Toggling Technique Allows Retrograde Early Release to Facilitate Neurovascular Bundle Sparing During Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Propensity ScoreMatching Study

Background@#This study aimed to present the surgical facilitation of neurovascular bundle (NVB) sparing using the toggling technique (30° lens down/up switching) and to evaluate erectile dysfunction (ED) recovery after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). @*Methods@#We assessed 144 patients (group with toggling, n = 72; group without toggling, n = 72) who underwent RARP with bilateral NVB sparing using propensity score matching.Inclusion criteria were ≥ 1 year follow-up and preoperative potency as per the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire (≥ 17 points). Recovery of ED after RARP was defined as return to baseline sexual function or self-assessment regarding successful intercourse. The subjective surgeon’s nerve sparing (SNS) score and tunneling success rates were used to evaluate surgical facilitation. The recovery rate of ED between the groups was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. @*Results@#A better ED recovery trend was confirmed according to the SNS score (R 2 = 0.142, P = 0.004). In the analysis of NVB sparing ease, the toggling group showed higher SNS scores (on right/left side: P = 0.011 and < 0.001, respectively) and overall tunneling success rates (87% vs. 74%, P = 0.001) than the group without toggling. Overall, ED recovery rates were 82% (59/72) and 75% (54/72) in the groups with and without toggling, respectively, at the 1-year follow-up (P = 0.047), and the toggling group showed a faster ED recovery rate at 3 months (47% vs. 35%, P = 0.013). In a specific analysis of the potent cohort (< 60 years, bilateral full NVB spared, SHIM score ≥ 22), the ED recovery rate reached 87% (14/16) in the toggling group. @*Conclusion@#The retrograde early release with the toggling technique improves the facilitation of NVB sparing, leading to improved ED recovery.

A Predictive Model Based on Bi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Parameters for Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in the Korean Population / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for the assessment of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in men, prior to prostate biopsies, based on bi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (bpMRI) and clinical parameters. @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed 300 men with clinical suspicion of prostate cancer (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] ≥ 4.0 ng/mL and/or abnormal findings in a digital rectal examination), who underwent bpMRI-ultrasound fusion transperineal targeted and systematic biopsies in the same session, at a Korean university hospital. Predictive models, based on Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data Systems scores of bpMRI and clinical parameters, were developed to detect csPCa (intermediate/high grade [Gleason score ≥ 3+4]) and compared by analyzing the areas under the curves and decision curves. @*Results@#A predictive model defined by the combination of bpMRI and clinical parameters (age, PSA density) showed high discriminatory power (area under the curve, 0.861) and resulted in a significant net benefit on decision curve analysis. Applying a probability threshold of 7.5%, 21.6% of men could avoid unnecessary prostate biopsy, while only 1.0% of significant prostate cancers were missed. @*Conclusion@#This predictive model provided a reliable and measurable means of risk stratification of csPCa, with high discriminatory power and great net benefit. It could be a useful tool for clinical decision-making prior to prostate biopsies.

Diagnostic Accuracy and Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Ultrasound Fusion Transperineal Targeted and Template Systematic Prostate Biopsy Based on Bi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–ultrasound (US) fusion transperineal targeted biopsy (FTB) and fusion template systematic biopsy (FSB) for prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) (intermediate/high grade [Gleason score ≥ 3+4]) based on bi-parametric MRI (bpMRI). @*Materials and methods@#Retrospectively, we analyzed 300 patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen (≥ 4.0 ng/mL) and/or abnormal findings in a digital rectal examination at the Korea University Hospital. All 300 men underwent bpMRI-US fusion transperineal FTB and FSB in the period from April 2017 to March 2019. @*Results@#PCas were detected in 158 of 300 men (52.7%), and the prevalence of csPCa was 34.0%. CsPCas were detected in 12 of 102 (11.8%) with Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 3, 42 of 92 (45.7%) with PI-RADS 4, respectively; and 45 of 62 (72.6%) men with PI-RADS 5, respectively. BpMRI showed a sensitivity of 95.1% and negative predictive value of 89.6% for csPCa. FTB detected additional csPCa in 33 men (12.9%) compared to FSB. Compared to FTB, FSB detected additional csPCa in 10 men (3.9%). @*Conclusion@#BpMRI-US FTB and FSB improved detection of PCa and csPCa. The accuracy of bi-parametric MRI is comparable with that of multi-parametric MRI. Further, it is rapid, simpler, cheaper, and no side effects of contrast media. Therefore, it is expected that bpMRI-US transperineal FTB and FSB could be a good alternative to conventional US-guided transrectal biopsy, which is the current gold standard.

Analysis of Present Status for Surgery of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Korea Using Nationwide Healthcare System Data / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: There are no established statistical data available for the comparison of different surgical methods adopted for the resection of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study investigates the present status related to BPH surgery in Korea for the past 8 years. METHODS: National-level data from the National Health Insurance Service and National Statistical Office were analyzed in this study. From 2010 to 2017, the trends of surgeries for BPH were reviewed according to the procedure code including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), or high-power potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP), and this trend also analyzed by age, geographic distribution, and hospital type. RESULTS: Over the past 8 years, there was not much change in the total number of BPH-related surgeries (range, 10,393– 11,072). Although there was not much alteration in the number of conventional TURP (from 6,801 in 2010 to 6,645 in 2017), the number of HoLEP has dramatically increased (from 278 in 2010 to 3,805 in 2017). The number of HoLEP surgeries after 2011 exceeded the number of surgeries using KTP, and the gap is anticipated to rise. The number of surgeries by age group was most common in the 70s and the total number of surgeries is decreasing in all age groups; for HoLEP, the trend is steadily increasing over the age of 60 years. Most of the BPH surgeries were performed in metropolitan areas, such as Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, and Busan, and in larger hospitals compared to smaller hospital settings. CONCLUSIONS: Through the data of the National Health Insurance Service, we could apprehend the present status of BPH-related surgery in Korea. Then, we could know about the trend according to several factors and we think these results will be valuable as academic references as well.

Initial Experience of Transperineal Biopsy After Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Korea; Comparison With Transrectal Biopsy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to confirm the detection rate of transperineal biopsy after multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and compared it to that of transrectal biopsy. We also examined the role of mpMRI and the rate of complications for each method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, we analyzed 147 patients who underwent mpMRI before prostate biopsy because of elevated serum prostate-specific antigen and/or abnormal digital rectal examination findings at Korea University Hospital, Seoul, Korea from March 2017 to April 2018. Regions on the mpMRI that were suggestive of prostate cancer were categorized according to the Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS v2). For transperineal biopsy, a 20-core saturation biopsy was performed by MRI-TRUS cognitive or fusion techniques and a 12-core biopsy was performed in transrectal biopsy. RESULTS: Sixty-three and 84 patients were enrolled in transperineal group and transrectal group, respectively. The overall detection rate of prostate cancer in transperineal group was 27% higher than that in transrectal group. Classification according to PI-RADS score revealed a significant increase in detection rate in all patients, as the PI-RADS score increased. Frequency of complications using the Clavien-Dindo classifications revealed no significant differences in the total complications rate, but two patients in transrectal group received intensive care unit care due to urosepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirmed that transperineal biopsy is superior to transrectal biopsy for the detection of prostate cancer. From the complication point of view, this study confirmed that there were fewer severe complications in transperineal biopsy.

Differences in Urodynamic Parameters According to the Presence of a Hunner Lesion in Women With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Differences in the severity of subjective symptoms have been noted depending on whether a Hunner lesion is present in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). In this study, we aimed to identify differences in objective urodynamic parameters in women with IC/BPS according to the presence of a Hunner lesion. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 55 patients with IC/BPS. IC/BPS and the presence of a Hunner lesion on cystoscopy were diagnosed according to American Urological Association guidelines. The patients were categorized into a Hunner IC/BPS group and a non-Hunner IC/BPS group according to the presence of a Hunner lesion on cystoscopy. At the initial visit, a medical history was taken from all patients with IC/BPS, and they underwent symptom assessment using a 3-day voiding diary and laboratory tests. A urodynamic study was then performed before any treatment was performed. Baseline characteristics and urodynamic parameters were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Of the 55 patients, 23 (41.8%) had a Hunner lesion on cystoscopy. As documented in the voiding diaries, the Hunner IC/BPS group had more frequent voids and a smaller maximal voided volume (P=0.045, P < 0.001, respectively). Regarding urodynamic parameters, the mean volume at the first desire to void, normal desire to void, strong desire to void (SDV), and maximum cystometric bladder capacity (MBC) was significantly lower in the Hunner IC/BPS group (P=0.001, P=0.004, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, patients with an SDV≤210 mL (area under the curve [AUC]=0.838, P < 0.001) and an MBC≤234 mL (AUC=0.857, P < 0.001) were likely to be in the Hunner IC/BPS group. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in patients’ subjective symptoms between the Hunner IC/BPS and non-Hunner IC/BPS groups were confirmed to correspond to differences in objective urodynamic parameters.

Efficacy of an Alpha-Blocker for the Treatment of Nonneurogenic Voiding Dysfunction in Women: An 8-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor (α1-AR) blocker for the treatment of female voiding dysfunction (FVD) through a pressure-flow study. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Women aged ≥18 years with voiding symptoms, as defined by an American Urological Association symptom score (AUA-SS) ≥15 and a maximum flow rate (Qmax) 100 mL and/or a postvoid residual (PVR) volume >150 mL, were randomly allocated to either the alfuzosin or placebo group. After 8 weeks of treatment, changes in the AUA-SS, Bristol female lower urinary tract symptoms (BFLUTS) questionnaire, Qmax/PVR, and voiding diary were compared between groups. Patients’ satisfaction with the treatment was compared. Patients were categorized into 3 groups according to the Blaivas-Groutz bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) nomogram: none, mild, and moderate to severe. Subgroup comparisons were also made. RESULTS: Of a total of 187 women, 154 (79 alfuzosin, 75 placebo) were included in the analysis. After 8 weeks of treatment, the AUA-SS decreased by 7.0 in the alfuzosin group and by 8.0 in the placebo group. Changes in AUA-SS subscores, BFLUTS (except the I-sum), the voiding diary, and Qmax/PVR were not significantly different between groups. Approximately 54% of the alfuzosin group and 62% of the placebo group were satisfied with the treatment. No significant difference was observed between groups according to the presence or grade of BOO. CONCLUSIONS: Alfuzosin might not be more effective than placebo for treating FVD. The presence or the grade of BOO did not affect the results. A further study with sufficient power is needed to determine the efficacy of α1-AR blockers for the treatment of FVD.

The Influence of Androgen Deprivation Therapy on Prostate Size and Voiding Symptoms in Prostate Cancer Patients in Korea / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on total prostate volume and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: Between January 2007 and June 2014, 110 patients who received androgen deprivation treatment were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical parameters and urodynamic parameters along with changes at follow-up were analyzed. Factors such as reduction in prostate volume, changes in LUTS, and prostate volume tertiles were compared 1 year after ADT. RESULTS: After ADT, the total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) score decreased from 17.45 to 12.21 and the IPSS voiding subscore decreased from 9.16 to 6.24. Maximal uroflow rate increased from 8.62 to 11.50 mL/sec and residual urine also reduced significantly by 29.34 mL. Change in prostate size was more prominent (–51.14%) in the patients with less than 1 year of ADT (n=21) than those who had more than 1 year of treatment (n=89, –44.12%). The decrease in the IPSS voiding subscore was greater within 1 year of ADT than after 1 year of treatment (–4.10 vs. –2.65). The differences were more significant in the 30–50 g group (n=59) and >50 g group (n=11) than the <30 g group (n=40) of the IPSS voiding subscore improvement (–3.76 , –4.91 vs. –2.10), and maximal uroflow rate improvement (2.78, 2.90 vs 1.49). CONCLUSION: ADT resulted in statistically significant clinical improvement in terms of prostate volume, urodynamic parameters, and LUTS for patients with prostate cancer when analyzed by ADT duration and prostate volume.

Standardized analysis of complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Korea University Hospital experience

PURPOSE: To analyze the complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) by use of a standardized reporting methodology by a single surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively reviewed a maintained institutional database of 52 patients who underwent RARC to manage bladder cancer and were followed up in 3 months by a single surgeon at Korea University Medical Center from 2007 through 2014. All complications within 90 days of surgery were defined and categorized into 5 grades according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of complications. RESULTS: Fifty percent of patients (26 of 52) experienced a complication of any grade <90 days after surgery, and 11 patients (21.2%) experienced a major complication. Complications were grouped in systems-based categories. Fifty complications occurred in 52 patients and hematologic complication (transfusion) was the most common (13 of 52). Wound dehiscence, anastomotic leakage, urinary tract obstruction, mechanical obstruction, and thromboembolism occurred as major complications. Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 247 mL and mean total operative time was 496 minutes. The mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 24.6, with 30.5 for extended dissection. EBL (over 300 mL), operative time, and method of urinary diversion were significant negative predictors of minor complications, whereas EBL (over 300 mL) was a significant negative predictor of major complications (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present results show that the complication rate reported by use of a standardized methodology after robotic radical cystectomy is still considerable although comparable to that of contemporary robot series. EBL, operative time, and diversion methods were predictors of complications.

Mirodenafil Prevents Bladder Dysfunction Induced by Chronic Bladder Ischemia in Rats / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of mirodenafil on bladder function in a rat model of chronic bladder ischemia (CBI). METHODS: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to three groups: untreated, sham-operated rats (control group); untreated, CBI model rats (CBI group); and CBI rats treated daily with 4 mg/kg mirodenafil (CBI+mirodenafil group). The CBI and CBI+mirodenafil groups underwent endothelial injury to the iliac arteries and were fed a 2% cholesterol diet after injury. Four weeks after surgery, the CBI+mirodenafil group started daily treatment with mirodenafil for four weeks. Eight weeks after surgery, continuous in vivo cystometry and in vivo organ bath studies of detrusor muscle strips were performed. RESULTS: in vivo cystometry revealed that the rats in the CBI group had a significantly higher micturition frequency, lower bladder capacity, and lower compliance than the rats in the control and CBI+mirodenafil groups. The detrusor muscle strip study showed that the magnitude of the carbachol-induced contractile response was significantly lower in the CBI group compared to either the control or CBI+mirodenafil group. Addition of daily mirodenafil after induction of CBI decreased the contractile response, compared to untreated CBI rats. CBI induced submucosal fibrosis and degenerative changes in bladder walls, which was reversed by the addition of mirodenafil. CONCLUSIONS: Daily treatment with mirodenafil showed protective effects against bladder dysfunction resulting from CBI in rats.

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.

Renal cryoablation of small renal masses: A Korea University experience

PURPOSE: To evaluate the perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of renal cryoablation (RC) of small renal masses (SRMs) performed in Korea University Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed an Institutional Review Board-approved database of 70 patients who underwent RC and were followed up for a minimum of 3 months by a single surgeon in Korea University Hospital from August 2007 to May 2014. Among these patients, 68 patients (79 renal masses) were enrolled in our research. We evaluated perioperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes of RC. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients (79 renal masses) underwent RC in our institution. The mean age of the patients was 62.0 years. The mean tumor size was 2.25 cm. Among the 59 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery, only 1 patient (1.47%) was converted to open surgery. No other perioperative complications occurred. The mean preoperative and 1-month postoperative estimated glomerular filtration ratio (eGFR) were 71.8 and 68.3 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively (p=0.19). The mean 1-year postoperative eGFR was 65.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p=0.25). The mean follow-up period was 59.76 months (range, 3-119 months). Local tumor recurrence occurred in eight tumors (15.4%; a total of 52 renal cell carcinomas). Concerning treatment in the patients with recurrence, five patients underwent re-treatment and three patients are under active surveillance. None of the eight patients who experienced local recurrence had additional recurrence or tumor progression during the follow-up period. In our study, the recurrence-free rate was 83.0% and the cancer-specific survival rate was 100%. Moreover, the 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were both 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term experience with RC in our institution demonstrates that RC is a safe and effective treatment for patients with SRMs.

Concurrent and predictive validation of robotic simulator Tube 3 module

PURPOSE: We previously described a new procedure specific module (Tube 3) to allow the practice of vesicourethral anastomosis after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Herein, we report a predetermined proficiency level of Tube 3 and preliminary validation to explore whether this new module can lead to performance improvement in the da Vinci system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight urology residents and three urology fellows performed the Tube 3 module 1 hour daily for 7 days. The learning curve was depicted through a scatterplot and the stable point was identified through the cumulative sum chart. Concurrent and predictive validations were performed with the da Vinci system. The mean time to complete the task and end product rating score between Tube 3 training group and no Tube 3 training group were compared. RESULTS: Concerning the learning curve, about 41 repetitions comprising about 5 hours were needed to achieve this stable point when the mean time to complete Tube of 384 seconds was set as a target. With regarding to the concurrent and predictive validation, there significant differences were evident in the mean time to complete 16 needle passages and the vesicourethral anastomosis and the end product rating score. CONCLUSIONS: The virtual reality (VR) simulator can yield sufficient improvement in technical performance in Tube 3 within 5 hours. The acquired proficiency can be transferable to the vesicourethral anastomosis using the da Vinci system.

Tumor-Specific Immunity Induced by Cryoablation in a Murine Renal Cell Carcinoma Model

PURPOSE: To evaluate tumor-specific immunity and define the mechanisms involved in the cryoimmunologic response, we compared the tumor control efficacy and immunologic responses of cryoablation with those of surgical excision in a tumor rechallenge model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty BALB/c mice with RENCA tumors that were generated in the left flank area underwent cryoablation or radical excision. The mice successfully treated were rechallenged with RENCA or an undifferentiated colon carcinoma cell line, CT26, in the contralateral right flank area. The recurrence rate after tumor rechallenge in each group was then observed. To assess the immunologic response of each treatment modality, fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis and a cytotoxicity assay using 51Cr release were performed. RESULTS: After reinoculation of the RENCA cells, the rate of tumor growth was significantly higher in the surgical excision group than in the cryoablation group (94.4% vs. 11.1%, p=0.001). In the cryoablation group, the tumor growth rate was significantly increased after rechallenge of CT26 cells compared with RENCA (94.1% vs. 11.1%, p=0.001). The cryoablation group showed an elevated CD3, CD4, CD8 T, and natural killer cell count in the FACS analysis and also showed significantly increased cytotoxicity in the 51Cr release assay compared with the excision group. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that cryoablation, compared to surgical resection, was more effective in preventing tumor growth after rechallenge with RENCA cells and that this response was tumor-specific, because the CT26 cells did not have the same effect.

Female Urethral Condyloma Causing Bladder Outlet Obstruction / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

In women, urethral condyloma rarely leads to a bladder outlet obstruction. A 39-year-old woman who presented with frequency, urgency, and residual urine sensation was found to have a condyloma in her urethral meatus. Urodynamic study indicated bladder outlet obstruction. After condyloma excision, she returned to normal voiding, and the free maximum flow rate improved. In women, excision of urethral condylomas that cause obstruction can be an effective treatment with early recovery of voiding function.

Primary Renal Hydatid Cyst: Mis-Interpretation as a Renal Malignancy

Primary renal echinococcosis, a rare disease involving the kidney, accounts for 2-3% of human echinococcosis. A 64-year-old female patient from Uzbekistan presented with complaints of left flank pain. A CT scan revealed a cystic mass in the upper to midpole of the left kidney. We regarded this lesion as a renal malignancy and hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed to remove the renal mass. The mass consisted of a large unilocular cyst and multiple smaller cysts without any grossly visible renal tissue. The final pathologic diagnosis was a renal hydatid cyst. For patients from endemic areas, hydatid cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis. Here, we present a case of renal hydatid cyst in a female patient who relocated from Uzbekistan to Korea.

Anterior Urethrectomy for Primary Carcinoma of the Female Urethra Mimicking a Urethral Caruncle / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Here we report a case of primary carcinoma of the female urethra. A 52-year-old woman presented with a palpable urethral mass associated with intermittent pain that she first experienced a few months prior. Clinical examination showed a urethral mass that appeared to be a caruncle; therefore, simple carunclectomy was performed. However, on histological examination, the mass was revealed to be a squamous cell carcinoma; therefore, anterior urethrectomy was performed. During a 4-year follow-up period, the patient has been well with no dysuria, dyspareunia, or incontinence.

Predictors of Voiding Dysfunction after Mid-urethral Sling Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Postoperative voiding dysfunction is a bothersome complication after mid-urethral sling surgery. The current study presents multiple repeated postoperative voiding trials against a urine load of preoperative functional bladder capacity, as estimated by a preoperative frequency volume chart, to identify the relevance of preoperative and immediate factors to the outcome. METHODS: A total of 180 patients were enrolled from August 2008 to August 2011. Patients received mid-urethral sling surgery with a transobturator tape, with or without concomitant cystocele repair. Patients reported relevant medical histories and a 3-day frequency volume chart and underwent urodynamic studies. After surgery, patients were filled to their maximum bladder capacity as dictated by their frequency volume chart and performed the first voiding trial. Two subsequent voiding trials were performed after natural filling. Failure of any single voiding trial was considered failure. Patients who failed the final voiding trial received intermittent catheterization to follow-up. After screening for relevant factors with the use of univariate analyses, preoperative, surgical, and postoperative factors predicting outcome were estimated by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The urine load at the voiding trial and the peak flow rate immediately preceding the voiding trial predicted voiding trial success in the multivariate analysis. Urine load and previous trial peak flow rate were relevant when tested against each individual voiding trial. Preoperative and surgical factors, such as age, parity, and concomitant cystocele repair, showed significance in the univariate analysis. Overall, 16.1% of patients who passed the first voiding trial failed on subsequent trials, whereas 36.8% of patients who failed the first voiding trial succeeded. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative voiding dysfunction is transient and is associated with the immediate voiding conditions following surgery. Close observation against urine overload in the bladder is important when weaning patients back to normal voiding conditions.

Effects of Combination Treatment of Intravesical Resiniferatoxin Instillation and Hydrodistention in Patients with Refractory Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot Study / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) is a disabling disease of the urinary bladder, and its etiology and treatment are not yet established. Current medications used in the treatment of PBS/IC have shown limited efficacy. This prospective study investigated the efficacy of intravesical resiniferatoxin (RTX) in PBS/IC refractory to medical treatment. METHODS: Patients with proven PBS/IC refractory to traditional medical treatment were enrolled. By randomized trial, a total of 18 consecutive patients were divided into two groups: treatment with hydrodistention and intravesical RTX (group 1) or treatment with hydrodistension only (group 2). We assessed bladder pain by use of a visual analogue pain scale, the maximal urine flow rate, post-void residual urine volume, and a voiding diary before and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: The median age of the 18 patients was 55.8+/-6.9 years, and the median duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 3.6+/-1.6 years. Frequency, functional bladder capacity, and score on a 5-point pain scale were significantly improved at 3-month after treatment in both groups. Intravesical RTX instillation plus hydrodistention, compared with hydrodistention only, did not have a significant effect on the voiding symptoms or uroflowmetry of the patients but significantly improved scores on the pain scale. CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical RTX instillation plus hydrodistention was effective in relieving pain but was not effective in improving lower urinary tract symptoms. Further larger studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of combination treatment of intravesical RTX instillation and hydrodistention.

Modulation of Alpha 1 Adrenergic Receptors on Urinary Bladder in Rat Spinal Cord Injury Model / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Whereas many studies have focused on the vesical changes of the alpha1 adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes in partial outlet obstruction, few studies have addressed the modulation of the alpha1 AR subtypes after spinal cord injury (SCI). Therefore, we studied the modulation of the alpha1 ARs in urinary bladder in a rat SCI model. METHODS: Four weeks after a SCI, the whole vesical bodies from eight female Sprague-Dawley rats and from eight controls were harvested. The total RNA was extracted from the samples and was used to prepare cDNA. We developed standard plasmid constructs of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and three alpha1 ARs (alpha1a, alpha1b, and alpha1d) to convert the cycle threshold (Ct) values from real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) into subtype mRNA concentrations. The detected Ct values of 16 samples from RT-PCR were interpolated into the standard plasmid curves. RESULTS: All serially diluted standard samples showed very good linearity. The mRNA expression of GAPDH was higher in the SCI group, whereas the mRNA expression of all alpha1 ARs was lower in the SCI group than in the control animals. The alpha1a, alpha1b, and alpha1d mRNA expression in the controls was 81.7%, 3.3%, and 15.1%, respectively, whereas the alpha1a, alpha1b, and alpha1d mRNA expression in the SCI group was 33.5%, 5.2%, and 60.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SCI moderates the alpha1 AR mRNA subtypes in the urinary bladder. The relatively increased alpha1d or decreased alpha1a AR mRNA expression may be a therapeutic candidate for controlling the symptoms of neurogenic bladder after SCI.