Variations in predictors for urinary continence recovery at different time periods following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary dysfunctions are common sequelae following prostatectomy. This study aimed to discover factors that can predict urinary continence recovery at various time periods after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of data of 419 consecutive patients. Only patients followed up for ≥1 year were enrolled. An answer of "zero pad per day" in the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite urinary assessment (question 5) denoted continence. Possible predictors of urinary continence recovery were evaluated at 3, 3-6, and 6-12 months after the operation. RESULTS: Continence rates at 3, 6, and 12 months after RARP were 12.9%, 21.2%, and 40.2%, respectively. The proportions of patients using 0-1 pad were 54.2%, 75.7%, and 83.1% at 3, 6, and 12 months after RARP, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that a membranous urethral length (MUL) ≥11 mm was significantly associated with urinary continence recovery both within 3 months (odds ratio: 0.367, P = .003) and 3-6 months (odds ratio: 0.354, P = .001) after RARP. The analysis also revealed that, in patients with urinary continence at 6 months, a large prostate volume (odds ratio: 1.973, P = .044) and a high body mass index (odds ratio: 2.874, P = .027) were negative predictors of urinary continence recovery within 6-12 months. CONCLUSION: A longer MUL was linked to urinary continence recovery within 6 months following RARP, whereas a large prostate volume and a high body mass index were adverse predictors of urinary continence recovery beyond 6 months.

Two Cases of Intractable Radiation-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis Treated with Transcatheter Embolization.

Radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis is a late complication of radiotherapy, and in rare cases, refractory. Refractory bleeding may not be resolved by transurethral electrocoagulation (TUEC) or hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy and requires transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) or urinary diversion. Here, we report two cases of radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis successfully treated with TAE. Case 1 was a 61-yearold man who underwent total prostatectomy for prostate cancer followed by salvage radiation therapy. The patient developed radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis 2 years and 3 months after radiotherapy. After no improvement with TUEC and HBO, TAE was performed. Case 2 was a 78-year-old man who underwent total prostatectomy followed by salvage radiation therapy and developed radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis 12 years later. TAE was performed after no improvement with HBO. TAE proved successful in both patients, and there was no relapse. TAE is a potential treatment option for refractory radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.

Current status and future outlook of ultrasound treatment for prostate cancer.

Radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy are the standard treatment options for localized prostate cancer (PC). However, radical prostatectomy may cause the deterioration of urinary and sexual function, and radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis and severe rectal bleeding are risk factors for fatal conditions in patients after radiation therapy. With the recent development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the localization of clinically significant PC (csPC) and treatment modalities, "focal therapy", which cures csPC while preserving anatomical structures related to urinary and sexual functions, has become a minimally invasive treatment for localized PC. Based on the clinical results of transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for localized PC in the whole gland and focal therapy, HIFU is considered an attractive treatment option for focal therapy. Recently, the short-term clinical results of transurethral high-intensity directional ultrasound (HIDU) have been reported. With the resolution of some issues, HIDU may be commonly used for PC treatment similar to HIFU. Because HIFU and HIDU have limitations regarding the treatment of patients with large prostate calcifications and large prostate volumes, the proper use of these modalities will enable the treatment of any target area in the prostate. To establish a standard treatment strategy for localized PC, pair-matched and historically controlled studies are required to verify the oncological and functional outcomes of ultrasound treatment for patients with localized PC.

Effectiveness of Steroid Pulse Therapy for Systemic Side Effects after Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Intravesical Instillation Therapy: A Series of Five Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation is an established therapy for the treatment of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder and prevention of recurrence after transurethral resection of bladder tumor noninvasive bladder cancer. However, serious systemic side effects may occur in less than 5% of patients with BCG intravesical instillation. Systemic side effects can sometimes be fatal and require early and accurate treatment. We describe five cases wherein steroid pulse therapy was effective for treating the systemic side effects after BCG intravesical instillation. Case Presentations. BCG intravesical instillation was used to prevent the recurrence of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer and treat CIS of the bladder; the dose used was 40-80 mg each time, and the Tokyo strain was used. The patients developed fever, impaired consciousness, arthralgia, conjunctival hyperemia, and symptoms of cystitis. The median time from installation to side effect manifestation was 6 days (0-8). One to two courses of steroid pulse therapy were administered (1 course in 3 days), and the dose of methylprednisolone was 500-1000 mg/day. BCG sepsis was observed in one case; however, in the other four cases, one course of steroid pulse therapy showed a rapid improvement in symptoms. In the case of BCG sepsis, hemodialysis and mechanical ventilation were required because of septic shock and acute renal failure. Antituberculosis drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol) were started promptly; however, no improvement was noticed. Two courses of steroid pulse therapy improved the patient's general condition, and hemodialysis and mechanical ventilation were no longer required. All patients survived without relapse of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our cases suggest that early steroid pulse therapy may be effective for rapid symptom improvement of the systemic side effects of BCG instillation therapy.