Significant changes of T2 value in the peripheral zone and seminal vesicles after ejaculation.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the quantitative changes of the prostate and seminal vesicles (SV) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after ejaculation. METHODS: Ten healthy young males were enrolled for T2-weighted and T2 mapping MRI before and after two consecutive ejaculations. T2 values of the peripheral zone (PZ) and the central gland (CG) at the midgland of the prostate were compared before and after ejaculation, respectively. T2 values of the PZ at the apex and base were also compared before and after, respectively. Pre- and post-ejaculation SV volumes were compared. The Wilcoxon's signed rank test with Bonferroni adjustment was used for comparison. RESULTS: After ejaculation, T2 values of the PZ significantly decreased (mean, 119±20 vs. 105±21, p=0.002) while those of the CG did not significantly change at the midgland. At the apex, T2 values of the PZ also decreased significantly (mean, 114±9 vs. 94±7, p=0.002). On the other hand, T2 values of the PZ did not change at the base. SV volumes were significantly reduced after ejaculation (mean, 11.1±7.7mL vs. 7.2±6.7mL, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Ejaculation decreases T2 values of the PZ at the midgland and apex, and reduces SV volumes. Abstinence periods should be considered in evaluating the prostate and SV on MRI. KEY POINTS: • T2 values decrease after ejaculation in the apical-mid peripheral zone. • Ejaculation does not affect T2 values of the central gland. • Volume of the seminal vesicles decreases after ejaculation. • An abstinence period should be considered before pelvic MRI in men.

Testicular sperm extraction for patients with spinal cord injury-related anejaculation: A single-center experience.

OBJECTIVES: To present a single-center experience with testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection for fathering biological children in patients with ejaculatory dysfunction as a result of spinal cord injury. METHODS: Testicular sperm extraction was carried out in 52 male patients with ejaculatory dysfunction as a result of spinal cord injury. We investigated sperm retrieval rates and pregnancy rates from medical records. Data on age, testicular volume, hormonal status (luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone), and time since spinal cord injury were obtained and analyzed to detect potential associations with the presence of spermatogenesis. RESULTS: Testicular sperm retrieval was achieved in 42 of 52 patients (80.7%). Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was carried out for 37 patients, and pregnancy was achieved in 32 (86.5%). The take-home baby rate was 70.2%. In the group with successful sperm extraction, testicular volume was significantly greater, time from spinal cord injury to extraction was significantly shorter, and serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly lower. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels had the strongest association with feasibility of sperm retrieval by testicular sperm extraction. Furthermore, the sperm retrieval rates of patients injured within the preceding 12 years were significantly better than those injured longer before treatment (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection seem to provide favorable results for patients with ejaculatory dysfunction as a result of spinal cord injury. However, early testicular sperm extraction is recommended, because sperm retrieval becomes more difficult with time from spinal cord injury.

Effects of preoperative dutasteride treatment in holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate factors influencing the degree of difficulty in finding and maintaining an appropriate plane on the surgical capsule of the prostate during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. METHODS: A total of 116 men undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostate hyperplasia between January 2010 and September 2013 at our hospital were included in this analysis. The degree of difficulty in finding and maintaining the plane of the surgical capsule of the prostate was retrospectively evaluated and graded by using video-based analysis according to newly defined criteria (grade I, least difficult; grade IV, most difficult). Factors influencing the degree of difficulty were investigated. RESULTS: Video analysis was possible in 99 of 116 patients. Decapsulation difficulty in decapsulation was deemed as being grade I in 32 patients, grade II in 31 patients, grade III in 20 patients and grade IV in 16 patients. Preoperative dutasteride therapy was the only factor associated with an increasing level of difficulty in decapsulation during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. CONCLUSIONS: Although preoperative dutasteride therapy effectively reduces intraoperative blood loss, surgeons with limited experience should be careful with the use of dutasteride, because its administration might increase surgical difficulty during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

Transvesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation: Politano-Leadbetter versus Cohen technique.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcomes of the Politano-Leadbetter and Cohen techniques in laparoscopic pneumovesicum approach for ureteral reimplantation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 24 patients who underwent transvesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation during the period from 2007 to 2014. The patients were treated with either the Cohen or Politano-Leadbetter technique. Operative duration, duration of hospital stay, and success and complication rates were compared. RESULTS: Operative duration was 1 h longer for the Politano-Leadbetter technique than for the Cohen technique (P < 0.05). Foley catheters were removed 2-3 days after the procedures. The mean hospital stay was 3.6 days. Reflux completely resolved in 21 patients (35 ureters, 94.6%), but not in two patients (2 ureters). There was no difference in the success rate or durations of catheterization or hospital stay between patients treated with the Politano-Leadbetter technique and those treated with the Cohen technique. CONCLUSIONS: The Politano-Leadbetter and Cohen techniques are both reliable for transvesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation. Despite a longer operative time, because of the higher surgical complexity, the Politano-Leadbetter ureteral reimplantation offers important physiological advantages over other techniques.

Improvement of seminal quality and sexual function of men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia syndrome following supplementation with L-arginine and Pycnogenol®.

We evaluated the effectiveness of antioxidant co-supplementation therapy using Larginine and Pycnogenol(®) in Japanese men with oligoasthenozoospermia and mild erectile dysfunction (ED). A total of forty-seven adult males with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia syndrome (OAT) were eligible for enrollment. The effectiveness of supplementation with a combination of L-arginine 690 mg and French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol(®)) 60mg for OAT and ED was investigated. The sperm concentration was enhanced significantly after treatment 2 and 4 months (11.79 ± 9.86 to 21.22 ± 28.17 and 20.15 ± 23.99 × 106/ml). Significant improvements in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were observed in the total score of IIEF (57.69 ± 11.04 to 59.43 ± 12.57) and domain of Orgasmic Function (9.01 ± 1.92 to 9.34 ± 1.66) after 4 months of treatment. L-arginine acts to increase the production of nitric oxide and Pycnogenol(®) activates the endothelial nitric oxide synthase and it is a potent antioxidant and inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase. This study suggests that the combination of Pycnogenol(®) and L-arginine (Edicare(®)) is helpful for infertile men to ameliorate simultaneously quality of sperms as well as erectile functions.

[SUCCESSFUL INGUINAL ORCHIECTOMY IN A PATIENT WITH A PAINFUL METASTATIC SPERMATIC CORD TUMOR: A CASE REPORT].

A 71-year-old man was referred to our department due to inflammation in the right scrotum. A tumor in the right spermatic cord was suspected on palpation, and abdominal computed tomography revealed a 4-cm mass in the tail of the pancreas and a low-density lesion in the liver segment 6. In addition, the patient's serum level of CA19-9 was high, at 135.7 U/mi. We referred the patient to our institution's Department of Gastroenterology, where he was diagnosed as having a liver metastasis from pancreatic cancer. Despite three courses of gemcitabine and erlotinib combination therapy for pancreatic cancer, his serum level of CA19-9 increased to 744.0 U/m, indicating no response to chemotherapy. Because uncontrollable pain developed in the right scrotum and right inguinal area during the course of treatment, inguinal orchiectomy was performed for pain management and pathological diagnosis. Careful examination revealed a hard, whitish tumor occupying the right spermatic cord and extending from the epididymis to the internal inguinal ring. Because a palpable mass in the peritoneum near the internal inguinal ring was detected, part of the peritoneum was resected concurrently. Pathological findings were remarkable with spermatic cord metastasis and peritoneal dissemination from pancreatic cancer. Pain subsided postoperatively and no analgesics were needed. Pancreatic cancer accompanied by spermatic cord metastasis and peritoneal dissemination is extremely rare. Surgical resection in the present case provided effective treatment of the intractable pain due to spermatic cord metastasis. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the 14th case reported in Japan of spermatic cord metastasis from pancreatic cancer as a primary cancer.

Role of male pelvic floor muscles and anterior fibromuscular stroma in males on α(1)-blocker treatment: a magnetic resonance imaging study.

Dynamic motion of the pelvic floor muscles during voiding was analyzed using real-time magnetic resonance imaging. To evaluate the contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, striated urethral sphincter distance, levator ani muscle thickness and anterior fibromuscular stroma distance were measured. The percent contraction of the striated urethral sphincter from before voiding to just before initiation of voiding was 14% in the normal group and 5% in the voiding dysfunction group. The percent contraction of the anterior fibromuscular stroma from before voiding to just before initiation of voiding was 11% in the normal group and 1% in the voiding dysfunction group; the percent contraction of the muscles was significantly greater in the normal group (P < 0.05). Striated urethral sphincter and anterior fibromuscular stroma contraction at initiation of voiding open the bladder neck and urethra. This plays an important role in the smooth initiation of voiding.

Antioxidant cosupplementation therapy with vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 in patients with oligoasthenozoospermia.

OBJECTIVE: Overproduction of reactive oxygen species results in oxidative stress, a deleterious process that damages cell structure as well as lipids, proteins, and DNA. Oxidative stress plays a major role in various human diseases, such as oligoasthenozoospermia syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the effectiveness of antioxidant co-supplementation therapy using vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 in men with oligoasthenozoospermia. Overall, 169 infertile men with oligoasthenozoospermia received antioxidant therapy with 80 mg/day vitamin C, 40 mg/day vitamin E, and 120 mg/day coenzyme Q10. We evaluated spermiogram parameters at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Significant improvements were evident in sperm concentration and motility following coenzyme Q10 therapy. Treatment resulted in 48 (28.4%) partner pregnancies, of which 16 (9.5%) were spontaneous. Significant improvements in sperm cell concentration and sperm motility were observed after 3 and 6 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in certain semen parameters. However, further studies are needed to empirically determine the effect of supplementation on pregnancy rate.

[Diagnostic study of the usefulness of virtual endoscopic images and 3-D modeling for lower urinary tract obstruction].

PURPOSE: I observed bladder and urethral morphology and lumen by making a virtual endoscopy (VE) of the bladder and a urethra for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. I have herein reported the procedures to use this model to evaluate the condition of patients more precisely. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of those referred for investigation of lower urinary tract symptoms, subjects were 22 boys (5-13 years old, mean 9) in whom voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was suspected for urethral obstruction between March, 2009 and October, 2010. Eleven of these 22 cases were extracted at random and underwent voiding computed tomography (VCT). Except one dropped out, the 21 cases were assigned to a VCT/VCUG combination group or a VCUG-single group. We confirmed the two groups, the rate of agreement of imaging views and cystourethroscopy (CS) views, and the effectiveness of endoscopic operation. RESULT: I made the following imaging diagnoses in the VCT/VCUG combination group: congenital obstructive posterior urethral membrane (COPUM), n = 7; Cobb's collar, n = 1; and COPUM and Cobb's collar combined, n = 3. In contrast, in the VCUG-single group, I diagnosed COPUM, n = 5; bulbar region urethral stricture, n = 2; posterior urethral expansion, n = 2; and bladder form abnormality, n = 1. The rate of agreement between preoperative diagnosis and CS views on imaging was 72.7% in the VCT/VCUG combination group, and 33.3% in the VCUG-single group. All patients underwent transurethral incision (TUI) of the urethral obstruction. In the VCT/VCUG combination group, effectiveness of the TUI was assessed as good in 2 cases and moderate in 6 cases giving an overall effectiveness rate (good + moderate) of 72.7%. In the VCUG-single group, effectiveness was rated as moderate in 5 cases (overall effectiveness rate = 50%). CONCLUSION: I developed a method of VE for lower urinary tract obstruction of children and examined the effectiveness. This method was found to be more effective than conventional urinary tract imaging. With the developments in the equipment, this method may in future be useful as an adjunct to CS and urodynamic studies.

[Acute scrotal pain].

The onset of the pain, tenderness and swelling in the scrotal content is a common complaint in the urological outpatient. A child with those symptoms should be looked on as an emergency sign requiring emergency surgical exploration as a testicular torsion. Testicular torsion represents a surgical emergency because the likelihood of testicular salvage diminishes with the duration of torsion. Therefore, we must act quickly to identify this condition in any patient who presents with an acute scrotum. The history, physical examination and patient age can provide important clues as to the exact cause of acute scrotal pain. Age is a key factor since many conditions responsible for acute scrotum commonly occur in certain age groups. Moreover, imaging is used more routinely to identify accurate diagnosis.

Comparison between semen parameters in specimens collected early in the morning and in the evening.

The majority of facilities in Japan that offer artificial insemination as part of assisted reproduction programs currently perform semen collection in the early morning. The total motile sperm count of the semen used in intrauterine insemination is an important factor in achieving successful fertilization and subsequent childbirth. The present study was initiated to determine whether semen parameters varied with the time of day at which the semen sample was collected. The study subjects were 20 fertile males and 20 infertile males with abnormal seminograms who attended our Reproduction Center. Semen was collected early in the morning (morning collection group) and in the evening (evening collection group) from the same subjects, and total motile sperm count was assessed as the primary outcome measure. As secondary outcome measures, semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and total sperm count were assessed. A sexual abstinence period of 3 days was set for all participants. The semen samples were analyzed using CASA CEROS, a sperm motility analysis system, and the data from the morning and evening collection groups were compared using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. We found that the fertile males had a significantly higher total motile sperm count and total sperm count in the evening collection group than in the morning collection group. In contrast, the male infertility patients showed no significant difference in total sperm count between the two collection times; however, the total motile sperm count was significantly higher in the evening collection group than the morning collection group. Our analyses indicate that total motile sperm count in ejaculated semen is significantly higher after evening collection than after morning collection. From a male side perspective, we suggest that successful intrauterine insemination might be easier to achieve using semen collected in the evening than in the early morning.Abbreviations: IUI: intrauterine insemination; OAT: oligoasthenoteratozoospermia; TSC: total sperm count; TMSC: total motile sperm count.

The Diagnostic Accuracy of Testicular Torsion by Doctors on Duty Using Sonographic Evaluation with Color Doppler.

As testicular torsion is a medical emergency, it requires quick diagnosis and treatment. Color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) is useful for the diagnosis of testicular torsion. An accurate diagnosis can be difficult when CDUS indicates the preservation of blood flow in the testis. We examined the accuracy of testicular torsion diagnosis in patients with acute scrotum made by doctors on duty using CDUS. The subjects included 26 patients who visited our department between January 2016 and June 2018 presenting with acute scrotal pain. Patients were placed into one of three groups based on testicular blood flow evaluated by CDUS. The first group had no testicular blood flow, the second had diminished blood flow, and the last group had normal or increased blood flow. Patients were also diagnosed through scrotal exploration. Finally, patients were further divided into two groups identified by CDUS frequency utilized during diagnosis (12 MHz groups and ≤8 MHz groups), and the diagnostic accuracy of the two groups was compared. Characterizing torsion by either the absence of or diminished, testicular blood flow in the CDUS evaluation, the sensitivity and specificity of the CDUS performed by doctors on duty accounted for 69.2% and 53.8%, respectively. No improvement in diagnostic accuracy was evident despite the usage of a 12-MHz ultrasonic transducer. In this study, the sensitivity of CDUS performed by doctors on duty was about 70%, suggesting that scrotal exploration should be performed promptly even if testicular blood flow is observed and testicular torsion is suspected from medical history and body findings.

[Clinical significance of risedronate for patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy].

PURPOSE: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with prostate cancer is associated with bone loss. We investigated the effectiveness of risedronate about a decreasing bone mineral density in patients with prostate cancer on ADT. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study was conducted in Kitasato University Hospital from April 2004 to October 2006. A total of 69 men with prostate cancer were assigned to receive either oral risedronate or none during ADT (hormone naïve). The treatment group was 58 men and taking 2.5 mg risedronate per day. The control group was 11 men. At baseline, we assessed BMD (bone mineral density) by DEXA and urinary NTX, and measured for these changes every 6 months. RESULT: At baseline, each BMDs had no significant difference at the lumber and total hip. At the first 6-month stage, the change in BMD percentage between the 2 groups was statistically significantly different at lumber (p = 0.002) and total hip (p = 0.038). At the 12-month stage, the change in the BMD percentage between the 2 groups was statistically significantly different at the lumber (p = 0.038). And each difference made out that the risedronate group was preserving BMD. In urinary NTX, bone turn over was statistically significantly decreased with the risedronate group compared with the control group at the 12-month stage (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: We assure the beginning of bone loss at an early date (6 months) with ADT. Daily oral risedronate in patients with receiving ADT reduces bone mineral loss and maintain BMD.

Pyoderma gangrenosum after radical prostatectomy: case report.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a skin disease characterized by an unknown neutrophilic infiltration in dermis and a nonbacterial destructive ulcer. Post-operative PG is an extremely rare type that occurs around surgical sites during the immediate post-operative period. It is usually diagnosed as surgical site infection at the time of presentation. The condition rapidly worsens despite antibiotic treatment and debridement. We report on a case of post-operative PG in a 64-year-old man after radical prostatectomy. Following the operation, redness and pus from surgical site rapidly progress although repeated antibiotic therapy and debridement were performed. Although the patient received appropriate debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment, the ulcerative lesion spread surrounding drain region and the condition of the skin region deteriorated. The diagnosis of PG was made by a skin biopsy that presented only neutrophilic invasion in the dermis without vasculitis, tumor, or malignancy. Finally, the patient died of lesion progression in whole body and multiple organ dysfunction. Considering PG along with ulcers, wounds, and post-operative complications is critical for prompt diagnosis and proper treatment.

Significance of lymphatic invasion and proliferation on regional lymph node metastasis in renal cell carcinoma.

We studied the associations of lymphatic invasion and lymphatic vessel density around tumors with lymph node (LN) status in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by immunohistochemical analysis using D2-40 antibody as a lymphatic marker. Surgically removed specimens from 76 cases with RCC, including 16 cases with LN metastasis, were used. Lymphatic vessel density around the tumor increased compared with normal kidneys but was not significant by LN status. Tumor size, tumor cell types, patterns of tumor growth, nuclear grade of tumor cells, venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, and primary tumor stage were predictive factors for LN metastasis. Based on multivariate regression analysis, only lymphatic invasion was an independent risk factor for LN metastasis. The immunohistochemical detection of lymphatics was useful for identifying the lymphatic invasion of RCC, and the presence of lymphatic invasion around RCC was an independent predictive factor for LN metastasis.

[Spontaneous migration of a metal clip into renal pelvis after laparoscopic pyeloplasty: a case report].

Migration of surgical materials into the urinary tract is very rare. We present a case of spontaneous migration of a metal clip into renal pelvis after laparoscopic pyeloplasty. A 44-year-old woman who had a long history of multiple sclerosis presented with symptomatic left hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Since antegrade endopyelotomy was unsuccessful, the patient underwent laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty. The UPJ was wrapped with thick inflammatory tissue and a crossing vessel that firmly adhered to the UPJ was found and dissected. Metal clips were used for hemostasis. Although the hydronephrosis was improved and flank pain was completely dissolved, a stone was identified in the pelvis 22 months after the surgery. The stone was formed around a metal clip that had been possibly migrated into the renal pelvis. Transureteral lithotripsy was performed using an 8F ureterofiberscope and a clip was removed.

Effects of a supplement combining Pycnogenol® and l-arginine aspartate on lower urinary dysfunction compared with saw palmetto extract.

OBJECTIVES: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual dysfunction (SDys) are common problems that affect quality of life (QOL) in elderly men. In addition to prescribed drugs, many over-the-counter medications including supplements are used to treat QOL diseases. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors are reported to be effective for both LUTS and SDys by increasing nitric oxide levels. French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol®, which is a potent nitric oxide donor, is reported to be effective for SDys. However, no reports have been published on whether it ameliorates LUTS. DESIGN: Open-labeled, randomized study. The effects of two supplements, Nokogiriyashi EX® containing 160 mg saw palmetto (SP) extract per tablet and Edicare® containing 10 mg of Pycnogenol®, 115 mg of l-arginine and 92 mg of aspartate (PAA) per tablet on International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS-QOL, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF5), Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), urinary 8-OHdG and uroflowmetry (UFM) of total 40 men with LUTS and SDys were examined. RESULTS: 19 subjects were instructed to take two tablets of SP, on the other 20 were on four tablets of PAA for 16 weeks. IPSS and IPSS-QOL showed statistically significant improvements in both groups. OABSS and IIEF5 were significantly improved in the PAA group. Conversely, ICIQ-SF, 8-OHdG and UFM did not change in either group. CONCLUSIONS: PAA might be an effective therapeutic alternative for elderly patients with LUTS and SDys.

Clinical efficacy and tolerability of Gosha-jinki-gan, a Japanese traditional herbal medicine, for nocturia.

We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of Gosha-jinki-gan (GJG; jì sheng shèn qì wán) in 30 cases of nocturia ( yè niào) unresponsive to α1-blockers or antimuscarinic drugs. All patients received GJG extract powder (2.5 g) three times a day for 12 weeks as an add-on therapy to α1-blockers or antimuscarinic drugs. Subjective outcomes assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score-quality of life, and the benign prostatic hyperplasia impact index and objective outcomes assessed by urinary frequency and the urine production rate at night showed significant improvement after treatment. Moreover, other objective outcomes assessed by maximum flow rates, postvoid residual, serum human atrial natriuretic peptide levels, and urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels did not change. Adverse events were observed in 10% of cases; however, these events were mild. GJG appears to be a safe and effective potential therapeutic alternative for patients with nocturia unresponsive to α1-blockers or antimuscarinic drugs. Further clinical investigations are required to elucidate the precise pathophysiologic mechanisms of GJG in nocturia.