Radiation proctitis after iodine-125 low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy utilizing SpaceOAR hydrogel.

OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of combining the SpaceOAR (SOAR) hydrogel with prostate brachytherapy, using colonoscopy findings to assess for radiation proctitis. METHODS: Among 731 patients undergoing iodine-125 low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy (LDR-BT), SOAR was utilized in 394 patients (53.9%). Colonoscopy was performed for 97 patients (13.3%) to assess the presence, location, condition, and treatment of radiation proctitis. We also investigated treatment factors associated with the occurrence of radiation proctitis. RESULTS: Radiation proctitis was observed in 57 patients (7.8%) and 17 (2.3%) were treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC). The incidence of radiation proctitis was 12.2% in the non-SOAR and 4.1% in the SOAR group (p < 0.001). In the non-SOAR group, the incidence of radiation proctitis was 6.6% for LDR-BT monotherapy and increased to 22.0% when combined with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) (p = 0.001). However, in the SOAR group, these rates significantly decreased to 3.3% and 5.7% for monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively (p = 0.035, p < 0.001). With SOAR, inflammation was observed directly above the DL in most patients (87.5%), and only one patient (6.3%) required APC. The absence of SOAR (p < 0.001, HR = 0.29) and the concurrent use of EBRT (p = 0.018, HR = 2.87) were identified as significant risk factors for the occurrence of radiation proctitis. CONCLUSION: The use of SOAR significantly reduced the incidence of radiation proctitis in patients undergoing LDR-BT monotherapy and combined EBRT. Inflammation primarily occurred directly above the DL; further examination is necessary to clarify its cause.

A nationwide epidemiological study of testicular torsion: Analysis of the Japanese National Database.

Testicular torsion is a severe urological emergency caused by the twisting of the spermatic cord. The nationwide incidence of testicular torsion in Japan has not been previously reported. Accordingly, we aimed to estimate the nationwide incidence of testicular torsion using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB) and examine the orchiectomy rate. This cross-sectional study was based on data from the NDB. We extracted data of patients aged < 21 years with documented testicular torsion and relevant treatment from January 2018 to December 2020. Testicular torsion was identified based on the Japanese standardized disease codes. The national incidence rate between 2018 and 2020 was calculated and assessed according to age and region of origin. Orchiectomy rates were evaluated according to age. The nationwide incidence rates of testicular torsion were 14.46, 15.09, and 15.88 per 100,000 males aged < 21 years in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. The orchiectomy rate was 7.1%. Testicular torsion was most frequently observed during winter. A similar trend was observed nationwide. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report the nationwide incidence of testicular torsion in Japan.

A new method of adjusting mesh tension using cystoscopy during laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.

We aimed to examine the usefulness of cystoscopic findings to guide mesh tension adjustment during laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) to promote better repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and prevent de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In this technique, the bladder wall was observed using a cystoscope when various traction pressures were applied by pulling the mesh arm with forceps before fixation to the promontory during LSC. Adjustment was performed on 20 patients, and postoperative outcomes of POP repair and development of de novo SUI were evaluated. When excessive traction was applied on the mesh arm, a bladder neck opening and a cord-like elevation in the center of the trigone and posterior wall were observed in all cases. The tension was gradually loosened, and precisely when the above-mentioned cystoscopic finding ("Central Road") disappeared, an anatomically appropriate elevation of the vaginal apex was achieved; the mesh arm was fixed to the promontory. At 6 months after LSC, anterior wall recurrences were diagnosed in four patients (beyond the hymen in one) with few symptoms, while no occurrence of de novo SUI. Cystoscopic findings during mesh tension adjustment in LSC could be useful in achieving improved POP repair.

[INITIAL TREATMENT OF NOCTURIA CAUSED BY NOCTURNAL POLYURIA WITH LOW-DOSE DESMOPRESSIN].

(Objective) Nocturia, an important male lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS), is often difficult to treat. Herein, we report our experience of the initial treatment of nocturia with the novel drug desmopressin. (Subjects and methods) Subjects included 25 patients with LUTS treated with desmopressin who had the chief complaint of nocturia. Before treatment, the frequency of nocturnal urination (≥2) and nocturnal polyuria index (≥0.33) were confirmed based on the urination diary for ≥ 72 h. Before sleep, 25 or 50 mg desmopressin (Minirin® Melt OD tablets) was administered once daily. The frequency of nocturnal urination, volume of nocturnal urine, time from falling asleep to first urination, first urinary volume after falling asleep, nocturnal polyuria index, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life index, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, and residual urine volume were comparatively evaluated before and 4 weeks after treatment. Treatment effect was self-evaluated by patients 4 weeks after the treatment. Safety was evaluated by interview and blood testing 1 and 4 weeks after the treatment. (Results) Decrease in the frequency of nocturnal urination and improvement in IPSS were observed. According to self-evaluation of the treatment, 72.6% of the patients considered the treatment efficacious. Regarding safety, adverse events were observed in 28% of the patients, particularly hyponatremia (12% of the patients). (Conclusion) Desmopressin is a potential key drug for the treatment of nocturia caused by nocturnal polyuria.

[EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF 25 AND 50 µg DESMOPRESSIN ORALLY DISINTEGRATING TABLETS IN NOCTURIA DUE TO NOCTURNAL POLYURIA IN JAPANESE MALE PATIENTS].

(Purpose) To conduct a prospective study on the efficacy and safety of desmopressin for nocturnal polyuria. (Materials and methods) We selected 51 Japanese men, aged ≥50 years, with complaints of nocturia and a nocturnal polyuria index of ≥0.33. We administered 25 or 50 µg desmopressin (Minirinmelt Orally Disintegrating Tablet®), once daily at bedtime. We evaluated the nighttime urinary frequency and urine volume, nocturnal polyuria index, time to the first urination after falling asleep, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after administration. In addition, they underwent clinical examinations and blood tests at 1, 4, and 12 weeks to evaluate the safety of the drug. (Results) We observed a decrease in the nighttime urinary frequency and urine volume, and nocturnal polyuria index, increased prolonged time to the first urination after falling asleep, and improved IPSS at and after 4 weeks, compared to baseline data. Furthermore, the drug remained effective even at 12 weeks for all parameters. We observed adverse events in 31.3% of the patients. The incidence of hyponatraemia was particularly high in 15.7% of the patients. Those with a lower serum sodium level and lesser body weight at baseline were more likely to develop hyponatraemia. (Conclusion) Desmopressin was identified as a potential drug for the treatment of nocturnal polyuria. However, hyponatraemia, an important adverse event, resulted in treatment discontinuation in several patients. A sodium level lower than the normal level and low body weight at baseline were the risk factors for hyponatraemia.

Systematic review and two new cases of primary upper urinary tract neuroendocrine carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Upper urinary tract neuroendocrine carcinoma (UUT-NEC) is extremely rare and has a poor prognosis. Although a few cases of successful treatment have been reported, no treatment has shown established efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 70 UUT-NEC patients, including 68 with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) reported between 1985 and 2017 and 2 treated at our hospital. RESULTS: Median patient age was 66 years, 58.6% were men, and 60% were of Asian descent. Most UUT-NECs were SCNEC (68; 95.7%), whereas LCNEC was very rare (2; 2.9%). More than half of the patients had accompanying other histological components, the most common being urothelial carcinoma (51.5%), whereas 41.4% had NEC alone. Of the 70 patients, 27 underwent additional therapy (e.g., chemotherapy and radiotherapy) along with surgery. Median survival was 15 months. In univariate analysis, stages T1-2 disease showed better prognosis than stages T3-4 (P < 0.001). Additional treatment (e.g., chemotherapy and radiotherapy) significantly improved prognosis (P = 0.014). Moreover, platinum-based chemotherapy also was associated with improved prognosis (P = 0.017). For platinum-based chemotherapy, multicollinearity with additional treatments was strong, and, thus, these data were not included in the analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed pathological stage (T1-2 vs. T3-4; P = 0.003) and additional treatment (P = 0.028) to be independent predictors of improved prognosis. CONCLUSION: Although UUT-NEC has a poor prognosis, additional treatment along with surgery and therapeutic intervention and stage T1-2 disease are independent factors to improve prognosis.