Predictive Factors for Premature Discontinuation of Docetaxel-Based Systemic Chemotherapy in Men With Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE: The objective was to determine predictive factors for premature discontinuation of docetaxel-based systemic chemotherapy in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of men who were treated with docetaxel-based systemic chemotherapy for CRPC in a single institution between May 2005 and April 2010. After being screened, 30 patients fit the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this study. Group 1 included 12 patients who were treated with five or fewer cycles of docetaxel chemotherapy for CRPC, and group 2 included 18 patients who were treated with six or more cycles of docetaxel chemotherapy for CRPC. The treatment consisted of 5 mg prednisolone twice daily and 75 mg/m2 docetaxel once every 3 weeks. RESULTS: The median age was 72 years, and the median Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status was 0. The median baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 33.8 ng/mL. The median cycle of docetaxel-based chemotherapy was 5.8. Of 30 patients, 13 patients (48.2%) had a decline in PSA of >50% from baseline; 3 of 22 patients (13.6%) with measurable disease had achieved partial response on imaging. No differences in age, ECOG performance status, hemoglobin, serum creatinine, or PSA response were observed between the two groups. Body mass index was significantly lower (p=0.034) in group 1 (21.8 kg/m2) than in group 2 (23.6 kg/m2). Group 1 included more patients with prior systemic chemotherapy (p=0.039), and group 1 had a shorter overall survival rate (p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Premature discontinuation of docetaxel-based systemic chemotherapy is associated with lower body mass index and prior systemic chemotherapy. Premature discontinuation of docetaxel-based chemotherapy is associated with a shorter overall survival rate.

Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Pyelolithotomy With Use of a Carter-Thomason Needle Grasper

PURPOSE: To study the feasibility and safety of the procedure, we present our early experience with laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) pyelolithotomy performed by use of a Carter-Thomason needle grasper. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four patients underwent LESS pyelolithotomy for the removal of renal pelvic stones. The patients' mean age was 57.8 years, and their mean body mass index was 23.01. We used a homemade single-port device made with a surgical glove that was inserted into a 2.5-cm periumbilical incision. The operation was performed transperitoneally by using a Carter-Thomason grasper. After removal of the stone, a double-J stent was placed in situ, and laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing was performed. No additional ports were used. RESULTS: All surgeries were completed successfully without conversion to conventional laparoscopy or open surgery. The mean operative time was 124.5 minutes, and the mean estimated blood loss was 255.2 mL. There were no significant complications, except in one patient who required a blood transfusion. The mean duration of hospital stay was 8.3 days. The mean stone size was 3.9 cm. Chemical analysis of the stones showed that three patients had calcium-containing stones and one patient had a uric acid stone. Postoperative radiologic study showed a stone clearance rate of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results, albeit limited, showed that LESS pyelolithotomy is a feasible and safe procedure. Especially with the use of a Carter-Thomason needle grasper, this operation can be performed without an additional port.

Long-Term Outcome of Primary Endoscopic Realignment for Bulbous Urethral Injuries: Risk Factors of Urethral Stricture / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Although endoscopic realignment has been accepted as a standard treatment for urethral injuries, the long-term follow-up data on this procedure are not sufficient. We report the long-term outcome of primary endoscopic realignment in bulbous urethral injuries. METHODS: Patients with bulbous urethral injuries were treated by primary endoscopic realignment between 1991 and 2005. The operative procedure included suprapubic cystostomy and transurethral catheterization using a guide wire, within 72 hours of injury. The study population included 51 patients with a minimum follow-up duration of 5 years. RESULTS: The most common causes of the injuries were straddle injury from falling down (74.5%), and pelvic bone fracture (7.8%). Gross hematuria was the most common complaint (92.2%). Twenty-three patients (45.1%) had complete urethral injuries. The mean time to operation after the injury was 38.8+/-43.2 hours. The mean operation time and mean indwelling time of a urethral Foley catheter were 55.5+/-37.6 minutes and 22.0+/-11.9 days, respectively. Twenty out of 51 patients (39.2%) were diagnosed with urethral stricture in 89.1+/-36.6 months after surgery. A multivariate analysis revealed that young age and operation time were independent risk factors for strictures as a complication of urethral realignment (hazard ratio [HR], 6.554, P=0.032; HR, 6.206, P=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Urethral stricture commonly developed as a postoperative complication of primary endoscopic urethral realignment for bulbous urethral injury, especially in young age and long operation time.

Relationship between the Glutathione-S-Transferase P1, M1, and T1 Genotypes and Prostate Cancer Risk in Korean Subjects

PURPOSE: The glutathione-S-transferase (GST)P1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 genotypes have been associated with an increased risk of prostate, bladder, and lung cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the GSTP1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 genotypes and the risk of prostate cancer in Korean men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 166 patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer. The control group consisted of 327 healthy, cancer-free individuals. The diagnosis of prostate cancer was made by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy. Patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma were divided into organ-confined ( or =pT3) subgroups. The histological grades were subdivided according to the Gleason score. The GSTP1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 genotypes were determined by using polymerase chain reaction-based methods. The relationship among GSTP1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 polymorphisms and prostate cancer in a case-control study was investigated. RESULTS: The frequency of the GSTM1 null genotype in the prostate cancer group (54.2%) was higher than in the control group (odds ratio=1.53, 95% confidence interval=1.20-1.96). The comparison of the GSTP1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 genotypes and cancer prognostic factors, such as staging and grading, showed no statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: An increased risk for prostate cancer may be associated with the GSTM1 null genotype in Korean men, but no association was found with the GSTT1 or GSTP1 genotypes.

Operative Outcomes of Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: A Comparison with Conventional Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility and safety of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN), we compared the operative outcomes of patients who had undergone RPN with those of patients who had undergone laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2009 and June 2010, 13 patients underwent transperitoneal RPN (group 1) and 14 patients underwent transperitoneal LPN (group 2) by a single surgeon. The operative outcomes of the 2 groups were compared by using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: All cases were completed successfully without conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 153.2+/-22.3 and 117.5+/-32.0 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.003). The mean robotic console time of group 1 was 101.2+/-21.5 minutes, and the mean laparoscopic time of group 2 was 86.8+/-32.3 minutes (p=0.139). The mean warm ischemic time was 35.3+/-8.5 minutes and 36.4+/-6.8 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.823). The mean estimated blood loss was 283.6+/-113.5 ml and 264.1+/-163.7 ml (p=0.382), respectively. The mean length of hospital stay was 6.1 and 5.3 days (p=0.290), respectively. The mean tumor size was 2.7+/-1.2 cm and 2.0+/-1.2 cm (p=0.035), respectively. The surgical margins were negative in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Although the operative time of RPN was longer than that of LPN, there were no significant differences in operative outcomes including robotic console time and laparoscopic time between the procedures.

Early Experience of Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Tumors

PURPOSE: We evaluated the feasibility of a laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) nephroureterectomy for an upper urinary tract tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and September 2009, 4 patients with upper urinary tract tumors underwent LESS nephroureterectomy. The mean age of the 2 female and 2 male patients was 69 years old, and their mean body mass index was 23.0. We used a homemade single-port device made with a surgical glove and a wound retractor, which were put into a 4 cm periumbilical incision. Operations with articulating and rigid laparoscopic instruments were performed transperitoneally. An open technique with a 4 cm additional midline incision and laparoscopic technique with an endoscopic stapler were used for the treatment of the distal ureter and bladder cuff. RESULTS: All cases were completed successfully, without conversion to conventional laparoscopy or open surgery. The mean operative time was 169.5 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss was 361.4 ml. One patient had transfusion and wound infection. The mean hospital stay was 7.8 days. The mean specimen weight and tumor size were 271.8 g and 2.9 cm. Pathologic results of all cases showed urothelial carcinoma with a negative surgical margin. Three patients were in stage T3N0M0 and 1 was in stage T2N0M0. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience shows that LESS nephroureterectomy with a homemade single-port device is technically feasible. However, long term follow-up for the effect on cancer control and technical development for comfortable surgery are needed.

Early Experience of Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Tumors

PURPOSE: We evaluated the feasibility of a laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) nephroureterectomy for an upper urinary tract tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and September 2009, 4 patients with upper urinary tract tumors underwent LESS nephroureterectomy. The mean age of the 2 female and 2 male patients was 69 years old, and their mean body mass index was 23.0. We used a homemade single-port device made with a surgical glove and a wound retractor, which were put into a 4 cm periumbilical incision. Operations with articulating and rigid laparoscopic instruments were performed transperitoneally. An open technique with a 4 cm additional midline incision and laparoscopic technique with an endoscopic stapler were used for the treatment of the distal ureter and bladder cuff. RESULTS: All cases were completed successfully, without conversion to conventional laparoscopy or open surgery. The mean operative time was 169.5 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss was 361.4 ml. One patient had transfusion and wound infection. The mean hospital stay was 7.8 days. The mean specimen weight and tumor size were 271.8 g and 2.9 cm. Pathologic results of all cases showed urothelial carcinoma with a negative surgical margin. Three patients were in stage T3N0M0 and 1 was in stage T2N0M0. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience shows that LESS nephroureterectomy with a homemade single-port device is technically feasible. However, long term follow-up for the effect on cancer control and technical development for comfortable surgery are needed.

Congenital Seminal Vesicle Cyst Associated with Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis

PURPOSE: A seminal vesicle cyst in combination with ipsilateral renal agenesis is rarely encountered. We present cases of this disease entity with symptoms, which were treated with a laparoscopic approach as a minimally invasive surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We experienced 4 patients with seminal vesicle cysts and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The mean age was 45.8 years. Chief complaints were perineal pain and hematospermia. Seminal vesicle cysts and remnant ureters were excised by laparoscopic surgery with transperitoneal approaches. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 133.8 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 6.8 days. There were no operative complications or transfusions. CONCLUSION: In our report, patients of congenital seminal vesicle cyst associated with renal agenesis are presented. Laparoscopy is considered a minimal invasive management of these combined anomalies, providing a good image and an easy approach.

The Reliability of 1-Day Frequency-Volume Charts in Assessing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of 1-day frequency-volume charts in assessing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between Jan. 2006 and Dec. 2006, we retrospectively analyzed the medical records of men with LUTS due to BPH who visited our out-patient department. All of 70 men completed 3-days frequency-volume chart for the initial evaluation of their LUTS. We compared mean values of variables with values from respective days. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by calculating intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean age was 66.7 years, mean prostate size was 33.6ml, mean IPSS was 18, and mean maximal flow rate was 13.8ml/s. The mean total voided volume was 1716.3ml/day, mean number of voids was 9.2/day, mean number of daytime voids was 7.1, and mean number of nocturnal voids was 2.0. No significant differences were found between the three 24-hr periods for the variables from the charts by ANOVA test. The intraclass correlation coefficients were mostly 0.7-0.9. But nocturnal bladder capacity was slightly less reliable than other variables, 0.557. Mean voiding volume, total voiding number, and daytime frequencyhad the high reliability. CONCLUSIONS: A 1-day frequency-volume charts can be sufficiently reliable to provide an insight into a patient's voiding behavior. But more research of high quality is required, especially into the relationship of frequency-volume charts duration with compliance.

Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy in a Solitary Kidney

PURPOSE: Nephron-sparing surgery for renal tumors in solitary kidneys has several technical difficulties and complications, including renal failure. We evaluated operative outcome and feasibility in patients with renal cell carcinoma in a solitary kidney treated with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2003 and September 2008, 59 patients with renal tumors underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Among them, 4 patients with a solitary kidney were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the 2 male and 2 female patients was 66.8 years old, and their mean body mass index was 24.7. The mean size of the tumor was 3.5 cm. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 138.5 minutes, and estimated blood loss was 163.8 ml. In 2 patients, warm ischemic times were 25 and 55 minutes. Initiation of postoperative oral intake and ambulation were at 1.0 and 1.5 days. The mean hospital stay was 15.0 days. One patient had a complication of urinary leakage. Pathologic examination revealed renal cell carcinomas with negative surgical margins in all patients. The mean serum creatinine level of preoperative and postoperative day 1 was 1.04 and 1.73 mg/dl, respectively. One patient required temporary hemodialysis. At the mean follow-up of 21.3 months, there was no recurrence of tumors. The mean serum creatinine level at the final visit was 1.36 mg/dl. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal tumors in solitary kidneys can be performed safely. Although it is a possible modality with excellent outcome, long-term follow-up for cancer control, along with advanced laparoscopic technique and experience, is necessary.

Predictors of Gleason Score Upgrading after Radical Prostatectomy in Low-Risk Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE: The Gleason score is an important predictor of outcome that is used in conjunction with clinical stage and prostate-specific antigen to guide clinical decision making. The prostate biopsy Gleason grade frequently differs from the radical prostatectomy grade. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of Gleason upgrading in patients with low-risk prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 146 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1998 and 2008 in two hospitals of Jeonbuk province in Korea. Pathological Gleason score upgrading was defined as an increase in the Gleason score from or =7 between the biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimen. Pretreatment clinical and pathological parameters were used to identify predictors of pathological upgrading. RESULTS: Of the total 146 patients, 51 (34.9%) were upgraded postoperatively. Small prostate volume (p=0.008), abnormality on the digital rectal examination, and positive surgical margin (p=0.001) were significantly and positively associated with upgrading after radical prostatectomy. A total of 17 of 65 patients with low-risk prostate cancer (26.2%) were upgraded postoperatively. Small prostate volume (<30 ml) was significantly (p=0.026) and positively associated with upgrading after radical prostatectomy in patients with low-risk prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 26% of patients with low-risk disease were upgraded postoperatively. Small prostate volume was associated with an increased risk for pathological upgrading after radical prostatectomy. These conclusions should be kept in mind when making treatment decisions for men with low-risk prostate cancer.

Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy without Renal Arterial Clamping

PURPOSE: Renal vascular clamping during a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a time-consuming procedure with a risk of renal ischemia. To study the feasibility of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without renal arterial clamping, we compared the procedure with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with vascular clamping. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without renal arterial clamping (group 1) from February 2004 to June 2008. The operative results were reviewed retrospectively and compared with those of 16 patients who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with arterial clamping (group 2). Patient characteristics did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. However, exophytic tumors were detected in 13 patients in group 1 and 3 patients in group 2 (p=0.001). Scores on the preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical (PADUA) classification were 6.9 in group 1 and 7.7 in group 2 (p=0.037). All surgeries by the transperitoneal approach were performed by a single surgeon. RESULTS: The mean operative times were 103 and 130 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.312). The mean renal arterial clamping time of group 2 was 27.6 minutes (range, 20-42 minutes). The mean estimated blood loss was 327 ml in group 1 and 315 ml in group 2 (p=0.971). The mean postoperative change in the glomerular filtration rate was 20.11 ml/min/1.73 m2 in group 1 and 18.95 ml/min/1.73 m2 in group 2 (p=0.748). The mean times to postoperative initiation of ambulation and of oral intake were 1.6 and 1.7 days (p=0.486) and 1.3 and 1.6 days (p=0.811) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.4 and 7.9 days in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.9). The mean tumor size was 2.1 cm (range, 1-7 cm) in group 1 and 3.3 cm (range, 1.5-9 cm) in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without renal arterial clamping is feasible for a localized renal tumor. However, patients should be selected carefully, such as those with an exophytic tumor.

A Comparison of Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstructions: Endopyelotomy, Acucise Endopyelotomy, and Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and outcomes of endopyelotomy, Acucise endopyelotomy, and laparoscopic pyeloplasty for patients with ureteropelvic junction obstructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 45 patients with ureteropelvic junction obstructions who underwent minimally invasive surgeries between January 2001 and April 2007. Patients were divided into three groups according to operative procedure: group I, endopyelotomy(n=17); group II, Acucise endopyelotomy(n=12; and group III, laparoscopic pyeloplasty(n=16). RESULTS: The mean patient ages in the three groups were 42.7+/-17.2 years, 48.8+/-14.1 years, and 49.5+/-13.6 years for groups I, II, and III, respectively. The mean stricture lengths were 0.99+/-0.25cm, 0.93+/-0.10cm, and 1.03+/-0.38 cm for groups I, II, and III, respectively, and were not significantly different among the groups(p>0.05). The mean operating time for group II(55.7+/-25.3 minutes) was shorter than that for group I(131.7+/-30.5 minutes) and group III(165.2+/-23.7 minutes)(p<0.05). The length of hospital stay for group II(4.7+/-1.6 days) was shorter than that for group I(6.6+/-1.8 days) and group III(7.4+/-0.6 days)(p<0.05). Rates of symptomatic improvement were 58.8%, 66.7%, and 93.8% for groups I, II, and III, respectively. Rates of radiologic improvement were 58.8%, 66.7%, and 93.8% for groups I, II, and III, respectively. There was no significant correlation between success rate and either stricture length or degree of hydronephrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty had the highest success rate among the minimally invasive surgeries for patients with ureteropelvic junction obstructions. However, when the stricture length is less than 1cm in length, Acucise endopyelotomy may be considered as the first treatment because the associated operating time and hospital stay are short

The Clinical Features of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections by Pseudomonas aeruginosa / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important pathogen in complicated urinary tract infections(UTIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the isolation rate of Pseudomonas from patients with UTIs and to define the accompanying clinical features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2006, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 170 urology patients with Pseudomonas UTIs. We analyzed the isolation rate of Pseudomonas in patients with UTIs and determined the antibiotic susceptibilities. We also analyzed the clinical features and underlying diseases in patients with Pseudomonas UTIs. RESULTS: Pseudomonas was cultured in the urine from 234 of 3,470 patients (6.6%) with positive urine cultures. One hundred seventy of 234 patients had underlying urologic disease. Eighty-two patients(48.2%) had indwelling urinary catheters and 34 patients(20.0%) had diabetes. Patients with catheters tended to have febrile UTIs compared to patients without catheters(70.7% vs. 42.0%, respectively). The isolation rate of Pseudomonas increased between 2000 and 2006(2.8% vs. 13.1%, respectively). The sensitivity of Pseudomonas to most antibiotics decreased between 2000 and 2006. Patients with neurogenic disease and catheters were more easily infected with Pseudomonas. CONCLUSIONS: The isolation rate of Pseudomonas in urine cultures is on the rise. Patients with UTIs and catheters, unlike those without, have high fevers. Because the sensitivity of Pseudomonas to antimicrobial agents has decreased, we need to choose appropriate antibiotics through urine cultures and antibiotics sensitivity tests in treating complicated UTIs.

Laparoscopic Excision of a Urachal Cyst Containing Large Stones in an Adult

Stone-containing urachal cysts are extremely rare in adults. Here, we report the case of a 58-year-old man with a urachal cyst who had lower abdominal pain and urinary frequency. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography showed hyperdense stones in the urachus. He was treated with a laparoscopic excision using a transperitoneal approach. The pathological diagnosis was an inflammed urachal cyst. This rare case illustrates an inflammed urachal cyst containing stones treated with laparoscopy.

Comparison of the Surgical Outcome of Laparoscopic Cyst Marsupialization for Peripheral and Parapelvic Renal Cysts / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: The location of renal cysts is related with the symptoms and signs. Parapelvic cysts are a rare form of simple renal cysts, and they are much more commonly associated with the symptoms of obstruction, pain, infection and stone formation. We evaluated the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic renal cyst marsupialization for treating the peripheral and parapelvic types of renal cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 1993 and April 2007, 87 patients(91 cases) who presented with symptomatic renal cysts underwent laparoscopic renal cyst marsupialization. There were 76 cases in the peripheral cyst group and 15 cases in the parapelvic cyst group. The mean age was 59.2 years(age range: 20-77) for the patients with peripheral renal cysts and 62.9 years(age range: 47-79) for the patients with parapelvic cysts. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 108 minutes(30-280) for the patients with peripheral renal cysts and 144 minutes(80-270) for the patients with parapelvic cysts, and there was a significant difference(p=0.031). However for the other factors, including the time for the first oral intake, the time to remove the drain and the length of the hospital stay, there were no significant differences(p=0.671, 0.088, 0.268, respectively). Complications, including bleeding and leakage, were detected in 11 patients(14.4%) of the peripheral cyst group and in 4 patients(26.6%) of the parapelvic cyst group; there was a statistical difference(p=0.035). Both groups had a high success rate, 98.7% in the peripheral cyst group and 100% in the parapelvic cyst group. CONCLUSIONS: We found that laparoscopic renal cyst marsupialization was a standard treatment with a high success rate and a fast recovery time. However, performing this for parapelvic cysts showed a longer operative time and a higher complication rate as compared with peripheral cysts.

The Utility of Amitryptiline in Female Overactive Bladder Patients with Nocturia / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Anticholinergics suppress the muscarinic receptors in the bladder smooth muscle and, increase the level of urine storage. Their side effects include dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, drowsiness, and tachycardia. These adverse effects limit the dosing and often decrease patient compliance. This study examined the effect of amitryptline as one of the first- line treatments for overactive bladder patients with nocturia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2005 and June 2006, a prospective randomized study was carried out on 45 female patients with an overactive bladder. The mean age was 57.6 years and the patients were treated with doxazosin(Group I), doxazosin with tolterodine(Group II), doxazosin with amitriptyline(Group III). All 45(Group I: 15, Group II: 15, Group III: 15) were followed up for 4 weeks. The treatment efficacy was measured using the 3 days of voiding diaries. RESULTS: The actual number diurnal voids showed considerable improvement after treatment(p0.05). The actual number of nightly voids improved after treatment(p0.05). There was no difference in the total voiding volume, functional bladder capacity, nocturnal bladder capacity index, nocturia index between pre-treatment and post-treatment in each group(p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There are some enhanced effects with the actual number of diurnal voids and the actual number nightly voids in patients treated with doxazosin with amitriptyline. Therefore, amitripyline is helpful as a first- line treatment in female overactive bladder patients with nocturia.

Leiomyosarcoma at the Ureterovesical Junction / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Non-urothelial neoplasms of the bladder account for less than 5% of all bladder tumors. Leiomyosarcoma is the most common malignant mesenchymal tumor that arises in the adult bladder. Leiomyosarcomas of the bladder are considered to be highly aggressive tumors. Most patients present at an advanced stage, with less than 30% of patients presenting with stage T1 disease. Surgical resection still remains the cornerstone of treatment with the status of the surgical margin being a strong predictor of the outcome. A 59-year-old man presented to our institution with urinary urgency, and cystoscopic examination revealed a huge submucosal mass on the lateral bladder wall. A radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal neobladder procedure was performed. The patient was diagnosed with a primary leiomyosarcoma of the bladder. After 1 year of follow-up, there has been no recurrence or metastasis.

Surgical Results of Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy According to Tumor Size in Renal Cell Carcinomas / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic surgery has been generalized for the treatment of localized renal cell carcinoma(RCC). Recently, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for an RCC over the pT2 stage has gained rapid momentum as an effective surgery for treatment. We evaluated the possibility of the use of laparoscopic surgery for a large RCC, using the surgical results according to tumor size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2003 and June 2007, a total of 46 patients that under underwent a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for RCC were divided into three groups according to tumor size: group 1 (n=16, tumor size 7cm). The surgical outcomes and perioperative morbidities were evaluated retrospectively, and were compared for each group. RESULTS: The transfusion rate for group 3 patients was higher than for the other groups(group 1: 0%, group 2: 13.3%, group 3: 26,7%). However, the mean operative time(group 1: 154.3 minutes, group 2: 158.4 minutes, group 3: 197.9 minutes), postoperative initiative time to ambulate(group 1: 1.88 days, group 2: 2.00 days, group 3: 1.87 days) postoperative initiative time to diet(group 1: 1.38 days, group 2: 1.53 days, group 3: 1.53 days), total hospital stay(group 1: 7.94 days, group 2: 8.47 days, group 3: 8.20 days) and complication rate(group 1: 12.5%, group 2: 13.3%, group 3: 13.3%) were similar for patients in the three groups. Pathological results indicated that all cases showed a renal cell carcinoma with a negative surgical margin. CONCLUSIONS:There were no differences in the operative and postoperative results of the performance of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy according to tumor size, except for the transfusion rate. If the use of the technique and experience accumulate, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy will be feasible for all localized RCC regardless of tumor size.

Comparative Results of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripters with Three Kinds of Shock Wave Generator / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: To compare the results of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripters according to three shock wave energy sources; piezoelectric (EDAP LT 01+), electromagnetic (Storz Modulith SLX) and electroconductive (EDAP- TMS Sonolith VISION), for the treatment of urinary stones. METERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 1990 and March 2006, 1,504 patients (1,691 renal units) were treated with LT-01+(group A), 2,265 patients (2,500 renal units) with a Modulith SLX (group B) and 927 patients (946 renal units) with a Sonolith VISION (group C). The success rates, number of sessions and complications were examined. Statistical analyses were also conducted according to the size and location of the stones. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the success rates between the three groups (group A, 97.8%; group B, 98.1%; group C, 97.1%). According to the stone size, the success rate for stones more than 1cm(2) was lower in group C than in groups A and B. According to the location, group C had a lower success rate than groups A and B for renal stones, while there were no differences between the three groups in the treatment of other stone locations. The number of treatment sessions for group A was greater than those for groups B and C (group A, 3.83; group B, 1.85; group C, 1.93). Many more sessions were required for group A in comparison with groups B and C in case of renal stones, ureteropelvic junction and upper ureteral stones. The number of sessions for group B was the least for lower ureteral stones. Complications, including steinstrasse, fever, perirenal hematoma and hematuria, were detected in groups A, B and group C at 10, 15.3 and 7.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in the success rates between the three extracorporeal shock wave lithotripters using a shock wave generator. The mean number of treatment sessions was most with the piezoelectric type; whereas, complications were most prevalent with the electromagnetic type.