Power Doppler Sonography (PDS) and Modified TRUS Systematic Biopsies - Can this Combination Adequately Replace Multiparametric Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mp-MRI) in Candidates for Re Biopsies Who cannot Undergo mp-MRI.

The MRI targeted biopsy (MRI-TBx) may increase the detection rate of clinically significant cancer (csPCa) in candidates for re-biopsy. However, there will be several patients in whom MRI is contraindicated. In this retrospective study we assessed the ability of combination of PDS guided biopsies (PDS-TBx) and modified SBx to substitute MRI-TBx. 154 men with persistently elevated PSA were referred for re-biopsy. Our protocol included a combination of MRI-TBx, DPS-TBx and modified SBx with additional biopsies from anterior lateral horns and anterior aspects of apex. MRI findings were defined as suspicious lesions (MRI-SL) and highly suspicious lesions (MRI-HL), based on PIRADS scale. In 40 patients csPCa was detected. While, MRI diagnosed csPCa in 36 patients (23%, n-36/154): 25% and 92% of biopsies targeted to the MRI- SL and MRI-HSL confirmed csPCa. Thirty-eight PDS hypervascular areas were found, while csPCa was diagnosed in 84% of these lesions, or in 28 patients (18%, n-28/154). SBx detected csPCa in 34 cores or in 21 patients (13%, n - 21/154). SBx missed cancers in the in the anterior aspect of middle gland. Combination of PDS-TBx + SBx detected csPCa in 35 (88% of csPCa) patients. Strongest predictors for the csPCa presence were MRI-HSL, PDS' lesions and biopsies from anterior aspect that included apex, mid gland and anterior lateral horns (p < 0.001 and p-0.008, respectively). The combination of PDS-TBx + SBx may miss 15% of csPCa detected by MRI. However, it can detect additional 10% of csPCa that were missed by MRI. To improve the accuracy of this combination, the anterior aspect of middle gland should be also included in the modified SBx. These changes in combination can make it helpful in candidates for re-biopsy who cannot undergo MRI.

Percutaneous US-guided renal cryoablation using 3D modeling.

INTRODUCTION: The article describes the first experience of performing percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided cryoablation of renal tumor and assesses the safety and short-term results of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients were subjected to US-guided cryoablation of renal tumor in 2015. The tumor size in 11 patients was up to 3.0 cm (T1а); in one female patient, 4.5 cm (T1b). Tumors were assessed according to the PADUA score. In eight patients, it was 6-7 (low); in three patients, 8-9 (average); in one, 10 (high). All the patients underwent US examination using a FlexFocus 800 apparatus with convex abdominal transducers. Before surgery and 6 months later, all the patients underwent renal Doppler US and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. RESULTS: The average cryoablation time was 60 min. Seven operations were performed under spinal anesthesia and five operations under local anesthesia. The follow-up period lasted 8 months on average. According to the ultrasonography and Doppler findings, after 6 months, the tumor (T1a) in 11 patients reduced in size by an average of 7-8 mm and had no blood supply.T1b patient's mass size reduces from 4.5 to 3.7 cm; however, a 1.5 cm area with a high attenuation gradient of the contrast medium was visualized. Later, the patient was subjected to laparoscopic renal resection. Histological finding revealed clear-cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: We consider percutaneous US-guided cryoablation as a method of choice for patients with stage T1a renal tumor localized on the posterior or lateral surface in the inferior or middle segment without sinus involvement and PADUA <9.

Influence of Demography and Personality on Patient Choice of Treatment in Symptomatic Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

UNLABELLED: Background: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a common age-dependent urological condition that can adversely affect quality of life if the patient's treatment choice is inap- propriate. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether patients' demography and personality affect their decision regarding the type of treatment: namely, conservative or surgical. METHODS: A total of 105 BPH patients treated during the period 2005-2008 were retrospectively categorized into three groups according to treatment received: (i) medication only (n = 056), (ii) combined treatment (the initial medication treatment was switched to surgical treatment) (n = 32), and (iii) surgery only (n = 17). A prerequisite for inclusion in the study was use of BPH medication for at least half a year before the study (groups 1 and 2). These groups completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire at the start of BPH medical treatment (IPSS 1) and at the start of the trial (IPSS 2), and the staff calculated the difference (IPSS 1-IPSS 2 = Delta IPSS = DIPSS). All three groups provided demographic data (age, country of origin, education) and completed tri-dimensional personality questionnaires (TPQ) to measure three independent "temperament" personality dimensions to evaluate how different individuals feel or behave: novel seeking (NS), harm avoidance (HA), and reward dependence (RD). Data were analyzed using chi-square, t-test, one-way ANOVA and logistic regression. RESULTS: The choice of BPH treatment differed according to demographic variables and the RD dimension. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that symptomatic BPH treatment is influenced less by the patient's personality and more by his life circumstances. Israeli-born patients were more conservative, Russian-born patients were ambivalent, and other foreign-born patients predominantly preferred surgical treatment. We assume that personality has a more decisive effect on patients with malignant disease and they accept the medical advice more easily.

Patients with Persistently Elevated PSA and Negative Results of TRUS-Biopsy: Does 6-Month Treatment with Dutasteride can Indicate Candidates for Re-Biopsy. What is the Best of Saturation Schemes: Transrectal or Transperineal Approach?

To identify patients who actually need a re - biopsy, based on alterations in PSA readings after 6-month treatment with Dutasteride. We also sought to bring out the most beneficial re-biopsy scheme. We have reviewed the records of patients with persistently elevated PSA and at least one set of TRUS biopsies. Patients who were treated with alpha -blockers/Dutasteride combination were considered as the study group, while patients in control received alpha-blockers alone. Patients in both groups underwent re-biopsy 6 months later. The two protocols of re-biopsies were used at that time: 20-24 cores saturation transrectal (ST)) and ≥ 40 cores saturation transperineal template-guided (STT) biopsies. One hundred thirty-three patients were included in this study. In 86.7 % of the patients in the study group mean PSA decreased from 7.4 ± 2.69 to 4.037 ± 1.53 (p-0.001). The overall cancer detection rate was 29 % (n-39: 19 v/s 20, control and study groups, respectively). In the study group PSA decreased to 26.73 ± 11.26 % in patients with cancer, compared with 40.54 ± 13.3 % in patients without. It must be emphasized that STT-biopsies detected significantly more cancers (38.46 v/s 20.59 %, p- 0.005). Mean cores number got to 21 ± 2.45 and 45 ± 5.65 in ST and STT biopsies, respectively. Six-month treatment with Dutasteride decreases PSA readings in 86.7 % of the patients. A PSA decline of less than 40% (cutoff) should be considered as an indicator for re-biopsy. Transperineal template-guided biopsies had a higher cancer detection rate.

Study of urological devices coated with fullerene-like nanoparticles.

Insertion of endoscopes and other medical devices into the human body are ubiquitous, especially among aged males. The applied force for the insertion/extraction of the device from the urethra must overcome endoscope-surface-human-tissue interactions. In daily practice a gel is applied on the endoscope surface, in order to facilitate its entry into the urethra, providing also for local anesthesia. In the present work, a new solid-state lubricant has been added to the gel, in order to reduce the metal-urethra interaction and alleviate the potential damage to the epithelial tissue. For that purpose, a urethra model was designed and fabricated, which allowed a quantitative assessment of the applied force for extraction of the endoscope from a soft polymer-based ring. It is shown that the addition of MoS2 nanoparticles with fullerene-like structure (IF-MoS2) and in particular rhenium-doped nanoparticles (Re:IF-MoS2) to Esracain gel applied on the metal-lead reduced the friction substantially. The Re:IF-MoS2 showed better results than the undoped fullerene-like nanoparticles and both performed better than the gel alone. The mechanism of friction reduction is attributed to fullerenes' ability to roll and act as a separator between the active parts of the model.

Radical cystectomy with W-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder constructed with non-absorbable titanium staples-long term follow-up.

PURPOSES: We retrospectively assessed our experience with the W-shaped orthotopic ileal pouch, which was constructed with non-absorbable titanium staples. For these purpose, we discuss the results of bladder capacity, urinary continence and early and long-term postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included in the study 17 patients who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy followed by construction of an orthotopic W-shaped ileal pouch between October 2000 and November 2009. A 65-70 cm segment of ileum was isolated and prearranged into a W-configuration, leaving two 10 cm intact segments on both sides of the ileal fragment. In our technique we entirely anatomized all adjacent limbs in order to create a sphere-shaped pouch. The ureters were directly anastomized to both intact segments of the ileal division. All our patients underwent pouchscopy 6 months after operation and annually. RESULTS: Mean operative time for neobladder reconstruction and ureteral anastomoses was 87 ± 7.67 minutes. In one patient a leak from the ileo-ileal anastomosis was confirmed on the 3rd day after operation. In 2 cases unilateral stricture of the ureteral-neobladder anastomosis was documented. Staple lines were mostly covered with ileal mucosa after 6 months. The mean functional bladder capacity was 340 ± 27.6 mL and 375 ± 43.4 mL at 6 and 12 months, respectively. First-year daytime and nighttime continence was good and acceptable in 90% and 78% of patients, while it increased to 95% during the 2nd year. CONCLUSIONS: The long term follow-up shows that non-absorbable titanium staples can be safely used for creation of an orthotopic ileal neobladder. However, these data should be further validated in a larger series of patients.

Application of an interstitial and biodegradable balloon system for prostate-rectum separation during prostate cancer radiotherapy: a prospective multi-center study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rectal toxicity presents a significant limiting factor in prostate radiotherapy regimens. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of an implantable and biodegradable balloon specifically designed to protect rectal tissue during radiotherapy by increasing the prostate-rectum interspace. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Balloons were transperineally implanted, under transrectal ultrasound guidance, into the prostate-rectum interspace in 27 patients with localized prostate cancer scheduled to undergo radiotherapy. Patients underwent two simulations for radiotherapy planning--the first simulation before implant, and the second simulation seven days post implant. The balloon position, the dimensions of the prostate, and the distance between the prostate and rectum were evaluated by CT/US examinations 1 week after the implant, weekly during the radiotherapy period, and at 3 and 6 months post implant. Dose-volume histograms of pre and post implantation were compared. Adverse events were recorded throughout the study period. RESULTS: Four of 27 patients were excluded from the evaluation. One was excluded due to a technical failure during implant, and three patients were excluded because the balloon prematurely deflated. The balloon status was evaluated for the duration of the radiotherapy period in 23 patients. With the balloon implant, the distance between the prostate and rectum increased 10-fold, from a mean 0.22 ± 0.2 cm to 2.47 ± 0.47 cm. During the radiotherapy period the balloon length changed from 4.25 ± 0.49 cm to 3.81 ± 0.84 cm and the balloon height from 1.86 ± 0.24 cm to 1.67 ± 0.22 cm. But the prostate-rectum interspace distance remained constant from beginning to end of radiotherapy: 2.47 ± 0.47 cm and 2.41 ± 0.43 cm, respectively. A significant mean reduction in calculated rectal radiation exposure was achieved. The implant procedure was well tolerated. The adverse events included mild pain at the perineal skin and in the anus. Three patients experienced acute urinary retention which resolved in a few hours following conservative treatment. No infections or thromboembolic events occurred during the implant procedure or during the radiotherapy period. CONCLUSION: The transperineal implantation of the biodegradable balloon in patients scheduled to receive radiotherapy was safe and achieved a significant and constant gap between the prostate and rectum. This separation resulted in an important reduction in the rectal radiation dose. A prospective study to evaluate the acute and late rectal toxicity is needed.

Radical cystectomy with W-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder constructed with non-absorbable titanium staples-long term follow-up

Purposes We retrospectively assessed our experience with the W-shaped orthotopic ileal pouch, which was constructed with non –absorbable titanium staples. For these purpose, we discuss the results of bladder capacity, urinary continence and early and long-term postoperative complications. Materials and Methods We included in the study 17 patients who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy followed by construction of an orthotopic W-shaped ileal pouch between October 2000 and November 2009. A 65-70 cm segment of ileum was isolated and prearranged into a W- configuration, leaving two 10 cm intact segments on both sides of the ileal fragment. In our technique we entirely anatomized all adjacent limbs in order to create a sphere-shaped pouch. The ureters were directly anastomized to both intact segments of the ileal division. All our patients underwent pouchscopy 6 months after operation and annually. Results Mean operative time for neobladder reconstruction and ureteral anastomoses was 87 ± 7.67 minutes. In one patient a leak from the ileo-ileal anastomosis was confirmed on the 3rd day after operation. In 2 cases unilateral stricture of the ureteral-neobladder anastomosis was documented. Staple lines were mostly covered with ileal mucosa after 6 months. The mean functional bladder capacity was 340 ± 27.6 mL and 375 ± 43.4 mL at 6 and 12 months, respectively. First-year daytime and nighttime continence was good and acceptable in 90% and 78% of patients, while it increased to 95% during the 2nd year. Conclusions The long term follow-up shows that non-absorbable titanium staples can be safely used for creation of an orthotopic ileal neobladder. However, these data should be further validated in a larger series of patients. .

Interstitial biodegradable balloon for reduced rectal dose during prostate radiotherapy: results of a virtual planning investigation based on the pre- and post-implant imaging data of an international multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate dose reduction caused by the implantation of an interstitial inflatable and biodegradable balloon device aiming to achieve lower rectal doses with virtual 3D conformal external beam radiation treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An inflatable balloon device was placed, interstitially and under transrectal ultrasound guidance, into the rectal-prostate interspace prior treatment initiation of 26 patients with localized prostate cancer, who elected to be treated with radiotherapy (3D CRT or IMRT). The pre- and post-implant CT imaging data of twenty two patients were collected (44 images) for the purpose of the 3D conformal virtual planning presented herein. RESULTS: The dorsal prostate-ventral rectal wall separation resulted in an average reduction of the rectal V70% by 55.3% (± 16.8%), V80% by 64.0% (± 17.7%), V90% by 72.0% (± 17.1%), and V100% by 82.3% (± 24.1%). In parallel, rectal D2 ml and D0.1 ml were reduced by 15.8% (± 11.4%) and 3.9% (± 6.4%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Insertion of the biodegradable balloon into the prostate-rectum interspace is similar to other published invasive procedures. In this virtual dose distribution analysis, the balloon insertion resulted in a remarkable reduction of rectal volume exposed to high radiation doses. This effect has the potential to keep the rectal dose lower especially when higher than usual prostate dose escalation protocols or hypo-fractionated regimes are used. Further prospective clinical investigations on larger cohorts and more conformal radiation techniques will be necessary to define the clinical advantage of the biodegradable interstitial tissue separation device.

Transrectal ultrasonography-guided injection of long-acting steroids in the treatment of recurrent/resistant anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Different techniques have been used for the treatment of patients with anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy (RP). In this retrospective study, we analyzed our experience with urethral dilation and consecutive transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided injections of long-acting steroids in the scar area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of patients who underwent RP in our department from 2002 to 2010 and presented to the outpatient clinics with symptomatic anastomotic stenosis. Patients were treated with: Urethral dilation, cold knife (CK) urethrotomy, transurethral resection (TUR) of stenosis and dilation/resection of the strictures with consecutive TRUS-guided injection of a long-acting steroid (dilation+TRUS-steroids). Patients remained under follow-up, which included the assessment of voiding and continence patterns, as well as cystourethroscopy. RESULTS: In 32 (10.8%) patients, symptomatic anastomotic stenosis was diagnosed. Initial urethral dilation succeeded in only 3 (10.3%) patients; thus, 29 remained with recurrent/resistant stenosis. Urethral dilation+TRUS-steroids was performed in 14 patients, while 8 patients underwent CK and in 7 TUR was performed. Patients in the dilation+TRUS-steroids group had lower re-treatment rates, and none of these patients became incontinent. Patients in the TUR group needed no re-treatment; however, they had the highest incontinence rate (57.1%). As a result, the highest efficiency quotient was in the dilation+TRUS-steroids with the lowest in the TUR group. CONCLUSION: Urethral dilation with consecutive TRUS-guided injections of steroids has the highest efficiency quotient and can be performed under local anesthesia with a low risk of incontinence.

Watchful waiting and active surveillance approach in patients with low risk localized prostatic cancer: an experience of out-patients clinic with 12-year follow-up.

In this study we evaluated the safety of expectant approach in the patients with low risk prostate cancer in the reality of community based out-patients clinics. 48 men were enrolled into the study. The inclusion criteria were age ranged from 60 to 75 years and the Epstein criteria for low risk prostate cancer. Patients were managed expectantly while curative treatment was offered when indicated. Initial and final Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and BMI were assessed for all men. Patients' median follow-up was 81.1 ± 29.1 years. During this study 41.7% of the patients chose active forms of treatment. Cancer was found in 20.8% (n-10) of our patients. Two first sessions of re-biopsy diagnosed 92% of T1c upgrading. Six men with CCI ≥2 died from concomitant disease and no one died from PCa. Significant correlation was found between BMI and final CCI ≥2 (p-0.001). Expectant approach can be considered as self alternative to active treatment model in selected group of patients with well differentiated PCa, however 20.8% of these patients are still at risk of having aggressive form of cancer. Expectant approach is particular beneficial for the patients with CCI 1-2 and high BMI.

7 to 10 years' follow-up of 573 patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen (>4 ng/mL) or/and suspected rectal examination: biopsies protocol and follow-up guides.

PURPOSE: In this study, we tried to design a scheme for performing transrectal ultrasonographic (TRUS)-biopsies that would be accurate and include the optimal number of cores. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included in this study 600 consecutive patients with suspicious findings on a per-rectum examination and/or an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (>4 ng/mL) level. Patients were followed for 7 to 10 years. In all patients, we took from 8 to 16 biopsy samples, according to the prostate volume, from the lateral aspects. In the second session, the biopsy samples were taken medially; in the third session, we included the transitional zone, while in consecutive sessions, we increased the number of cores from all areas. RESULTS: Only 573 of the patients remained in follow-up. TRUS-biopsy detected prostate cancer (PCa) in 257 patients (44.85% overall detection rate). The detection rate in the first and second sessions was 32.98% and 14.94%, respectively, reaching 13.2% and 2.17%, in the third and fourth sessions, respectively. Prostate volumes were significantly smaller (52.9 +/- 22.4 cc vs 58.9 +/- 23.8 cc, P < 0.002) and the PSA/adenoma/prostate volumes ratio (ad-pro) ratio was higher (18.3 +/- 9 vs 13.96, P < 0/001) in the patients with PCa. Patients with PCa underwent fewer biopsy procedures and biopsy sessions than patients without a diagnosis of PCa (14.9 +/- 8.9 vs 20.4 +/- 12, P < 0.001;1.3 +/- 0.6 vs 1.7 +/- 0.9, P < 0.001). Biopsy samples obtained from the base were positive for cancer only in larger prostates with a mean volume of 54.3 +/- 15.3 cc. Numbers of biopsy procedures and PSA/ad-pro ratio were the strongest predictive factors for PCa detection (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a prostate volume >or=53 cc and PSA/ad-pro ratio >or=18, the optimal biopsy cores should be >or=15. Using this scheme, the discontinuation of biopsy procedures might be considered after three consecutive sessions.

Effect of short-term dutasteride therapy on prostate vascularity in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: In this study we assessed the possible influence of dutasteride (types 1 and 2 isoenzymes of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors) on prostate tissue vascularity. We also attempted to evaluate whether preoperative treatment with dutasteride could help to avoid excessive bleeding in patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate (TUR-P). METHODS: This pilot study has 3 phases. All patients enrolled in the study had a prostate-specific antigen < 4 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examination. In the first phase we included 10 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with alpha-blockers. The end point of this phase was to choose the preset that could exclude noise signals and be reproducible. In the second phase, we included 32 patients in whom color Doppler sonography (CDS) was performed before and 6 weeks after treatment with 0.5 mg dutasteride per day. We counted every discrete color Doppler signal (CD-spot). To compare the CDS data, we used the Student t test, and P < .05 was considered significant. Afterward, 46 patients joined the third phase. Patients were assigned to the control and study groups according to sequentially numbered sealed envelopes. Patients in the study group received 0.5 mg dutasteride 6 weeks before TUR-P. RESULTS: In the first phase: color Doppler preset with pulse repetition frequency of 0.3 kHz was chosen as the most sensible. In the second phase, a significant decline in CD-spots count was detected in 23 (72%) patients (P < .05) and was more distinctive in the periurethral zone. In the third phase, only 43 of the patients continued with TUR-P (in 3 patients, voiding symptoms improved). Operating time and volume of irrigation fluid were significantly different (50.55 minutes/42.65 minutes, P = .014; 8.03/13.10 L, P = .047). CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks of dutasteride treatment may reduce prostate tissue vascularity in the periurethral area proximal to the verumontanum. The third phase of our study confirmed that preoperative treatment with dutasteride could improve operative performance and avoid TUR syndrome.

Patients with elevated serum PSA and indwelling catheter after acute urinary retention: prospective study of 63 patients with 7-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Elevated PSA value in the presence of an indwelling catheter is still an enigma. The aims of this prospective study were: to investigate the reliability of elevated PSA levels in patients with normal DRE and indwelling catheter after AUR; to assess the impact of preoperative TRUS-biopsy in detecting prostate cancer in such circumstances; to estimate the crucial duration of follow-up period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 63 patients were included in the study. PSA was assessed 5 days after catheter insertion. All patients failed to void without catheter and have been scheduled for surgery. TRUS-biopsy was performed before operation. All patients underwent surgery at least two weeks after prostate biopsies. Postoperative follow-up visits continued for at least 7 years. Biopsies were taken when indicated by persistently elevated PSA or an abnormal DRE. RESULTS: Mean PSA before catheter insertion differed significantly from PSA obtained on the 5(th) day after AUR (p = 0.001). Mean prostate volume calculated on TRUS was 80.5 +/- 28 ml. Mean duration of indwelling catheter placement was 37.8 +/- 7.97 days. Mean delay in operative treatment as a result of preoperative evaluation was 23.548 +/- 2.487 days. Carcinoma was detected in 13 patients, while clinically insignificant cancer was present in 31% (4 patients). It must be also emphasized that 38% of patients with carcinoma were >70 year-old. Preoperative TRUS-biopsy and postoperative pathologic exam diagnosed carcinoma in 5 patients (2 and 3 respectively). During 42 months of 7-year follow-up cancer was revealed in 8 patients. Mean PSA value in the follow-up period was significantly elevated in patients with carcinoma: 5.99 +/- 3.34 v/s 2.34 +/- 1.68 ng/ml (p = 0.007) and was the strongest predictor for cancer detection (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The detection rate of clinically significant cancer on preoperative biopsies postoperative pathologic exam in patients with AUR and indwelling catheter is low. These patients could be safely operated on without any delay. However, in order to detect clinically important cancer in the peripheral zone a postoperative monitoring period of should be recommended: starting 6 months after operation and continuing subsequently for at least 4 years. Postoperative PSA level is the strongest predictor of cancer detection and could be usefully employed in these patients. AUR and in the patients with large prostate cause elevated PSA. Cancer detection rate on preoperative biopsies is low in these patients. Long postoperative monitoring period should be strongly recommended.

Modified perianal/pericapsular anesthesia for transrectal biopsy of prostate in patients with anal rectal problems.

OBJECTIVES: To modify our technique of perianal anesthesia and use it in patients with painful conditions of the rectum and/or anus. METHODS: A total of 31 consecutive patients with anal-rectal problems underwent prostate needle biopsy. Of these, 17 were referred to our hospital after vain attempts to insert a transrectal ultrasound probe. Patients received a perianal-pericapsular injection of 1% lidocaine. Pain perception was separately assessed for probe insertion and biopsies using a visual pain analog score. RESULTS: Only in 1 patient were we unable to insert the transrectal ultrasound probe. The mean patient age was 65.28 +/- 5.35 years. We performed a mean of 12.25 biopsies per case. At probe insertion, the mean pain score was 2.2 +/- 0.83. During the biopsy punctures, the mean pain level was 2.53 +/- 1.054. We did not find any increase in the complication rate related to the anesthesia method. CONCLUSIONS: Modified perianal anesthesia can be used for transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate in patients with anal-rectal problems, because it provides significant pain relief.

Redo midurethral synthetic sling for female stress urinary incontinence.

Tension-free transvaginal tape (TVT) placement has recently become the preferred therapeutic approach for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in some centers. There are, however, no clearcut guidelines of how to treat patients in whom the procedure has failed. We describe our experience with repeat midurethral synthetic sling (MUS) implantation after a failed similar procedure. Twelve women (mean age 64.3 years) who had undergone a MUS procedure [TVT-9, intravaginal sling (IVS)-2, transobturator tape (TOT)-1] for SUI underwent a repeat MUS (TVT-5, IVS-4, TOT-3) due to persistent or recurrent SUI. The time from the first to the second procedure was 1-48 months. Eleven out of 12 patients (91.7%) achieved full continence (mean follow-up of 23.2 months, range 14-44). We conclude that a repeat MUS for persistent or recurrent SUI is a viable option for patients after an unsuccessful MUS procedure.

Non-contrast computerized tomography (NCCT) and dynamic renal scintigraphy (DRS) in the patients with refractory renal colic.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the importance of combined use of non-contrast computerized tomography (NCCT) and dynamic renal scintigraphy (DRS) in evaluation of patients with refractory flank pain in the emergency department. METHODS: The study involved 64 consecutive patients with refractory renal colic. All patients were evaluated with plain abdominal films kidneys, ureters and bladder (KUB), NCCT and DRS. We assessed the accuracy of different diagnostic procedures and their combinations; in addition, we determined their importance for different steps of evaluation. RESULTS: Urololithiasis was diagnosed in 76.6% (n=49) of the patients. Twenty-nine percent of calculi were > 4 mm. Surgical intervention were performed in 20 patients (40.8%). A combination of NCCT plus DRS yielded the greatest sensitivity (96%) in establishing final diagnosis, however clinical, laboratory and KUB data in combination with DRS, yielded greater specificity (93%) and PPV (97%). Sex (male), WBC (mean 10.2 x 10(3) +/- 3.1) and KUB (calculus > 4 mm) were chosen in the three-step multi-variant analysis, while only male sex was found to be the strongest predictor (p<0.056) of necessity to perform NCCT. In making decision for definitive treatment NCCT and DRS provided the most important information about stone size and obstruction (kappa=0.734, p<0.001 and kappa=0.625, p<0.001), while DRS was selected as the most important diagnostic procedure in the emergency department (kappa=0.527, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the emergency department, DRS combined with the results of clinical investigation may indicate candidates for hospitalization with emergency intervention. Immediate NCCT must be strongly considered in men with WBC> or =10 x 10(3) and calculi > 4 mm on the KUB.

Predictive criteria for prostate cancer detection in men with serum PSA concentration of 2.0 to 4.0 ng/mL.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the usefulness of measuring testosterone, free testosterone, and the free/total (f/t) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ratio with the intention of reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies in the patients with PSA values between 2.0 and 4.0 ng/mL. Cancer detection is not rare among patients with PSA values between 2.0 and 4.0 ng/mL. METHODS: A total of 171 men with serum PSA levels of 2.0 to 4.0 ng/mL were enrolled in this study. The f/t PSA ratio and total and free testosterone levels were quantified. All patients underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy. The cancer detection rate, clinical and pathologic features of the cancers detected, and the probability of cancer detection in relation to the f/t PSA ratio and total and free testosterone levels were estimated. Two-step statistical analysis was used for descriptive purposes and in the detection of cancer predictors. Statistical significance was set at P < or = 0.05. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 63.3 years. Cancer was detected in 39 (22.8%) of the 171 patients. Only 15.4% of our patients had insignificant cancer. The f/t PSA ratio and total and free testosterone levels were significantly lower in the patients with prostate cancer (19.3%, 13.68 nmol/L, and 28.4 pmol/L, respectively; P < 0.001). The f/t PSA ratio and free testosterone were the strongest predictors of cancer detection (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have shown that an important number of cancers could be detected in the PSA range of 2.0 to 4.0 ng/mL. The great majority of cancers detected have the features of medically significant tumors. The combination of the f/t PSA ratio and free testosterone measurements may reveal those patients who require biopsy.

Human CTL epitopes prostatic acid phosphatase-3 and six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate-3 as candidates for prostate cancer immunotherapy.

Specific immunotherapy of prostate cancer may be an alternative or be complementary to other approaches for treatment of recurrent or metastasized disease. This study aims at identifying and characterizing prostate cancer-associated peptides capable of eliciting specific CTL responses in vivo. Evaluation of peptide-induced CTL activity in vitro was done following immunization of HLA-A2 transgenic (HHD) mice. An in vivo tumor rejection was tested by adoptive transfer of HHD immune lymphocytes to nude mice bearing human tumors. To confirm the existence of peptide-specific CTL precursors in human, lymphocytes from healthy and prostate cancer individuals were stimulated in vitro in the presence of these peptides and CTL activities were assayed. Two novel immunogenic peptides derived from overexpressed prostate antigens, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate (STEAP), were identified; these peptides were designated PAP-3 and STEAP-3. Peptide-specific CTLs lysed HLA-A2.1+ LNCaP cells and inhibited tumor growth on adoptive immunotherapy. Furthermore, peptide-primed human lymphocytes derived from healthy and prostate cancer individuals lysed peptide-pulsed T2 cells and HLA-A2.1+ LNCaP cells. Based on the results presented herein, PAP-3 and STEAP-3 are naturally processed CTL epitopes possessing anti-prostate cancer reactivity in vivo and therefore may constitute vaccine candidates to be investigated in clinical trials.

Filling cystoureterography facilitates stone visualization in patients with previously inserted double-J ureteral stents.

In our study, we assessed the ability of a filling cystogram to induce vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and to evaluate its role in stone targeting during ESWL in the presence of a double-J ureteral stent (JJ-S). Filling cystoureterography was performed during ESWL in 17 patients with previously inserted 4.7 F JJ-S. The examination ended with stone localization. In every procedure, 3,500 shock waves were delivered with an energy range of 18-23 kV. Patients were evaluated 4 weeks after ESWL. A stone-free result was defined as no evidence of calculi in the first or second visits. Because contrast material was employed in this study, we also evaluated its possible interference with the results of lithotripsy. All radiolucent or poorly calcified stones were successfully localized. In four patients, rhythmic suprapubic manual pressure was performed to initiate VUR. Reflux was low grade in 35% and high grade in 65% of renal units. The efficiency quotient reached 59%. In vitro artificial stones were successfully disintegrated both in water and solutions of Ultravist. In the presence of a JJ-S, filling cystography can easily localize radiolucent stones during SWL. No special catheters or stents are required for this technique. Ultravist in particular does not affect the results of ESWL unfavorably.