Studying the electrolyte changes in ileal urine at the time of radical cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion.

To the Editor, Radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer is a life-changing surgery, associated with high morbidity and mortality rate. Ileal neobladder seems as an attractive way for urine management post cystectomy but would carry the risk of retaining urine in the ileal pouch for a long time, resulting in serum electrolyte changes, that may add to the patients' morbidity. EAU guidelines recommend against ileal neobladder for patients with liver and renal disorders, as well as for patients > 80 years old [...].

Prospective evaluation of urinary continence after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using a validated questionnaire and daily pad use assessment: which definition is more relevant to the patient's perception of recovery?

INTRODUCTION: No standard definition for urinary continence after radical prostatectomy exists, and there are discrepancies in continence rates reported in the literature, as well as rates reported by physicians and patients. Therefore, we used two tools, a validated questionnaire and daily pad use, to identify the criteria that best reflects patients' perceptions of continence recovery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective study of 74 patients who underwent nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Continence was assessed monthly for 3 months following catheter removal using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) and by recording the number of pads the patients used on a daily basis. According to daily pad use, patients were categorized as either dry (no-pads), socially continent (0-1 pad) or incontinent (≥2 pads). RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were enrolled with a mean age of 64.3 (±5.6) years. There were no significant differences in continence rates using scores from the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire- Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) or no-pad use (29.7% vs 32.4%, 45.9% vs 48.6% and 54.1% vs. 54.1%, at the 1-, 2- and 3-month follow-ups, respectively). However, the number of socially continent patients was significantly higher (59.5%, 70.3% and 81.1%, at the 1-, 2- and 3-month follow-ups, respectively [p <0.001]). CONCLUSIONS: The totally dry definition better reflected patients' perceptions rather than the socially continent definition for the evaluation of continence recovery following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. To avoid discrepancies, we recommend the use of a validated questionnaire as well as the no-pad definition to standardize the reporting of post radical prostatectomy continence rates.

Role of sparing of puboprostatic ligaments on continence recovery after radical prostatectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Sparing of puboprostatic ligaments (PPLs) during radical prostatectomy was introduced as a technique to improve urinary continence. This study aims to study the effect of sparing of PPLs during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in terms of continence during the first 3 months. METHODS: A total of 74 patients, diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer, were randomly assigned to two equal groups; PPLs division and sparing during LRP. Based on the number of daily used pads, both groups completed 3 months follow-up to assess continence recovery. The effects of age, preoperative total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and clinical tumor stage on continence recovery were also studied. The study was registered and approved by the Ethics Committee of Alexandria University-Faculty of Medicine (Protocol No. 0201074). RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 63.8 years. Baseline characteristics were comparable, except significantly higher mean PSA in the division group. Sixty patients were continent (0-1 pad/day) at 3 months follow-up. Continence was significantly better in the sparing than division group at 1 week after catheter removal (67.6% vs 40.5%, p = 0.01), at 1 month (73% vs 45.9%, p = 0.009) and 2 months (89.2% vs 51.4%, p = 0.0001). At 3 months follow-up, there was no significant difference between both groups (83.3% vs 78.4% for sparing and division groups, respectively; p = 0.28). Moreover, continence was significantly improved at 3 months compared to 1 week in both groups. CONCLUSION: Sparing of puboprostatic ligaments during radical prostatectomy significantly improves postoperative early recovery of urinary continence.

The prognostic value of ephrin type-A2 receptor and Ki-67 in renal cell carcinoma patients: An Immunohistochemical and Bioinformatical Approach; A STROBE - compliant article.

Patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common malignant renal epithelial tumor, usually present with advanced disease and unpredicted clinical behavior. The receptor tyrosine kinase, ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) was found to be overexpressed in several malignancies and its expression was found to be associated with poor prognostic features.Our study is an observational study with the aim of investigating the prognostic value of EphA2 in RCC patients and its association with clinicopathological parameters as well as Ki-67 expression, which is a well-known proliferative and prognostic marker in RCC.EphA2 and Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining was performed on whole sections representative of 50 patients diagnosed with primary RCC from 2013 to 2018. In addition, the association between EphA2 mRNA expression and clinicopathological parameters as well as the patients' outcome was also evaluated using two large publicly available databases.Our results showed a significant association between EphA2 immunohistochemical expression and tumor size, nuclear grade, tumor stage, patients' outcome and Ki-67 expression (P < .05 for all). The same trend was also observed with EphA2 mRNA expression using larger patients' cohorts in 2 publicly available databases. Notably, EphA2 protein expression showed higher levels of co-expression with the proliferative marker Ki-67.Our results suggested that higher expression of EphA2 and Ki-67 in tumor tissues predicts a locally aggressive behaviour and poor outcome of patients with RCC. Moreover, our results give a rationale for the potential benefits of using novel therapeutic strategies with the aim of targeting EphA2 receptor in RCC patients that might help in improving their outcome.

The embedded nipple: An optimal technique for re-implantation of primary obstructed megaureter in children.

OBJECTIVES: To present a novel ureteric re-implantation technique for primary obstructed megaureter (POM) that ensures success in the short- and long-term, as conventional techniques are not ideal for megaureters especially in children, with ureteric stenosis and reflux being common complications after re-implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2012, 22 paediatric patients with POM were enrolled. We performed a new technique for re-implantation of these ureters to ensure minimal incidence of ureteric strictures and easy subsequent endoscopic access. We performed follow-up voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 14 boys and eight girls, with a median age of 22 months. Six patients underwent bilateral re-implantation. The mean (range) duration of indwelling ureteric catheterisation was 7.8 (4-14) days. There were no complications in the perioperative and postoperative periods. There was no reflux on follow-up VCUG in any of the patients. One patient developed Grade I reflux after 1 year and presented with a urinary tract infection. Diagnostic cystoscopy was performed in 13 patients showing that the nipple was directed similarly to the native ureteric orifice. CONCLUSION: The embedded-nipple technique for re-implantation of POM guarantees successful results and permits easy subsequent ureteroscopic access when needed.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, metabolic syndrome and androgenic alopecia: Is there a possible relationship?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and metabolic syndrome in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in comparison with those with no AGA, as several previous studies have reported inconsistent results of an association between metabolic syndrome and BPH with AGA. PATIENTS SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 400 participants, divided into 300 patients diagnosed with AGA, with different grades according to Norwood-Hamilton classification, and 100 control subjects with no AGA. Criteria for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome according to Adult Treatment Panel-III criteria (waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides), as well as criteria for diagnosis of BPH (prostatic volume, urine flow, and prostate-specific antigen) were assessed in all patients and compared with the control subjects. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the AGA and no-AGA groups for the following variables: waist circumference, body mass index, fibrinogen level, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and glycosylated haemoglobin. There was a significant difference in number of patients with AGA manifesting criteria of metabolic syndrome (51% vs 28%), as well as BPH diagnostic criteria (36% vs 6.8%) compared with the control subjects. Both BPH and metabolic syndrome were shown to be significant independent variables associated with AGA. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatologists, urologists, and primary care physicians should monitor patients with early onset AGA for the development of urinary symptoms, to permit an earlier diagnosis of BPH; and for metabolic syndrome symptoms, to permit early diagnosis of cardiovascular risk factors.

Corrigendum to "Detubularised isolated ureterosigmoidostomy (Atta pouch): Manometric and radiological studies in a sample of patients" [Arab J. Urol. 12 (2014) 197-203].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.aju.2014.02.003.].

Prospective randomized comparison between cold and warm ischemia in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare between the effects of cold and warm ischemia on the risk of deterioration of renal insufficiency in patients with T1 renal tumor managed by partial nephrectomy. METHODS: This prospective randomized study was performed on 120 patients with chronic kidney disease, all having T1 renal tumors. Renal function was estimated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: in group A, warm ischemia was used, and in group B, cold ischemia was used. All patients were treated by open partial nephrectomy. Patients were followed up for 2 years. The primary outcome of the study was eGFR at 2 years. Secondary outcomes were tumor recurrence, loss of follow-up, or patient death. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 60.7 ± 5.3 years. Associated chronic disease (diabetes and/or hypertension) was present in 93 patients. Worsening of renal insufficiency occurred within 1 month of surgery in 38 patients (27 in group A and 11 in group B). At 3 months follow-up, 21 of these 38 patients returned to their baseline eGFR. Warm ischemia rendered patients more prone to a decrease in eGFR after partial nephrectomy, with relative risk of 1.34 and 2 times at 3 months and 2 years of follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSION: Warm ischemia increases the risk of deterioration of renal functions in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing open partial nephrectomy for renal tumors.

Clinical evaluation of patients treated with a detubularised isolated ureterosigmoidostomy diversion after radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the emptying pattern and patient satisfaction after constructing a detubularised isolated ureterosigmoidostomy (DIUS) following a cystectomy, introduced to overcome the poor outcome of conventional ureterosigmoidostomy, to improve the emptying pattern and accordingly patients' quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 122 patients who were treated with a DIUS diversion after cystectomy. The minimum follow-up of the patients was 6 months. The frequency of emptying and continence during the day and night were recorded. The ability of the patients to discriminate between urine and stool was assessed. The patients' overall satisfaction with the outcome was categorised as fully satisfied, moderately satisfied or not satisfied. RESULTS: In all, 95 patients were available for this evaluation; all patients were completely continent during the day and night. The mean emptying frequency was 3.9 during the day and 1.7 during the night. All patients were able to feel the desire to empty and the mean holding time was 35 min. Fifty-two patients (55%) could pass solid stools once per day, with minimal urine at the end of voiding, and the remaining evacuations were of clear urine only. Thirty-two patients (34%) were able to differentiate between urine and stool sensation before emptying. For satisfaction, 82 patients reported full satisfaction, 13 were moderately satisfied, and none regretted the diversion. CONCLUSIONS: The DIUS diversion provides continence during the day and night, with a satisfactory emptying habit. Patients with a DIUS diversion can tolerate a full pouch comfortably, with no leakage, and they can discriminate between urine and stool evacuations.

The mammalian target of rapamycin pathway is widely activated without PTEN deletion in renal cell carcinoma metastases.

BACKGROUND: Inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are emerging as promising therapies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Because rational treatment strategies require understanding the activation status of the underlying signaling pathway being targeted at the desired stage of disease, the authors examined the activation status of different components of the mTOR pathway in RCC metastases and matched primary tumors. METHODS: The authors immunostained metastatic RCC samples from 132 patients and a subset of 25 matched primary RCCs with antibodies against phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase, PTEN, phospho-Akt, phospho-mTOR, and p70S6. PTEN genomic status was assessed by fluorescent in situ hybridization. Marker expression was correlated to clinicopathologic variables and to survival. RESULTS: The mTOR pathway showed widespread activation in RCC metastases of various sites with strong correlation between different components of this signaling cascade (P<.0001), but without significant PTEN genomic deletion. Only cytoplasmic phospho-mTOR showed independent prognostic significance (P = .029) and fidelity between primary RCCs and their matched metastases (P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Activation of various components of the mTOR signaling pathway in metastatic RCC lesions across various tumor histologies, nuclear grades, and metastatic sites suggests the potential for vertical blockade of multiple steps of this pathway. Patient selection may be improved by mTOR immunostaining of primary RCC.

Renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena caval extention: impact of tumour extent on surgical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate our experience with surgical resection of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with inferior vena cava (IVC) involvement and examine the relationship between prognosis and tumour extent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of nephrectomy performed between 1985 and 2005 identified 50 patients presenting with tumour thrombus extension into the IVC. Clinical characteristics and outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients evaluated, 7, 26, 10 and 7 presented with level I, II, III and IV thrombus, respectively. Major postoperative complications occurred in 16% of patients. Local or distant failure occurred in 25 (64%) patients. The mean time to recurrence was 10 months. Only supra-diaphragmatic extension of the tumour thrombus was predictive of disease recurrence. CONCLUSION: Locally advanced RCC with IVC thrombus remains associated with significant local and distant failure rate. The level of thrombus extension is significantly associated with disease recurrence. Effective adjuvant therapy is needed to improve outcome in this patient population.

Active surveillance for selected patients with renal masses: updated results with long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the outcome of a surveillance strategy in patients with renal masses. METHODS: The medical records of patients with renal masses diagnosed between January 1992 and May 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. In all, 45 patients with renal masses under observation were identified. Of these, 35 patients with 44 renal masses measuring <4 cm in dimension at the time of diagnosis and who were followed for at least 6 months were included in the review. Patients elected observation because of age, comorbidity, solitary kidney, or bilateral renal masses. Medical records were reviewed to determine tumor size and volume changes as well as clinical progression requiring treatment, the development of metastatic disease, or death. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients (21 men and 14 women) with 44 renal masses were observed for a mean follow-up of 47.6 months. The mean age of these patients was 71.8 years. The majority of the patients (89%) were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. The mean and median initial tumor dimension was 2.2 cm and 2.2 cm, respectively (range, 0.5-4 cm). Of the 35 patients, 2 (5.7%) were lost to follow-up, 8 (22.9%) underwent surgical resection, and 9 (25.7%) died of other causes. The mean dimension growth rate was 0.21 cm/year (range, 0.03-1.9 cm/year). The mean and median volume growth rate was 2.7 cc/year and 1.4 cc/year, respectively. Progression to metastatic disease was identified in 2 patients (5.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of renal masses will grow if observed and some may require treatment. Initial tumor size cannot predict the natural history of renal masses. A small but non-negligible risk of developing metastatic disease exists in this patient population. Further research should focus on the role of biopsy and on identification of prognostic parameters allowing more accurate prediction of tumor growth and metastasis.