Perineal Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Perineal involvement by metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is very rare, and there are only few reports on its radiological findings in the literature. Here, we present a case of a 76-year old female who presented with perineal pain caused by metastatic clear cell RCC. We discuss the radiological changes of the tumor before and after targeted therapy.

Electromagnetic Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: A Sham-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Prospective Study

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the electromagnetic-type low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).MATERIALS AND METHODS: The randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind prospective study was performed at two referral hospitals. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive sham or Li-ESWT for 6 weeks. ED was evaluated at screening and at 4 and 7 weeks after treatment. Participants were asked to complete the international index of erectile function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) domain questionnaire, erection hardness scale (EHS), and sexual encounter profile questionnaire (SEPQ 2 and 3). The development of complications was investigated.RESULTS: Eighty-one of 96 patients completed the study. The median change in the IIEF-EF score in the Li-ESWT and sham groups was 5.1 and −2.2 (p<0.001), respectively, at the 7-week follow-up; 47.4% (18/38) patients had EHS <3, of which 77.8% (14/18) showed significant improvement in virtue of Li-ESWT treatment (p=0.001). A significant improvement was observed in the percentage of “Yes” responses to SEPQ 2 and 3 in the Li-ESWT group vs. sham group from baseline to 7-week follow-up (91.3% vs. 69.4%; p=0.008 and 50.0% vs. 14.3%; p=0.002, respectively). No patients reported pain or other adverse events during treatment or follow-up.CONCLUSIONS: Thus, Li-ESWT could have a role in improving erectile function. Furthermore, it is safe. We believe that Li-ESWT is an attractive new treatment modality for patients with ED.

Fate of Abstracts Presented at the Korean College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meetings

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the fate of abstracts presented at scientific meetings of the Korean College of Rheumatology (KCR). METHODS: This study examined the abstracts presented at annual meetings of the KCR from 2005 to 2014. Only original studies were selected, excluding case reports. A manual search was conducted using PubMed, KoreaMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase to track the published articles. The abstracts were considered to have been published if the authors, title, study design, and results were the same for a published article. In addition, they were considered published if the author and the study design matched, even if the results of the abstract and the results of the published articles were not identical. RESULTS: A total of 928 abstracts from 2005 to 2014 were analyzed. Of the 928 abstracts, 468 (50.43%) abstracts were published in a peer-reviewed journal and the mean time to publication was 19 months. Of the 468 abstracts, 414 were published in a science citation index extended (SCI[E]) journal, and 54 were published in non-SCI(E) journals. The proportion of SCI(E) articles increased annually. The average impact factor for the SCI(E) journals was 2.93. In subgroup analysis, the abstracts that were awarded the best oral or best poster presentation were more likely to be published as full-length articles with a higher impact factor than the abstracts not awarded. CONCLUSION: Half of the abstracts presented in the KCR annual meetings were published in a peer-reviewed journal. Approximately 90% of the articles were published in a SCI(E) journal.

Effectiveness and Safety of Biolimus A9™-Eluting stEnt in Patients with AcUTe Coronary sYndrome; A Multicenter, Observational Study (BEAUTY Study)

PURPOSE: This study sought to determine the 1-year clinical effectiveness and safety of a biodegradable, polymer-containing Biolimus A9™-eluting stent (BES) in Korean patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1000 ACS patients with 1251 lesions who underwent implantation of BESs at 22 centers in Korea were enrolled between May 2011 and July 2013. We assessed major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as the composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and clinical-driven target vessel revascularization at 12 months. RESULTS: Patient mean age was 62.6±11.4 years. 72.8% of the patients were male, 28.5% had diabetes, 32.8% had multi-vessel disease (MVD), and 47.9% presented with acute MI (AMI). The mean global registry of acute coronary events risk score of all patients was 103.0±27.6. The number of stents per patient was 1.3±0.6. The incidences of MACE and definite stent thrombosis at 12 months were 3.9% and 0.2%, respectively. On multivariate Cox-regression analysis, age ≥65 years was identified as an independent predictors of 1-year MACE (hazard ratio=2.474; 95% confidence interval=1.202−5.091). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences in the incidence of MACE between patients with and without diabetes (4.3% vs. 3.7%, p=0.667), between those who presented with and without AMI (4.4% vs. 3.4%, p=0.403), and between those with and without MVD (4.6% vs. 3.5%, p=0.387). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated excellent 1-year clinical outcomes of BES implantation in patients at low-risk for ACS.

Safety and Efficacy of the Coadministration of Sildenafil and Finasteride

PURPOSE: The 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARI) are one of the most commonly used medications for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors are also used to treat BPH. 5ARI is a drug with adverse effects of sexual dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of coadministration of finasteride and sildenafil on sexual function and lower urinary symptoms in patients with BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were receiving finasteride and sildenafil daily regimens for treatment of BPH in 2 university hospitals. Patients with adverse effects, vital sign, physical exam, laboratory test, 5-item version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) were analyzed. RESULTS: The number of patients analyzed in this study was 218. The mean age of the patients was 62.63±8.37 years and the mean duration of medication was 18.23±10.97 weeks. Significant changes were not observed in the vital signs measured before and after the drug administration. Compared with before treatment, improvement of lower urinary tract symptom (IPSS: 17.56±4.21 vs. 11.64±5.33, p < 0.001) was observed and improvement of sexual function (IIEF-5: 9.44±5.21 vs. 12.73±6.81, p < 0.001) was also confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Daily coadministration of finasteride and sildenafil for the treatment of BPH could be used safely, and improvement of lower urinary tract symptom as well as improvement of sexual function could be expected.

Recent trend of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) management / 한양의대학술지

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common condition. However, many of the traditional therapies like monotherapy used in clinical practice fail to show efficacy. There is no one particular treatment to be recommended as monotherapy for CP/CPPS. The new concept of treatment which is ‘UPOINT’ is introduced. The major barrier in treating men with CP/CPPS is the heterogenous nature of this syndrome. In order to treat appropriately, the patient should be evaluated individually to assess the nature of symptoms. To evaluate patients with chronic urologic pelvic pain, a six-point clinical phenotyping system has been developed. The clinical domains are urinary symptoms, psychosocial dysfunction, organ specific findings, infection, neurologic/systemic, and tenderness of muscles, which produces the acronym ‘UPOINT’. This clinical phenotyping system may provide a useful and clinically relevant framework for multimodal therapy for the treatment of CP/CPPS. However, the concept of UPOINT needs randomization, placebo or sham control studies to show verified treatment.

Enhanced Expression of TREK-1 Is Related with Chronic Constriction Injury of Neuropathic Pain Mouse Model in Dorsal Root Ganglion

Neuropathic pain is a complex state showing increased pain response with dysfunctional inhibitory neurotransmission. The TREK family, one of the two pore domain K+ (K2P) channel subgroups were focused among various mechanisms of neuropathic pain. These channels influence neuronal excitability and are thought to be related in mechano/thermosensation. However, only a little is known about the expression and role of TREK-1 and TREK-2, in neuropathic pain. It is performed to know whether TREK-1 and/or 2 are positively related in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of a mouse neuropathic pain model, the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. Following this purpose, Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analyses were performed using mouse DRG of CCI model and compared to the sham surgery group. Immunofluorescence staining of isolectin-B4 (IB4) and TREK were performed. Electrophysiological recordings of single channel currents were analyzed to obtain the information about the channel. Interactions with known TREK activators were tested to confirm the expression. While both TREK-1 and TREK-2 mRNA were significantly overexpressed in DRG of CCI mice, only TREK-1 showed significant increase (~9 fold) in western blot analysis. The TREK-1-like channel recorded in DRG neurons of the CCI mouse showed similar current-voltage relationship and conductance to TREK-1. It was easily activated by low pH solution (pH 6.3), negative pressure, and riluzole. Immunofluorescence images showed the expression of TREK-1 was stronger compared to TREK-2 on IB4 positive neurons. These results suggest that modulation of the TREK-1 channel may have beneficial analgesic effects in neuropathic pain patients.

Sinus Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation by Restoration of Atrial Perfusion in a Patient with Chronic Total Occlusion

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia, and restoration of sinus rhythm is very important in treating this condition. Recently, we experienced a rare case of immediate cardioversion from AF after successful revascularization in a patient with chronic total proximal part of the right coronary artery (RCA) occlusion. A 72-year-old woman with hypertension and diabetes mellitus experienced chest discomfort. An electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed AF. Despite 3 months of appropriate pharmacologic therapy for AF, she continued to complain of effort angina, which was relieved by sublingual nitroglycerin. She subsequently underwent cardiac catheterization, which revealed chronic total occlusion of the proximal RCA with grade III collateral vessels from the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Balloon angioplasty and stenting restored the blood flow of the RCA, and the AF promptly reverted to sinus rhythm. There was no recurrence of AF over 12 months of follow-up at the outpatient clinic.

Expression levels of heat shock protein 27 and cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein in prostate cancer correlate with Gleason score sum and pathologic stage

PURPOSE: Heat shock protein (HSP) 27 protects the cell by controlling apoptosis and immune reactions, and c-FLIP (cellular-FLICE inhibitory protein) inhibits apoptosis by inhibiting caspase-8 activity. We investigated the relationship of HSP27 and c-FLIP expression to prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score sum (GSS), and pathologic stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples from 163 patients between May 2004 and April 2010 were analyzed: 83 from patients that had underwent a radical prostatectomy, and 80 from those that underwent transurethral resection of the prostate to alleviate urinary symptoms from benign prostate hyperplasia. c-FLIP and HSP27 expression were observed by immunohistochemistry staining. Samples with less than 5% expression-positive cells were scored as 1, with 5%-50% were scored as 2, and with more than 50% were scored as 3. Local reactions were identified as 0.5 and evaluated. RESULTS: Both the presence of HSP27 within the tumor and the number of cancer cells positive for HSP27 were significantly correlated to GSS and pathologic stage (p<0.001, p=0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001). The same was true for c-FLIP expression (p<0.001). GSS was more highly correlated to HSP27 expression than to c-FLIP expression (r=0.814 for HSP27, r=0.776 for c-FLIP), as was pathologic stage (r=0.592 for HSP27, r=0.554 for c-FLIP). CONCLUSIONS: In prostate cancer, higher GSS and a more advanced pathologic stage were associated with a higher likelihood of having a HSP27-positive tumor and more HSP27-positive tumor cells. HSP27 expression was correlated with GSS and prostate cancer stage. A more advanced pathologic stage corresponded to a higher likelihood of having a c-FLIP-positive tumor and more c-FLIP-positive tumor cells. HSP27 expression had a higher correlation with prostate cancer stage and GSS than c-FLIP expression did.

Current status of penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy

Although disease-free survival remains the primary goal of prostate cancer treatment, erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a common complication that affects the quality of life. Even though several preventive and therapeutic strategies are available for ED after radical prostatectomy (RP), no specific recommendations have been made on the optimal rehabilitation or treatment strategy. Several treatment options are available, including phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, vacuum erection devices, intracavernosal or intraurethral prostaglandin injections, and penile prostheses. Urologists must consider more effective ways to establish optimal treatments for ED after RP. ED is an important issue among patients with prostate cancer, and many patients hope for early ED recovery after surgery. This review highlights the currently available treatment options for ED after RP and discusses the limitations of each.

Comparison of Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Efficacy of Mirodenalfil 50mg Once Daily and 100mg On-Demand in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Erectile Dysfunction: Multicenter, Randomized

PURPOSE: To Compare the improvement of erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as well as the efficacy of mirodenalfil 50mg once daily and 100mg on-demand in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study was done with 220 patients who had BPH and ED from June 2013 to October 2014. Out of 220 individuals, 260 met inclusion criteria and 204 finished the research. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 had mirodenafil 50mg once daily and Group 2 had mirodenafil 100mg on-demand. The five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Qmax, and residual urine volume(PVR) were assessed immediately before initiation of treatment (V1) and after four (V2) and twelve weeks of treatment (V3). RESULTS: No difference of IIEF-5, IPSS, Qmax, and PVR between two groups in V1. At V3, both groups had improvements of IPSS and group 1 had better improvements (-5.1+/-4.4 vs. -3.1+/-3.9 p<0.001). And Group 1 had larger improvements than Group 2 in Qmax significantly. No difference in PVR in both groups comparing V1 vs. V2 and V1 vs V3. Group 1 had better improved IIEF-5 than Group 2 (V1 vs. V3: 4.8+/-5.8 vs. 4.4+/-5.1; p=0.032). There was no drop out patients due to cardiovascular problems. CONCLUSIONS: Once daily mirodenafil 50mg was more efficacious in treating both ED and LUTS than on-demand dosing mirodenafil 100mg without any complication of cardiovascular problems.

The Relationship Among Obesity, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Erectile Dysfunction in Korea Men

PURPOSE: Pathogenically, both erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are closely related to vascular problems, and vascular problems are closely associated with obesity. This study evaluated the relationships between obesity, BPH, and ED. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical history of male patients, aged > or =40 years, evaluated at urology outpatient clinics of 11 university hospitals in Korea with chief complaints of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/BPH and ED were retrospectively evaluated. The correlations of medical history, body mass index (BMI), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), prostate volume, International Index of Erectile Function -5 (IIEF-5), and serum testosterone level were assessed. RESULTS: Body mass index showed significant correlations with IPSS (r=0.087, p=0.003), prostate volume (r=0.384, p<0.001), IIEF (r=-0.072, p=0.015), and serum testosterone concentration (r=-0.303, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Body mass index correlates with testosterone concentration, prostate volume, and markers of LUTS and ED in men with the latter conditions.

Symptom and Differences in Medication Adherence in Method of Administration of Tamsulosin, Finasteride Combination Therapy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE: It has been reported in several for factors on the drug compliance of patients, number of drug being taken, symptom, and pharmaceutical dosage form. However, Studies of drug compliance by dosing methodologies of tamsulosin, finasteride combination therapy and symptom relief for benign prostatic hyperplasia has not been performed. Therefore, we studied for symptom and differences in medication adherence in method of administration of tamsulosin, finasteride combination therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The groups were consisted in need of combination therapy of tamsulosin, finasteride on benign prostatic hyperplasia, one had packaged both drugs together (Group A, n=30) and the other were individually packaged both agents (Group B, n=30). International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) were checked on first, 4weeks, and 8weeks. The evaluation was carried out of medicine compliance by checking the number of drugs 4weeks-interval. which was every 4weeks during 8weeks. RESULTS: The properties other than the PSA in both groups, there was no statistically significant differences between patients. In first 4weeks, drug compliance of each Group A and B had tamsulosin 82.6%, 93.3% (p=0.033), finasteride 80.1%, 93.3% (p=0.042), and last 4weeks tamsulosin 80.6%, 93.7% (p=0.013), finasteride 79.5%, 93.7% (p=0.002) were checked. Group C, D had 81.4%, 96.4% (p=0.021) on 4weeks, 80.6%, 97.2% (p=0.011) on 8weeks. CONCLUSIONS: For co-administration of finasteride and tamsulosin are required in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, in order to enhance drug compliance, both tablets have to prescript together in one package to be taken at one time is useful.

Meta-Analysis and Quality Assessment of Randomized Controlled Trials / 한양의대학술지

Meta-analysis is the statistical combination of results from two or more separate studies. Potential advantages of meta-analyses include an increase in power, an improvement in precision, the ability to answer questions not posed by individual studies, and the opportunity to settle controversies arising from conflicting claims. However, they also have the potential to mislead seriously, particularly if specific study designs, within-study biases, variation across studies, and reporting biases are not carefully considered. It is important to be familiar with the type of data (e.g. dichotomous, continuous) that result from measurement of an outcome in an individual study, and to choose suitable effect measures for comparing intervention groups. Most meta-analysis methods are variations on a weighted average of the effect estimates from the different studies. Variation across studies (heterogeneity) must be considered. Random-effects meta-analyses allow for heterogeneity by assuming that underlying effects follow a normal distribution. Various judgments are required in the process of preparing a meta-analysis. Especially, quality assessment of randomized controlled trial is essential. There are several methods to assess the methodological quality of clinical trials, including scales, individual markers, and checklists. Analyzing the quality of studies makes the results of meta-analysis more reliable. Sensitivity analyses should be used to examine whether overall findings are robust to potentially influential decisions.

Mirodenafil for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are the most commonly used treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Since the launch of sildenafil, several drugs-including mirodenafil, sildenafil citrate (sildenafil), tadalafil, vardenafil HCL (vardenafil), udenafil, and avanafil-have become available. Mirodenafil is a newly developed pyrrolopyrimidinone compound, which is a potent, reversible, and selective oral PDE5 inhibitor. Mirodenafil was launched in Korea in 2007, and an orally disintegrating film of mirodenafil was developed in 2011 for benefitting patients having difficulty in swallowing tablets. This study aimed to review the pharmacokinetic characteristic profile of mirodenafil and report evidence on its efficacy in the case of ED. In addition, we reviewed randomized controlled studies of mirodenafil's daily administration and efficacy for lower urinary tract symptoms.

Reliability of the Percent Density in Digital Mammography with a Semi-Automated Thresholding Method / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: The reliability of the quantitative measurement of breast density with a semi-automated thresholding method (Cumulus(TM)) has mainly been investigated with film mammograms. This study aimed to evaluate the intrarater reproducibility of percent density (PD) by Cumulus(TM) with digital mammograms. METHODS: This study included 1,496 craniocaudal digital mammograms from the unaffected breast of breast cancer patients. One rater reviewed each mammogram and estimated the PD using the Cumulus(TM) method. All images were reassessed by the same rater 1 month later without reference to the previously assigned values. The repeatability of the PD was evaluated by an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). All patients were grouped based on their body mass index (BMI), age, family history of breast cancer, breastfeeding history and breast area (calculated with Cumulus(TM)), and subgroup analysis for the ICC of each group was performed. All patients were categorized by their Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) density pattern, and the mean and standard deviation of the PD by each BI-RADS categories were compared. RESULTS: The ICC for the PD was 0.94, indicating excellent repeatability. The discrepancy between the paired PD values ranged from 0 to 23.93, with an average of 3.90 (standard deviation=3.39). The subgroup ICCs for the PD ranged from 0.88 to 0.96, indicating excellent reliability in all subgroups regardless of patient variables. The ICCs of the PD for the high-risk (BI-RADS 3 and 4) and low-risk (BI-RADS 1 and 2) groups were 0.90 and 0.88, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that PD calculated with digital mammograms has an acceptable reliability regardless of patient age, BMI, family history of breast cancer, breastfeeding history, breast size, and BI-RADS density pattern.

The Effect of Terpene Combination on Ureter Calculus Expulsion After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

PURPOSE: Terpene combination (Rowatinex) is known to help with the expulsion of urinary stones. The aim of this study was to determine how Rowatinex affects the expulsion of remnant stones after shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data were collected retrospectively from 499 patients with a diagnosis of ureteral stones who underwent SWL from January 2009 to August 2012. Ureteral stones were diagnosed in all patients by kidney, ureter, and bladder x-ray and abdominal computed tomography (CT). The progress of patients was documented every 2 weeks to confirm remnant stones after SWL. The patients with remnant stones underwent SWL again. Group 1 consisted of patients who were prescribed an analgesic, Tamsulosin 0.2 mg, and Rowatinex. Group 2 consisted of patients who were prescribed only an analgesic and Tamsulosin 0.2 mg. The expulsion rate of urinary stones was compared between groups. RESULTS: The expulsion rate of urinary stones was not significantly different between the two groups after 2 weeks. However, after 4 weeks, group 1 had a significantly higher expulsion rate (72.2% compared with 61.1%, p=0.022). Fifteen patients (10.2%) in group 1 and 40 (11.4%) in group 2 had to undergo ureteroscopic removal of the stone (p=0.756). Acute pyelonephritis occurred in one patient (0.7%) in group 1 and in one patient (0.3%) in group 2 (p=0.503). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term administration of Rowatinex for 4 weeks increased the expulsion rate of urinary stones after SWL.

Comparison of Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease and Coronary Artery Disease in the Korean Population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyze and compare risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample included 7936 Korean patients aged > or =20 years who were hospitalized from 1994 to 2004. Of the 7936 subjects, PAD (n=415), CAD (n=3686), and normal controls (Control) (n=3835) were examined at the Health Promotion Center, Samsung Medical Center. RESULTS: The mean age (years) of PAD subjects was 64.4 (+/-9.3), while CAD subjects was 61.2 (+/-9.9), and Control subjects was 59.9 (+/-9.1) (p<0.01). The proportion of males was 90.6% for PAD, 71.4% for CAD, and 75.5% for Control subjects (p<0.01). The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease were significantly higher in subjects with PAD or CAD compared to those in Control. However, the ORs for high density lipoprotein, being overweight, and being obese were significantly lower in PAD subjects compared to those in Control. CONCLUSION: We found that cardiovascular risk factors were in fact risk factors for both PAD and CAD.

A Quality Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials about Erectile Dysfunction

PURPOSE: A low quality clinical trial could produce errors, and these errors could, in turn, distort the results of the clinical trial. To avoid applying distorted results of trials clinically, a quality analysis of clinical trials is needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about erectile dysfunction (ED) conducted in Korea using Medline and KoreaMed. Quality assessment of selected RCTs was performed using three assessment tools (Jadad scales, van Tulder scale, Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool [CCRBT]). RESULTS: The first RCT about ED conducted in Korea was published in 2002. Since 2002, a total of 20 RCTs have been published in medical journals. Among the 20 articles, only 1 article was found to have a low risk of bias according to the CCRBT. On the Jadad scale, there were 17 high quality articles, while 19 articles were assessed as high quality by the VTS. Only 2 RCTs described the randomization method adequately. Only 1 RCT presented allocation concealment. CONCLUSIONS: A low quality clinical trial could produce errors, and these errors could, in turn, distort the results of the clinical trial. To avoid applying distorted results of trials clinically, a quality analysis of clinical trials is needed. The quality of RCTs was found to be high because almost all of the selected RCTs were double blinded studies. However, the quality of RCTs was inadequate with regard to the lack of randomization and absence of allocation concealment. Therefore, performing adequate randomization and adding a description of the appropriate concealment of allocation may improve the quality of RCTs.

Transurethral Procedures for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Resulting From Benign Prostatic Enlargement: A Quality and Meta-Analysis / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques and instruments, many surgical modalities have been developed to replace transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). However, TURP remains the gold standard for the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We conducted a meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive surgical therapies for BPH compared with TURP. METHODS: This meta-analysis used a Medline search assessing the period from 1997 to 2011. A total of 784 randomized controlled trials were identified in an electronic search. Among the 784 articles, 36 randomized controlled trials that provided the highest level of evidence (level 1b) were included in the meta-analysis. We also conducted a quality analysis of selected articles. RESULTS: Only 2 articles (5.56%) were assessed as having a low risk of bias by use of the Cochrane collaboration risk of bias tool. On the other hand, by use of the Jadad scale, there were 26 high-quality articles (72.22%). Furthermore, 28 articles (77.78%) were assessed as high-quality articles by use of the van Tulder scale. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) showed the highest reduction of the International Prostate Symptom Score compared with TURP (P<0.0001). Bipolar TURP, bipolar transurethral vaporization of the prostate, HoLEP, and open prostatectomy showed superior outcome in postvoid residual urine volume and maximum flow rate. The intraoperative complications of the minimally invasive surgeries had no statistically significant inferior outcomes compared with TURP. Also, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the modalities compared with TURP. CONCLUSIONS: The selection of an appropriate surgical modality for BPH should be assessed by fully understanding each patient's clinical conditions.