Significance of intraprostatic architecture and regrowth velocity for considering discontinuation of dutasteride after combination therapy with an alpha blocker: A prospective, pilot study

PURPOSE: We conducted a prospective single-center study to evaluate the possibility of discontinuation of dutasteride after combination therapy with an alpha blocker for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively treated BPH patients with an alpha blocker and dutasteride (0.5 mg/d). Patients who had been treated with alpha blockers against BPH for more than 2 months were eligible, and 20 patients were included in the study. After 6 months of combination therapy, dutasteride was discontinued. Patients were followed for 12 months after cessation. Prostate volume, intraprostatic architecture determined by transrectal ultrasound, peak urinary flow rate, postvoid residual urine volume, and the serum prostate-specific antigen level were evaluated every 6 months, and the International Prostate Symptom Score and overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) every 3 months. Patients were allowed to restart dutasteride during the follow-up period according to their desire. RESULTS: Twelve patients (12/20, 60%) restarted the combination therapy from 6 to 12 months into the follow-up period. For patients who restarted dutasteride, the prostate volume and OABSS had increased and worsened after discontinuation, respectively. A visible transition zone with a clear border on transrectal ultrasound at baseline and regrowth of the prostate after discontinuation of dutasteride were risk factors for restarting the therapy (Mann-Whitney U test: p=0.008, p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Prostatic enlargement after discontinuation of dutasteride differs among patients. Rapid regrowth of the prostate leads to deterioration of storage symptoms and a tendency to restart dutasteride. Baseline intraprostatic architecture may be a predictive factor for whether the patient is a good candidate for discontinuation.

Ureteral Reconstruction With Bowel Segments: Experience With Eight Patients in a Single Institute

PURPOSE: Although replacement of the ureter with a bowel segment is indicated for large ureteral defects, it is still a challenging technique for urologists. We present our experience and outcome of ureteral reconstruction using bowel segments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ureteral reconstruction with bowel segments was performed in eight patients in our institute between 1969 and 2009. We investigated the position and length of the ureteral defect and methods of reconstruction as well as the patients' backgrounds, postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Five patients underwent ureteral replacement with isolated ileal segments alone. In one patient, the ureter was reconstructed by using the Yang-Monti procedure with the ileum. A colon segment was used in two patients who required bladder augmentation for tuberculous contracted bladder at the same time. Metabolic acidosis occurred in three patients having a solitary kidney and the ureter had to be replaced by a relatively long intestinal segment. Two patients who received preoperative radiation therapy were required to undergo additional operations. Long-term cancer-free survival was achieved in one patient who underwent ileal substitution for low-grade renal pelvic cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Although ureteral replacement with a bowel segment is a challenging and useful procedure, attention must be paid to the possibility of metabolic acidosis, which is likely to occur in patients having a solitary kidney with renal insufficiency or in patients requiring a long intestinal segment for reconstruction. In addition, preoperative radiation therapy for the pelvic organs may cause postoperative complications.