Feasibility of high-frequency ultrasound for seminiferous tubule assessment and correlation of B-mode imaging with pathological findings in the testis in azoospermia.

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) for assessing seminiferous tubules and to understand high-resolution B-mode images of the testes in cases of azoospermia. METHODS: We verified how the histopathological images of testicular biopsy specimens can be observed using HFUS images and measurement analysis of seminiferous tubules was performed to 28 testes of 14 cases with azoospermia who underwent preoperative ultrasound and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). The population consisted of obstructive azoospermia (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), including Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS), and the other pathologies. Statistical verification of differences in seminiferous tubule diameters among preoperative ultrasound examination, ultrasound examination of pathological specimens, and histopathological specimens. We also examined the imagingpathology correlation via a case series presentation, aiming to identify imaging markers of testicular pathology and determine the possibility of predicting each condition. RESULTS: A comparison between HFUS images and histopathology from the same biopsy specimens suggested that ultrasonography could be seen as stereoscopic images due to its significantly greater slice thickness. The diameters of tubules were generally larger in pathological tissues as compared to ultrasonographic findings in OA and SCOS, but not in the other conditions. Comparisons provided insights into the predictability of SCOS and revealed imaging findings such as gaps between tubules and decreased diameter reflective of testicular damage. CONCLUSION: Seminiferous tubules can be observed however the diameter of seminiferous tubules varies in imaging and histopathology depending on the pathology. Imaging findings that reflect testicular damage and the predictability of SCOS were revealed in this study, but further verification is required.

A new clustering model based on the seminal plasma/serum ratios of multiple trace element concentrations in male patients with subfertility.

Purpose: To investigate whether seminal plasma (SP)/serum ratios of multiple trace elements (TEs) can classify patients with male subfertility. Methods: SP/serum ratios of 20 TEs (lithium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, cesium, barium, and thallium) were calculated for healthy volunteers (n = 4) and those consulting for male subfertility (n = 245). Volunteer semen samples were collected by split ejaculation into early and subsequent fractions, and SP/serum ratio data were compared between fractions. The patients' SP/serum ratio data were used in an unsupervised clustering analysis and qualitatively compared with the data from the fractions of ejaculation from the volunteers. Semen quality parameters and pregnancy outcomes were compared between patient clusters. Results: The early fraction of volunteers was characterized by lower phosphorus and arsenic and 18 other higher TEs than the subsequent fraction. Cluster analysis classified patients into four distinct clusters, one sharing characteristics with the early fraction and another with the subsequent fraction. One cluster with the early fraction characteristics had significantly lower semen volume and higher pregnancy rates from spontaneous pregnancies or intrauterine insemination. Conclusions: Classification of patients based on SP/serum ratios of multiple TEs represents the dominance of fractions of ejaculation samples.

Patient characteristics correlate with diagnostic performance of photodynamic diagnostic assisted transurethral resection of bladder tumors: A retrospective, single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Identification of patient subclasses that correlate with the diagnostic performance of photodynamic diagnostic (PDD)-assisted transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) may improve outcomes. METHODS: Data were extracted from patients that underwent PDD-assisted TURBT at the University of Tsukuba Hospital between 2018 and 2023. Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated based on PDD findings (excluding WL findings) and pathology results. Cluster analysis using uniform manifold approximation and projection and k-means methods was performed, focusing on patients with malignant lesions. RESULTS: A total of 267 patients and 2082 specimens were extracted. Sensitivity was lowest with regard to BCG treatment (53.7 %), followed by flat lesions (57.2 %), urine cytology class ≥ III (62.9 %), and recurrent tumors (64.5 %). In the cluster analysis of 231 patients with malignant lesions, two showed lower sensitivity: Cluster 3 (62.4 %), consisting of patients with recurrent tumors and post-BCG treatment, and Cluster 4 (55.7 %), consisting of patients with primary tumors and urine cytology class ≥ III. Clusters 1 and 2, consisting of patients without BCG treatment and patients with lower urine cytology classes, exhibited higher sensitivities (94.4 % and 87.7 %). Among all clusters, Cluster 4 had the highest proportion of specimens which were negative for both PDD and white light (WL) findings but actually had malignant lesions (20.8 %). CONCLUSIONS: PDD-assisted TURBT sensitivity was lower in subclasses after BCG treatment or with cytology class III or higher. Random biopsy for PDD/WL double-negative lesions may improve diagnostic accuracy in these subclasses.

Adult genitourinary sarcoma: analysis using hospital-based cancer registry data in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Genitourinary sarcomas are rare in adults and few large-scale studies on adult genitourinary sarcoma are reported. We aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors for overall survival of adult genitourinary sarcoma in Japan. METHODS: A hospital-based cancer registry data in Japan was used to identify and enroll patients diagnosed with genitourinary sarcoma in 2013. The datasets were registered from 121 institutions. RESULTS: A total of 116 men and 39 women were included, with a median age of 66 years. The most common primary site was the kidney in 47 patients, followed by the paratestis in 36 patients. The most common histological type was liposarcoma in 54 patients, followed by leiomyosarcoma in 25 patients. The 5-year overall survival rates were 57.6%. On univariate analysis, male gender, paratestis as primary organ, and histological subtype of liposarcoma were predictive of favorable survival while primary kidney, bladder, or prostate gland location were predictive of unfavorable survival. On multivariate analysis, primary paratestis was an independent predictor of favorable survival while primary kidney, bladder, or prostate gland were independent predictors of unfavorable survival. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report showing the clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of adult genitourinary sarcoma in Japan using a real-world large cohort database.

Retroperitoneal sarcoma: a 10-year follow-up analysis using hospital-based cancer registry data in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: We sought clinical characteristics, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors for overall survival of retroperitoneal sarcoma in Japan. METHODS: A Japanese hospital-based cancer registry database with a pivotal 10-year follow-up was used to identify and enroll patients, registered from 106 institutions, diagnosed with retroperitoneal sarcoma in 2008-2009. Treating hospitals were divided by hospital care volume; high-volume hospitals and low-volume hospitals were defined as ≥ 4 and < 4 cases/year, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 91 men and 97 women were included, with a median age of 64 years. The most common histological type was liposarcoma in 101 patients, followed by leiomyosarcoma in 38 patients. The 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates were 44.1 and 28.3%. The majority of patients (n = 152, 80.9%) were treated at low-volume hospitals. High-volume hospital patients had higher 10-year overall survival rates than low-volume hospital patients (51.2% vs 23.2%, P = 0.026). Multivariate analysis revealed age over 60 years, treatment in low-volume hospitals and chemotherapy were independent predictors of unfavorable survival while treatment with surgery was an independent predictor of favorable survival. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of surgical removal was suggested to be the most important prognostic factor for retroperitoneal sarcoma. Better survival was shown in patients treated at high-volume hospitals in our series.

[Two Cases of Femoral Nerve Palsy after Pelvic Surgery].

Postoperative femoral nerve palsy (FNP) is a rare complication associated with urologic surgery. Inappropriate use of retractors, use of lithotomy position, and prolonged surgery that lead to the femoral nerve compression have been reported as risk factors for FNP. Here, we report two cases of FNP after pelvic surgery. Case 1: A 47-year-old woman underwent ureterocystoneostomy for a giant ureterocele. On the first postoperative day, she developed muscle weakness and paresthesia in the left lower leg. An orthopedic surgeon diagnosed her with FNP associated with the surgery. Case 2: An 82-year-old woman underwent radical cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer. On the second postoperative day, she developed extension deficit in the left lower leg and was diagnosed with an iatrogenic FNP. Although this complication is infrequent, at onset, it leads to difficulty in walking and gait disturbance in the patient. As a result, it greatly reduces the patient's postoperative quality of life. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken to reduce the risk of this postsurgical nerve injury, such as appropriate placement of retractors and proper patient positioning during the operation.

Analysis of the correlation between gene copy deletion in the AZFc region and male infertility in Japanese men.

Deletion of the azoospermia factor c (AZFc), located on the long arm of the Y chromosome, is a cause of male infertility. The structure of the Y chromosome is diversified by the copy number of various genes, such as deleted in azoospermia (DAZ), basic protein Y2, chromodomain Y1, testis-specific transcript Y-linked 4, and Golgi autoantigen golgin subfamily a2 like Y, located in the AZF region. In this study, we investigated the deletion of each gene copy and analyzed its relationship with Japanese male infertility. Deletions of single nucleotide variants of each gene copy in 721 proven fertile men as controls, 139 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), and 56 patients with oligozoospermia (OS) were analyzed via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Their association with infertility was analyzed using logistic regression analysis adjusted for the Y-chromosome haplogroup, D1a2a. Deletions of DAZ/II in the r1 region and DAZ/V in the r1 and r2 regions showed significant associations with NOA (odds ratio [OR] = 4.15, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.18-14.6, P = 0.026; OR = 4.19, 95 % CI = 1.19-14.7, P = 0.025, respectively). They did not show any association with OS. Partial deletion of the AZFc region affects spermatogenesis in Japanese male.

Glucocorticoids coordinate the bladder peripheral clock and diurnal micturition pattern in mice.

Peripheral clocks function to regulate each organ and are synchronized though various molecular and behavioral signals. However, signals that entrain the bladder clock remain elusive. Here, we show that glucocorticoids are a key cue for the bladder clock in vitro and in vivo. A pBmal1-dLuc human urothelial cell-line showed significant shifts in gene expression after cortisol treatment. In vivo, rhythmic bladder clock gene expression was unchanged by bilateral adrenalectomy but shifted 4 h forward by corticosterone administration at the inactive phase. Moreover, the bladder clock shifted 8-12 h in mice that underwent both bilateral adrenalectomy and corticosterone administration at the inactive phase. These mice showed decreases in the diurnal rhythm of volume voided per micturition, while maintaining diurnal activity rhythms. These results indicate that the diurnal rhythm of glucocorticoid signaling is a zeitgeber that overcomes other bladder clock entrainment factors and coordinates the diurnal rhythm of volume voided per micturition.

High Resolution MR Imaging of the Testis Using a Small Radiofrequency Coil.

We have developed a new device, consisting of a 3-cm RF coil and an immobilizer, to acquire high-resolution MR images of the testis. With the approval of our institutional review board, we conducted an MRI study on a cohort of healthy volunteers to test this device. With the participants in the supine position, we placed the dedicated immobilizer and RF coil on the scrotum for typically no more than 3 min. Subsequently, T2-weighted images were acquired with an in-plane resolution of 117 µm using a 3-T MR scanner and the periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) sequence. The total scan time ranged from 12 to 30 min (average 20 min). High-resolution MR images of the testis were acquired without deterioration by motion artifacts. Our results showed that the combined use of a small RF coil and an immobilizer is a feasible option for acquiring high-resolution MR images of the testis.

Clinicopathological features of adrenal malignancies: Analysis of hospital-based cancer registry data in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinicopathological features of adrenal malignancies and analyze the prognoses of patients with adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) and malignant pheochromocytoma (MPCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used a hospital-based cancer registry data in Japan to extract cases of adrenal malignancies that were histologically confirmed, diagnosed, and initially treated from 2012-2015. For survival analysis, we used data from the 2008-2009 cohort to estimate 5-year overall survival (OS) by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 989 adrenal malignancies were identified in the 2012-2015 cohort. The most common histologies were ACC (26.4%), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL; 25.4%), neuroblastoma (22.2%), and MPCC (11.9%). While most ACC and MPCC patients were in their 60s, DLBCL patients accounted for 61.5% of adrenal malignancies in the over-70 cohort. Among ACC patients with clinical staging data, 46.3% of patients were stage IV. Although surgery was a chief strategy for all stages, younger patients tended to receive combination therapy, including surgery and chemotherapy or hormone therapy. In the 2008-2009 cohort, the 5-year OS rates of ACC (n = 49) and MPCC (n = 23) patients were 56.2% and 86.4% while ACC patients without surgery had 1- and 2-year OS rates of 25.0% and 12.5%. CONCLUSION: In Japan, DLBCL accounted for the majority of adrenal malignancies in older patients. Despite advanced staging, ACC patients were mainly treated with surgery and their prognosis was not satisfactory. Such epidemiological data may be useful in considering initial management strategies.

[Maturation and Development of the"All Japan E-Learning Cloud of the Training Program for Oncology Professionals].

This paper reports the 5-year operational status of the third phase of the"All Japan E-Learning Cloud of the Training Program for Oncology Professionals"by tabulating the viewing trends of available lecture contents. In this phase, the goal was to train cancer genome medical professionals in this new, advanced medical technology field as well as train personnel to treat rarely encountered pediatric, adolescent/young adult, and other life stage cancers. Additionally, new lecture items have been added to the e-learning cloud in collaboration with 7 oncology specialist centers, contributing to the development of human capital in cancer care(including graduate student education)and faculty development for local medical professionals.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for urachal remnant with extraperitoneal approach through a suprapubic port.

INTRODUCTION: No standard procedure has been established for laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for urachal remnants (LESS-U). This study aimed to report the novel surgical techniques and initial outcomes of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery with an extraperitoneal approach through a suprapubic port for urachal remnants (spLESS). METHODS: Fifty-five patients (median age, 27 years; range, 15-69 years) who underwent LESS-U were analyzed. To overcome the limitations inherent in the conventional procedure (LESS-U through an umbilical port: uLESS), we modified the port placement and approached via the extraperitoneal space. spLESS is a novel procedure which reduces intestinal damage caused by the extraperitoneal approach and overcomes incomplete resection of the urachal remnant, especially in the bladder dome. Three trocars are inserted into the extraperitoneal space through a suprapubic port in spLESS, and complete resection of the urachal remnant from the umbilicus to the bladder is performed with an appropriate incision line. Patient characteristics and perioperative results were retrospectively collected. Cosmetic outcomes were prospectively evaluated using self-administered questionnaires (body image and photo-series questionnaire). RESULTS: spLESS and uLESS were performed in 43 and 12 patients, respectively. No differences were observed between the perioperative results. The cosmetic outcomes were compared between the groups using body image and photo-series questionnaires. No patient developed major complications; there was no recurrence in either group. CONCLUSIONS: spLESS is a novel procedure which can completely resect the urachal remnant and reduce the risk of intestinal damage. spLESS is a safe, effective, and feasible procedure with high postoperative cosmesis.

[Adrenocortical Oncocytic Tumor : A Report of Two Cases].

Adrenocortical oncocytic tumors are rare. As the Weiss criteria overestimate the malignancy of oncocytic tumor due to histological hallmarks, the Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia system (LWB system) is required for an accurate diagnosis of the malignant potential of an oncocytic tumor. We report two cases diagnosed as an oncocytic tumor with uncertain malignant potential (borderline) and an oncocytic tumor (benign) based on the LWB system, both of which were diagnosed as malignant based on the Weiss criteria. Case 1 : A man in his 20s was referred to our hospital for treatment of a left adrenal tumor. A non-functional pheochromocytoma or adrenal cancer was suspected. He underwent surgical resection of the left adrenal tumor and left kidney. The specimen was positive for 3 of the 9 Weiss criteria, but met one minor criterion in the LWB system. He was diagnosed with an oncocytic tumor with uncertain malignant potential (borderline). Case 2 : A woman in her 40s was referred to our hospital for treatment of a left adrenal tumor. Under the possibility of adrenal cancer, she underwent surgical resection of the left adrenal tumor. The specimen was positive for 3 of the 9 Weiss criteria, but the specimen met no criteria in the LWB system. She was diagnosed with an oncocytic tumor (benign). There has been no recurrence of the oncocytic tumor as of 2 years of follow-up in the two patients.

[A Case of Perfusion Failure of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Treated by Reduced Port Surgery].

A 17-year-old man received continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) catheter implantation and had started peritoneal dialysis. Perfusion failure of peritoneal dialysis catheter occurred one month after the catheter implantation. Transcatheter contrast examination revealed catheter obstruction about 4-5 cm from the catheter tip. We performed reduced port surgery to remove the obstruction. Laparoscopy revealed that the omentum was adhered to the abdominal wall and wrapped the catheter. We diagnosed the cause of catheter malfunction as omentum wrapping. We removed the omentum from the catheter, and repositioned the catheter into the Douglas fossa. Although CAPD worked successfully after the operation, perfusion failure recurred one month after the operation. The patient requested discontinuation of CAPD and change to hemodialysis. Therefore, we removed the CAPD catheter. The catheter was adhered to the omentum. Reduced port surgery for peritoneal dialysis catheter obstruction has the advantage of being minimally invasive and is a reliable procedure, but further studies are needed to reduce the recurrence rate of perfusion failure and to establish the procedure after perfusion failure.

Fertility and reproductive technology use in testicular cancer survivors in Japan: A multi-institutional, cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fertility and use of reproductive technology of testicular cancer survivors in a multi-institutional, cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study recruited testicular cancer survivors who were followed after treatment for testicular cancer at eight high-volume institutions between 2018 and 2019. The participants completed the questionnaires on marital status, fertility and use of reproductive technology. RESULTS: A total of 567 testicular cancer survivors, with a median age of 43 years, responded to the questionnaire. Chemotherapy was given to 398 survivors, including three cycles of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in 106 patients and four cycles in 147 patients. Among 153 survivors who attempted sperm cryopreservation, 133 (87%) could preserve sperm. Of the 28 survivors whose cryopreserved sperm was used, 17 (61%) fathered children. Of the 72 survivors who fathered children without the use of cryopreserved sperm, 59 (82%) fathered naturally. Whereas 33 (20%) of 169 survivors treated without chemotherapy fathered children without using cryopreserved sperm, 39 (10%) of 398 treated with chemotherapy fathered children (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the paternity rate was 12% and 5% in testicular cancer survivors with three and four cycles of cisplatin-based chemotherapy, respectively (P < 0.05). However, of 121 survivors who wanted to have children, 14 (12%) received counseling about infertility treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular cancer survivors preserving their sperm have a higher paternity rate after chemotherapy, especially after four cycles, than those not using cryopreserved sperm. Physicians who give chemotherapy for testicular cancer need to take particular care not only with respect to recurrence of testicular cancer, but also to post-treatment fertility.

Impact of Early Exposure to Simulation Program on Undergraduate Medical Students' Interest in Urology.

BACKGROUND: Urological education is as important as surgical training for undergraduates. However, students in undergraduate medical schools have less exposure to urology as their curriculum focuses more on clinical skills, particularly community-based healthcare for a super-aging society. This study aimed to evaluate whether urology-related hands-on training could increase the interest of undergraduate medical students in urology. METHODS: A 1-day elective program in urological surgery at the University of Tsukuba, particularly in robotic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic surgeries, was offered to 85 fourth-year medical students from 2018 to 2020, prior to their clinical clerkship. The average age of the participants was 22 (range: 21-25) years. We used a scoring system that comprised 1-5 Likert-type items to assess training activity, interest in surgery, and interest in urology before and after the course. RESULTS: Before attending the program, the average scores of interest in urology were 3.53 in 2018, 3.15 in 2019, and 3.00 in 2020. The scores in surgery increased after the program; however, this was not significantly different from scores prior to the program. However, the average interest scores in urology were significantly increased to 3.91 ± 0.63 (P < .05), 3.88 ± 0.58 (P < .01), and 4.00 ± 0.61 (P < 0.01) in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. Total likely scores of this program in 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 4.59, 4.76, and 4.88, respectively, indicating a motivation to study surgery and urology during clinical clerkship. CONCLUSIONS: Urological hands-on training facilitated interest in urology in medical students prior to their clinical clerkship.

Discrepancy between clinical and pathological T stages in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: Analysis of the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry data in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the discrepancy between clinical and pathological T stages in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract treated with radical surgery, and to compare them with the corresponding discrepancy in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. METHODS: We used the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry data in Japan to extract urothelial carcinoma of the bladder cases (n = 3747) and urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract cases (n = 6831), including urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis (n = 3295) and urothelial carcinoma of the ureter (n = 3536) with cT1-4N0M0 diagnosed in 2012-2015, histologically confirmed, and treated with radical surgery without chemotherapy or radiotherapy. We compared the T-stage discrepancy among different tumor locations. RESULTS: The proportions of overall T-stage discrepancy in the urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis (40.8%) and urothelial carcinoma of the ureter (42.9%) groups tended to be higher compared with that in the urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (38.8%) group. The upstaging rate from clinical non-muscle-invasive cancer (≤cT1) to pathological muscle-invasive cancer (≥pT2) was significantly higher in the urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis and urothelial carcinoma of the ureter groups compared with the urothelial carcinoma of the bladder group (P = 0.002, P < 0.0001, respectively). Upstaging from clinical organ-confined disease (≤cT2) to pathological non-organ-confined disease (≥pT3) was significantly more frequent in the urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis (27.8%, P < 0.0001) and urothelial carcinoma of the ureter (22.3%, P < 0.0001) groups compared with the urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (17.8%) group. CONCLUSION: Discrepancy in T staging is significantly higher in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract compared with those with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, especially in those with organ-confined disease. As T-stage discrepancy might lead to missed opportunities to carry out perioperative treatment, more accurate diagnostic techniques are required to identify the appropriate urothelial carcinoma candidates for preoperative treatment.

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer in a patient with a double inferior vena cava.

INTRODUCTION: A double inferior vena cava is a rare anomaly with an incidence ranging from 0.3% to 3.0%. In patients with a double inferior vena cava, it is important to understand the precise anatomy and possible irregular lymph node flow when performing surgery for malignancies. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old man with a non-seminoma was referred to our hospital after left high orchiectomy. Computed tomography revealed a double inferior vena cava and swollen masses in the para-aortic region. After four cycles of chemotherapy with etoposide and cisplatin, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was safely performed with a modified template extended to the right side of the paracaval region by referring to three-dimensional images created by SYNAPSE VINCENT® software. CONCLUSION: Preoperative three-dimensional images were useful to understand this patient's unusual and complicated anatomical positions.

Prognostic impact of non-urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: Analysis of hospital-based cancer registry data in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the prognosis of patients with non-urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract and compare it with that of patients with urothelial carcinoma. METHODS: We used hospital-based cancer registry data in Japan to extract histologically confirmed non-urothelial carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma cases of the upper urinary tract diagnosed in 2008-2009. We estimated the 5-year overall survival by a Kaplan-Meier analysis. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate prognostic factors. RESULTS: A total of 2567 upper urinary tract cancer patients with confirmed histological subtypes were identified. The most common histology of non-urothelial carcinoma was squamous cell carcinoma (n = 88, 3.4%) followed by adenocarcinoma (n = 33, 1.3%) and small cell carcinoma (n = 10, 0.4%). The proportion of advanced stage in the squamous cell carcinoma patients was significantly higher than that in the urothelial carcinoma patients (P = 0.003). In stage IV, the proportion of patients who received a combination of surgery + chemotherapy in the urothelial carcinoma group was higher than that in the non-urothelial carcinoma group (34% vs 16%, respectively). The 5-year overall survival rates of the non-urothelial carcinoma patients at stages I-III and stage IV were significantly worse than those of the urothelial carcinoma patients (P = 0.003, P < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analyses, age ≥73 years, advanced stage (stage IV), tumor location (ureter) and the presence of non-urothelial carcinoma histology were independent poor prognosis factors. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of non-urothelial carcinoma patients is worse than that of urothelial carcinoma patients, especially for non-urothelial carcinoma patients at stage IV. More effective systemic therapies are required to improve these patients' oncological outcomes.

[A Case of Retroperitoneal Bronchogenic Cyst Successfully Resected with Retroperitoneoscopic Surgery].

A 32-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for consultation with a suspected left adrenal tumor detected by ultrasonography at a health check. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 3×1×4 cm multilocular cystic mass arising from the diaphragmatic crura, suggesting a retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst. The patient underwent excision of the cyst and adjacent diaphragm using a retroperitoneoscopic approach. Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cysts are rare. We review the cases of 26 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of a retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst.