Hand pattern indicates prostate cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: The ratio of digit lengths is fixed in utero, and may be a proxy indicator for prenatal testosterone levels. METHODS: We analysed the right-hand pattern and prostate cancer risk in 1524 prostate cancer cases and 3044 population-based controls. RESULTS: Compared with index finger shorter than ring finger (low 2D : 4D), men with index finger longer than ring finger (high 2D : 4D) showed a negative association, suggesting a protective effect with a 33% risk reduction (odds ratio (OR) 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57-0.80). Risk reduction was even greater (87%) in age group <60 (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.09-0.21). CONCLUSION: Pattern of finger lengths may be a simple marker of prostate cancer risk, with length of 2D greater than 4D suggestive of lower risk.

Lifestyle factors and colorectal cancer risk (2): a systematic review and meta-analysis of associations with leisure-time physical activity.

OBJECTIVE: Increased physical activity may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. As a prerequisite to the determination of lifestyle attributable risks, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective observational studies to quantify gender-specific risk associated with increased leisure-time physical activity (LT-PA). METHOD: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (to December 2007), and other sources, selecting reports based on strict inclusion criteria. We used random-effects meta-analyses to estimate summary risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for uppermost vs lowermost categories of physical activity. To investigate dose-response, we explored risks ratios as a function of cumulative percentiles of physical activity distribution. RESULTS: Fifteen datasets from 14 articles, including 7873 incident cases, were identified. For colon cancer, there were inverse associations with LT-PA for men (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.67-0.96) and women (0.86; 0.76-0.98). LT-PA did not influence risk of rectal cancer. The dose-response analysis was consistent with linear pattern reductions in risk of colon cancer in both genders. There was evidence of moderate between-study heterogeneity but summary estimates were broadly consistent across potential confounding factors. CONCLUSION: Increased LT-PA is associated with a modest reduction in colon but not rectal cancer risk; a risk reduction, which previously may have been overstated. LT-PA only interventions in public health cancer prevention strategies are unlikely to impact substantially on colorectal cancer incidences.

Lifestyle factors and colorectal cancer risk (1): systematic review and meta-analysis of associations with body mass index.

OBJECTIVE: Excess body weight, defined by body mass index (BMI), may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. As a prerequisite to the determination of lifestyle attributable risks, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective observational studies to quantify colorectal cancer risk associated with increased BMI and explore for differences by gender, sub-site and study characteristics. METHOD: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (to December 2007), and other sources, selecting reports based on strict inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions of study-specific incremental estimates were performed to determine the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with a 5 kg/m(2) increase in BMI. RESULTS: We analysed 29 datasets from 28 articles, including 67,361 incident cases. Higher BMI was associated with colon (RR 1.24, 95% CIs: 1.20-1.28) and rectal (1.09, 1.05-1.14) cancers in men, and with colon cancer (1.09, 1.04-1.12) in women. Associations were stronger in men than in women for colon (P < 0.001) and rectal (P = 0.005) cancers. Associations were generally consistent across geographic populations. Study characteristics and adjustments accounted for only moderate variations of associations. CONCLUSION: Increasing BMI is associated with a modest increased risk of developing colon and rectal cancers, but this modest risk may translate to large attributable proportions in high-prevalence obese populations. Inter-gender differences point to potentially important mechanistic differences, which merit further research.

Combined transurethral prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair: a retrospective audit and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To audit the results of combined transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and inguinal hernia repair, often carried out under the same anaesthetic (because bladder outlet obstruction from prostatic disease and inguinal hernia are both common conditions in elderly men), to avoid two separate operations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 85 patients who underwent primary inguinal hernia repair with TURP in the urology unit of Nottingham City hospital between 1989 and 1995, and who were recalled to a special clinic. The type of hernia and repair carried out were recorded and complications audited with specific reference to recurrence of hernia and wound infection. RESULTS: The 85 patients underwent 88 primary inguinal hernia repairs with TURP (three were bilateral). Maloney's darn repair was used on 55 and a Bassini repair on 33 occasions, respectively. Two patients developed mild wound infection after surgery, but only two patients (2%) had recurrence of hernia. CONCLUSIONS: The recurrence rate after primary inguinal herniorraphy with conventional methods of repair, performed with TURP, was comparable with published results of hernia repairs alone, before the introduction of Lichtenstein's mesh repair.

Cystitis associated with tiaprofenic acid: a survey of British and Irish urologists.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the extent and natural history of cystitis in relation to treatment with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) tiaprofenic acid. METHODS: Anonymous postal questionnaires were sent to all UK and Irish consultant urologists enquiring about their awareness of the association between tiaprofenic acid (Surgam) and cystitis, and the number, nature and clinical details of patients with the diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 357 urologists, 45.7% replied; 37.4% of those who responded had had cases of NSAID-concurrent cystitis, 35.6% replied that they had no personal experience but were aware of the possibility of an adverse drug reaction and 27% were unaware of the possibility of NSAID-related interstitial cystitis. There were 108 reported cases of cystitis; 55 (51%) were women, 12 (11%) were men and gender was not stated in 41 (38%). The median duration of treatment was 59 weeks (range 6 weeks-4 years). Symptoms abated completely on stopping the drug in 86% of patients, resolving in a median of 14 weeks (range 7 days-2 years). In seven cases (10%), resolution was incomplete; 17 patients had undergone reconstructive urological surgery. CONCLUSION: Tiaprofenic acid has caused at least 108 cases of cystitis and several of these patients underwent extensive urological surgery based on the assumption that they were suffering from chronic interstitial cystitis. Most cases were reversible on withdrawal of tiaprofenic acid, but 10% of patients had residual symptoms. Tiaprofenic acid causes a higher incidence of cystitis than any other NSAID and its withdrawal from the market should be considered.

Peri-urethral silicone microimplants (Macroplastique) for the treatment of genuine stress incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the safety and efficacy of the periurethral injection of silicone microimplants (Macroplastique) for the treatment of genuine stress incontinence in women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty women (median age 50 years, range 27-74) with genuine stress incontinence confirmed on medium-fill video-cystometry were recruited to the study. Macroplastique (3-7 mL) was injected periurethrally 1 cm distal to the bladder neck at three or four points 'around the clock' under cystoscopic control. Where possible, the urodynamic study was repeated after 3 months. Results were graded as excellent (dry, no protection), good (better, but not totally dry) or poor (no improvement). RESULTS: Three months after a single injection, 16 (40%) were completely dry, 13 (33%) were improved and 11 (27%) were no better. Four patients who were improved were rendered dry by a second injection. After 3 years, 16 (40%) remained completely dry, seven (18%) were improved and 17 (42%) required alternative treatment with a Stamey bladder neck suspension. Dysuria for 48 h occurred in almost all patients; two were catheterized overnight and one required a catheter for 6 weeks. A comparison of maximum voiding pressures and flow rates before and 3 months after a single injection of Macroplastique revealed no urodynamic evidence of obstructed voiding (n = 25). CONCLUSION: Injectable silicone microimplants produced a good to excellent result in 73% of patients in the short-term and 58% of women maintained this response after 3 years. The injection is a day-case procedure which provides a satisfactory medium-term outcome in over half of patients with genuine stress incontinence. There are few side-effects and those patients with no improvement may go on to be treated by open surgery without complication.

Expression of muscarinic M3-receptors coupled to inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in human detrusor cultured smooth muscle cells.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of muscarinic receptor agonists and antagonists on the accumulation of inositol phosphates in cultures of human detrusor smooth muscle cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary explant culture was used to derive smooth muscle cell lines from small bladder biopsies. The cells were loaded with [3H]-myoinositol, stimulated with muscarinic agonists, and the accumulation of [3H]-inositol phosphates was measured by liquid scintillation counting. RESULTS: Carbachol (EC50 8.3 microM.), methacholine (EC50 7.5 microM.), oxotremorine (EC50 2.5 microM.) and pilocarpine (EC50 8.3 microM.) produced concentration-dependent rises in the accumulation of total [3H]-inositol phosphates. M1 (pirenzepine), M2 (methoctramine) and M3 (4-DAMP and pf-HHSiD) muscarinic receptor antagonists significantly antagonized the response induced by a submaximal concentration of carbachol (100 microM.). The apparent pA2 values were atropine (9.4), 4-DAMP (9.2), pfHHSid (7.4), pirenzepine (6.9) and methoctramine (6.3). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that human detrusor smooth muscle cells in culture express M3 muscarinic receptors which are linked to phosphoinositide hydrolysis.

A urodynamic study of laser ablation of the prostate and a comparison of techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of laser ablation of the prostate on symptomatic and urodynamic parameters and to compare laser delivery systems. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised 81 patients of whom 79 were waiting for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and two who presented in acute urinary retention. The 79 patients (median age 65 years, range 45-82) underwent pre-operative urodynamics and all patients completed American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score questionnaires before surgery. Visually-guided laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP) was performed and the urodynamics and symptom scores were repeated 3 months later. RESULTS: The improvements in symptom scores and flow rates were statistically significant and comparable with other published data. There were also significant improvements in voiding pressure. There were no significant differences between the various laser fibres used. There were few complications. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of VLAP in improving symptoms and flow rates in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is confirmed. The procedure also reduced voiding pressure, confirming the relief of bladder outflow tract obstruction. VLAP is confirmed as a safe and effective treatment for BPH. Continued follow-up is needed to determine the long-term effects.

Long-term results of intermittent low-friction self-catheterization in patients with recurrent urethral strictures.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the duration of intermittent low-friction self-catheterization (ILSC) required to cause stricture stabilization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 4 year period, 101 patients with a median age of 62 years (range 16-85) with recurrent urethral strictures were recruited to the trial. All the strictures were treated by internal urethrotomy and the patients were then randomized to perform ILSC twice weekly for either 6 months (group 1) or 36 months (group 2). Out-patient follow-up with urinary flow rate was initially at 1 month and then at 3 monthly intervals. Stricture recurrence rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Of 101 patients, seven failed to attend after the first out-patient appointment. A further 21 died of unrelated disease whilst on ILSC (although 13 had been followed up for at least 24 months and so were included in the analysis). The median follow-up was 67 months (range 24-78). Ten patients in group 2, who had suffered from recurrent strictures, refused to stop catheterizing at the appointed time and all remain stricture-free on permanent ILSC. Of the remaining 76 patients, 48 catheterized for 6 months and 28 patients performed ILSC for 12 to 36 months (nine stopped earlier than intended). Forty per cent of patients who stopped at 6 months developed a recurrence compared with 14% who catheterized for more than 12 months (P < 0.05) (chi-square test with Yates' correction). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that ILSC is safe and effective in preventing stricture recurrence in the long term. The recurrence rate of urethral strictures was significantly lower when ILSC was continued for more than 12 months compared with ILSC that was stopped at 6 months. We conclude that catheterization for at least 1 year is required to achieve adequate urethral stabilization.

Amiodarone prophylaxis for tachycardias after coronary artery surgery: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Arrhythmias are a common cause of morbidity after cardiac surgery. This study assessed the efficacy of prophylactic amiodarone in reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation or flutter and ventricular arrhythmias after coronary artery surgery. METHODS: A double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. 60 patients received a 24 hour intravenous infusion of amiodarone (15 mg/kg started after removal of the aortic cross clamp) followed by 200 mg orally three times daily for 5 days, and 60 patients received placebo. RESULTS: 6 patients (10%) in the amiodarone group and 14 (23%) in the placebo group needed treatment for arrhythmias (95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the difference between groups was 0 to 26%, p = 0.05). The incidence of supraventricular tachycardia detected clinically and requiring treatment was lower in the amiodarone group (8% amiodarone v 20% placebo, 95% CI 0 to 24%, p = 0.07). The incidence detected by 24 hour Holter monitoring was similar (17% amiodarone v 20% placebo). Untreated arrhythmias in the amiodarone group were either clinically benign and undetected (n = 3) or the ventricular response rate was slow (n = 2). Age > 60 years was a positive risk factor for the development of supraventricular tachycardia in the amiodarone group but not in the placebo group. Fewer patients had episodes of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation recorded on Holter monitoring in the amiodarone group (15% amiodarone v 33% placebo, 95% CI 3 to 33%, p = 0.02). Bradycardia (78% amiodarone v 48% placebo, 95% CI 14% to 46%, p < 0.005) and pauses (7% amiodarone v 0% placebo) occurred in more amiodarone treated patients. Bradycardia warranted discontinuation of treatment in one patient treated with amiodarone. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of clinically significant tachycardia was reduced by amiodarone. The ventricular response rate was slowed in supraventricular tachycardia, but the induction of bradycardia may preclude the routine use of amiodarone for prophylaxis.

Computerised audit for colorectal cancer.

An audit has been performed of cases of colorectal cancer presenting over an 8-year period. The results of 242 patients are discussed with emphasis placed on the process of surgical audit. In particular, the ease of data handling by a computer database system is stressed. The figures produced on age, sex, presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome have allowed a more detailed and fruitful discussion of our practice at the monthly audit meeting.