[Organ preservation in cancer of the upper urinary tract]. / Organerhalt bei Tumoren des oberen Harntraktes.

Urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract is a rare disease. Tumor biology is comparable to transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder. Local tumor control is much more difficult to achieve in the upper urinary tract than in the bladder. Radical nephroureterectomy is often performed due to carcinomas with low grade histology. Progression rates in these cases are rare; overtreatment has to be discussed. The current article uses the available published data to discuss whether local treatment is an option for tumors of the upper urinary tract. Summarizing the available data, it is indicated that if complete resectability is possible organ preservation is equivalent to radical nephroureterectomy independent of the T­ and G­category of the tumor.

[Diagnostics of nonmuscle-invasive urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder]. / Diagnostik beim nicht-muskelinvasiven Urothelkarzinom der Harnblase.

Cystoscopy and transurethral resection in combination with urinary cytology are integral parts of the diagnosis and therapy of urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder. Given the fact that low grade bladder cancer has high recurrence and extremely low progression rates, the benefit for additional diagnostics needs to be further evaluated. In high grade tumors, early and accurate diagnosis is of high importance. Fluorescence cystoscopy and narrow band imaging are procedures to increase the detection rate. This article provides an overview of the current value of these two procedures.

The natural course of pT2 prostate cancer with positive surgical margin: predicting biochemical recurrence.

PURPOSE: To predict biochemical recurrence respecting the natural course of pT2 prostate cancer with positive surgical margin (R1) and no adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: A multicenter data analysis of 956 patients with pT2R1N0/Nx tumors was performed. Patients underwent radical prostatectomy between 1994 and 2009. No patients received neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. All prostate specimens were re-evaluated according to a well-defined protocol. The association of pathological and clinical features, in regard to BCR, was calculated using various statistical tests. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 48 months, BCR was found in 25.4 %. In univariate analysis, multiple parameters such as tumor volume, PSA, Gleason at positive margin were significantly associated with BCR. However, in multivariate analysis, Gleason score (GS) of the prostatectomy specimen was the only significant parameter for BCR. Median time to recurrence for GS ≤ 6 was not reached; 5-year BCR-free survival was 82 %; and they were 127 months and 72 % for GS 3+4, 56 months and 54 % for GS 4 + 3, and 27 months and 32 % for GS 8-10. The retrospective approach is a limitation of our study. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides data on the BCR in pT2R1-PCa without adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy and thus a rationale for an individual's risk stratification. The data support patients and physicians in estimating the individual risk and timing of BCR and thus serve to personalize the management in pT2R1-PCa.

[Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: safety of postoperative EMDA-assisted instillation of mitomycin]. / Nicht muskelinvasives Urothelkarzinom der Harnblase : Verträglichkeit der postoperativen EMDA-unterstützten Mitomycin-Instillationsbehandlung.

BACKGROUND: The immediate instillation of mitomycin after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is widely used and recommended in the guidelines. Recently it was shown that pre-TURBT intravesical electromotive drug administration (EMDA) of mitomycin reduces the recurrence rate of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Our aim was to describe the pharmacokinetics and patient safety after post-TURBT EMDA. METHODS: We performed a single centre study with 25 patients diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. All patients underwent complete resection of all visible tumors and post-TURBT intravesical electromotive drug administration (EMDA) of mitomycin (40 mg) for 30 min. Blood samples were taken before starting the electrical current and 15, 30, 60, and 120 min after starting the procedure for quantification of mitomycin serum levels. RESULTS: In 24 patients, the measured serum level of mitomycin was below the detection threshold of 50 ng/ml. In one patient serum level was elevated 15 min (155 ng/ml) and 30 min (65 ng/ml) after intravesical instillation. Nine patients reported a slight tingling sensation in the bladder during mitomycin administration. Discreet pressure in the suprapubic area was reported by one patient. One patient had a first degree skin burn at the site of one skin electrode. CONCLUSION: Postoperative EMDA with mitomycin is a safe procedure. The measured mitomycin serum levels were below toxic concentrations. These findings encourage the initiation of large randomized controlled trials with postoperative EMDA-assisted instillation of mitomycin to test its influence on the recurrence rate of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

[Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: bladder-sparing therapy]. / Urothelkarzinom der Harnblase : Organerhaltende Therapiestrategien.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder can - in the majority of cases - be safely treated by transurethral resection and bladder preservation. In case of more aggressive and genetically instable tumors, the effect of radical cystectomy depends on tumor volume. If complete resection of invasive tumors is also possible, the additional effect of radical cystectomy seems to be marginal. In patients with favorable tumor location and acceptable prostate parameters, prostate-sparing surgery seems to be oncologically safe with good quality of life.

[Urine cytology - update 2013. A systematic review of recent literature]. / Urinzytologie - Update 2013. Eine systematische Übersicht der neueren Literatur.

Urine cytology is an important element of the diagnosis and follow-up of urothelial carcinomas and is recommended in most relevant guidelines. Urine-based marker systems are advocated as an adjunct to or a replacement of urine cytology. Urine cytology also has its place in the diagnosis of benign diseases. This systematic review describes and discusses the literature on urine cytology published since 2010.

[Pedicled prepuce flap plasty: results in patients with hypospadias or urethral sticture]. / Die gestielte Vorhautlappenplastik: Ergebnisse bei Patienten mit Hypospadie oder Harnröhrenstriktur.

BACKGROUND: Operative interventions of the urethra remain challenging procedures. The vascular onlay flap of the inner prepuce is a possible technique for short and long segment urethral defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 195 patients were surgically treated with a vascular prepuce flap between 1994 and 2010 at the Urology Department of Essen Medical University. Patient data were analyzed retrospectively and a questionnaire was sent to all patients. RESULTS: Of the patients 115 answered the questionnaires and were included in the study. Of these 61 patients were treated in childhood due to hypospadias and 54 patients suffered from acquired urethral stricture. Major complications were postoperative fistulas in 8.2 % and 7.4 % and hematomas in 6.6 % and 11.1 % of cases, respectively. Operative revision had to be performed in 13.1 % and 14.8 % of cases and severe obstructive micturition problems (IPSS score ≥ 20) were observed in only 3.3 % and 11.1% of patients, respectively. Subjective overall satisfaction with the result of the operation was high (67.2 % and 88.9 %, respectively). CONCLUSION: The vascular prepuce flap is a reliable method for correction of short and long segment urethral defects and is associated with high patient satisfaction.

[Siliconchiptechnology-based MMP-7 analysis in urine: an option for preoperative identification of lymph node metastasis in bladder cancer]. / MMP-7-Bestimmung im Urin basierend auf Siliziumchiptechnologie : Eine Möglichkeit zur präoperativen Identifizierung von Lymphknotenmetastasen beim Harnblasenkarzinom.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of metastases in muscle-invasive bladder cancer is crucial. Current imaging techniques provide only limited sensitivity for the detection of low volume metastases. Molecular markers and new rapid analysis techniques are therefore needed to improve metastasis detection sensitivity. High urinary matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP 7) levels were previously shown to be correlated with the presence of lymph node metastases. In the present study we applied a new innovative antibody-based electrical biochip technology for the quantitative detection of urinary MMP 7. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative urine samples were acquired from 30 bladder cancer patients (15xN0 and 15xN1-2) who underwent cystectomy because of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In addition, urine samples of 15 age-matched healthy individuals were also collected. The MMP 7 analyses were performed using electrical biochip technology and a standard ELISA technique in parallel. RESULTS: Urinary MMP 7 concentrations measured by biochip technology were significantly higher in patients with metastatic bladder cancer compared to those with organ-confined cancer. The sensitivity for the detection of lymph node metastases was over 70 % using the biochip technology. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm MMP 7 as a promising metastasis marker in bladder cancer. The new electrical biochip technology provides a rapid and reliable quantitative method for measurement of protein markers in urine.

[Surgical gender reassignment in the elderly]. / Operative Geschlechtsangleichung im Alter.

BACKGROUND: Gender reassignment surgery (GRS) from male to female is increasingly being requested by older female patients. RESULTS: To the best of our knowledge this study has for the first time investigated the correlation between the age of patients and perioperative and postoperative complications. The presented data show that an age-related limitation for this intervention due to perioperative and postoperative complications is not justified. CONCLUSION: Health status and capability for self-sufficiency as well as physical and psychological limitations must be individually considered in order to achieve a successful postoperative course and a subjective satisfaction of patients.

Gender reassignment surgery--a 13 year review of surgical outcomes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to thoroughly report on surgical outcomes from 332 patients who underwent male to female gender reassignment surgery (GRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records from 332 patients who underwent GRS from 1995 to 2008 were reviewed. All patients were submitted to penile inversion vaginoplasty with glans-derived sensate clitoroplasty. Mean age was 36.7 years (range 19-68 years). Surgical complications were stratified in 5 main groups: genital region, urinary tract, gastrointestinal events, wound healing disorders and unspecific events. RESULTS: Progressive obstructive voiding disorder due to meatal stenosis was the main complication observed in 40% of the patients, feasibly corrected during the second setting. Stricture recurrence was found in 15%. Stricture of vaginal introitus was observed in 15% of the cases followed by 12% and 8% of vaginal stenosis and lost of vaginal depth, respectively. Rectal injury was seen in 3% and minor wound healing disorders in 33% of the subjects. CONCLUSION: Regarding male to female GRS, a review of the current literature demonstrated scarce description of complications and their treatment options. These findings motivated a review of our surgical outcomes. Results showed a great number of adverse events, although functionality preserved. Comparision of our outcomes with recent publications additionally showed that treatment options provide satisfying results. Moreover, outcomes reaffirm penile inversion vaginoplasty in combination with glans-derived sensate clitoroplasty as a safe technique. Nevertheless, discussing and improving surgical techniques in order to reduce complications and their influence on patient's quality of life is still strongly necessary and theme of our future reports.

[Intravesical therapy of non-muscle invasive bladder tumors]. / Instillationstherapie des nichtmuskelinvasiven Harnblasenkarzinoms.

Intravesical therapy of non-muscle invasive bladder tumors has a long tradition. With regard to low grade tumors prevention of tumor recurrence remains the main endpoint, whereas in high grade tumors prevention of tumor progression is the main aim of intravesical treatment. The following article critically discusses these aspects of non-muscle invasive bladder tumors.

Gender reassignment surgery - a 13 year review of surgical outcomes

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to thoroughly report on surgical outcomes from 332 patients who underwent male to female gender reassignment surgery (GRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records from 332 patients who underwent GRS from 1995 to 2008 were reviewed. All patients were submitted to penile inversion vaginoplasty with glans-derived sensate clitoroplasty. Mean age was 36.7 years (range 19-68 years). Surgical complications were stratified in 6 main groups: genital region, urinary tract, gastrointestinal events, wound healing disorders and unspecific events. RESULTS: Progressive obstructive voiding disorder due to meatal stenosis was the main complication observed in 40% of the patients, feasibly corrected during the second setting. Stricture recurrence was found in 15%. Stricture of vaginal introitus was observed in 15% of the cases followed by 12% and 8% of vaginal stenosis and lost of vaginal depth, respectively. Rectal injury was seen in 3% and minor wound healing disorders in 33% of the subjects. CONCLUSION: Regarding male to female GRS, a review of the current literature demonstrated scarce description of complications and their treatment options. These findings motivated a review of our surgical outcomes. Results showed a great number of adverse events, although functionality preserved. Comparision of our outcomes with recent publications additionally showed that treatment options provide satisfying results. Moreover, outcomes reaffirm penile inversion vaginoplasty in combination with glans-derived sensate clitoroplasty as a safe technique. Nevertheless, discussing and improving surgical techniques in order to reduce complications and their influence on patient's quality of life is still strongly necessary and theme of our future reports.

[How should urologists perform implantation of subcutaneous central venous port systems? A single center experience of 347 cases]. / Wie sollen Urologen venöse subkutane Portsysteme implantieren? : Erfahrungen an einem Zentrum bei 347 Patienten.

BACKGROUND: Since 1999 urologists at the University of Essen in Germany have performed subcutaneous implantation of venous port systems, controlled by intravasal ECG. METHODS: Between December 1999 and June 2011 implantation of venous port systems was performed in 241 male (69.5%) and 106 (30.5%) female patients. The port systems were implanted subcutaneously above the pectoralis major muscle under local anesthesia. If it was not possible to isolate the cephalic vein or safe catheter implantation was not feasible, puncture of the subclavian vein was performed. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 491.6 days (2-2568), and 163.254 catheter days (mean 239 days, range 2-2604) were documented. During the follow-up period 191 (55.1%) patients died. The mean surgical implantation and explantation time was 36.5 min (14-85 min) and 25.4 min (10-46 min), respectively; 79.7% were implanted and controlled by ECG. Altogether, 390 devices were used in 379 surgical procedures, 355 implantations (91.1%) and 35 explantations (8.9%). Implanted vessels were the cephalic vein in 303 patients (85.6%) and the subclavian vein in 51 (14.4%) patients. Of 35 explanted devices, the explantation was necessary due to complications in 28 (8.0%) cases: infection n=6 (1.7%, 0.036 per 1,000 catheter days), occlusion n=8 (2.3%, 0.049 per 1,000 catheter days), dislocation n=7 (2.0%, 0.042 per 1,000 catheter days), deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity n=6 (1.7%, 0.037 per 1,000 catheter days), and clotting n=1(0.3%, 0.006 per 1,000 catheter days). Premature catheter removal (<30 days post-op) was required in six cases (1.9%, 0.036 per 1,000 catheter days) due to complications: three catheter dislocations/malfunctions (0.9%, 0.019 per 1,000 catheter days), one port-related infection, one pocket port infection, and one deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity (0.3%, 0.006 per 1,000 catheter days). Other problems described in the literature like pneumothorax, vein perforation, or pinch-off syndrome did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of port systems with ECG control of the catheter tip position is related to a few cases of adverse events and good surgical outcomes. Furthermore, it has also shown great advantages in offering immediate support and early therapy initiation with a fast learning curve for the training urologists. The results of the presented analysis are comparable to those of surgical or radiological departments reported in the literature and provide good evidence that this procedure should be extended to urological centers with a high volume of chemotherapy patients.

[Urothelial carcinoma]. / Urothelkarzinom.

Various study groups are working on the WHO classification of 2004 which eliminates the previous grades of differentiation G1, G2, and G3 and classifies non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer into genetically stable low-grade and genetically unstable high-grade urothelial carcinomas. In muscle-invasive bladder cancer, extended lymph node dissection as part of radical cystectomy should remain the standard procedure for now.

[Photodynamic diagnostics of bladder carcinoma]. / Photodynamische Diagnostik des Harnblasenkarzinoms.

The question whether conventional cystoscopy should always be performed together with fluorescent diagnostic procedures remains to be answered. The current article presents the current literature dealing with this topic. Particularly for relevant carcinoma in situ lesions of the bladder there is no obvious advantage for photodynamic diagnostics compared to conventional cystoscopy with consistent use of urine cytology.

[Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: evaluation by combined endoscopy and urine cytology: is incontrovertible assessment possible?]. / Urothelkarzinom der Harnblase : Kombinierte endoskopische und urinzytologische Beurteilung: Lässt es sich sicher einschätzen?

BACKGROUND: Transurethral resection of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder provides a definitive surgical treatment and supplies tissue for histological evaluation. Superficial low-grade carcinomas with a small risk of progression are treated properly with fulguration alone. To justify fulguration as a definitive treatment of papillary bladder tumours, one must be able to safely distinguish low-grade, noninvasive tumours from those that are high grade and potentially invasive. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 160 patients with a transitional cell carcinoma at cystoscopy underwent transurethral resection of the tumour. The macroscopic appearance of the tumour, the aspect with bimanual palpation and the perioperative urine cytology were compared with the histological report. RESULTS: In our study we were able to safely distinguish low-grade tumours from high-grade tumours. All noninvasive tumours could be identified visually as such. CONCLUSION: Urologists skilled in the evaluation of urine cytology can distinguish low-grade noninvasive tumours of the bladder from high-grade and potentially invasive tumours by means of appearance at cystoscopy and perioperative urine cytology.

[Exfoliative urine cytology in the treatment of bladder cancer]. / Exfoliative Urinzytologie in der Behandlung des Harnblasenkarzinoms.

Urine cytology in addition to cystoscopy and transurethral resection is an integral part in diagnostic and follow-up of transitional carcinomas. The WHO-Classification of 2004 distinguishes between low grade and high grade tumours. Cytological diagnosis had to be adjusted to this new classification.Above all cytology has to detect high grade lesions in a reliable manner. The sensitivity for these lesions ranges between 85-95%. Well differentiated transitional cell carcinomas show marginal nuclear alterations compared to normal urothelial cells. Therefore the cytological low grade diagnosis is needless. Well differentiated papillary tumours can be detected with conventional cystoscopy in nearly 100 percent of all cases. This subtype of urothelial carcinomas is characterized by a very low rate of tumour progression despite a relevant rate of tumour recurrence. A negative cytology result combined with a cystoscopically proven papillary bladder tumour implies low grade disease with low risk of tumour progression.

[Use of marker systems in the treatment of bladder cancer]. / Nutzung von Markersystemen in der Behandlung des Harnblasenkarzinoms.

Accepted prognostic factors for urothelial carcinomas of the bladder are tumor grade, T category, and in cases of muscle invasive carcinoma lymph node status. These morphological criteria correlate in general with the clinical course of patients suffering from bladder cancer. Beside histomorphological criteria the search for prognostic markers independent of histological evaluation seems to be important as the clinical course of bladder cancer patients can be very heterogeneous. For this purpose we reviewed the current literature and focussed on additional molecular markers with prognostic relevance.