Brachytherapy in early prostate cancer--early experience.

Use of brachytherapy with radioactive seeds in the management of early prostate cancer is commonly used in the United States. The early experience has been reported from the prostate treatment centers in Seattle for the last 10 years. In this manuscript we are reporting our early experience of 150 radioactive seed implantations in early stage prostate cancer using either Iodine 125 or Palladium 103 seeds. The average age of the patient is 66 years and the median Gleason score is 5.4 with a median PSA of 6. A brief description of the evolution of the treatment of prostate cancer as well as the preparation for the seed implantation using the volume study with ultrasound of the prostate, pubic arch study using CT scan of the pelvis and the complete planning using the treatment planning computers are discussed. We also have described the current technique which is used in our experience based on the Seattle guidelines. We plan a follow-up report with the results of the studies with longer follow-up.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy in transplanted kidney.

Urolithiasis is the least described urologic sequela of renal transplantation. We describe a renal transplant patient who presented with painless gross hematuria. An intravenous pyelogram demonstrated a 4 x 7-mm calculi in the region of the ureteropelvic junction, causing moderate hydronephrosis. The patient was treated successfully with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Serum creatinine and twenty-four-hour creatinine clearance were unchanged from levels prior to ESWL.

Transrectal prostate ultrasonography as a diagnostic and therapeutic aid for ejaculatory duct obstruction.

Preoperative transrectal ultrasonography was used to establish the diagnosis of ejaculatory duct obstruction and also to determine the distal level of extension of the obstructed system within prostatic parenchyma. Transrectal ultrasonography not only established the diagnosis but also enabled precise transurethral resection into the obstructed system. Prostatic ultrasound facilitates evaluation and treatment of azoospermia caused by ejaculatory duct obstruction and may eliminate the need for vasography in such cases.

Treatment of radiation or cyclophosphamide induced hemorrhagic cystitis using conjugated estrogen.

Five patients with severe hemorrhagic cystitis induced by radiation and/or cyclophosphamide were systematically treated with conjugated estrogen. Two patients received conjugated estrogen twice each day (1 mg. per kg.) intravenously, followed on day 3 and thereafter by 5 mg. per day orally. Hematuria decreased markedly 6 to 8 hours after the initial dose and urine color became light yellow within 1 to 3 days. The other 3 patients received 5 mg. conjugated estrogen per day orally and urine color became clear within 4 to 7 days. Hematuria did not recur during 12 to 22 months in 4 patients who received daily conjugated estrogen (1.25 mg.). However, transient episodes of mild hematuria persisted in 1 patient during the 3-month followup despite a higher dose of conjugated estrogen (10 mg. per day). Complications, including thromboembolism and other side effects associated with conjugated estrogen, were not observed in these patients. We postulate that conjugated estrogen controls hematuria in hemorrhagic cystitis by decreasing the fragility of the mucosal microvasculature of the bladder.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy in horseshoe kidneys.

Using the Dornier HM-3 lithotriptor, 10 patients (11 renal units) with calculi in horseshoe kidneys were treated with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ancillary procedures. Six renal units (55%) underwent pre-ESWL manipulation consisting of a Double J stent, ureteral catheter, or percutaneous nephrostomy. The "blast path" was employed to treat five renal units which could not be positioned at F2. Good initial stone fragmentation was obtained in eight renal units (73%). There were two episodes of post-ESWL obstruction requiring intervention; both occurred in the same patient. A total of seven post-ESWL procedures were performed on two renal units. After all procedures, eight renal units (73%) were rendered stone-free, six (55%) with ESWL alone. The average follow-up interval was twelve months (range 1-28 months). ESWL can be used effectively to treat some patients with calculi in horseshoe kidneys. The ectopic location of these renal units may make it difficult to position calculi at F2, thus necessitating treatment on the blast path or placement of the patient in prone position. Multiple ancillary procedures may be necessary.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy of renal calculi.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a noninvasive technique that utilizes focused shock waves to fragment stones into sand-sized particles, which then pass spontaneously with urination. The clinical use of this technique was introduced in 1980 in Germany by Chaussy and associates and has replaced most open surgery and percutaneous endoscopy for stone removal. The physics of shock waves, equipment, techniques, and patient selection in ESWL are discussed. Results of treatment of renal, upper ureteral, and lower ureteral calculi are reviewed and compared. Complications of treatment, including ureteral obstruction, hemorrhage, and tissue damage, are discussed. The advent of second-generation lithotripters has widened the parameters for patient selection in the treatment of ESWL and has increased the availability of this treatment modality.

Acute obstructive renal failure secondary to granulocytic sarcoma (chloroma).

We report an unusual case of bilateral ureteral obstruction secondary to granulocytic sarcoma of the uterine cervix. Proximal urinary diversion followed by radiation therapy to the tumor relieved the obstruction. The need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of this rare neoplasm is stressed.