Influence of preoperative body mass index on prognosis for patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma treated with radical nephroureterectomy.

PURPOSE: The impact of body mass index (BMI) on patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) undergoing radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is controversial. Increasing evidence suggests an age-dependent relationship between obesity and outcomes for some solid organ tumors. Herein, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of preoperative BMI in UTUC patients treated with RNU in Taiwan. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center study of 468 UTUC patients undergoing RNU during January 2010-December 2017, with preoperative BMI classification and subgroup analysis based on ages of < or ≥ 70 years. All UTUC patients underwent RNU and bladder cuff excision. Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival, and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed. Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression model were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 36 months. Patients with higher versus lower BMI (cutoff: 25 kg/m2) showed no differences in OS; older patients had poor OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-2.40; p < 0.001). Older age was an independent predictor of poor OS in multivariate Cox regression analysis (p = 0.001). Younger patients with higher BMI (p = 0.02) had better DFS than older patients with no BMI-related survival differences. Higher BMI was an independent predictor of favorable DFS in younger patients in multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR, 0.53; 95% CI 0.28-0.99; p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Younger UTUC patients with higher BMI were independently associated with a favorable DFS.

Combining prostate health index and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging may better predict extraprostatic extension after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa), preoperative prediction of extraprostatic extension (EPE) can facilitate patient selection for nerve-sparing procedures. Since both multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and prostate health index (PHI) have shown promise for the diagnosis and prognostication of PCa, we investigated whether a combination of mpMRI and PHI evaluations can improve the prediction of EPE after RP. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with PCa and treated with RP were prospectively enrolled between February 2017 and July 2019. Preoperative blood samples were analyzed for PHI (defined as [p2PSA/fPSA] × âˆštPSA), and mpMRI examinations were performed and interpreted by a single experienced uroradiologist retrospectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the performance of mpMRI, PHI, and their combination in predicting EPE after RP. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients were included for analysis. The pathological T stage was T3a or more in 59.5%. Overall staging accuracy of mpMRI for EPE was 72.4% (sensitivity and specificity: 73.2% and 71.2%, respectively). The area under the ROC of the combination of mpMRI and PHI in predicting EPE (0.785) was higher than those of mpMRI alone (0.717; p = 0.0007) and PHI alone (0.722; p = 0.0236). mpMRI showed false-negative non-EPE results in 26 patients (16%), and a PHI threshold of >40 could avoid undiagnosed EPE before RP in 21 of these 26 patients. CONCLUSION: The combination of PHI and mpMRI may better predict the EPE preoperatively, facilitating preoperative counseling and tailoring the need for nerve-sparing RP.

The comparison of different BCG strains in the intravesical treatment of non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder-A real-world practice.

BACKGROUND: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been well recognized as the first-line intravesical therapy for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Oncotice, the Tice strain of BCG, serves as a viable alternative to the Connaught strain owing to the worldwide shortage of the latter. We retrospectively compared these two strains in terms of efficacy and adverse effects (AE) in patients who underwent at least one maintenance course after induction. METHODS: In this single-institution, retrospective study, patients diagnosed with NMIBC who were administered either Connaught or Tice intravesical therapy were enrolled. Recurrence was defined as the reappearance of urothelial carcinoma. Progression was defined as stage/grade advance, metastasis, or cancer-related death. The primary outcomes were recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary outcome was AE. RESULTS: A total of 76 and 84 patients receiving Tice and Connaught, respectively were enrolled. The median follow-up periods for the Tice and Connaught groups were 32.0 months (range, 7-69 months) and 81.5 months (range, 9-154 months), respectively. Kaplan-Meier method showed no intergroup difference with regard to 3-year RFS and PFS. On Cox multivariate regression analysis, Tice was a significant predictor for inferior PFS (HR = 5.30; 95% CI, 1.11-25.29; p = 0.036). The AE incidence was 38.3% in the Connaught group and 25.0% in the Tice group (p = 0.079). CONCLUSION: Tice and Connaught were comparable in terms of RFS, PFS, and AE for patients with NMIBC accepting BCG induction and at least one maintenance course in our real-world practice. However, Tice was a predictor of inferior PFS on multivariate analysis.

Risk factors for pharmacotherapy for storage symptoms after transurethral resection of the prostate in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative persistence of storage symptoms after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is bothersome, and evidence of its cause is sparse. We sought to analyze risk factors for using antimuscarinics or beta-3 agonists after TURP in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. METHODS: BPH patients who underwent TURP and were followed up for >6 months after surgery were retrospectively enrolled. Postoperative pharmacotherapy for storage symptoms was defined as the prescription of antimuscarinics or beta-3 agonists within 3 months after TURP for >3 months. Preoperative and perioperative variables were evaluated for their effect on the postoperative prescription of antimuscarinics or beta-3 agonists. RESULTS: Of the 376 patients, 45 (12.0%) received postoperative pharmacotherapy for storage symptoms. Patients who underwent bipolar TURP were significantly more likely to receive postoperative pharmacotherapy than those who underwent monopolar TURP (15.7% vs 6.9%; P = 0.01). Significantly more patients with intravesical prostatic protrusions >1 cm used postoperative pharmacotherapy than those with protrusions of ≤1 cm (14.4% vs 5.2% respectively; P = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age >75 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.04; 95% CI 1.29-7.16; P = 0.011), intravesical prostatic protrusion >1 cm (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.32-9.15; P = 0.012), and bipolar transurethral resection (OR 4.25; 95% CI 1.53-11.80; P = 0.005) as significant risk factors for postoperative pharmacotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, intravesical prostatic protrusion, and bipolar TURP were significantly associated with postoperative pharmacotherapy for storage symptoms after TURP in BPH patients. Therefore, patients with these risk factors might be informed about the risk of postoperative storage symptoms that may require medications after TURP.

Patients with preoperative asymptomatic pyuria are not prone to develop febrile urinary tract infection after ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the association of asymptomatic pyuria before ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy (URSL) with postoperative febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). METHODS: This observational case-control study identified the patients undergoing URSL for ureteral stones between May 2011 and October 2015. The included patients were classified into two groups: the asymptomatic pyuria group (6-50 white blood cells [WBCs]/high-power field [HPF]) and the non-pyuria group (≤ 5 WBCs/HPF). All data were collected by reviewing medical records. Postoperative outcomes were collected in terms of febrile UTI, emergency visits, and stone-free rate. RESULTS: A total of 232 patients were included, 101 in the pyuria group, 131 in the non-pyuria group. Two (0.9%) patients developed febrile UTI after URSL and 12 (5.2%) patients visited emergency department for URSL-related symptoms. The overall stone-free rate was 90.9%. There was no significant difference between the pyuria and non-pyuria groups regarding febrile UTI, emergency visits, and stone-free rate. Multivariate analysis revealed that pyuria was neither significantly associated with postoperative febrile UTI (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.06-18.10, P = 0.98), nor with emergency visits (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.13-1.85, P = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the patients with sterile urine prior to URSL, those with asymptomatic pyuria were not prone to develop febrile UTI after URSL.

Correlations between bladder wall thickness and clinical manifestations in female patients with detrusor underactivity and detrusor overactivity-with-detrusor underactivity.

BACKGROUND: Among female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms, detrusor underactivity (DU), and detrusor overactivity-with-detrusor underactivity (DO-DU) are two common diagnoses. Here, we investigated the correlations between bladder wall thickness (BWT) and clinical manifestations of the two diagnoses. METHODS: From 2011 to 2016, female patients with DU or DO-DU, diagnosed at our institute, were recruited. We analyzed their urodynamic parameters and collected three questionnaires (IPSS, UDI-6, OABSS). Using transabdominal sonography, the BWT was recorded. DU was defined as follows: maximum free flow rate (Qmax) ≤ 15 cc/s; detrusor pressure at maximum flow (PdetQmax) ≤ 20 cmH2O; bladder capacity > 150 cc. DO-DU was defined as follows: Qmax ≤ 15 cc/s; PdetQmax ≤ 20 cmH2O; bladder capacity ≤ 150 cc. The BWTs of the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test; the correlations among the BWTs and the results of three questionnaires were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Forty-eight female patients with DU and 13 with DO-DU were recruited. Demographic data revealed no differences between the two groups. The mean BWT of the DO-DU patients was significantly larger than that of the DU patients (4.11 vs 3.42 mm; p = 0.001). In the DO-DU group, a high correlation existed between the BWT and some of the UDI-6 items (urgency incontinence: r = 0.831, p = 0.006; incontinence related to activity: r = 0.884, p = 0.002; small amounts of leakage: r = 0.809, p = 0.008). The BWT of the DO-DU patients also exhibited a moderate correlation with the urgency incontinence from the OABSS questionnaire (r = 0.679; p = 0.044). No correlations existed between the BWT of the DU patients and any of the data from the three questionnaires. CONCLUSION: The BWT in the DO-DU patients was significantly thicker than that in the DU patients. The DO-DU patients with thicker bladder walls also had higher UDI-6 scores for both urgency and urgency incontinence.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction for ureter endometriosis: Case series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this report was to review experience from a single hospital in treating ureteral obstruction related to endometriosis with robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective analysis study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3) was conducted at an academic tertiary hospital. Five female patients with hydronephrosis without significant elevation of serum creatinine levels were enrolled. Ureteral endometriosis with obstruction was suspected on radiological images. Previous treatment with double-J stenting with or without medical treatment had failed in all of the patients. We performed robot-assisted laparoscopic segmental resection for ureteral endometriosis and reconstructed the ureter through ureteroureterostomy (RUU) or ureteroneocystostomy (RUC). The involved ureters included left lower ureter in three patients and right lower ureter in two patients. RUU was performed in four patients and RUC in one patient. All of the operations were completed smoothly without complications. RESULTS: All ureteral endometrioses were successfully resected, and follow-up sonography or intravenous pyelography showed resolution of hydronephrosis in all of the patients. CONCLUSION: Our experience proves the feasibility and efficacy of a robot-assisted approach for this rare situation with good outcomes.

Prostate health index density predicts aggressive pathological outcomes after radical prostatectomy in Taiwanese patients.

BACKGROUND: There are models to predict pathological outcomes based on established clinical and prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-derived parameters; however, they are not satisfactory. p2PSA and its derived biomarkers have shown promise for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of this study was to investigate whether p2PSA-derived biomarkers can assist in the prediction of aggressive pathological outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients who were diagnosed with PCa and treated with RP between February 2017 and December 2018. Preoperative blood samples were analyzed for tPSA, free PSA (fPSA), percentage of fPSA (%fPSA), [-2]proPSA (p2PSA), and percentage of p2PSA (%p2PSA). Prostate health index (PHI) was calculated as (p2PSA/fPSA) × âˆštPSA. Prostate volume was determined by transrectal ultrasound using the ellipsoid formula, and PHI density was calculated as PHI/prostate volume. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were estimated for various PSA/p2PSA derivatives. Aggressive pathological outcomes measured after RP were defined as pathological T3 or a Gleason score (GS) >6 as determined in RP specimens. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four patients were included for analysis. Postoperative GS was >6 in 86.1% of the patients, and pT stage was T3a or more in 54.2%. Among all PSA- and p2PSA-derived biomarkers, PHI density was the best biomarker to predict aggressive pathological outcomes after RP. The odds ratio of having an aggressive pathological outcome of RP was 8.796 (p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, adding %fPSA to base model did not improve the accuracy (area under curve), but adding PHI and PHI density to base model improved the accuracy by 2% and 16%, respectively, in predicting pT3 stage or GS ≥ 7. The risk of pT3 stage or GS ≥ 7 was 20.8% for PHI density <1.125, and 64.6% for PHI density >1.125 (sensitivity: 74.6% and specificity: 88.9%). CONCLUSION: PHI density may further aid in predicting aggressive pathological outcomes after RP. This biomarker may be useful in preoperative counseling and may have potential in decision making when choosing between definitive treatment and active surveillance of newly diagnosed PCa.

Is intravesical prostatic protrusion a risk factor for hydronephrosis and renal insufficiency in benign prostate hyperplasia patients?

BACKGROUND: Some patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms hesitate to undergo surgical treatment until acute urinary retention (AUR) occurs. Some of these patients have been found to have hydronephrosis or even renal insufficiency. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for hydronephrosis in patients with AUR who needed to receive transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 91 patients from January 2014 to June 2015, who had BPH and received TURP for AUR. Patients with urolithiasis, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, gross hematuria, previous bladder radiation therapy, or urinary tract surgery were excluded. Parameters of intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), serum prostatic specific antigen (PSA), total prostate volume (PV), age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary artery disease (CAD), and serum creatinine (Cr) were compared between the hydronephrosis and non-hydronephrosis groups. RESULTS: There were significant differences in IPP (p < 0.001) and Serum Cr (p < 0.001) between the hydronephrosis and non-hydronephrosis groups. For IPP, the cut-off values of the highest risk of hydronephrosis was 1.95 cm. There were no significant differences in age, BMI, DM, HTN, CAD, total PV, and PSA between the two groups. IPP was not correlated with total PV (p = 0.423). Most of the patients with hydronephrosis had renal function improvement after TURP. CONCLUSION: IPP was a significant risk factor for hydronephrosis in BPH patients. If the patients' IPP exceeded 1.95 cm, they had a higher risk of having hydronephrosis when AUR occurred. Hydronephrosis is a risk factor for renal insufficiency, and Serum Cr levels decreased significantly in the patients of our study.

Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma - An indolent subtype of renal tumor.

BACKGROUND: Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (CCPRCC) is a new but rare tumor entity as listed in the World Health Organization 2016 renal tumor classification. Around 360 cases have been reported in the English literature to date, and only one tumor with sarcomatoid change was reported to develop distant metastasis. In the present study, we aim to review the clinical course and analyze the treatment outcome of CCPRCC in our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively collected patients diagnosed with CCPRCC between January 2008 and September 2016 in our institute. The clinical features, pathology slides, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were collected during the study period, with a mean age at diagnosis of 62.8 years (range 35-85 years). Three patients developed the tumor in their native kidney following a kidney transplant, and three patients were diagnosed by needle biopsy before cryoablation therapy due to high surgical risk. The mean follow-up time was 49.7 months (range 12-119 months). During the follow-up period, all patients were alive without local recurrence or distant metastasis. All tumor specimens in our series expressed cytokeratin 7 (CK7) diffusely in immunohistochemistry staining. One patient was diagnosed with pT3a cN0M1, Fuhrman grade 3 CCPRCC with renal vein invasion and lung metastasis in 2010 on the basis of the histologic pattern and immunoreactivity for CK7. The clinical course was not compatible with any of the reported cases in the literature, so the kidney specimen was re-examined using whole-exome sequencing. The diagnosis was then revised to clear cell renal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Our series confirmed that CCPRCC has an indolent clinical behavior. When the diagnosis is made in a high-grade renal tumor, it should be carefully re-confirmed using cytogenetic or genomic methods.

The perioperative outcomes between renal hilar and non-hilar tumors following robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes between renal hilar tumors and non-hilar tumors after robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent RAPN from December 2009 to September 2015 at our institution was recruited. Perioperative outcomes including demographic characteristics, perioperative, pathological and renal function outcomes were compared between the hilar group (n = 30) and non-hilar group (n = 170). RESULTS: In characteristics, hilar group was younger (52.4 vs. 58 years, p = 0.04) and had less body mass index (23.7 vs. 25.4 kg/m2, p = 0.018). Hilar group had larger tumor size (4.8 vs. 3.7 cm, p = 0.009), higher Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA) score (10.7 vs. 8.5, p < 0.001) and higher RENAL (radius, exophytic/endophytic properties of the tumor, nearness of tumor deepest portion to the collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior description and the location relative to polar lines) score (9.0 vs. 7.4, p < 0.001). Hilar tumor was associated with longer operative time (293.6 vs. 240.5 min, p = 0.001) and warm ischemia time (39.9 vs. 21.8 min, p < 0.001). But there was no statistically difference in estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative stay and complication rate. For pathological outcomes, there was no difference of positive margin rate and pathological T stage between these groups. For renal function outcomes, hilar tumor patients had no difference of the change of creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at postoperative 6 and 12 month as compared with non-hilar tumor patients. CONCLUSION: For renal hilar tumor, RAPN could provide acceptable results of perioperative, pathological and renal function outcome as compared with non-hilar tumor group. Thus RAPN is a safe and effective nephron-sparing surgery technique for renal hilar tumors.

Urodynamic characteristics might be variable in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis patients with different non-bladder co-morbid conditions.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to identify the impact of non-bladder co-morbid conditions on the urodynamic characteristics of patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. METHODS: Patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis completed the screening questionnaires for chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, temporo-mandibular disorders, multiple chemical sensitivities, tension/migraine headache, and localized myofascial pain disorder. They underwent either conventional pressure-flow urodynamic studies or video-urodynamic studies. Urodynamic variables were compared between patients with and those without co-morbid conditions. RESULTS: Of 111 patients (16 males and 95 females) with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis, 87 (78.4%) had at least one co-morbid condition (62% males vs 82% females, p = 0.005). Those with concomitant irritable bowel syndrome were younger and had urodynamic characteristics of smaller catheter-free voided volume, lower catheter-free average flow rate, smaller bladder volume on the first desire to void, and more prevalent dysfunctional voiding than those without irritable bowel syndrome. Patients with concomitant localized myofascial pain disorder also had larger bladder volume at the first desire to void and lower pressure at maximum flow than those without co-morbid myofascial pain disorder. There were no significant differences in urodynamic parameters between bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis patients with and those without other co-morbidities. CONCLUSION: Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis patients, especially females, are more likely to have non-bladder co-morbidities, especially tension/migraine headache and localized myofascial pain. Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis Patients with co-morbid irritable bowel syndrome are younger and more likely to have abnormal urodynamic findings.

Clinical analysis of 48-h emergency department visit post outpatient extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for urolithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from renal or ureteral stones can undergo significant discomfort, even when timely diagnosed and treated. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors and safety of outpatient Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) in the management of patients with renal or ureteral stones. METHODS: In this study, our cohort consisted of 844 outpatients who underwent outpatient ESWL treated between February 2012 and November 2014 at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Patients who visited the emergency room (ER) within 48 h after Outpatient ESWL were included in this article. This article analyzes the stone size, stone shape (long to short axis ratio), stone location, previous medical management, urinalysis data, complications and treatment received in the emergency department. RESULTS: Among the 844 initial consecutive patients who underwent outpatient ESWL a total of 1095 times, there were 22 (2%) patients who sought help at our emergency room within 48 h after the outpatient ESWL. Of those 22 patients, the mean age was 54.3 ± 12.6 years, and the BMI was 25.9 ± 3.2. The most common complication complaint was flank pain (55.2%). Other complications included hematuria (13.8%), fever (17.2%), nausea with vomiting (6.9%), acute urinary retention (3.4%) and chest tightness with cold sweating (3.4%). In 22 patients who went back to the ER, 7 patients were admitted to the ward and 1 patient again returned to the ER. All patients received medical treatment without ESWL or surgical management. The meaningful risk factor of ER-visiting rate following outpatient ESWL within 48 h was stone location, and the renal stones showed statistic significant (p = 0.047) when compared to ureteral stones. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that renal stone contributed to a significantly higher risk of ER-visiting rate to patients than did ureteral stone, following outpatient ESWL within 48 h. This study confirmed that Outpatient ESWL is a safe treatment for renal or ureteral stones, while inpatient ESWL is not absolutely necessary.

Clinical efficacy of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in men younger than 50 years old with an elevated prostate-specific antigen concentration (>4.0 ng/mL).

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is not commonly found in men younger than 50 years of age. However, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration has been examined more frequently at a younger age in Asia partially due to an increased awareness of prostate cancer. The purpose of our study was to investigate the efficacy and complication of PSA-triggered transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate (TRUSP) biopsies. We retrospectively reviewed TRUSP biopsies in young men with elevated PSA concentration in Taipei Veterans General Hospital. METHODS: We reviewed the cases of patients younger than 50 years of age with elevated PSA concentration (>4.0 ng/mL), who received 12 cores TRUSP biopsies at TPEVGH from January 2008-December 2013. The age, family history, digital rectal examination (DRE) results, PSA concentration, free/total PSA ratio, total prostate volume, PSA density, lower urinary tract symptoms and complications after the procedure were reviewed. The pathologic findings of TRUSP biopsy and clinical follow-up were reviewed and analyzed according to the Epstein criteria. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients were included and were divided into 2 groups: 1) the younger group consisted of 20 patients <40 years of age; and 2) the elder group had 57 patients who were 40-50 years of age. The overall detection rate of PCa was 11.69% (9/77), and all of the PCa cases were diagnosed in the elder group (group detection rate: 15.8%). There was a significant difference in the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) between these 2 groups. All PCa patients were clinically significant according to the Epstein criteria. Two patients experienced fever (2.60%) after TRUSP biopsy. CONCLUSION: From our patient cohort, it appears that no benefit was apparent for patients younger than 40 years old who received TRUSP biopsy, even with elevated PSA. However, PCa detected in men between 40 and 50 years of age were all clinically significant. Overall, our results supported current major practice guidelines which recommend an initial PSA checkup at 40 years of age.

Prostate cancer in young adults-Seventeen-year clinical experience of a single center.

BACKGROUND: In the general population, prostate adenocarcinoma affects predominately older men. If fact, most current guidelines suggest that males over the age of 50 years should undergo prostate cancer screening. However, the clinical behavior and prognosis of prostate cancer in young adults is not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical behavior, pathological characteristics, and prognosis of prostate cancer in young adults. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of young patients (age, ≤50 years) in our hospital with prostate adenocarcinoma between 1997 and 2013. We compared data including initial presentation, cancer cell type, Gleason score, disease stage, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, prostate volume, treatment, and survival between patients both younger and older than 50 years. Data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method to assess survival. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were enrolled in our study, accounting for 0.55% of all patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer at our facility. All 26 patients had a pathology diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, with a mean age on diagnosis of 46.8±2.8 years (range, 39-50 years). On initial presentation, patients older than 50 years more frequently displayed lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) than younger patients (62.3% vs. 30.4%, p=0.008). There was no statistical difference in histological grade, disease stage, PSA level, overall survival, and biochemical-free survival between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The result of our investigation indicated that prostate adenocarcinoma patients younger than 50 years had similar histological grade, disease stage, PSA level, overall survival, and biochemical-free survival as the older population. However, patients younger than 50 years with prostate cancer less frequently showed initial symptoms of LUTS.

A standard for terminology in chronic pelvic pain syndromes: A report from the chronic pelvic pain working group of the international continence society.

AIMS: Terms used in the field of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) are poorly defined and often confusing. An International Continence Society (ICS) Standard for Terminology in chronic pelvic pain syndromes (CPPS) has been developed with the aim of improving diagnosis and treatment of patients affected by chronic pelvic pain syndromes. The standard aims to facilitate research, enhance therapy development and support healthcare delivery, for healthcare providers, and patients. This document looks at the whole person and all the domains (organ systems) in a systematic way. METHODS: A dedicated working group (WG) was instituted by the ICS Standardisation Steering Committee according to published procedures. The WG extracted information from existing relevant guidelines, consensus documents, and scientific publications. Medline and other databases were searched in relation to each chronic pelvic pain domain from 1980 to 2014. Existing ICS Standards for terminology were utilized where appropriate to ensure transparency, accessibility, flexibility, and evolution. Consensus was based on majority agreement. RESULTS: The multidisciplinary CPPS Standard reports updated consensus terminology in nine domains; lower urinary tract, female genital, male genital, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, neurological aspects, psychological aspects, sexual aspects, and comorbidities. Each is described in terms of symptoms, signs and further evaluation. CONCLUSION: The document presents preferred terms and definitions for symptoms, signs, and evaluation (diagnostic work-up) of female and male patients with chronic pelvic pain syndromes, serving as a platform for ongoing development in this field. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:984-1008, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Correlation between Bladder Neck Mobility and Voiding Phase Urodynamic Parameters in Female Patients with Stress Urinary Incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: The correlation between bladder neck mobility (BNM) and voiding function in females has not been examined before. This study investigated the correlation between BNM and voiding phase urodynamic parameters in female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: We recruited female patients with SUI between January 2005 and 2010. All patients underwent video urodynamic study (VUDS) including measurement of the bladder neck descent using the Valsalva maneuver and leak point pressure. BNM was defined as maximal bladder neck descent under Valsalva maneuver. The correlation between BNM and urodynamic parameters was analyzed with Spearman correlation. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 56.5 ± 10.4 years (range: 27-83). BNM was significantly correlated with mean flow rate. Using the cutoff value of 60 cmH2O for valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP), the patients were classified into intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) and non-ISD. In ISD patients (n = 74), BNM was significantly correlated with maximal and mean flow rate. In non-ISD patients, there was no significant correlation between BNM and urodynamic parameters. Detrusor pressure on voiding was significantly lower in ISD patients compared with non-ISD. CONCLUSIONS: In ISD patients, we found a positive correlation between BNM and flow rates. This is the first study to identify a close association between bladder neck mobility and voiding function in female SUI patients. Future studies are required to clarify the mechanism and to determine the significance of this finding.

Prognostic factors of primary resected retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma: Analysis from a single asian tertiary center and external validation of gronchi's nomogram.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is the potentially curative treatment for retroperitoneal sarcoma (RS), but complete resectability is frequently a challenge. This study aimed to characterize the clinical features, prognostic factors and treatment outcomes. METHODS: A cohort of 144 patients with RS was surveyed retrospectively from January 1st, 2000 to July 30th, 2011. The prognostic influence of clinicopathological characteristics as well as treatments on local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS), were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses. A histology-specific nomogram developed by Gronchi et al was used for validation. RESULTS: Liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and malignant peripheral sheath tumor (MPNST) were the most common histologies (70%). Multivariate analysis revealed FNCLCC tumor grade was the most significant prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.001) and DMFS (P < 0.001) and complete resection was the only significant prognostic factor for LRFS (P = 0.043). Incomplete resection of grade 3 tumor was significantly associated with a worse OS. Despite some differences in characteristics between our patients and Gronchi's cohort, external validation of Gronchi's nomogram demonstrated excellent concordance in predicting survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated tumor grade and surgical margins had significant prognostic influence and the Gronchi's nomogram has an excellent applicability in predicting survival of STS patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:355-360. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in Taiwan: A nationwide database study.

BACKGROUND: For patients with an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) level or a suspected lesion detected by digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) prostate biopsy is the standard procedure for prostate cancer diagnoses. In Taiwan, TRUS prostate biopsy has not been well-studied on a nationwide scale. This article aimed to study TRUS prostate biopsy in Taiwan and its related complications, according to the claims generated through the National Health Insurance (NHI) program. METHODS: We applied for access to claims from the NHI Research Database of Taiwan of all patients who visited the urology clinic during the period of 2006 to 2010. In the 5-year urology profile, we obtained all records, which included admission and ambulatory clinical records. The definition of TRUS biopsy included codes for ultrasound-guided procedure and for prostate puncture; other codes involving complications such as postbiopsy voiding difficulty, significant bleeding, or infection requiring treatment were also included. Risk factors included age, diagnosis of prostate cancer, hospitalization or nonhospitalization, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI; with a value of 0, 1, 2 or ≥ 3). Descriptive and comparative analyses were also performed. RESULTS: In the 5-year urology profile, 12,968 TRUS biopsies performed of which 6885 were in-patient procedures and 6083 were ambulatory clinic procedures. After the procedures, 1266 (9.76%) biopsies were associated with voiding difficulty; 148 (1.14%) biopsies, with significant bleeding; and 855 (6.59%) biopsies, with infection that required treatment. The prostate cancer diagnosis rate was 36.02%. The overall biopsy-related mortality rate within 30 days was 0.25%, and the postbiopsy sepsis-related mortality rate was 0.13%. Age, diagnosis of cancer, hospitalization, and CCI value ≥ 1 were all significant factors in univariate analysis and multivariate analysis for postbiopsy voiding difficulty and severe infection. A diagnosis of cancer and a CCI value ≥ 2 were significant factors for significant bleeding after biopsy. Patients diagnosed as having prostate cancer had fewer bleeding complications after biopsy. CONCLUSION: The most frequent complication was postbiopsy voiding difficulty, followed by infection that required treatment and significant bleeding. The sepsis-related mortality rate was 0.13%. Significant risk factors for postbiopsy complications included age, diagnosis of prostate cancer, hospitalization, and the CCI value.

Vapoenucleation of the prostate using a high-power thulium laser: a one-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Prostate vaporization and enucleation is a novel treatment option for bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostate enlargement. This surgical technique, however, has not yet been standardized. We present our findings of using a high-power thulium laser to accomplish vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP). METHODS: We prospectively collected and analyzed data from 29 patients who underwent ThuVEP between August 2010 and May 2012. The control group included 30 patients who underwent traditional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Operative variables, patient profiles, preoperative and postoperative urine flow rates, prostate volume (measured using transrectal ultrasonography), and the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) were recorded and analyzed using a two-tailed Student's t-test and analysis of variance. RESULTS: The ages (mean ± SD) of the patients were 76.1 ± 9.4 and 72.6 ± 7.4 years (p = 0.28) in the ThuVEP and TURP groups, respectively. The average urinary flow rates before and 12 months after the operation (volume/maximum flow/average flow) were 243.3/10.5/5.0 and 302.8/17.6/9.4 (in mL, mL/s, mL/s, respectively) in the ThuVEP group and 247.2/10.8/4.6 and 369.9/20.8/12.0, respectively, in the TURP group. Preoperative and postoperative IPSSs were 17.1 ± 5.0 and 6.5 ± 3.8, respectively, in the ThuVEP group and 18.2 ± 4.5 and 6.2 ± 3.3, respectively, in the TURP group. The mean ratio of the estimated postoperative residual prostate volume to the preoperative total volume was 0.47 (p = 0.449) in both groups. The overall complication rate was 20.7% in the ThuVEP group and 30.0% in the TURP group. CONCLUSIONS: One year of follow-up showed that ThuVEP and TURP effectively alleviated subjective and objective voiding symptoms with a low rate of complications. Thus, vapoenucleation using a high-power laser is feasible in elderly patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry with study ID ISRCTN52339705 . Date assigned: 06/03/2015.