Prostate cancer un Saudi Arabia: a review of the literature [1975-1996]

This paper presents the current available information on prostate cancer in Saudi Arabia. This review of the literature includes most epidemiological studies on cancer in Saudi Arabia that were published in the Saudi medical literature. The reviewed papers presented the experience of medical centers in the Central, Eastern, Western and Southern regions of Saudi Arabia. Papers on prostate cancer that were presented during the annual Saudi Urological Meetings were also analyzed. There was no single paper previously published on this specific cancer in the Saudi medical literature. Four papers related to local experience of prostate cancer were presented in the annual Saudi Urological Conferences, and all reported infrequent encounters with this disease. The data gathered from multiple medical centers in the different regions of the Kingdom indicates that the reported incidence of prostate cancer has been steadily falling in Saudi Arabia over the past 20 years. The information presented here sheds some light on this cancer, and calls for the close observation of any future changes in the frequency of this disease and its related morbidity and mortality

Prostate cancer experience at king abdulaziz University Hospital Jeddah

This paper presents the experience of King Abdulaziz University Hospital [KAUH] in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with prostatic cancer patients seen over a period of more than ten years [1986-1997]. Fifty-five patients with confirmed diagnosis of prostate cancer were identified at KAUH during this period. Forty-seven presented primarily to KAUH and eight were referred from other centers for management and/or follow-up. Data analyzed included age at presentation, ethnic origin, mode of presentation, result of digital rectal examination [DRE] results of serum tumor markers, prostatic acid phosphatase, or prostatic specific antigen [PSA], results of transrectal ultrasonographic scan of the prostate [TRUS], methods and results of prostate biopsy, pathological grade of the cancer tissues, the clinical staging, and finally the type of treatment used. The average age at presentation was 68.8 years. Forty-one patients were white, six were black and the ethnic origin was not determined in eight patients. The main clinical presentation was by symptoms of prostatism in 36 patients [65%] DRE revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH] in 31 patients [56%] and suspicion of cancer in 24 [44%]. Of the patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate, 27 had PSA measurements, elevated above 20 ng/mL in 17 [63%]. The tissues were obtained from the prostate by needle biopsy in 30 patients [transperineal approach in 17 and TRUS-guided in 13 patients], prostatectomy in 17 patients [open in one, and transurethral prostatic resection in 16 patients], and unspecified method in eight patients. TRUS performed on 18 patients showed hypoechoic nodules indicative of cancer in 11 patients and BPH or normal in seven patients. Clinical staging revealed 15 [27%] in stage A, 5 [9%] in stage B, 5 [9%] in stage C and 30 [55%] in stage D. During this period no retropubic radical prostatectomy operation aimed at curing localized prostate cancer was performed at KAUH, while bilateral orchiectomy for control of metastatic disease was done for 12 patients, and 18 patients received endocrine therapy

Antibiotic therapy of genital infection in infertile males

Evaluate the antibiotic pattern and result of treatment of genital infection in male patients with idiopathic infertility. Patients and Prospective study on 63 patients. We cultured the first voided urine, semen and swabs taken from the anterior urethra for bacteria, Chiamydia, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis. This report focuses on 40 [64%] patients in whom genital infection was found and the results of treatment were obtained. Of the 40 patients infected and treated with organism specific antimicrobials 10 [25%] achieved successful impregnation of their wives. Extensive microbial investigations are necessary when genital infection is suspected as the cause of male infertility. Organism-specific treatment can lead to successful pregnancies of the wives. Treatment failure may indicate the presence of more subtle underlying pathological process and early testicular biopsy is recommended when the spermogram shows a count below one million per cubic millilitre or azoospermia

Evaluation of a symptom score index for measurement of lower urinary symptoms in arabic form

To evaluate an Arabic translation of a score index for measuring the severity of symptoms produced by benign prostatic hypertrophy [BPH]. A prospective study on 84 subjects. We first translated the symptom score index from its original English-American language; this questionnaire was then given to patients to be self-administered, as intended by the American Urological Association [AUA]. Assistance by a relative or guidance from the managing physician was allowed when required. The Arabic symptom score index was evaluated by [1] the ability of patients to understand the questions; [2] the ability of patients to complete the answers; [3] test/retesting the same patients' symptoms after a short period of time [1 week]; and [4] any change in the score following treatment Our results indicate the usefulness of the symptom score index in Arabic for assessing patients with symptoms produced by BPH. An objective method of measuring these symptoms is now available for Arabic-speaking patients. Conclusion: The assessment of symptoms by a score index system has become standard medical policy and the Arabic translation should be used in the management of BPH in all Arabic-speaking patients