Comparison of mirabegron and vibegron for clinical efficacy and safety in female patients with overactive bladder: a multicenter prospective randomized crossover trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of mirabegron and vibegron in female OAB patients. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, prospective, randomized crossover study of female patients with OAB. The patients were assigned to Group MV (mirabegron for 8 weeks, followed by vibegron for 8 weeks) or group VM (vibegron for 8 weeks, followed by mirabegron for 8 weeks). The primary endpoint was the change in OABSS from baseline, and the secondary endpoint was the change in FVC parameters. After completion of the study, each patient was asked which drug was preferable. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients were enrolled (40 and 43 in groups MV and VM, respectively). At 8th and 16th week, 33 and 29 in Group MV and 34 and 27 in Group VM continued to receive the treatment. The change in PVR was not significantly different between treatment with mirabegron and vibegron. The changes in OABSS, nighttime frequency, mean, and maximum voided volume were similar between mirabegron and vibegron. The mean change in the daytime frequency was greater in the vibegron than in the mirabegron. Of the 56 patients, 15 (27%) and 30 (53%) preferred mirabegron and vibegron, respectively. The remaining 11 patients (20%) showed no preference. The change in the urgency incontinence score during vibegron was better in patients who preferred vibegron to mirabegron. CONCLUSION: The efficacies of mirabegron and vibegron in female patients was similar. The patients' preference for vibegron could depend on the efficacy of vibegron for urgency incontinence.

Ischemic priapism caused by self intracavernous injection of tadalafil.

Introduction: We present a case of ischemic priapism caused by self intracavernous injection of tadalafil. Case presentation: A 77-year-old man developed priapism due to self-injection of tadalafil into the corpus cavernosum. He presented to our hospital 2 days after the development of priapism and severe penile pain. The blood gas analysis of the corpus cavernosum revealed ischemic priapism. At first, we performed percutaneous distal shunt (T-shunt) and cavernosal irrigation, resulting in slight improvement of penile tumescence. Several hours later, penile tumescence and severe pain reappeared. Bilateral proximal (corpora-spongiosal) shunt was performed under anesthesia again. Penile tumescence was slowly and gradually relieved. His erectile function was declined. Conclusion: We experienced a case of priapism due to self intracavernous administration of tadalafil who needed a proximal shunt to relieve the severe penile pain. This case report may serve as a warning for physicians and patients not to use phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor inappropriately.

Postoperative small intestinal obstruction caused by barbed suture after robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.

Introduction: We present a case of small intestinal obstruction due to a barbed suture used for peritoneal closure during robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Case presentation: A female patient with pelvic organ prolapse underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy uneventfully. Intestinal obstruction developed on postoperative Day 4. Conservative treatment with the ileus tube failed to improve abdominal symptoms. The laparoscopic examination on postoperative Day 14 revealed the barbed suture entangled with the small intestinal mesentery. The tail of the barbed suture was laparoscopically detached from the mesentery without damaging the small intestine. The tail of the barbed suture was trimmed; an antiadhesive material was applied to the peritoneal closure line and the trimmed tail of the barbed suture. Conclusion: We recommend the use of conventional absorbable sutures in the peritoneal cavity because of the potential risk of intestinal obstruction caused by the barbed suture.

Review: Lower urinary tract dysfunction in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD): Translational aspects for the treatment of PD patients with overactive bladder.

Although the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and consequent motor symptoms are the hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD), several non-motor symptoms may appear prior to these typical motor symptoms. While a variety of non-motor symptoms have emerged as the primary predictor of PD patients' quality of life, even though motor symptoms are undoubtedly distressing. According to a study, the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) varies between 27% and 64%, suggesting that PD-related lower urinary tract dysfunction may be affected by the disease stage, the presence of concomitant conditions affecting the lower urinary tract, and other autonomic dysfunctions. Animal models can serve as a platform for research into the causes of PD-related dysfunction and the evaluation of cutting-edge therapeutic approaches although the majority of animal research have been directed toward motor symptoms of PD. At present, the cause of lower urinary tract dysfunction in PD has not been fully clarified although the increasing evidence showing the multiple mechanisms underlying PD-related LUTS has emerged. In this chapter we summarize the findings of basic research in the studies of the lower urinary tract dysfunction using with different animal PD models and we try to shed light on the translational aspects for the development of future treatment modalities in PD patients with LUTS.

Gap analysis between trainees' subjective competencies and the competencies expected by instructors in urology: A need assessment survey in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: According to the rapid progress in surgical techniques, a growing number of procedures should be learned during postgraduate training periods. This study aimed to clarify the current situation regarding urological surgical training and identify the perception gap between trainees' competency and the competency expected by instructors in Japan. METHODS: Regarding the 40 urological surgical procedures selected via the Delphi method, we collected data on previous caseloads, current subjective autonomy, and confidence for future skill acquisition from trainees (<15 post-graduate years [PGY]), and the competencies when trainees became attending doctors expected by instructors (>15 PGY), according to a 5-point Likert scale. In total, 174 urologists in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: The response rate was 96% (165/174). In a large proportion of the procedures, caseloads grew with accumulation of years of clinical practice. However, trainees had limited caseloads of robotic and reconstructive surgeries even after 15 PGY. Trainees showed low subjective competencies at present and low confidence for future skill acquisition in several procedures, such as open cystectomy, ureteroureterostomy, and ureterocystostomy, while instructors expected trainees to be able to perform these procedures independently when they became attending doctors. CONCLUSION: Trainees showed low subjective competencies and low confidence for future skill acquisition in several open and reconstructive procedures, while instructors considered that these procedures should be independently performable by attending doctors. We believe that knowledge of these perception gaps is helpful to develop a practical training program.

Morphological examination of pelvic floor muscles in a rat model of vaginal delivery.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated morphological changes in the composition of the pelvic floor muscles, degree of atrophy, and urethral function in a rat of simulated birth trauma induced by vaginal distension (VD) model. METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were classified into four groups: a sham group, and 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-VD (1 W, 2 W, and 4 W, respectively) groups. We measured the amplitude of urethral response to electrical stimulation (A-URE) to evaluate urethral function. After measuring the muscle wet weight of the pubococcygeus (Pcm) and iliococcygeus (Icm) muscles, histochemical staining was used to classify muscle fibers into Types I, IIa, and IIb, and the occupancy and cross-sectional area of each muscle fiber were determined. RESULTS: There were 24 Sprague-Dawley rats used. A-URE was significantly lower in the 1 W group versus the other groups. Muscle wet weight was significantly lower in the VD groups versus the sham group for Pcm. The cross-sectional area of Type I Pcm and Icm was significantly lower in the VD groups versus the sham group. Type I muscle fiber composition in Pcm was significantly lower in the VD groups versus the sham groupand lowest in the 2 W group. Type I muscle fiber composition in Icm was significantly lower in the 2 and 4 W groups versus the sham group. CONCLUSION: Muscle atrophy and changes in muscle composition in the pelvic floor muscles were observed even after improvements in urethral function. These results may provide insight into the pathogenesis of stress urinary incontinence after VD.

Effects of a new selective ß3 -adrenoceptor agonist, vibegron, on bladder and urethral function in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVES: Parkinson's disease caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons induces not only motor dysfunction but also lower urinary tract dysfunction. Patients with Parkinson's disease have recently been reported to experience both urge urinary incontinence (overactive bladder) and stress urinary incontinence, the latter of which occurs when the pressure of the bladder exceeds that of the urethra. Vibegron is a highly selective novel ß3 -adrenoceptor agonist approved for the treatment of overactive bladder. However, how ß3 -adrenoceptor agonists affect urethral function remains unclear. In a clinical report, the urethral function of patients with Parkinson's disease was shown to be degraded. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of vibegron on lower urinary tract activity in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. METHODS: In a rat model of Parkinson's disease induced by unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine injection into the substantia nigra pars compacta, we examined the effects of vibegron on bladder and urethral activity. RESULTS: Cystometric analysis revealed that, compared with vehicle injection, intravenous injection of 3 mg/kg vibegron significantly increased the inter-contraction interval (p < .05) and reduced voiding pressure (p < .01). However, no significant effects on urethral function were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study provide corroborating evidence that bladder dysfunction is suppressed by the administration of vibegron in Parkinson's disease model rats, confirming that vibegron is effective for treating overactive bladder without further worsening urethral function. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of ß3 -adrenoceptor agonists.

Internet research of utilization of social media in patients with urological disease and their families in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: To survey the utilization of social media (SoMe) in patients with urological disease and their families. METHODS: Among the panel members registered in NEO Marketing Inc. (Tokyo, Japan), 300 people who or whose families were visiting the urological department regularly were included. Study subjects were randomly chosen and surveyed using the questionnaire over the internet. RESULTS: This study included 203 (68%) males and 97 (32%) females. The mean age was 62 (21-85) in males and 49 (22-75) in females. One hundred and ten subjects (37%) had no account for any SoMe. The account holders of YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok were 119 (40%), 117 (39%), 101 (34%), 90 (30%), and 33 (11%), respectively. The proportions of account holders were different depending on gender, age, and platforms. Frequent viewers on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok were 100 (84%), 89 (76%), 63 (62%), 66 (73%), and 24 (73%), respectively. Of 190 who had accounts for any SoMes, 64 (34%) found any information about urological diseases of themselves or their families. Among the all subjects, 162 (54%) thought that they would like to view the medical contents on SoMes submitted by medical societies. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with urological disease and their families in Japan occasionally utilize SoMe to obtain information on their diseases and prefer professional medical information on SoMe. The gender and age of SoMe users and the optimal platform should be considered when posting medical information on SoMe.

Proteogenomic identification of an immunogenic antigen derived from human endogenous retrovirus in renal cell carcinoma.

CD8+ T cells can recognize tumor antigens displayed by HLA class I molecules and eliminate tumor cells. Despite their low tumor mutation burden, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is often beneficial in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Here, using a proteogenomic approach, we directly and comprehensively explored the HLA class I-presenting peptidome of RCC tissues and demonstrated that the immunopeptidomes contain a small subset of peptides derived from human endogenous retroviruses (hERV). A comparison between tumor and normal kidney tissues revealed tumor-associated hERV antigens, one of which was immunogenic and recognized by host tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Stimulation with the hERV antigen induced reactive CD8+ T cells in healthy donor-derived (HD-derived) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). These results highlight the presence of antitumor CD8+ T cell surveillance against hERV3895 antigens, suggesting their clinical applications in patients with RCC.

High-Fat and High-Sucrose Diet Leads to Skeletal Muscle Loss and Bladder Dysfunction in Rat.

Purpose: In this study, we investigated skeletal muscle loss and bladder dysfunction caused by high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS) diet. Methods: Twelve-week-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) female rats were fed on normal (Group N) or HFS (Group HFS) diet for 12 weeks. We conducted urodynamic investigation and pharmacologic in vitro. In addition, we measured gastrocnemius and tibialis muscle weight and protein concentration. The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the bladder were assayed. Results: The urodynamic investigations revealed the significantly shorter intercontraction intervals and lower maximal voiding pressure in Group HFS than in Group N. Furthermore, the absolute and relative weights of the gastrocnemius muscle were found to be significantly lower in Group HFS than in Group N. The protein concentration of the gastrocnemius muscle was also significantly lower in Group HFS than in Group N. The absolute and relative weights of the bladder were also significantly lower in Group HFS than in Group N. The contractile responses of the bladder strips to electrical field stimulation and carbachol were significantly lower in Group HFS than in Group N. The HIF1α and 8OHdG in the bladder muscle were significantly higher in Group HFS than in Group N. The HFS diet reduced bladder capacity and contractility along with the loss of the gastrocnemius muscle. Conclusion: HFS diet promotes bladder dysfunction similar to detrusor hyperreflexia with impaired contractility.

Impact of intraoperative fluid restriction on renal outcomes in patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) requires intraoperative fluid restriction to maintain the optimal view of the operative field during vesicourethral anastomosis and to prevent upper airway edema that may occur due to the steep Trendelenburg position. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that our fluid restriction regimen would not increase postoperative serum creatinine (sCr) levels in patients undergoing RALP. The fluid regimen involved maintaining a crystalloid infusion at 1 ml/kg/h until completion of vesicourethral anastomosis, then rapid infusion of 15 ml/kg within 30 min, followed by maintenance at 1.5 ml/kg/h until post-operative day (POD) 1. The primary outcome of this study was the change in the sCr level from baseline to POD7. Secondary outcomes were the sCr levels on PODs 1 and 2, the surgical view during vesicourethral anastomosis, and the incidences of re-intubation and acute kidney injury (AKI). Sixty-six patients were eligible for the analysis. The paired t test for non-inferiority showed no significant difference in sCr levels between baseline and POD7 (mean ± standard deviation, 0.79 ± 0.14 vs. 0.80 ± 0.18 mg/dl, p < 0.001). Seven patients developed AKI on POD1, but all but one recovered on POD2. Ninety-seven percent of operations were rated as having a good view of the operative field. There were no cases of re-intubation. This study demonstrated that the fluid restriction regimen of 1 ml/kg/h until completion of vesicourethral anastomosis created a good view of the operative field during vesicourethral anastomosis without increasing postoperative sCr levels in patients undergoing RALP. Trial registration: This trial was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network under registration number UMIN000018088 (registration date; July 1, 2015).

[Pre-Operative Factors Affecting Trifecta Achievement in the Initial Series of Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy].

We investigated pre-operative factors affecting trifecta achievement in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). We retrospectively analyzed 81 patients who underwent RAPN from December 2016 to September 2021 with final malignant pathologies. Trifecta was defined as negative resection margin (RM),warm ischemic time (WIT) less than 25 minutes, and no severe perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo＜III). Factors affecting trifecta achievement were analyzed using sex, age, body mass index, RENAL nephrometry score (low or moderate/high complexity), surgical approach (transabdominal or retroperitoneal), tumor diameter and surgical experiences of each surgeon. Negative RM, WIT less than 25 minutes, and no severe complications were obtained in 75 (93%), 65 (80%), and 79 patients (98%), respectively. The trifecta was achieved in 60 patients (74%). In multivariate regression analysis, surgical experience (OR:0.92, 95% CI : 0.86-0.99) was significantly associated with trifecta achievement. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified 9 cases as the optimal cut-off values for the predication of trifecta achievement (AUC＝0.69,p ＝0.11). The achievement of WIT less than 25 minutes (65 vs 90%, p＜0.01) and trifecta (58 vs 84%,p ＜0.05) were significantly lower in surgical experiences less than 9 cases than in 9 or greater. We conclude that surgical experience in RAPN is an important factor affecting WIT and trifecta achievement in the initial series.

[Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes between Open and Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy].

We compared the perioperative outcomes of open (ORC) and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) for patients with bladder cancer. We retrospectively investigated the intraoperative and 90-day postoperative complications of ORC and RARC performed from March 2014 to September 2021 based on the medical records. Perioperative complications were categorized according to the Clavien- Dindo classification. We used the propensity score matching to adjust for the inherent bias of the different patient characteristics at baseline including gender, age, preoperative chemotherapy, and pathological T classification. Surgery time of RARC was significantly shorter than that of ORC, and blood transfusion was significantly less frequent in RARC than in ORC (3% vs 81%, p＜0.01). The rate of overall complications of Grade III/IV was lower in RARC (8%) than in ORC (25%) (P＝0.09). The prevalence of perioperative urinary tract infection, ileus, and abscess/infectious cyst was similar in ORC and RARC. In patients who underwent RARC, the complication rate was similar in extracorporeal and intracorporeal urinary diversion. Compared to ORC, RARC is more beneficial to reduce blood loss and severe complications.

Efficacy of TAC-302 for patients with detrusor underactivity and overactive bladder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study.

PURPOSE: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of TAC-302, a novel drug that restores neurite outgrowth, in patients with detrusor underactivity (DU) and overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: After 2-4 weeks of observation, patients were randomized 2:1 to receive oral TAC-302 200 mg or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was detrusor contraction strength, estimated by bladder contractility index (BCI) for males and projected isovolumetric pressure 1 (PIP1) for females. Secondary endpoints included changes in bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) and safety. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients were included (TAC-302, n = 52; placebo, n = 24). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) BCI for males was 64.6 (16.6) at baseline and 75.2 (21.1) at week 12 (p < 0.001) with TAC-302 (n = 27), and 61.3 (16.6) and 60.5 (16.7) (p = 0.82) with placebo (n = 11). The respective mean (SD) PIP1 for females was 18.8 (6.6) and 29.4 (9.4) (p < 0.001) with TAC-302 (n = 15), and 20.6 (7.5) and 25.5 (9.6) (p = 0.14) with placebo (n = 7). TAC-302 significantly increased BCI in males and BVE in both sexes. TAC-302 efficacy on OAB was not clearly shown. The incidences of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and AEs leading to dose interruption were similar between groups; no adverse drug reactions occurred. CONCLUSION: Considering the significant effects on BCI in males and BVE in both sexes, TAC-302 may benefit patients with DU. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03175029 registered 6/5/2017.

Current Knowledge and Novel Frontiers in Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction after Spinal Cord Injury: Basic Research Perspectives.

This review article aims to summarize the recent advancement in basic research on lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) following spinal cord injury (SCI) above the sacral level. We particularly focused on the neurophysiologic mechanisms controlling the lower urinary tract (LUT) function and the SCI-induced changes in micturition control in animal models of SCI. The LUT has two main functions, the storage and voiding of urine, that are regulated by a complex neural control system. This neural system coordinates the activity of two functional units in the LUT: the urinary bladder and an outlet including bladder neck, urethra, and striated muscles of the pelvic floor. During the storage phase, the outlet is closed and the bladder is quiescent to maintain a low intravesical pressure and continence, and during the voiding phase, the outlet relaxes and the bladder contracts to promote efficient release of urine. SCI impairs voluntary control of voiding as well as the normal reflex pathways that coordinate bladder and sphincter function. Following SCI, the bladder is initially areflexic but then becomes hyperreflexic due to the emergence of a spinal micturition reflex pathway. However, the bladder does not empty efficiently because coordination between the bladder and urethral sphincter is lost. In animal models of SCI, hyperexcitability of silent C-fiber bladder afferents is a major pathophysiological basis of neurogenic LUTD, especially detrusor overactivity. Reflex plasticity is associated with changes in the properties of neuropeptides, neurotrophic factors, or chemical receptors of afferent neurons. Not only C-fiber but also Aδ-fiber could be involved in the emergence of neurogenic LUTD such as detrusor sphincter dyssynergia following SCI. Animal research using disease models helps us to detect the different contributing factors for LUTD due to SCI and to find potential targets for new treatments.

Deterioration of bladder compliance after botulinum toxin A injection and discontinuation of medication for overactive bladder.

Introduction: We report a case of deterioration of bladder compliance after botulinum toxin type A injection and discontinuation of medication for overactive bladder. Case presentation: A female patient with overactive bladder in her sixties had been visiting our outpatient clinic regularly for 4 years. She had received posterolateral spondylus fusion twice, which resulted in a compression fracture. She had been receiving a combination therapy of anticholinergics and ß3-adrenoceptor agonist for the management of overactive bladder. She received botulinum toxin type A injection for refractory overactive bladder and discontinued medical treatment for overactive bladder. Three months after botulinum toxin type A injection, cystometry revealed the deterioration of bladder compliance. Renal dysfunction, hydronephrosis, and vesicoureteral reflux were shown. Renal function and hydronephrosis were improved after restarting anticholinergics and ß3-adrenoceptor agonist therapy and inserting a temporary transurethral catheter. Conclusion: Deterioration of bladder compliance may occur after botulinum toxin type A injection and discontinuation of overactive bladder medication in some patients with underlying neurological disease.

[Treatment Outcome of Ureteral Reconstruction Surgery].

We retrospectively reviewed the surgical outcome of ureteral reconstruction that was performed in Asahikawa Medical University Hospital between 2005 and 2021. A total of 14 patients (3 males, 11 females; 15 ureters) were included in this analysis. The median age was 57 years old. The reason for ureteral reconstruction was ureteral injury or stenosis due to pelvic surgery in 9 patients, transurethral lithotripsy for ureteral stone in 3, ureteral invasion of sigmoid colon cancer in one and ovarian cancer in one. The site of ureteral reconstruction was proximal ureter in 2, middle in 3 and distal in 10. The surgical procedure was ureteroneocystostomy with Boari flap in 8 patients (57%), ureteroureterostomy in 4 (21%), transureteroureterostomy in one (7%), and transureteroureterostomy combined with Boari flap for bilateral ureteral stenosis in the remaining patient (7%). Postoperatively, vesicoureteral reflux, ileus and surgical site infection were observed in 3, 2 and 1 patient, respectively. No patient required nephrostomy or ureteral catheter, or any additional procedure after the surgery. There was no episode of febrile urinary tract infection after the surgery. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was, respectivery 75.8 and 78.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 before surgery and at 1-101 months (median of 18) after the surgery. In conclusion, satisfactory outcome was achieved after ureteral reconstruction surgery. We emphasize the importance of selecting the most appropriate procedure for ureteral reconstruction in each patient to prevent renal function deterioration and urinary tract infection.

[Clinical Significance of Preoperative Image Classification Systems in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy].

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is being used in Japan as a less invasive procedure. RENAL nephrometry (RN) score, Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA) Classification and Simplified PADUA Renal (SPARE) nephrometry system are tumor-specific morphometry scoring systems used for predicting the difficulty of partial nephrectomy. Adherent perinephric fat (APF) is one of the patient-specific factors related to the difficulty of partial nephrectomy. Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) score measures the difficulty of partial nephrectomy due to APF. Whether these scoring systems were associated with perioperative outcome of RAPN was retrospectively analyzed in 57 patients who underwent RAPN by two experienced surgeons at our hospital from December 2016 to March 2020. Forty-five patients were male and 12 were female. The right side was resected in 25 and the left side in 32 patients. The approach was transperitoneal in 42 and retroperitoneal in 15 patients. There were significant correlations among RN, PADUA and SPARE scores, while MAP score was independent from the other scores. Warm ischemic time was significantly correlated with RN (r＝0.46, p＜0.001), PADUA (r＝0.45, p＜0.001) and SPARE scores (r＝0.44, p＜0.001). Time for console was significantly correlated with MAP score (r＝0.28, p＝0.035). In conclusion, RN and MAP scores might be useful parameters to predict warm ischemic time and time for console during RAPN, respectively.

Dutasteride add-on treatment to tadalafil for patients with benign prostatic enlargement is similarly effective as dutasteride add-on treatment to alpha blocker: a propensity-score matching analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of dutasteride add-on treatment to tadalafil in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in patients with BPE who had not been satisfied with tadalafil monotherapy for more than 3 months. Inclusion criteria were prostate volume (PV) ≥ 30 ml and IPSS ≥ 8 or QOL index ≥ 3 under administration of tadalafil without anticholinergic agent. Before and 24 weeks after dutasteride add-on treatment to tadalafil, we assessed IPSS, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), serum PSA and testosterone, and uroflowmetry (UFM) to compare these parameters before and after dutasteride add-on treatment. Using a propensity-score matching analysis, the efficacy of dutasteride add-on treatment to tadalafil was compared with the previous study of dutasteride add-on treatment to alpha blocker. RESULTS: Of 52 patients who were enrolled in this study, 48 patients completed the study (mean age: 72 ± 5 years old). Dutasteride add-on treatment to tadalafil significantly improved IPSS (from 16.4 ± 5.2 to 13.3 ± 6.4) and IPSS-QOL (from 4.0 ± 1.2 to 3.3 ± 1.1), and reduced PV from 55 ± 26 to 39 ± 22 ml. Propensity-score matching identified 42 matched pairs of patients. The improvement rate of IPSS and reduction rate of PV were similar between patients treated with dutasteride add-on treatment to tadalafil and dutasteride add-on treatment to alpha blocker. The logistic regression analysis showed that PV at baseline and reduction rate of PV after treatment were associated with the effective symptomatic outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The dutasteride add-on is a reasonable treatment option for male patients with LUTS who are not satisfied with tadalafil monotherapy.

Gracilis muscle flap combined with a laparoscopic transabdominal approach is effective in the treatment of post-prostatectomy rectourethral fistula: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Rectourethral fistula (RUF) after prostatectomy is a rare complication; however, when it occurs it is likely to be intractable and treatment requires surgical closure of the fistula. Several approaches to fistula closure have been reported, but there is no established treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 66-year-old man who had undergone robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. On the 16th postoperative day, RUF was diagnosed. Cystostomy, laparoscopic ileostomy and transanal fistula closure were performed, and conservative treatment was continued for 5 months; however, the RUF remained, so the patient underwent fistula closure with a gracilis muscle flap using both transperineal and laparoscopic manipulation. Because it was a high fistula, the RUF was difficult to fill with a transperineal approach alone; however, in combination with laparoscopic manipulation, the appropriate filling of the fistula was possible. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Although few reports have described the use of the laparoscopic transabdominal approach in combination with a transperineal gracilis muscle flap, the advantages of this technique are that the superior part of the fistula can be dissected, the flap can be filled more securely than with a transperineal approach alone, and transabdominal manipulation can be performed in a less invasive manner. In addition, by coordinating perineal and laparoscopic manipulation, we were able to close the fistula without organ damage by safe dissection. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach is useful for RUF closure because it allows the interposition of the flap to reliably fill the space between the bladder and the rectum.