Comparative effectiveness of low-dose-rate brachytherapy with or without external beam radiotherapy in favorable and unfavorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

We compared clinical outcomes associated with seed brachytherapy (SEED-BT) alone and SEED-BT plus external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for intermediate-risk prostate cancer using propensity score-matched analysis. From 2006 to 2011, 993 patients diagnosed with intermediate-risk were treated with either SEED-BT alone (n = 775) or SEED-BT plus EBRT (n = 158) at 3 tertiary hospitals. In the propensity score-matched analysis (102 pairs), median follow-up was 95 months (range 18-153 months). The 8-year biochemical recurrence-free rate (bRFR) was significantly better with SEED-BT alone than with combined radiotherapy (93.3% vs. 88.4%; HR 0.396; 95% CI 0.158-0.991). Grade 2 or greater late genitourinary toxicities were significantly fewer with SEED-BT alone than with combined radiotherapy (21.0% vs. 33.2%; HR 0.521; 95% CI 0.308-0.881). Similarly, grade 2 or greater late gastrointestinal toxicities were significantly fewer with SEED-BT alone (0% vs. 12.2%; HR 0.125; 95% CI 0.040-0.390). For the unfavorable intermediate-risk subgroups, SEED-BT alone yielded a significantly better bRFR than the combined radiotherapy (HR 0.325; 95% CI 0.115-0.915). SEED-BT alone might be a better disease-management plan than SEED-BT plus EBRT for intermediate-risk prostate cancer regardless of favorable and unfavorable characteristics.

Complete response to combination therapy using nivolumab and ipilimumab for metastatic, sarcomatoid collecting duct carcinoma presenting with high expression of programmed death-ligand 1: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Collecting duct carcinoma and sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma are tumors with poor prognosis. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been established as the standard treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Some cases of remission of collecting duct carcinoma and sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma have been reported using immune checkpoint inhibitor interventions. Specifically, sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma expresses high levels of programmed death-ligand 1, an immune checkpoint protein, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been reported to be highly effective for treating sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 70-year-old Japanese male who underwent radical right nephrectomy for a right renal mass identified on computed tomography. The pathological examination demonstrated that the renal mass was urothelial carcinoma and collecting duct carcinoma with sarcomatoid changes, and programmed death-ligand 1 was highly expressed with a tumor proportion score of more than 10%. There was no evident submucosal connective tissue invasion in the urothelial carcinoma component, and collecting duct carcinoma was diagnosed as primary cancer. The tumor-node-metastasis classification was pT3aN0, venous invasion 1, lymphovascular invasion 0, and Fuhrman nuclear grade 4. Two months after the nephrectomy, multiple metastases were observed in both lungs, the right hilar lymph node, and the S6 segment of the right liver lobe. We initiated first-line combination therapy with nivolumab (240 mg, fixed dose) and ipilimumab (1 mg/kg). One day after administration, the patient developed drug-induced interstitial pneumonia, thus we applied steroid injections. After one administration of immunotherapy, the metastatic lesion showed complete response within 6 months, which was maintained after 3 years. CONCLUSION: We report the first case of complete response to a single dose of combination therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab for metastatic collecting duct carcinoma with sarcomatoid changes and high expression of programmed death-ligand 1. This case suggests high expectations for immune checkpoint inhibitors as treatment for sarcomatoid-transformed renal carcinoma tumors that express high levels of programmed death-ligand 1.

Direct comparison of low-dose-rate brachytherapy versus radical prostatectomy using the surgical definition of biochemical recurrence for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: We compared the oncological outcomes of patients who received seed brachytherapy (SEED-BT) with those who received radical prostatectomy (RP) for intermediate-risk prostate cancer. METHODS: Candidates were patients treated with either SEED-BT (n = 933) or RP (n = 334). One-to-one propensity score matching was performed to adjust the patients' backgrounds. We compared the biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free rate using the Phoenix definition (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] nadir plus 2 ng/mL) for SEED-BT and the surgical definition (PSA cut-off value of 0.2 ng/mL) for RP. We also directly compared the BCR-free rates using the same PSA cut-off value of 0.2 ng/mL for both SEED-BT and RP. RESULTS: In the propensity score-matched analysis with 214 pairs, the median follow-up treatment was 96 months (range 1-158 months). Fifty-three patients (24.7%) were treated with combined SEED-BT and external-beam radiotherapy. Forty-three patients (20.0%) received salvage radiotherapy after RP. Comparing the BCR-free rate using the above definitions for SEED-BT and RP showed that SEED-BT yielded a significantly better 8-year BCR-free rate than did RP (87.4% vs. 74.3%, hazard ratio [HR] 0.420, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.273-0.647). Comparing the 8-year BCR-free rate using the surgical definition for both treatments showed no significant difference between the two treatments (76.7% vs. 74.3%, HR 0.913, 95% CI 0.621-1.341). SEED-BT had a significantly better 8-year salvage hormonal therapy-free rate than did RP (92.0% vs. 85.6%, HR 0.528, 95% CI 0.296-0.942, P = 0.030). The 8-year metastasis-free survival rates (98.5% vs. 99.0%, HR 1.382, 95% CI 0.313-6.083, P = 0.668) and overall survival rates (91.9% vs. 94.6%, HR 1.353, 95% CI 0.690-2.650) did not significantly differ between the treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The BCR-free rates did not significantly differ between patients treated with SEED-BT and those treated with RP for intermediate-risk prostate cancer even when they were directly compared using the surgical definition for BCR. SEED-BT and RP can be adequately compared for oncological outcomes.

[IMPACT OF GENERAL FATIGUE ON TREATMENT PERIOD AFTER INDUCTION OF ENZALUTAMIDE FOR CASTRATION-RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER].

(Objectives) Enzalutamide is an effective therapeutic options for castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). General fatigue is a major adverse event after commencing of enzalutamide in CRPC patients; however, its precise impact remains uncertain, especially on the duration of enzalutamide therapy. This study evaluated the relationship of general fatigue with patient age and enzalutamide treatment duration using real-world clinical data. (Patients and methods) This investigation retrospectively included patients who received enzalutamide therapy for CRPC between 2014 and 2018 at Shinshu University School of Medicine or Nagano Municipal Hospital. We classified the patients into the general fatigue group and the non-general fatigue group, and analyzed the groups in with regard to age and the duration of enzalutamide treatment. (Results) Of the 98 patients with CRPC were enrolled, 40 (40.8%) complained of general fatigue after enzalutamide induction. The median age of the study group was 78.0 years (71.0 years in the general fatigue group and 75.0 years in the non-general fatigue group), with no significant difference between the groups. Mean treatment duration was also comparable at 265.9 days in the general fatigue group and 266.5 days in the non-general fatigue group. (Conclusions) General fatigue after commencing enzalutamide was not impacted by age and did not remarkably influence the duration of therapy for CRPC.

Impact of low-dose tadalafil on adverse events after low-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer: A bi-center randomized open-label trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor tadalafil in attenuating adverse events after low-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer. METHODS: This was a randomized open-label trial, conducted at two institutions. Prostate cancer patients undergoing low-dose-rate brachytherapy were randomly assigned to receive tadalafil (study group) or tamsulosin (control group). The primary endpoint was International Prostate Symptom Score for subjective evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms. Uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume, and Sexual Health Inventory for Men score were the secondary endpoints. Each clinical variable was evaluated during a follow-up period of 1 year after low-dose-rate brachytherapy. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients were enrolled in this study, with a final total of 96 patients analyzed. The mean total International Prostate Symptom Score changes at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after low-dose-rate brachytherapy were +7.4, +7.1, +4.7, +1.5, and +0.8, respectively, in the tamsulosin group, and +8.5, +9.2, +6.4, +4.1, and +1.6, respectively, in the tadalafil group. There were no statistically significant differences in International Prostate Symptom Score with the exception of the score at 9-month follow-up. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the uroflowmetry or postvoid residual urine volume findings. The Sexual Health Inventory for Men score in the tadalafil group was significantly higher than that in the tamsulosin group at 6, 9, and 12 months after low-dose-rate brachytherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Tadalafil could be an effective option for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms after low-dose-rate brachytherapy.

Safety and efficacy of cabazitaxel in Japanese patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported the efficacy of cabazitaxel in cancer therapy; however, investigations of its safety are few. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the efficacy and safety of cabazitaxel based on treatment outcome data. METHODS: A questionnaire form on the use of cabazitaxel was mailed to hospitals associated with the Shinshu University. Responses were received from 11 institutions regarding 55 cases. RESULTS: Patients received a median of 4 courses of cabazitaxel treatment. Decreases in prostrate-specific antigen (PSA) were observed in 61.5% of cases with declines of 30%, 50%, and 90% in 36.5%, 23.0%, and 7.6% of cases, respectively. PSA progression-free survival was 5.0 months, and overall survival after the start of cabazitaxel was 13.0 months. Forty-five patients received postcabazitaxel treatment; 17 showed decreased PSA. Safety assessment indicated that white blood cell and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in the second than in the first course of treatment and Grade 3 to 4 leukopenia and neutropenia significantly decreased. Twenty-four subjects were aged ≥75 years; 79% of them had their doses reduced at the first administration. The mean dose was 20 mg/m2. However, there was no significant difference in the PSA progression-free survival between the ≥75-year-old and <75-year-old groups. Patients in the ≥75-year-old group, particularly those whose doses were not reduced, experienced several Grade 3 to 4 adverse effects. Ten patients discontinued treatment owing to adverse effects and systemic worsening. CONCLUSIONS: To use cabazitaxel effectively, starting administration as early as possible before disease progression is important, and even if Grade 3 to 4 leukopenia and neutropenia are observed during the first course, it is important to carefully maintain the dose. Even when treating elderly patients, reducing the dose does not reduce therapeutic efficacy. However, because this cohort experienced several ≥ Grade 3 adverse effects, a great deal of caution is required.

[THE EFFECT OF LOW-DOSE INTRAVESICAL BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUÉRIN (BCG) INFUSION THERAPY FOR NON-MUSCLE INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER].

(Objective) Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) intravesical infusion therapy plays an important role in the treatment of patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Our institute performs low-dose (40 mg) BCG intravesical infusion therapy (completed 8 times) to reduce side effects. We retrospectively investigated its efficacy and side effects. (Patients and methods) We analyzed the response, non-recurrence, and side effect rates by risk stratification in 179 patients who received low-dose BCG intravesical infusion therapy from September 2003 to November 2018 in Nagano Municipal Hospital. Complications were classified using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. (Results) The median age was 73 years, and the male/female ratio was 137:42. The median observation period was 32 months, and infusion was completed 8 times in 149 cases (83.2%). The overall response rate was 88.8%. The response rate was significantly higher in the low-grade pathology group than in the high-grade group. However, no significant differences in G1/G2/G3 side effects, sex, age, presence of carcinoma in situ (CIS), depth of invasion, purpose of administration, and grade of side effects were observed. The overall non-recurrence rates were 91.8%, 76.7%, and 71.3% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in the non-recurrence rates with respect to depth of penetration, the degree of dysmorphism, purpose of administration, presence of CIS, and completed of infusion. A total of 71 G2 side effects (39.7%) were identified, and 3 cases of G3 side effects required hospitalization. (Conclusion) In our institution, the completion rate of low-dose BCG intravesical infusion therapy was high, with few side effects. Furthermore, it demonstrated similar therapeutic effect to that reported with standard-dose administration. Low-dose BCG intravesical infusion therapy may be an effective treatment, particularly for pathologically low-grade NMIBC.

[BILATERAL CALCIFIED URETERAL STRICURE REQUIRING URINARY RECONSTRUCTION IN EOSINOPHILIC GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGITIS: A CASE REPORT].

Calcified ureteral obstruction is a rare complication of vasculitis. Only a few cases of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) have been published. We herein report a case of successful surgical repair of bilateral ureteral strictures in a patient with EGPA. A retrograde pyelogram revealed complete bilateral ureteral obstruction in the patient. Bilateral nephrostomies were placed because we were unable to introduce a double-J stent. The vasculitis and eosinophilia both responded to immunosuppressive therapy, but ureteral obstruction persisted. Surgical reconstruction was elected in order to eliminate the need for permanent external drainage. A combined nephrostogram/retrograde ureterogram revealed a 10 cm right ureteral gap and a 3 cm left ureteral gap. The left ureter was amenable to end-to- end anastomosis, pyeloureteroplasty, but repair of the right ureter required interposition of intestinal tissue. Right ureteral reconstruction was performed by combining the Yang-Monti ileal ureteral substitution and appendiceal interposition with a psoas hitch. The isolated appendix was interposed in an antiperistaltic fashion between the Yang-Monti tube and bladder. His kidney function has remained normal, and he is without vasculitic symptoms.

[Ischemic Priapism Associated with Essential Thrombocythemia : A Case Report].

A 71-year-old man visited a local urologist with the complaint of continuous painful erection for three days. Penile cavernosal blood data showed acidosis and hypoxia. Thus he was diagnosed with ischemic priapism. After penile aspiration and injection of phenylephrine, erection was temporary improved. The blood platelet count was 94.5×104/µl and myeloproliferative disease was suspected. He was referred to our hospital and visited us the following day. Since priapism relapsed, we aspirated corpus cavernosum of the penis and injected phenylephrine which was successful. A bone marrow biopsy and genetic test were performed at the department of hematology and the diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia with JAK2 gene mutation was confirmed. By treatment with hydroxyurea, the blood platelet count decreased without priapism recurrence.

Primary male urethral squamous cell carcinoma presenting with a genital abscess.

INTRODUCTION: Primary urethral cancer is a rare disease accounting for <1% of all urological cancer cases. We encountered a patient with urethral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed during treatment of a genital abscess. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old male was referred to our hospital for recurrent urethritis and swelling of the scrotum. The genital skin was atrophic with a purulent discharge. A diagnosis of epididymitis-induced genital abscess was made, and conservative treatment was administered. However, local infection recurred and the infected tissue was resected 4 months after the first examination. The pathological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. Subsequently, radical surgery was performed, but the patient died 17 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Four patients with primary urethral squamous cell carcinoma presenting as genital abscess have been reported. Careful examination is necessary while considering a malignant tumor as an underlying disease.

Long-term Outcome of Ileal Ureteric Replacement With an Iliopsoas Muscle Tunnel Antirefluxing Technique for the Treatment of Long-segment Ureteric Strictures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term outcome of ileal ureteric replacement using a proximal antirefluxing technique for the treatment of long-segment ureteric strictures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1997 and December 2013, 41 patients with a long ureteral stricture or defect and 3 patients with unilateral mid-lower ureteral cancer (20 bilateral and 24 unilateral, 28 males and 16 females) were treated by ureteral substitution using a proximal antirefluxing technique. The distal part of the upper ureter (4 cm) was fixed between the psoas muscle and the ileal segment (the iliopsoas tunnel technique). The distal ileum was connected to the urinary bladder with an end-to-side anastomosis. A successful outcome was defined as the absence of major complications, worsening baseline renal function, metabolic derangements, or obstruction. RESULTS: One patient with unilateral mid-lower ureteral cancer died 3 years postoperatively because of metastasis, and the remaining 43 patients were followed for 12-180 months (mean 69 months). Intravenous urography showed that the hydronephrosis improved significantly or disappeared after 6-12 months in 34 patients, with improvement in 9 patients. Cystography showed no evidence of ileoureteral reflux. Seven patients needed long-term oral alkalization to prevent hyperchloremic acidosis. CONCLUSION: In our experience, outcomes following subtotal ureteric replacement are encouraging. The ileal ureter replacement by the proximal antirefluxing technique appears to be a reliable procedure for treating long-segment ureteral stricture and preservation of renal function.

A CASE OF MULTIPLE VISCERAL INJURIES ACCOMPANIED BY RIGHT RENAL PEDICLE INJURY AND LEFT URETERAL DISRUPTION TREATED SUCCESSFULLY BY LEFT URETEROCALICOSTOMY.

We report a 25-year-old male with multiple visceral injuries accompanied by right renal pedicle injury and left ureteral disruption treated successfully by left ureterocalicostomy. He was accidentally crushed by a roller for fishing net hoists while working as a fisherman in May 2011. He was emergently transported to Kurobe City Hospital. He was in shock, but recovered with fluid therapy. CT revealed bilateral hemothorax, liver injury, bowel injury, right renal pedicle injury, left renal injury, and inferior vena cava damage. After bilateral chest drainage, emergent surgery was performed. Laparotomy revealed pancreatic injury, liver injury, disruption of the stomach and jejunum, colonic injury, and retroperitoneal hematoma on the right side. Distal pancreatectomy, hepatorrhaphy, left half resection of the colon, subtotal gastrectomy, and colostomy were performed. However, the bleeding of the right lobe of the liver could not be stopped, and gauze packing on the liver surface was performed for damage control. During the operation, right renal pedicle injury was not treated because the pulsation of the retroperitoneal hematoma was not palpable and the hematoma did not enlarge to the left side across the center; furthermore, his general condition was very poor. After the operation, the patient showed anuria, and hemodialysis was performed twice a week. One week after the operation, removal of the gauze was performed under general anesthesia. The gauze was removed from the liver while sprinkling physiological saline, and there was little bleeding. Tachocomb® (CSL Behring, Tokyo, Japan) was placed on the surface of the liver and a drainage tube was indwelled. Twenty-four days postoperatively, CT revealed left hydronephrosis with right nonfunctioning kidney, and percutaneus left nephrostomy was performed. Antegrade and retrograde pyelograms revealed a left ureteral defect of 8 cm in the upper ureter.The patient was introduced to the Department of Urology of Shinshu University Hospital. Left ureterocalicostomy was performed in January 2012, and the nephrostomy catheter was removed. The temporal colostomy was closed in the Department of Surgery of Kurobe City Hospital in May 2014. He subsequently resumed his normal life.

[UNDIFFERENTIATED CARCINOMA OF THE URETER WITH FETAL CLINICAL COURSE: A CASE REPORT].

Undifferentiated carcinoma of ureter is rare neoplastic lesion, and the natural history of undifferentiated carcinoma of ureter has not been known well yet. We hereby presented an autopsy case of undifferentiated carcinoma of the ureter with rapid progression from the initial stage. A 62-year-old male visited the local urologist complaining of asymptomatic gross hematuria. Cystoscopy revealed the outflow of hematuria from the right ureteral orifice. Abdominal CT showed the right hydronephrosis with atrophic change of the renal parenchyma and the stenosis of upper ureter. He was referred to our hospital on suspicion of a right ureteral tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging and retrograde ureterography did not reveal a tumor in the right ureter. He complained of low back pain 4 months after the initial hematuria, and CT revealed the diffuse enlargement of the right kidney, swelling of the abdominal lymph nodes, and lung nodules. Renal biopsy was done, and only undifferentiated cells were revealed histopathologically without any specific findings to diagnose the primary organ. The tumor increased progressively, and he died about 6 months after the initial gross hematuria. Autopsy was performed, and urothelial carcinoma was found in the right ureter as the primary lesion. The ureteral tumor infiltrated to the right kidney, right adrenal gland, liver, duodenum, and pancreas with undifferentiation. Undifferentiated tumor cells were also found in distant metastatic lesion including the abdominal lymph nodes, left adrenal gland, liver, lung, pleura, and peritoneum.

Novel insight for midline cyst formation in prostate: The involvement of decreased prenatal testosterone suggested by second-to-fourth digit ratio study.

OBJECTIVES: To clarify the relationship between midline cyst formation and second to fourth finger length ratio. METHODS: The present study included 95 benign prostatic hyperplasia patients and 61 healthy male college students. All midline cysts were identified by transrectal ultrasonography. In the benign prostatic hyperplasia group, 45 midline cyst (+) men (M(age) = 67.2 years) and age-matched 50 midline cyst (-) men (M(age) = 67.1 years) were included. In the university student group, 12 midline cyst (+) men (M(age) = 21.7 years) and age-matched 49 midline cyst (-) men (Mage = 21.1 years) were included. We took photocopies of the participants' bilateral hands, and measured the second and fourth finger length was measured by one examiner in a blind manner. RESULTS: Second to fourth finger length ratios in the benign prostatic hyperplasia group (right/left mean ± SD) were higher bilaterally in midline cyst (+) (0.95 ± 0.03/0.95 ± 0.03) than those in midline cyst (-) (0.92 ± 0.03/0.92 ± 0.03; P < 0.0001/P = 0.0010). Second to fourth finger length ratios in students were higher only in the right hand in midline cyst (+) (0.96 ± 0.03/0.94 ± 0.03) than those in midline cyst (-) (0.93 ± 0.03/0.94 ± 0.03; P = 0.0018/P = 0.9968). The second to fourth finger length ratio of midline cyst (+) men was significantly higher than that in midline cyst (-) men. CONCLUSIONS: The second to fourth finger length ratio is higher in subjects with midline cyst of the prostate. It can be speculated that the prostatic utricle dilates in cases less exposed to male hormones during fetal development.

Usefulness of sonourethrography for penile abscess as a result of xanthogranulomatous granuloma in the corpus cavernosum of an adult: A case report.

A 75-year-old man presented with a 4-month history of a swollen and painful penis. Computed tomography showed a round-shaped mass measuring 3 × 2 cm in the corpus cavernosum. Percutaneous drainage of the penile mass was carried out and a course of antibiotics was prescribed. Viral, fungal and selective bacterial cultures were negative. Total penectomy and urethroperineal fistula formation were carried out because of penile pain. Histopathological diagnosis was xanthogranulomatous granuloma of the corpus cavernosum. Before surgery, sonourethrography was carried out under general anesthesia. Sonourethrography is an infrequently used modality to observe the male urethra under urinary micturition or injection of saline. We previously reported modified sonourethrography with retrograde jelly injection. In the present case, sonourethrography successfully showed the damaged and deformed urethra including the abscess cavity and fistula. Although xanthogranulomatous granuloma is rare, the findings reported here showed the usefulness of sonourethrography for morphological evaluation of the male urethra.

[A case of advanced prostate fibrosarcoma that reacted well to chemotherapy].

Prostate fibrosarcoma is an extremely rare tumor for which complete excision has been the mainstay of treatment. Although chemotherapy has been attempted in cases with positive surgical margins and/or advanced stage disease, the effectiveness of this therapy has not been established. Herein, we report a case of advanced prostate fibrosarcoma that reacted well to chemotherapy. A 40-year-old man was referred for treatment of a large prostatic tumor with multiple lung, liver, and bone metastases. Needle biopsy of the prostate revealed that the tumor was a high-grade undifferentiated sarcoma. Chemotherapy with doxorubicin and ifosfamide was administered. After five courses of chemotherapy, the primary prostate tumor decreased markedly, and the lung and liver metastases almost disappeared. Radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal conduit formation were performed. Pathological diagnosis was fibrosarcoma. Another three courses of doxorubicin and ifosfamide therapy were performed, and doxorubicin was replaced by etoposide because the maximum dose of doxorubicin was reached. However, the effectiveness of the second-line therapy was poor, and the tumor progressed again. The patient died of lung metastasis 15 months later.

[Comparison of ventral and dorsal lymph node metastases of obturator nerve in radical prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we assessed the significance of complete dissection of the dorsal lymph node of the obturator nerve during radical prostatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients undergoing open radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection for treatment of prostate cancer were included in this study. Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy and radiation therapy were not performed in any of the patients. First, pelvic lymph node dissection was performed between the external iliac vein and obturator nerve and classified as "ventral lymph node of the obturator nerve". Then, the tissue located in the area between the obturator nerve and the surface of the obturator internus muscle was removed and classified as "dorsal lymph node of the obturator nerve". Both lymph nodes were meticulously examined by identical pathologist. Lymph node yields, lymph node positive rate, and the factors associated with lymph node metastasis were studied. RESULTS: Eight of the 56 patients had pelvic lymph node metastases (6 were high risk and 2 were intermediate risk according to the D'Amico's criteria). In the 8 node-positive patients, only 1 patient had positive lymph node in "ventral lymph node of the obturator nerve" exclusively. Four patients had positive lymph node exclusively in "dorsal lymph node of the obturator nerve" and 3 patients had in both "ventral and dorsal lymph nodes of the obturator nerve". The total lymph node yields from "ventral lymph node of the obturator nerve" and "dorsal lymph node of the obturator nerve" were 459 (8.2 per patient) and 117 (2.1 per patient), respectively. The total numbers of positive lymph nodes from "ventral lymph node of the obturator nerve" and "dorsal lymph node of the obturator nerve" were 6 and 12, respectively. Lymph node positive rate was significantly higher in "dorsal lymph node of the obturator nerve" (10%) than "ventral lymph node of the obturator nerve" (1.3%) (P < 0.0001). The level of prostate-specific antigen (> or = 20 ng ml), Gleason score sum at prostate biopsy (> or = 9), and lymph node yield (> or = 16) were associated with lymph node status on univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only lymph node yield was associated with lymph node status. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal lymph nodes of the obturator nerve should be dissected completely during radical prostatectomy.

[Two cases of lower abdominal tumors difficult to differentiate from urachal tumors].

CASE 1: A 28-year-old woman visited a local medical doctor, complaining of abdominal pain, urinary frequency and a sense of residual urine. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lower abdominal extraperitoneal tumor, approximately 5 cm in diameter, adjacent to the bladder dome. It was thought to be a urachal tumor, and she was referred to our hospital. A hard hen's egg-sized mass was palpable in the lower abdomen. Urinary analysis was normal. Cytological examination was also negative. Cystoscopy revealed redness in the bladder dome mucosa. Although the preoperative diagnosis was a urachal cancer, the pathological diagnosis on surgery was desmoids, and tumor excision was performed. No recurrence has been seen for 7 years postoperatively. CASE 2: A 71-year-old man complaining of swelling of the lower abdomen was referred to our department because he was suspected to have a urachal tumor, of about 15 cm in diameter, on computed tomography. A hard infant head-sized mass was palpable in the lower abdomen. Urinary analysis was normal. Cystoscopical examination showed a markedly compressed bladder dome, however, no abnormal findings were seen in the mucosa. Although the preoperative diagnosis was a urachal tumor, the intraoperative pathological diagnosis revealed no malignancy. The mass was connected to the bladder dome, and partial cystectomy was conducted. The final pathological diagnosis was a solitary fibrous tumor. No recurrence has been seen for 5 years postoperatively. Because a urachal tumor is highly malignant, radical cystectomy and urinary diversion might be planned preoperatively. However, care should be taken not to be too invasive, considering the possibility of a benign tumor.