Differential in vivo urodynamic measurement in a single thin catheter based on two optical fiber pressure sensors.

Urodynamic analysis is the predominant method for evaluating dysfunctions in the lower urinary tract. The exam measures the pressure during the filling and voiding process of the bladder and is mainly interested in the contraction of the bladder muscles. The data arising out of these pressure measurements enables the urologist to arrive at a precise diagnosis and prescribe an adequate treatment. A technique based on two optical fiber pressure and temperature sensors with a resolution of better than 0.1 cm H2O (∼10 Pa), a stability better than 1 cm H2O/hour, and a diameter of 0.2 mm in a miniature catheter with a diameter of only 5 Fr (1.67 mm), was used. This technique was tested in vivo on four patients with a real-time urodynamic measurement system. The optical system presented showed a very good correlation to two commercially available medical reference sensors. Furthermore, the optical urodynamic system demonstrated a higher dynamic and better sensitivity to detect small obstructions than both pre-existing medical systems currently in use in the urodynamic field.

[Impact of preoperative therapy with 5-α-reductase inhibitors in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia]. / Impatto della terapia preoperatoria con inibitori dell'enzima 5-α reduttasi nel trattamento dell'iperplasia prostatica benigna.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is considered a progressive disease intimately linked with aging. The long-term use of combination therapy with a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, together with an alpha blocker in men with moderate-severe symptoms, reduces the risk of clinical progression and BPH-related surgery. It is unclear what the impact is of preoperative therapy with 5-ARI in patients that undergo surgery. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative therapy with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors on: a) indication on the type of surgery; b) surgical and functional outcomes; c) surgical complications. This is a prospective observational study. It will include all patients undergoing surgery by TURP or Open Prostatectomy in a period of 24 months. We expect results that demonstrate significant and favorable influence of pretreatment with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors on certain outcomes. Therefore, therapy with 5-ARI could be considered as neoadjuvant to surgery, whatever this is.