were compared with another 27 dogs treated with adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AT-MSCs) following 90 min of warm ischemia to assess IR injury. Each group was divided into three subgroups (nine dogs each), according to the stem cell dose (5, 10, 15 × 106 in 500 µl volume) injected directly into the renal cortex after reperfusion. All dogs were re-evaluated by renogram, histopathology, and pro-inflammatory markers at 2 weeks, 2, and 3 months. RESULTS: In Group I, there was a mean reduction of creatinine clearance by 78%, 64%, and 74% at the three used doses, respectively, at 2 weeks. At 3 months, these kidneys regained a mean of 84%, 92%, and 72%, respectively, of its basal function. In Group II, the reduction of clearance was much more modest with mean of 14%, 6%, and 24% respectively at 2 weeks with more intense recovery of renal function by mean of 90%, 100%, and 76%, respectively, at 3 months. Group I had significantly more tubular necrosis and delayed regeneration compared with the Group II. Expressions of pro-inflammatory markers were upregulated in both the groups with a higher and more sustained expression in Group I. CONCLUSION: Stem cells protected against ischemic reperfusion injury in a canine model. AT-MSCs provided better protection than BM-MSCs.

A randomized controlled trial comparing alpha blocker (tamsulosin) and anticholinergic (solifenacin) in treatment of ureteral stent-related symptoms.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of tamsulosin and solifenacin in relieving ureteral stents related symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted between January 2013 and July 2014. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 20-50 years who underwent temporary unilateral ureteral stent for drainage of calcular upper tract obstruction or after ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Patients with history of lower urinary tract symptoms before stent placement, stents that were fixed after open or laparoscopic procedures, and those who developed complications related to the primary procedure were not included. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups using computer-generated random tables. Patients in group 1 received placebo, patients in group 2 received tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily, and those in group 3 received solifenacin 5 mg once daily. Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) was answered by all patients 1-2 weeks after stent placement. The primary outcome was the comparison of total score of USSQ between all groups. RESULTS: The study included 131 patients. All baseline characteristics (age, sex, side, indication, length, and duration of stent) were comparable for all groups. Total USSQ score was 61 in solifenacin group, 76 in tamsulosin group, and 83 in control group (P < 0.001). The total USSQ scores and all domains, except sexual index, were significantly better in solifenacin than in tamsulosin group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of tamsulosin alone or solifenacin alone in patients with ureteral stents can improve the quality of life by decreasing ureteral stent-related symptoms. Solifenacin was better than tamsulosin. CLINICALTRIAL. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT01880619.

Is solitary kidney really more resistant to ischemia? An experimental canine study.

PURPOSE: To our knowledge there are no evidence-based medicine data to date to critically judge the vulnerability of a solitary kidney to warm ischemia compared to paired kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten dogs were exposed to open right nephrectomy to create a solitary kidney model (group 1). Ten dogs with both kidneys were considered group 2. All dogs underwent warm ischemia by open occlusion of the left renal artery for 90 minutes. Dogs were sacrificed at different intervals (3 days to 4 weeks). All dogs were reevaluated by renogram before sacrifice and histopathology of the investigated kidney. The proinflammatory markers CD95 and tumor necrosis factor-α were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In group 1 clearance decreased by 20% at 1 week but basal function was regained starting at week 2. In group 2 clearance decreased more than 90% up to week 2. Recovery started at week 3 and by 4 weeks there was a 23% clearance reduction. Histopathological examination in group 1 revealed significant tubular necrosis (60%) at 3 days with regeneration starting at 1 week. In group 2 there was more pronounced tubular necrosis (90%) with regeneration starting at 2 weeks. The expression of proinflammatory markers was up-regulated in each group with higher, more sustained expression in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Solitary kidney in a canine model is more resistant to ischemia than paired kidneys based on radiological, pathological and genetic evidence.