Retroperitoneoscopic live donor nephrectomy: review of the first 50 cases at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Changing from an open to a laparoscopic live renal donor programme poses challenges and may affect donor and graft outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate donor safety and graft outcomes for the first 50 retroperitoneoscopic live donor nephrectomies performed at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. METHODS: The procedures were performed by a single surgeon from 8 April 2008 to 3 April 2012. Operative and anatomical data were prospectively collected. A flank approach with lateral and posterior placements was used. Vascular control was achieved with Hem-o-lok clips in the majority of cases. RESULTS: The mean age of the donors was 31.5 years (range 18 - 50), 28 (56.0%) were male, and the left kidney was harvested in 28 (56.0%) of cases. The mean operating time was 149.8 minutes (range 75 - 250), mean warm ischaemic time (WIT) 181.3 seconds (107 - 630), mean blood loss 139.7 ml (5 - 700) and mean hospital stay 3.2 days (2 - 5). Mean WIT was significantly longer for right-sided than left-sided nephrectomy (213 v. 162 seconds). In two right-sided cases the renal vein was too short and vena profunda femoris was used to create length. No donor received a blood transfusion. Comparing the last 25 with the first 25 cases showed a significant decrease in mean WIT (158 v. 204 seconds) and operating time (128 v. 172 minutes). No major complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Our initial 50 retroperitoneoscopic live donor nephrectomies were performed without major complications. Donor safety was maintained during the early learning curve of the transition to minimal-access donor nephrectomy.

Treatment of male urethral strictures - possible reasons for the use of repeated dilatation or internal urethrotomy rather than urethroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible reasons for repeated urethral dilatation or optical internal urethrotomy rather than urethroplasty in the treatment of male urethral strictures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Men referred to the stricture clinic of our institution during the period April 2007 - March 2008 were reviewed and the operative urological procedures performed in the same period were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test (p<0.05 statistically significant). RESULTS: The mean age of the 125 men was 49.9 years (range 12.8 - 93.4 years). Previous stricture treatment had been given 1 - 2, 3 - 4 and 5 - 6 times in 52%, 32% and 12% of patients, respectively (4% had not undergone treatment). In these groups, previous treatment was dilatation in 70%, 76% and 72%, urethrotomy in 26%, 15% and 28%, and urethroplasty in 4%, 9% and 0, respectively. The group with 5 - 6 compared with 1 - 2 previous treatments was significantly older (mean age 60.2 v. 46.6 years) and had a significantly greater proportion with underlying co-morbidities (80% v. 52%). The group that had undergone urethroplasty compared with 5 - 6 repeated dilatations or urethrotomies was significantly younger (mean age 48.2 v. 60.2 years) with a lower prevalence of co-morbidities (47% v. 80%). During the study period urethroplasty was performed in 16 (2%) of 821 inpatients, whereas 55 men were seen who had undergone ≥3 previous procedures, indicating that urethroplasty was performed in less than one-third of cases in which it would have been the optimal treatment. Owing to limited theatre time, procedures indicated for malignancy, urolithiasis, renal failure and congenital anomalies were performed more often than urethroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Factors that possibly influenced the decision to perform repeated urethrotomy or dilatation instead of urethroplasty were limited theatre time, increased patient age and the presence of underlying co-morbidities.

Correlation between a new visual prostate symptom score (VPSS) and uroflowmetry parameters in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: A visual prostate symptom score (VPSS) compared with the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can be completed without physician assistance by a significantly larger proportion of men with limited education. We aimed to evaluate the correlation of the VPSS and IPSS with uroflowmetry parameters. METHODS: Men with LUTS were requested to complete the IPSS and VPSS, consisting of pictograms to evaluate urinary frequency, nocturia, force of the stream and quality of life. The maximum (Qmax) and average urinary flow rate (Qave), voided volume (VV) and post-void residual (PVR) urine volumes were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney and Spearman's tests. RESULTS: The study included 93 men (mean age 64 years, range 33 - 85), with VV >150 ml in 66 (71%) and <150 ml in 27 (29%) subjects. In the group with VV >150 ml there were significant negative correlations between the IPSS and Qmax (r=-0.30, p=0.016), the IPSS and Qave (r=-0.29, p=0.018), the VPSS and Qmax (r=-0.38, p<0.002) and the VPSS and Qave (r=-0.37, p<0.003). The VPSS question on the subject's assessment of his urinary stream showed a significant negative correlation with the Qmax (r=-0.37, p=0.002) and Qave (r=-0.31, p=0.011), but the IPSS question on the subject's urinary stream did not correlate significantly with the Qmax or Qave. CONCLUSIONS: The VPSS is equivalent to the IPSS in terms of correlation with Qmax and Qave and can therefore be used instead of the IPSS to evaluate LUTS in men with limited education.

Urinary tract infection associated with conditions causing urinary tract obstruction and stasis, excluding urolithiasis and neuropathic bladder.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine urinary tract infection (UTI) associated with conditions causing urinary tract obstruction and stasis, excluding urolithiasis and neuropathic bladder dysfunction. METHODS: An electronic literature search was performed using the key words urinary tract infection (UTI), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), hydronephrosis, obstruction, reflux, diverticulum, urethra, and stricture. In total, 520 abstracts were reviewed, 210 articles were studied in detail, and 36 were included as references. RESULTS: It is one of the axioms of Urological practice that urinary tract obstruction and stasis predispose to UTI. Experimental studies indicate that, whereas transurethral inoculates of bacteria are rapidly eliminated from the normal bladder, urethral obstruction leads to cystitis, pyelonephritis, and bacteremia. BPH is, next to urolithiasis, the most common cause of urinary tract obstruction predisposing to UTI. Urethral stricture remains a common cause of UTI in many parts of the world. Urinary stasis in diverticula of the urethra or bladder predisposes to UTI. Experimental studies have shown that, whereas the normal kidney is relatively resistant to infection by organisms injected intravenously, ureteric obstruction predisposes to pyelonephritis. It also causes renal dysfunction which impairs the excretion of antibiotics in the urine, making eradication of bacteria difficult. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with UTI and urinary tract obstruction, targeted antibiotic treatment according to urine culture should be complemented with urgent drainage (bladder catheterization, percutaneous nephrostomy or ureteric stenting) followed by definitive surgery to remove the cause of obstruction or stasis once infection is under control.

Should baseline PSA testing be performed in men aged 40 to detect those aged 50 or less who are at risk of aggressive prostate cancer?

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the presenting features and treatment outcome of prostate cancer in men aged <50 years, in a region where prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening is not readily available and most men present with symptoms. METHODS: We analysed the data of 1 571 men with prostatic adenocarcinoma treated between January 1997 and December 2008 at out institution, a tertiary level public secotr hospital serving a largely indigent population. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's, the Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact tests where appropriate (p<0.05 accepted as statistically significant). RESULTS: Of 1 571 men, 47 (3%) were aged < 50 years. The group aged <50 years compared with that aged >50 years, had a siginificantly greater proportion with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (53%), locally advanced (stage T3-4) tumours (56%), haematogenous metastases (75%), significantly higher serum PSA at diagnosis (mean 621, median 74 ng/ml) and shorter survival. CONCLUSION: Men aged <50 years presenting with symptoms owing to prostate cancer had significantly higher risk disease, higher mean PSA, and poorer prognosis than men aged >50 years. To diagnose prostate cancer at a potentially curable stage in men aged <50 years, it is necessary to initiate asleine PSA testing at age 40 and 45 years, and to select high-risk men for PSA surveillance in order to diagnose potentially curable cancer in those with a life expectancy >20-25 years.

Clamp ablation of the testes compared to bilateral orchiectomy as androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Burdizzo clamp ablation of the testes (CAT) may provide an incisionless, cost-effective form of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with adenocarcinoma of the prostate (ACP) who find bilateral orchiectomy (BO) unacceptable or can not afford medical ADT. The aim of this study was to compare CAT with BO as primary ADT in men with ACP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Written, informed consent was obtained from men with locally advanced or metastatic ACP. Patients were prospectively randomized to BO (n = 9) or CAT (n = 10) under local anaesthesia, and were evaluated 3 and 7 days, 6 weeks and 3 months post-procedure. The protocol was approved by the local institutional ethics committee. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's, Mann-Whitney's and Fisher's tests. RESULTS: Mean duration of the procedure was significantly longer for BO than CAT (16.9 vs. 10.9 minutes). Mean pain scores during and after the procedure did not differ significantly. Serum testosterone decreased significantly on days 3 and 7 after CAT, but increased at 6 weeks, and was significantly higher than after BO. Serum luteinizing hormone increased significantly from day 3 after BO and from day 7 after CAT. Serum prostate specific antigen decreased significantly after BO, but not after CAT. Minor complications were more common after BO (89%) than CAT (40%). In the 9 men who did not achieve castrate levels of testosterone after CAT, BO was performed. CONCLUSIONS: CAT was quicker to perform and had a lower complication rate, but was not as effective as BO in achieving castrate serum testosterone levels.

Prostate cancer among different racial groups in the Western Cape: presenting features and management.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the presenting features and management of prostate cancer among different racial groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied all patients diagnosed with prostate cancer at the Urological Oncology Clinic, Tygerberg Hospital, from January 1995 to December 2005. Most presented symptomatically as PSA screening is not readily available in the referral area of the hospital. Race was self-defined as white, coloured or black. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test or Fisher's exact test, where appropriate. A two-tailed p-value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: There were 901 patients: 291 (32.3%) white, 539 (59.8%) coloured and 71 (7.9%) black. Mean age at presentation was significantly higher in the white than the coloured and black groups (69.7, 67.9 and 68.9 years, respectively). Grade 1 adenocarcinoma was most common in the white (37%) and coloured groups (38%), and grade 2 was most common in the black group (39%). There was a significantly lower percentage of patients with T3-4 disease at diagnosis in the white group (47%) than the coloured (61%) and black (62%) groups. Mean serum PSA at diagnosis was significantly higher in the black than the coloured and white groups (766.1,673.3 and 196.1 ng/ml, respectively). Potentially curative therapy (radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy) was chosen by 31% of white, 23% of coloured and only 12% of black patients. The mean duration of follow-up was significantly shorter in the black than in the white or coloured groups (24.0, 31.5 and 35.0 months, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Black men presented with higher grade and stage disease and higher serum PSA, received potentially curative treatment less often, and had a shorter follow-up (probably owing to shorter survival) than the white and coloured groups. Greater prostate cancer awareness and education among patients and physicians and more widespread use of PSA screening of presymptomatic men at risk of prostate cancer is needed.

Development of a computer assisted gantry system for gaining rapid and accurate calyceal access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To design a simple, cost-effective system for gaining rapid and accurate calyceal access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The design consists of a low-cost, light-weight, portable mechanical gantry with a needle guiding device. Using C-arm fluoroscopy, two images of the contrast-filled renal collecting system are obtained: at 0-degrees (perpendicular to the kidney) and 20-degrees. These images are relayed to a laptop computer containing the software and graphic user interface for selecting the targeted calyx. The software provides numerical settings for the 3 axes of the gantry, which are used to position the needle guiding device. The needle is advanced through the guide to the depth calculated by the software, thus puncturing the targeted calyx. Testing of the system was performed on 2 target types: 1) radiolucent plastic tubes the approximate size of a renal calyx (5 or 10 mm in diameter, 30 mm in length); and 2) foam-occluded, contrast-filled porcine kidneys. RESULTS: Tests using target type 1 with 10 mm diameter (n=14) and 5 mm diameter (n=7) tubes resulted in a 100% targeting success rate, with a mean procedure duration of 10 minutes. Tests using target type 2 (n=2) were both successful, with accurate puncturing of the selected renal calyx, and a mean procedure duration of 15 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanical gantry system described in this paper is low-cost, portable, light-weight, and simple to set up and operate. C-arm fluoroscopy is limited to two images, thus reducing radiation exposure significantly. Testing of the system showed an extremely high degree of accuracy in gaining precise access to a targeted renal calyx.

Development of a computer assisted gantry system for gaining rapid and accurate calyceal access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy

PURPOSE: To design a simple, cost-effective system for gaining rapid and accurate calyceal access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The design consists of a low-cost, light-weight, portable mechanical gantry with a needle guiding device. Using C-arm fluoroscopy, two images of the contrast-filled renal collecting system are obtained: at 0-degrees (perpendicular to the kidney) and 20-degrees. These images are relayed to a laptop computer containing the software and graphic user interface for selecting the targeted calyx. The software provides numerical settings for the 3 axes of the gantry, which are used to position the needle guiding device. The needle is advanced through the guide to the depth calculated by the software, thus puncturing the targeted calyx. Testing of the system was performed on 2 target types: 1) radiolucent plastic tubes the approximate size of a renal calyx (5 or 10 mm in diameter, 30 mm in length); and 2) foam-occluded, contrast-filled porcine kidneys. RESULTS: Tests using target type 1 with 10 mm diameter (n = 14) and 5 mm diameter (n = 7) tubes resulted in a 100 percent targeting success rate, with a mean procedure duration of 10 minutes. Tests using target type 2 (n = 2) were both successful, with accurate puncturing of the selected renal calyx, and a mean procedure duration of 15 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanical gantry system described in this paper is low-cost, portable, light-weight, and simple to set up and operate. C-arm fluoroscopy is limited to two images, thus reducing radiation exposure significantly. Testing of the system showed an extremely high degree of accuracy in gaining precise access to a targeted renal calyx.

Genetic variations in androgen metabolism genes and associations with prostate cancer in South African men.

Background. In South Africa white men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer (PCa), coloured (mixed ancestry) men have an intermediate incidence, and low incidences are reported for black and Asian men. It has been suggested that ethnic differences in incidence and mortality of PCa are related to genetic variations in genes that regulate androgen metabolism. We investigated the role of genetic variants in the androgen metabolism genes and the probability of developing PCa in South African coloured and white men. Methods. Genotype and allele counts and frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP3A5, CYP3A4 and CYP3A43 were assessed in coloured men (160 case individuals, 146 control individuals) and white men (121 case individuals, 141 control individuals). Results. A genetic association indicating an increased probability of developing PCa was observed with the G allele of the SNP rs2740574 in CYP3A4 in coloured men, the A allele of rs776746 (CYP3A5) and the G allele of rs2740574 (CYP3A4) in white men, and the G allele of rs2740574 and the C allele of rs501275 (CYP3A43) in the combined ethnic groups analysis. In addition, we identified allele combinations (termed haplotypes) with significantly higher frequencies in the PCa case individuals than in the control individuals. Conclusions. The findings support the role of variants in genes that regulate androgen metabolism and the probability of developing PCa. The study paves the way to identify other genetic associations in South African men, and to establish genetic profiles that could be used to determine disease progression and prognosis.

Retroperitoneal LESS donor nephrectomy.

Donor nephrectomy with laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) surgery has been reported via the transperitoneal approach. We describe a novel technique of retroperitoneal donor nephrectomy using a single surgical incision in the groin, below the abdominal skin crease or "bikini line". The LESS groin incision offers superior cosmesis, while the retroperitoneal approach has distinct advantages, such as the ability to identify the renal vessels early. The new procedure has been performed in two obese patients (body mass index 32 and 33 kg/m2, respectively). The operative times were 4 and 5 hours, warm ischemic times 135 and 315 seconds, blood loss 100 and 250 mL, and hospitalization 3 and 2 days, respectively. Retroperitoneal LESS donor nephrectomy through a single, inconspicuous groin incision is feasible and safe. Further evaluation of the technique in a larger patient cohort is indicated.

Retroperitoneal less donor nephrectomy

Donor nephrectomy with laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) surgery has been reported via the transperitoneal approach. We describe a novel technique of retroperitoneal donor nephrectomy using a single surgical incision in the groin, below the abdominal skin crease or "bikini line". The LESS groin incision offers superior cosmesis, while the retroperitoneal approach has distinct advantages, such as the ability to identify the renal vessels early. The new procedure has been performed in two obese patients (body mass index 32 and 33 kg/m2, respectively). The operative times were 4 and 5 hours, warm ischemic times 135 and 315 seconds, blood loss 100 and 250 mL, and hospitalization 3 and 2 days, respectively. Retroperitoneal LESS donor nephrectomy through a single, inconspicuous groin incision is feasible and safe. Further evaluation of the technique in a larger patient cohort is indicated.

Comprehensive analysis of the cytokine-rich chromosome 5q31.1 region suggests a role for IL-4 gene variants in prostate cancer risk.

Although inflammation is emerging as a candidate prostate cancer risk factor, the T-helper cytokine-rich [interleukins (IL)-5, 13 and 4] chromosomal region at 5q31.1 has been implicated in prostate cancer pathogenesis. In particular, IL-4 has been associated with prostate cancer progression, whereas the IL-4 -589C>T (rs2243250) promoter variant has been associated with differential gene expression. We genotyped rs2243250 and 11 tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning 200 kb across the 5q31.1 region on 825 cases and 732 controls from the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer Study. The minor alleles of rs2243250 and an IL-4 tagSNP rs2227284 were associated with a small increase in prostate cancer risk. Per allele odds ratios (ORs) are 1.32 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.61, P = 0.006] and 1.26 (95% CI 1.07-1.48, P = 0.005), respectively. Although these associations were not replicated in an analysis of the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, including 810 cases and 1733 controls, no clinicopathological characteristic was implicated for this divergence. Correlating rs2243250 genotypes to IL-4 gene transcript levels and circulating IL-4 plasma levels, we observe in contrast to previous reports, a non-significant trend toward the minor T-allele decreasing the likelihood of IL-4 activity. From our observed association between a low IL-4 producing promoter T-allele and prostate cancer risk, our study suggests an antitumor role for IL-4 in prostate cancer. Although we saw no association for IL-5 or IL-13 gene variants and prostate cancer risk, our findings call for further evaluation of IL-4 as a contributor to prostate cancer susceptibility.

Urinary Retention in Women: Causes and Management

Urinary retention in women is uncommon and there are numerous etiological factors. Most reported studies are from Europe and North America; with few studies from developing countries. The aim of this study was to review the etiology of urinary retention in women referred to our institution; a public sector hospital serving a largely indigent population. Patients and Methods We reviewed the clinical records of all patients admitted with urinary retention to the Urology wards in our hospital during the period September 1998 to June 2007. In total there were 589 patients with urinary retention; 558 (94.7) men and 31 (5.3) women. Results The average age of the 31 women was 51.9 years (range 20 to 88 years). The underlying pathology was cervical carcinoma (4 patients); urethral carcinoma (4); transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (3); eosinophilic cystitis (3); hematuria due to miscellaneous causes (3); antiincontinence surgery (2); cerebral palsy (2); multiple sclerosis (1 patient); diabetes mellitus (1); hypotonic detrusor (1); bladder stone (1); vaginal leiomyoma (1); cyclophosphamide cystitis (1); constipation (1); postpartum (1); blocked indwelling catheter and idiopathic (1). Renal dysfunction was present in 17 (55) of the patients. Conclusion The most common causes of urinary retention in women in this study were malignancy in 11 patients (36) and neuropathic bladder dysfunction in 5 (16). Eosinophilic cystitis; normally a rare condition; was diagnosed in 3 women (10). The high incidence of malignancy in this study differs from other reported series; in which neuropathic bladder dysfunction was the most common cause of urinary retention in women

Vasectomy under local anaesthesia performed free of charge as a family planning service: complications and results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of vasectomy performed under local anaesthesia by junior doctors at a secondary level hospital as part of a free family planning service. METHOD: Men requesting vasectomy were counselled and given written instructions to use alternative contraception until two semen analyses 3 and 4 months after vasectomy had confirmed azoospermia. Bilateral vasectomy was performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia by junior urology registrars. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher's exact or Spearman's rank correlation tests as appropriate. RESULTS: Between January 2004 and December 2005, 479 men underwent vasectomy at Karl Bremer Hospital, Western Cape, South Africa; their average age was 36.1 (range 21 - 66) years, they had a median of 2 (range 0 - 10) children, and only 19% had 4 or more children. The average operation time was 15.5 (range 5 - 53) minutes. Complications occurred in 12.9%; these were pain (7.3%), swelling (5.4%), haematoma (1.3%), sepsis (1%), difficulty locating the vas (1%), vasovagal episode (0.6%), bleeding (0.6%), wound rupture (0.4%) and dysuria (0.2%) (some men had more than one complication). Of the men 63.3% returned for one semen analysis and 17.5% for a second. The vasectomy failure rate ranged from 0.4% (sperm persisting > 365 days after vasectomy) to 2.3% (sperm seen > 180 days after vasectomy and/or in the second semen specimen). No pregnancies were reported. The complication (5.6%) and failure rates (0%) were lowest for the registrar who had performed the smallest number of vasectomies and whose average operation time was longest. Comparing the first one-third of procedures performed by each of the doctors with the last one-third, there was a significant decrease in average operating times but not in complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: Vasectomy can be performed safely and effectively by junior doctors as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia, and should be actively promoted in South Africa as a safe and effective form of male contraception.

Clinical features of confirmed versus suspected urogenital tuberculosis in region with extremely high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the characteristics of confirmed vs suspected cases of urogenital tuberculosis (UGTB) in a geographic region with an extremely high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis. UGTB is notoriously difficult to diagnose. METHODS: A retrospective clinical record review was performed of 68 patients treated from March 1998 to July 2007. Group 1 (n = 45) had UGTB confirmed by microbiologic or histologic examination. Group 2 (n = 23) had a high suspicion of UGTB because of the clinical features, but no microbiologic or histologic confirmation. The data were collected and statistically analyzed using Student's t test for parametric data and Fisher's exact test for contingency tables (P < .05 was accepted as statistically significant). RESULTS: The clinical characteristics were not significantly different statistically, except for flank pain (14% vs 43%), renal cavitation (14% vs 44%), urolithiasis (0% vs 25%), and ureteral stricture formation (7% vs 39%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Anti-TB medication was given to 7 patients (30%) in group 2 despite the lack of a confirmed diagnosis. The outcome in terms of complications and renal function loss was not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Flank pain, renal cavitation, urolithiasis, and ureteral stricture formation were significantly more common in the group with suspected UGTB than in those with confirmed UGTB. However, other clinical characteristics did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. In patients with clinical features highly suspicious of UGTB, it appears reasonable to institute anti-TB treatment, despite the lack of a confirmed diagnosis.

Male circumcision and HIV/AIDS Risk - Analysis of the scientific evidence

"Objective: The aim of this review was to evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the hypothesis that male circumcision reduces the risk of HIV infection and consequently the incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Patients and Methods: We performed a literature search of the major databases (Medline; Embase; Cochrane Library; Biosis and Science Citation Index) for papers published in the period 1999 to 2008; using the terms ""male circumcision""; ""HIV infection"" and ""sexually transmitted infection;"" plus the combination of the search terms ""foreskin"" and ""HIV receptor"" to identify 1;048 articles. We reviewed the abstracts to identify 278 articles meriting detailed review. This detailed review considered how well individual studies were designed and carried out; using a standard checklist to provide a systematic quality rating for individual studies. This process identified a total of 80 papers; which were rated following the level of evidence and grade of recommendation scales modified from the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. Results: Detailed analysis of the selected articles on male circumcision and HIV infection risk revealed the following. Systematic reviews; meta-analyses and modeling studies: there were 11 papers; 10 positive (favoring circumcision) and 1 negative; of the 10 positive studies; 4 were level 3 evidence; 5 were level 2 and 1 was level 1 evidence. Randomized controlled trials: there were 3 studies; all positive with level 1 evidence. Non-randomized cohort studies: there were 6 papers; 5 were positive (2 level 3 and 3 level 2 evidence) and 1 was negative (level 3 evidence). Casecontrol studies: there were 12 studies; 11 positive (all level 3) and 1 negative (level 3 evidence). Case series: there were 2 studies; both positive (level 3 evidence). Expert opinion: there were 34 studies; 30 positive (15 level 4; 15 level 3 evidence); 2 negative (both level 4) and 2 neutral (both level 4 evidence). Cost-effectiveness studies: there were 3 studies; all positive; all level 2 evidence. Pertinent biological studies: there were 3 studies; all positive; all level 4 evidence. The three large; exceptionally well-done randomized; controlled trials of adult male circumcision among consenting; healthy men in three African countries enrolled a total of 10;908 uncircumcised; HIV-negative adult men. The cumulative HIV infection risk estimated using intention-to-treat Kaplan-Meier analysis showed an overall rate ratio (RR) of 0.42 (95confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.57); corresponding to a protective effect of 58(95CI 43-69). Meta-analysis of the ""as-treated"" results of the three trials showed even stronger protection against HIV infection in the circumcision group (summary RR 0.35; 95CI 0.24-0.54). Conclusions: Rigorous analysis of the available scientific evidence clearly supports a positive recommendation that male circumcision should be actively promoted in populations at high risk of HIV infection. There is a need to provide safe male circumcision services for high-risk populations; because this is one of very few proven HIV prevention strategies. Male circumcision provides a much-needed addition to the limited HIV prevention armamentarium. The challenges to implementation must now be faced"

Bladder cancer in Africa.

Accurate epidemiological data about the incidence and mortality of bladder cancer are unavailable for most African countries. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder is probably less common in rural African regions than in industrialized countries, due to lower levels of exposure to carcinogenic chemicals. In areas with endemic schistosomiasis (bilharzia) caused by parasitic schistosomes (blood flukes), most bladder cancer cases are comprised of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, with increased urbanization, industrialization, and cigarette smoking in many African countries, there is an increasing incidence of TCC relative to SCC of the bladder. SCC of the bladder presents in patients who are on average 10 to 20 years younger than those with TCC. In Egypt and other North African countries, SCC is more common in men (the male to female ratio ranges from 3:1 to 5:1), probably because boys and men performing agricultural work are more exposed to schistosomiasis-infested water. In some sub-Saharan countries, SCC of the bladder is equally common in men and women, probably due to equal schistosomiasis exposure of girls and boys, and because women obtain household water and perform most agricultural tasks. Although SCC of the bladder often presents at a locally advanced stage, the tumors are usually well differentiated, with a relatively low incidence of lymphatic and hematogenous metastases. Patients with localized SCC are ideal candidates for cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder construction, because they are relatively young and healthy, and there is no risk of urethral recurrence, unlike with TCC. Unfortunately, many patients in Africa still present with advanced and inoperable bladder cancer, and many do not have access to healthcare facilities that can provide a cure and a good quality of life by means of radical cystectomy and neobladder construction.

Is Prostate Cancer more Common and more Aggressive in African Men?

The highest prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates in the world have been reported among Black African-American men (AAM) living in the United States of America. These rates are significantly higher for AAM compared to White (Caucasian) American men (CAM). However; prostate cancer is not the only malignancy which is more common in AAM compared to White American men or women. Although prostate cancer has the highest Black/White mortality ratio; it is not the only malignancy which has a higher mortality in AAM compared to CAM. Numerous reports have shown that AAM present with higher grade and stage tumors; higher serum PSA levels; and that they are less likely to receive definitive or curative treatment and have a worse prognosis compared with CAM. It has been suggested that prostate cancer is not only more common; but also more biologically aggressive in AAM compared with CAM. Hypotheses attempting to explain this include genetic differences; dietary factors; higher testosterone levels or increased androgen receptor activity. However; the majority of reports from the USA indicate that; when controlled for major prognostic factors; the outcome for clinically localized as well as advanced prostate cancer does not depend on race. Several studies have indicated that socio- economic factors; decreased awareness of prostate cancer and limited access or decreased utilization of health care contribute to the poorer outcomes in AAM. Earlier studies have suggested that prostate cancer is relatively rare among indigenous Black men living in Africa. However; cancer incidence data in Africa are likely to underestimate the true rates because of underdiagnosis and underreporting. The frequency distribution of cancers in African countries; as well as more recent data indicate that prostate cancer is not rare among Black men living in Africa and that the incidence is probably similar to that of White men; although not as high as that reported for Black men living outside Africa. It is well documented that African men with prostate cancer present with more advanced disease and that palliative rather than curative treatment is used in the majority of patients. There are no reliable age-adjusted prostate cancer mortality rates available for African countries. However; there is as yet no evidence that prostate cancer in Black men living inside Africa is biologically more aggressive than in other populations