The Current Status of Development of Korean Clinical Practice Guidelines in Urology

The clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is made step by step. The evidences that have been published were searched and a group of experts make a consensus based in the evidences. The CPGs in the medical field, where utilizations and interests are increasing, must be confirmed in the management of quality. The Korean Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (K-AGREE II) tool that helps to manage the quality of CPGs and to develop CPGs was translated by the Steering Committee for Clinical Practice Guideline. It is divided into 6 domains and each domains are independent. It is consisted of 23 items as detail and 2 items for the overall evaluation. Only fifteen CPGs are successfully certified using the K-AGREE II tool in the Korean Medical Guideline Information Center from 2013 and 3 CPGs made by the Korea Urological Association and the associated societies are certified successfully. With the level of certification of CPGs is higher, the Korea Urological Association and the associated societies are also try to develop CPGs that meet their level of certification. The Korean clinical practice guideline for the treatment of prostate cancer developed recently is the evidence of effort.

The Treatments for Low-Risk Prostate Cancer

Recently, the prevalence of prostate cancer has been increased with the screening of prostate-specific antigen and the increase in the elderly population. In particular, the diagnosis of the low-risk prostate cancer has increased greatly, and social interest for overtreatment has been heightened in Korea. Therefore, this review aimed to provide evidence-based treatment guidelines in low-risk prostate cancer based on Korean population. The literature provides evidence on treatment options, such as watchful waiting, active surveillance, radical prostatectomy, and radiation therapy according to the life expectancy of patients with low-risk prostate cancer. Furthermore, this review provides information on the efficacy of pelvic lymph node dissection and adjuvant radiation therapy during/after radical prostatectomy in low-risk prostate cancer.

The Treatments for Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer

The population of intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients is a large heterogeneous group with diverse prognoses and challenges the struggle to develop more meticulous and standardized treatment recommendations. Furthermore, there are no specific treatment guidelines based on Korean patients although the cancer nature of this patient group is known to be somewhat different from those of western patients. This review will examine the treatment options for intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients in specific clinical situations. The literature provides evidence that combining androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for 6 months with radiation therapy (RT) may have superior survival than RT alone. Also, patients with adverse pathologic features and lymph node metastasis will benefit from adjuvant RT and ADT respectively after radical prostatectomy (RP). In addition, patients with life expectancy ≥10 years will benefit from lymphadenectomy during RP when lymph node metastasis is suspected as well as neurovascular bundle saving during RP is recommended because of its superior functional results.

The Treatment of Metastatic and Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients in Korea

The treatment of advanced prostate cancer has rapidly evolved. Androgen deprivation therapy is recognized as the first-line therapy for metastatic disease; however, a substantial proportion of patients will eventually progress to develop castration-resistance. For the past several years, docetaxel-based chemotherapy has shown significant therapeutic benefit in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Over the last 5 years, several new agents such as the enzalutamide, abiraterone, cabazitaxel, and 223radium have been developed which have all been associated with improved quality of life, pain palliation, and an increase in survival. Unfortunately, there are no Korean treatment guideline for metastatic prostate cancer and/or castration-resistant prostate cancer which has been developed based on adequate review and assessment of evidences. Thus, a guideline adequate for domestic circumstances is eagerly needed. The Korean Association for Clinical Oncology, the Korean Prostate Society, the Korean Urological Oncology Society, and the Korean Society of Pathologists reviewed and endorsed the guidelines.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Antibiotic Treatment of Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infectious diseases that commonly occur in communities. Although several international guidelines for the management of UTIs have been available, clinical characteristics, etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns may differ from country to country. This work represents an update of the 2011 Korean guideline for UTIs. The current guideline was developed by the update and adaptation method. This clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for the diagnosis and management of UTIs, including asymptomatic bacteriuria, acute uncomplicated cystitis, acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis, complicated pyelonephritis related to urinary tract obstruction, and acute bacterial prostatitis. This guideline targets community-acquired UTIs occurring among adult patients. Healthcare-associated UTIs, catheter-associated UTIs, and infections in immunocompromised patients were not included in this guideline.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Antibiotic Treatment of Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infectious diseases that commonly occur in communities. Although several international guidelines for the management of UTIs have been available, clinical characteristics, etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns may differ from country to country. This work represents an update of the 2011 Korean guideline for UTIs. The current guideline was developed by the update and adaptation method. This clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for the diagnosis and management of UTIs, including asymptomatic bacteriuria, acute uncomplicated cystitis, acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis, complicated pyelonephritis related to urinary tract obstruction, and acute bacterial prostatitis. This guideline targets community-acquired UTIs occurring among adult patients. Healthcare-associated UTIs, catheter-associated UTIs, and infections in immunocompromised patients were not included in this guideline.

Which Exercise Is Better for Increasing Serum Testosterone Levels in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction?

PURPOSE: We investigated the correlations of serum total testosterone (TT) levels with body composition and physical fitness parameters in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) to know the best exercise for testosterone deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven ED patients underwent serum TT assessment as well as body composition and basic exercise testing. The bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to assess body composition. Seven types of basic exercise tests were used to determine physical fitness. Correlations between serum TT levels and body composition/physical function parameters were evaluated using partial correlation analyses. A serum TT cut-off value was obtained for the parameters significantly correlated with serum TT levels. RESULTS: The subjects had a mean serum TT level of 342.1 ng/dL. Among the body composition parameters, body and abdominal fat percentages showed statistically significant negative correlations with serum TT levels. Among the basic exercise test parameters, only the cycle ergometer test for cardiorespiratory fitness showed a statistically significant positive correlation with serum TT levels. CONCLUSIONS: Serum TT levels in patients with ED, may be increased by reducing fat percentage and improving cardiorespiratory fitness via aerobic exercise.

Anti-tumor Immune Response after Cryoablation in Renal Cell Carcinoma Murine Model

PURPOSE: Cryoablation has been used successfully for the local treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Besides local destruction, Cryoablation has an immunogenic nature. In this study, we evaluated the anti-tumor immune response induced by cryoablation in renal cell carcinoma murine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renal cell carcinoma was produced in BALB/c mice by the subcutaneous inoculation of Renca cells in the thigh. After 7 days, the tumors were removed using liquid nitrogen in cryoablation group and bipolar electrocoagulation in electrocautery group. For twelve days after re-inoculation of Renca cells at contralateral thigh, tumor volumes were measured daily to assess the effect against the growth of tumor. The immunocyte levels (T4, T8, B and NK cell) were determined to evaluate immune activity by FACS (Fluorescence activated cell sorter) analysis. The effect of cryoablation to induce apoptosis of tumor was evaluated by TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labeling) assay. RESULTS: The tumor volume of cryoablation group was significantly smaller than that of electrocautery group and control (p<0.05). Comparing with control, T cell level was significantly increased after cryoablation (p<0.05), but no group had a significant difference in the levels of B cell and NK cell by FACS analysis. The apoptosis index % of cryoablation group was significantly increased than that of control group (p<0.05) by TUNEL. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoablation could result in the inhibition of re-inoculated tumor growth and induce T cell mediated immune response. The active immune response may be attributed to the apoptosis of tumor after cryoablation.

Population-Based Survey on Disease Insight, Quality of Life, and Health-Seeking Behavior Associated With Female Urinary Incontinence / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate disease insight, personal distress, and healthcare-seeking behavior of women with urinary incontinence (UI) to improve women's health in Korea. METHODS: In October 2012, 500 Korean women residing around Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do were selected by random sampling for a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted by computer-aided telephone interview. Sixteen questions, which included information on demographic characteristics, information sources, disease insights, and general health-seeking behavior, were used for data collection. RESULTS: Among the responders, 23.8% experienced UI, the prevalence of which increased with increasing age; 83.3% knew about UI through the mass media out of 98.2% apprehended people. Regarding general awareness of UI, 77.2% understood that UI is caused by aging. A total of 48.7% of subjects experienced societal restrictions because of UI. Most women in their 30s (25.6%) acquired UI information from the Internet, while those in their 50s and 60s (50-59 years, 51.1%; 60-64 years, 42.4%) learned about UI through friends. Among subjects who did not have UI, 89.37% intended to see a doctor or consult a professional if they developed UI (83.2%). Among those with UI, however, only 59.0% had talked about UI; 79.7% had talked with friends or associates, whereas only 23.2% had consulted a professional. CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents tended to obtain information on UI through the mass media. Subjects who did not have UI expressed their intention to consult a professional if they developed UI, while the percentage of subjects with UI who had consulted a professional was very low. Many women are ashamed of UI in Korea, which may be changed by providing efficient advertising with the right information and establishing a new perception of UI.

A Meta-Analysis of Long- Versus Short-Acting Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: Comparing Combination Use With alpha-Blockers and alpha-Blocker Monotherapy for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunction / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Combination therapy with an alpha-1-adrenergic blocker and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) has shown improvements in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with negligible side effects. Nonetheless, decisive advantages in symptom improvement were insufficient, and there were no clinical differences between long- or short-acting PDE5Is in combination with combination medication. METHODS: To review the studies on alpha-1-adrenergic blocker monotherapy and combination therapy with long vs. short-acting PDE5Is in their use in LUTS and erectile dysfunction (ED). A search of the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed databases was conducted from 2000 to 2014 using combinations of the relevant terms. Among the 323 relevant references discovered, 10 were selected for meta-analysis. The data showed that 616 men received combination therapy (PDE5Is with alpha-1-adrenergic blockers) or alpha-1-adrenergic blocker monotherapy. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of the combination therapy showed it was more effective than alpha-blockers in improving symptoms, with a mean International Prostrate Symptom Score change difference of -1.93 while those of the long- vs. short-acting PDE5I were -2.12 vs. -1.70. Compared to maximum flow rate (Qmax) value with monotherapy, the Qmax increased more with the combination therapy (mean difference of 0.71) while change values were 0.14 and 1.13 for the long- and short-acting PDE5Is, respectively. Residual urine decreased more with the combination therapy than it did with alpha-1-adrenergic blocker monotherapy with a mean difference of -7.09 while the mean residual urine change values for long- vs. short-acting PDE5Is were -18.83 vs. -5.93. The International Index of Erectile Function value increased by 3.99, 2.85, and 4.85 following combination therapy, and therapy with long- and short-acting PDE5Is. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests that PDE5Is can signicantly improve LUTS in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia/ED. Furthermore, combination PDE5I and alpha-1-adrenergic blocker could be a more effective treatment than alpha-1-adrenergic blocker monotherapy, and the differences between long and short-acting agents were minimal.

Preoperative Erythropoietin Administration in Patients With Prostate Cancer Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy Without Transfusion

PURPOSE: In this study, we administered erythropoietin preoperatively to patients who underwent open radical prostatectomy without transfusion to increase their hemoglobin levels and investigated the efficacy of this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 62 patients who underwent open radical prostatectomy performed by the same surgeon between June 2005 and January 2011. The 22 patients who refused transfusion were assigned to group 1; the patients who accepted transfusion were assigned to group 2. Before surgery, we administered erythropoietin beta to group 1 patients whose hemoglobin levels were <12 g/dL and retrospectively compared the clinical data of the two groups. We used the t-test and the chi-square test for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean preoperative hemoglobin levels in group 1 after erythropoietin administration (14.5 g/dL) were significantly higher than those in group 2 (13.59 g/dL, p=0.003). Moreover, the difference in the mean hemoglobin levels before and after surgery for group 1 patients (3.55 g/dL) significantly exceeded that for group 2 patients (2.08 g/dL, p=0.000). Additional analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in perioperative complications between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative erythropoietin administration increased the safety margin of hemoglobin levels, and this strategy worked sufficiently well in our experience.

Nationwide Database of Surgical Treatment Pattern for Patients With Stress Urinary Incontinence in Korea / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Nationwide database regarding stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is important for evaluating treatment patterns for SUI and for establishing appropriate national policies regarding SUI management. The purpose of this present study was to investigate surgical treatment patterns for women with SUI and analyze the current status of SUI management in Korea by using a nationwide database. METHODS: Data used for investigating the surgical trends and changes in Korea were retrieved from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service from 2008 to 2011. RESULTS: The number of surgical cases of SUI decreased continuously from 2008 to 2011. The proportion of transvaginal surgery using a midurethral sling increased continuously. Sling procedures were most commonly performed for women in their 40s followed by women in their 50s. Transvaginal surgery using a single sling or a readjustable sling was performed from 5.6% to 6.1%, which showed no significant change in the number of surgical cases. CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing need for an appropriate national welfare policy and budget to care for aged and super-aged women in Korea. The early detection and intervention of silent SUI should be actively considered as an important preventive strategy to improve the quality of life in younger women.

Primary Adenocarcinoma of the Rete Testis With Preceding Detection of Unilateral Hydronephrosis

Primary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a rare malignant testicular tumor with a poor prognosis. Here we report the case of a 54-year-old man with right hydronephrosis that was detected before the diagnosis of the primary testicular lesion. During the evaluation of the right hydronephrosis by use of abdominopelvic computed tomography, a painless, hard, solid lesion was found on the right testis. The patient underwent radical orchiectomy, and the pathologic examination revealed an adenocarcinoma of the rete testis. Multiple metastases were present at the time of diagnosis. The patient received combined chemotherapy after the surgery but lived only 8 months after the initial diagnosis.

Primary Adenocarcinoma of the Rete Testis With Preceding Detection of Unilateral Hydronephrosis

Primary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a rare malignant testicular tumor with a poor prognosis. Here we report the case of a 54-year-old man with right hydronephrosis that was detected before the diagnosis of the primary testicular lesion. During the evaluation of the right hydronephrosis by use of abdominopelvic computed tomography, a painless, hard, solid lesion was found on the right testis. The patient underwent radical orchiectomy, and the pathologic examination revealed an adenocarcinoma of the rete testis. Multiple metastases were present at the time of diagnosis. The patient received combined chemotherapy after the surgery but lived only 8 months after the initial diagnosis.

Efficacy of Periprostatic Anesthesia according to Lidocaine Dose during Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy of the Prostate

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of periprostatic lidocaine injection according to lidocaine dose during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects of this study were 92 patients who had undergone transrectal ultrasound-guided 12-core biopsy of the prostate. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups: group 1 (n=31, no lidocaine injection), group 2 (n=30, periprostatic injection of 10 ml 1% lidocaine), and group 3 (n=31, periprostatic injection of 20 ml 1% lidocaine). The patients were assessed for pain by use of a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) and for other complications after the procedure. RESULTS: The mean VAS scores of groups 1 through 3 were 0.93+/-0.89, 1.32+/-1.37, and 1.13+/-1.10, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups. However, the mean VAS score of the biopsy pain was 5.0+/-1.48, 3.93+/-1.94, and 3.60+/-2.15, in the same groups, respectively, with statistically significant differences between group 1 and the other groups. Patients in groups 2 and 3 reported significantly less biopsy pain than did group 1 patients (p=0.004, 0.021), with no statistically significant difference in VAS score between groups 2 and 3 (p=0.533). With respect to post-biopsy complications, there were no significant differences in the incidence of hematuria, hematospermia, rectal bleeding, or infection among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Periprostatic injection of local anesthesia with lidocaine was associated with significantly less pain than in the absence of anesthesia. Furthermore, a 20-ml dose of lidocaine produced no better pain control than did a 10-ml lidocaine dose for prostate biopsy.

Efficacy of Periprostatic Anesthesia according to Lidocaine Dose during Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy of the Prostate

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of periprostatic lidocaine injection according to lidocaine dose during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects of this study were 92 patients who had undergone transrectal ultrasound-guided 12-core biopsy of the prostate. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups: group 1 (n=31, no lidocaine injection), group 2 (n=30, periprostatic injection of 10 ml 1% lidocaine), and group 3 (n=31, periprostatic injection of 20 ml 1% lidocaine). The patients were assessed for pain by use of a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) and for other complications after the procedure. RESULTS: The mean VAS scores of groups 1 through 3 were 0.93+/-0.89, 1.32+/-1.37, and 1.13+/-1.10, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups. However, the mean VAS score of the biopsy pain was 5.0+/-1.48, 3.93+/-1.94, and 3.60+/-2.15, in the same groups, respectively, with statistically significant differences between group 1 and the other groups. Patients in groups 2 and 3 reported significantly less biopsy pain than did group 1 patients (p=0.004, 0.021), with no statistically significant difference in VAS score between groups 2 and 3 (p=0.533). With respect to post-biopsy complications, there were no significant differences in the incidence of hematuria, hematospermia, rectal bleeding, or infection among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Periprostatic injection of local anesthesia with lidocaine was associated with significantly less pain than in the absence of anesthesia. Furthermore, a 20-ml dose of lidocaine produced no better pain control than did a 10-ml lidocaine dose for prostate biopsy.

Cystic Dysplasia of the Rete Testis Accompanying an Inguinal Hernia: A 63-Year-Old Man

Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis (CDT) is a very rare congenital benign testicular tumor that is often associated with ipsilateral genitourinary anomalies. It is usually found in the pediatric population and must be differentially diagnosed from a malignant lesion. Here we report the case of a 63-year-old man with a left inguinal hernia who visited our urologic outpatient clinic. Scrotal ultrasonography showed a left direct inguinal hernia in the inguinal area and a well-circumscribed cystic lesion containing multiple minute cysts with echogenic foci occupying almost one-third of the left testicular parenchyma. Testicular tumor markers were within the normal range and a computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed no genitourinary abnormalities. We presumed that the left testicular lesion was malignant, and the patient underwent radical orchiectomy. However, the pathologic examination revealed a CDT. Here we present this case of a 63-year-old man with an inguinal hernia accompanied by multiple cystic lesions on the left testis.

A Comparative Study of Varicocelectomy for Painful Varicocele: Modified Palomo, Laparoscopic Approach and Microscopic Subinguinal Approach / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: To compare pre-and postoperative scrotal pain in patients with varicocele who underwent varicocelectomy with different approaches and to identify the factors that affect the outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 patients with left-sided varicocele who had left scrotal pain was included and followed up for more than 3 months. Twenty patients underwent varicocele ligation using modified Palomo, fifteen with laparoscopic approach and thirteen with microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy respectively. Visual pain scale was used at pre-operation and 3 months later postoperatively. We compared age, grade, a character of pain, operation time, a number of pain killer and pain score. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 28.9 years (range 15~58 years). 45 patients described their pain as dull ache and 3 as a sharp sensation. There was complete resolution of pain in 35 patients (72.9%), while 7 (14.5%) had partial resolution. 6 (12.5%) had persistent symptoms and varicocele recurred in 3 (6.2%). There was no significant difference in pain resolution according to surgical approaches. Microsurgical approach had a prolonged operation time, but recurrence was not occurred. 3 patients that had a sharp scrotal pain were included in partial resolution or persistent pain. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical approaches were effective in the treatment of painful varicocele in selected patients and there was no significant difference in pain resolution according to surgical approaches. The sharp scrotal pain was related to the outcome of treatment.

An Infected Epidermal Cyst of Penis: A Complication of Circumcision / 대한남성과학회지

A 21-year old male complained pain in his penis which has rapidly grown in its mass. We found a cystic mobile mass of about 2cm in diameter at the frenulum of the penis. A modified circumcision was performed ten years ago that an incised skin of prepuce was rolled and implanted in the operation site. The patient found an asymptomatic small nodule one month after a circumcision. We found no communication with the urethra. We performed an excision of the mass to confirm the diagnosis. Pathologic examination revealed epidermal cyst and abscess formation. We used antibiotics for treatment of infection.

Scrotal Hydrocele as the First Clinical Manifestation of Occult Gastric Cancer

We report a rare case of a metastatic tumor of the tunica vaginalis and epididymis with hydrocele from occult gastric cancer. A 72-year-old patient showed a painless scrotal swelling. Scrotal ultrasound showed a right hydrocele and a follow-up hydrocelectomy showed a mass on the epididymis. The operation was thus converted to radical orchiectomy. The tumor was revealed as an adenocarcinoma in the tunica vaginalis and epididymis. Abdominal computed tomography found gastric cancer, which was confirmed by a gastric fibroscopy biopsy. The patient was referred to the hemato-oncology department for chemotherapy but died after 3 months.