Accuracy of Tumour-Associated Circulating Endothelial Cells as a Screening Biomarker for Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer.

Even though more than 350,000 men die from prostate cancer every year, broad-based screening for the disease remains a controversial topic. Guidelines demand that the only commonly accepted screening tool, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, must be followed by prostate biopsy if results are elevated. Due to the procedure's low positive predictive value (PPV), however, over 80% of biopsies are performed on healthy men or men with clinically insignificant cancer-prompting calls for new ways of vetting equivocal PSA readings prior to the procedure. Responding to the challenge, the present study investigated the diagnostic potential of tumour-associated circulating endothelial cells (tCECs), which have previously been described as a novel, blood-based biomarker for clinically significant cancers. Specifically, the objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of a tCEC-based blood test to detect clinically significant prostate cancer (defined as Gleason score ≥ 3 + 4) in high-risk patients. Performed in a blinded, prospective, single-centre set-up, it compared a novel tCEC index test with transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy biopsy as a reference on a total of 170 patients and found that a tCEC add-on test will almost double the PPV of a standalone PSA test (32% vs. 17%; p = 0.0012), while retaining a negative predictive value above 90%.

Comparison of urinary continence outcome between robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy versus laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare urinary continent rate at six and 12-month postoperative period, and perioperative outcome between robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) at Siriraj Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All medical records of patients performed RALP and LRP between 2005 and 2010 were reviewed. Data composed of demographic information, perioperative outcome, and oncologic outcome. Moreover, the urinary continence rate was also collected at six and 12-month postoperative period by questionnaires based research design. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2010, we performed 548 cases of RALP and 613 cases of LRP. Only 486 cases of RALP (88.6%) and 561 cases of LRP (91.5%) had been followed-up more than 12 months. All demographic data including age, biopsy Gleason score, and preoperative PSA level in both groups were comparably. On the other hand, the perioperative outcome in RALP differed from LRP group significantly, including operative time (210 min vs. 255 min), blood loss (449 ml vs. 766 ml), blood transfusion rate (7.6% vs. 25.2%), and length of hospital stay (7 days vs. 8.6 days) (p < 0.001). The oncological outcome including pathologic tumor staging and Gleason score were comparably. Late complication such as anastamosis stricture was not different between the two groups (3.1% in RALP vs. 2.4% in LRP, p = 0.584). The continence rate of RALP and LRP groups at 6-month was 67.8% and 39% and at 12-month was 80% and 63.7%, respectively. The continence rate of RALP was better than LRP significantly. CONCLUSION: From our experience, perioperative outcome and continence rate at six and 12-month of RALP group was significantly better than LRP group. The demographic data, oncological outcome, and anastamosis stricture rate were comparably in both groups. The most relevant preoperative predictors of urinary continence were patient's age and prostatic weight.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: oncological and functional outcomes of 559 cases in Siriraj Hospital, Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of oncological and functional outcomes of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) during the first five years experience in Siriraj hospital. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Between September 2004 and September 2009, the functional and oncological outcomes of 559 patients that underwent LRP were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The distribution of pathological T stage was T2 (52.1%), T3 (39.9%), and T4 (2.9%). Lymph node metastasis (N1) were found in 19 patients (3.4%). The positive margin rates in pT2a-b, pT2c, pT3a, pT3b and pT4 were 13.2%, 34.7%, 65.9%, 72.7% and 76.9%, respectively. The 3-year biological progression free survival (bPFS) rate for all patients was 87.2%. Three-year bPFS rates in pT2a-b, pT2c, pT3a, pT3b and pT4 were 96.3%, 93%, 75%, 55.6% and 62.5% respectively. The continent rate at 12 months was 84% and potency rate at 12 months in group that received bilateral nerve sparing was 29.1%. CONCLUSION: The oncological and functional results of our first LRPs in Thai men are acceptable and compared well with the early experience of previous studies. However, longer follow up is needed for further evaluation.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: perioperative outcomes and morbidity of 559 consecutive cases in Siriraj Hospital, Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perioperative outcomes and morbidity of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in Siriraj Hospital during a 5-year experience. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Five hundred fifty nine patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) by seven surgeons at Siriraj Hospital between September 2004 and September 2009 were included in the study. Data of perioperative results and postoperative parameters were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 257 minutes SD 75 (range 125 to 680 min). The mean operative time of the first 100 cases was significantly higher than of the last 100 cases (307 ml/min SD 95 versus 223 ml/min SD 56; p-value = 0.001). Mean estimated blood loss was 779 ml SD 607 (range 40 to 6,000 ml). Of 559 patients, 148 patients (26.5%) had blood transfusions. The blood transfusion rate in the first 100 cases was significantly higher than those of the last 100 cases (36.5% versus 15%; p-value = 0.016). The median duration of catheterization time was 8 days. The mean time of drain insertion was 4.2 days SD 1.8 (range 2 to 18 days) postoperatively. Hospital stay was 8.8 days SD 7.6 (range 3 to 149 days). Overall perioperative complications rate was 17.1%. Of these patients, 13.4% were minor complication (Clavien 1, 2) and 3.7% were major complication (Clavien 3, 4). There were no mortalities. Late complication rate was 2.1%, which most of them were stricture of anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Perioperative outcomes and morbidity of LRP in a 5-year period were acceptable. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is technically demanding with an initially longer operative time and higher blood transfusion rate. The learning curve of the surgical team is needed to achieve good results.

Effect of caffeine on bladder function in patients with overactive bladder symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of caffeine at the dose of 4.5 mg/kg on bladder function in overactive bladder (OAB) adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine women and three men aged 21-40 years with OAB symptoms were included. Each subject drank 8 ml/kg of water with and without caffeine at two separate sessions. Cystometry and uroflowmetry were performed 30 minutes after each drink. The effects of caffeine on urodynamic parameters were compared. RESULTS: After caffeine ingestion, the mean volume at bladder filling phase decreased at first desire to void and normal desire to void (P<0.05), compared to the mean volume after taking water (control) drink. The mean volume at strong desire to void, urgency and maximum cystometric capacity also tended to decrease. No change in the detrusor pressure at filling phase was found. At voiding phase, the maximal flow rate, average flow rate and voided volume were increased (P<0.05). The urine flow time and time to maximal flow rate were not changed. CONCLUSION: Caffeine at 4.5 mg/kg caused diuresis and decreased the threshold of sensation at filling phase, with an increase in flow rate and voided volume. So, caffeine can promote early urgency and frequency of urination. Individuals with lower urinary tract symptom should avoid or be cautious in consuming caffeine containing foodstuffs.

Comparative outcome between transverse island flap onlay and tubularized incised plate for primary hypospadias repair.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of transverse island flap (TVIF) onlay with tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) in primary hypospadias repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 76 consecutive patients who underwent TVIF onlay (n = 42) and TIP (n = 36) between January 1997 and April 2006. The success rate and complications were compared according to the surgical technique and the severity of the defect (meatal position prior to surgery). RESULTS: The mean patient age at surgery was 48 (range, 9-132) months in the TVIF onlay group and 49 (range, 10-348) months in the TIP group. All patients were followed-up for at least 12 months. With mean follow-ups of 40 months and 32 months, the overall complication rates were 30.9% (13/42) and 23.5% (8/34) in the TVIF onlay group and TIP group respectively (p = 0.305). Urethrocutaneous fistula rates were 23.8% (10/42) in the TVIF onlay group compared to 14.7% (5/34) in the TIP group (p = 0.393). No complications were found in either group with distal hypospadias. In proximal hypospadias, the complication rate was 30% (6/20) in the TVIF onlay group, compared to 37.5% (6/16) in the TIP group (p = 0.751). CONCLUSION: In this study, the surgical outcomes of TVIF onlay and TIP were comparable. The TIP procedure should be preferred for distal and midshaft defects because of its simplicity and low complication rate. In proximal hypospadias repair, TVIF onlay might be better than TIP; this will be clearer once the number of patients have increased sufficiently to show statistical significance.

Outcomes of surgical treatment for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma: comparison of retroperitoneoscopic and open nephroureterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the surgical and oncologic outcomes in patients who underwent retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (RNU) in comparison to standard open nephroureterectomy (ONU) for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2001 to January 2007, 60 total nephroureterectomy were performed for upper tract TCC at Siriraj Hospital. Of the 60 patients, thirty-one were treated with RNU and open bladder cuff excision, and twenty-nine with ONU. Our data were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. The recorded data included sex, age, history of bladder cancer, type of surgery, tumor characteristics, postoperative course, disease recurrence and progression. RESULTS: The mean operative time was longer in the RNU group than in the ONU group (258.8 versus 190.6 min; p = 0. < 001). On the other hand, the mean blood loss and the dose of parenteral analgesia (morphine sulphate) were lower in the RNU group (289.3 versus 313.7 ml and 2.05 versus 6.72 mg; p = 0.868 and p = 0.018, respectively). There were two complications in each group. No significant difference in p stage and grade in both-groups (p = 0.951, p = 0.077). One patient with RNU had lymph node involvement, three in ONU. Mean follow up was 26.4 months (range 3-72) for RNU and 27.9 months (range 3-63) for ONU. No port metastasis occurred during follow up in RNU group. Tumor recurrence developed in 11 patients (bladder recurrence in 9 patients, local recurrence in 2 patients) in the RNU group and 14 patients (bladder recurrence in 13 patients, local recurrence in 1 patient) in the ONU group. No significant difference was detected in the tumor recurrence rate between the two procedures (p = 0.2716). Distant metastases developed in 3 patients (9.7%) after RNU and 2 patients (6.9%) after ONU. The 2 year disease specific survival rate after RNU and ONU was 86.3% and 92.5%, respectively (p = 0.8227). CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy is less invasive than open surgery and is an oncological feasible operation. Thus, the results of our study supported the continued development of laparoscopic technique in the management of upper tract TCC.

A role of intravesical capsaicin instillation in benign prostatic hyperplasia with overactive bladder symptoms: the first reported study in the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of capsaicin in treating overactive bladder symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study of 20 benign prostatic hyperplasia patients whose overactive bladder symptoms were not improved by alpha1 blocker Alpha1 blocker was taken about 22.9 +/- 17.2 months before and continued throughout 6 months duration of the present study. All of them had undergone intravesical capsaicin instillation at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, from 2004 to 2006. Both clinical and urodynamic data were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: Mean urgency decreased from 6.7 +/- 5.1 at baseline to 2.0 +/- 2.3 (p < 0.005), 1.4 +/- 2.4 (p < 0.005), 1.3 +/- 2.2 (p < 0.005) at 1, 3 and 6 months. Mean urge incontinence decreased from 1.7 +/- 3.5 at baseline to 0.5 +/- 1.3 (p = 0.148), 0.4 +/- 1.2 (p = 0.114), 0.3 + 1.1 (p = 0.085) at 1, 3 and 6 months. Mean urinary frequency decreased from 13.7 +/- 3.3 at baseline to 10.5 +/- 2.8 (p < 0.005), 9.6 +/- 2.0 (p < 0.005), 9.5 +/- 2.6 (p < 0.005) at 1, 3 and 6 months. Mean nocturia decreased from 4.7 +/- 2.4 at baseline to 3.1 +/- 2.2 (p < 0.005), 2.7 +/- 1.2 (p < 0.005), 2.9 +/- 1.6 (p < 0.005) at 1, 3 and 6 months. Mean first desire to void increased from 172.5 +/- 100.4 ml at baseline to 210.6 +/- 99.5 ml (p = 0.016) at 1 month. Mean maximal cystometric capacity increased from 350.3 +/- 165.9 ml at baseline to 397.4 +/- 165.7 ml (p = 0.012) at 1 month. Peak flow rate, detrusor pressure, and postvoid residual urine were not affected. No serious adverse effect occurred in the present study. CONCLUSION: Intravesical capsaicin instillation is an effective treatment for overactive bladder symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients.

A role of intravesical capsaicin instillation in benign prostatic hyperplasia with overactive bladder symptoms: the first reported study in the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To study the treatment efficacy of capsaicin, in the cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia with overactive bladder symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study of 20 benign prostatic hyperplasia patients whose overactive bladder symptoms were not improved by alpha1 blockers. All of them underwent intravesical capsaicin instillation at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, between 2004 and 2006. Both clinical and urodynamic data were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: Mean urgency decreased from 6.7 +/- 5.1 at baseline to 2.0 +/- 2.3 (p < 0.005), 1.4 +/- 2.4 (p < 0.005), and 1.3 +/- 2.2 (p < 0.005) at 1, 3, and 6 months. Mean urge incontinence decreaseD from 1.7 +/- 3.5 at baseline to 0.5 +/- 1.3 (p = 0.148), 0.4 +/- 1.2 (p = 0.114), and 0.3 +/- 1.1 (p = 0.085) at 1, 3, and 6 months. Mean urinary frequency decreased from 13.7 +/- 3.3 at baseline to 10.5 +/- 2.8 (p < 0.005), 9.6 +/- 2.0 (p < 0.005), and 9.5 +/- 2.6 (p < 0.005) at 1, 3, and 6 months. Mean nocturia decreased from 4.7 +/- 2.4 at baseline to 3.1 +/- 2.2 (p < 0.005), 2.7 +/- 1.2 (p < 0.005), and 2.9 +/- 1.6 (p < 0.005) at 1, 3, and 6 months. Mean first desire to void increased from 172.5 +/- 100.4 ml at baseline to 210.6 +/- 99.5 ml (p = 0.016) at 1 month. Mean maximal cystometric capacity increased from 350.3 +/- 165.9 ml at baseline to 397.4 +/- 165.7 ml (p = 0.012) at 1 month. Peak flow rate, detrusor pressure, and post void residual urine were not affected No serious adverse effect occurred in this study. CONCLUSION: Intravesical capsaicin instillation is an effective treatment for overactive bladder symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients.