Comparison of suture material for vesico-urethral anastomosis in robotic radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) with barbed suture (BS) and non-barbed monofilament suture (NBS) in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) in a match - pairs design. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical recordings of 385 consecutive patients with prostate carcinoma have been evaluated, and 70 patients who have undergone RALRP-BS were compared with 70 patients with RALRP-NBS in a matched - pairs design. Preoperative clinical parameters (age, prostate-specific antigen, clinical stage, Gleason score of the prostate biopsy, and prostate volume) and operative data (operation, docking, console, posterior reconstruction (PR), anastomosis times, duration of catheter, length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, time to perform the anastomosis and its quality) were evaluated, as well as postoperative parameters (pathological stage, Gleason score, specimen weight, follow-up duration, biochemical recurrence, complication rates, and duration of postoperative analgesic treatment). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found for pre-operative parameters between the two groups. Although, anastomosis time, quality of anastomosis, duration of urethral catheter and total anesthesia time were significantly less in the RALRP-BS group than in the RALRP-NBS group (P <0.01). Other peri- and postoperative parameters were not statistically significant between the two groups. Pathological data and the follow-up period and complication rates were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that, RALRP-BS is a safe, efficient and cost-effective PR and VUA during RALRP than compared with RALRP-NBS. Shorter anastomosis time, operative time and posterior reconstruction time, while it may be equivalent with regard to estimated blood loss (EBL), catheterization time and early continence rates at 4-6 weeks.

Laparoscopic selective pudendal neuromodulation for neurogenic bladder: a review of literature.

This study presents an alternative technique for neuromodulation in cases where percutaneous sacral implantation is difficult or has previously failed. We aimed to describe a novel technique of selective placement of an electrode over the pudendal nerve (PN), via laparoscopic approach in a patient with urinary retention who previously failed sacral neuromodulation (SNM) treatment.

Feasibility of a novel technique using 3-dimensional modeling and augmented reality for access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy in two different ex-vivo models.

PURPOSE: We describe a novel technique that uses mathematical calculation software, 3-dimensional (3D) modeling and augmented reality (AR) technology for access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and report our first preliminary results in two different ex-vivo models. METHODS: Novel software was created in order to calculate access point and angle by using pre-operative computed tomography (CT) obtained in 50 patients. Two scans, 27 s and 10 min after injection of contrast agent, were taken in prone PCNL position. By using DICOM objects, mathematical and software functions were developed to measure distance of stone from reference electrodes. Vectoral 3D modeling was performed to calculate the access point, direction angle and access angle. With specific programs and AR, 3D modeling was placed virtually onto real object, and the calculated access point and an access needle according to the calculated direction angle and access angle were displayed virtually on the object on the screen of tablet. RESULTS: The system was tested on two different models-a stone placed in a gel cushion, and a stone inserted in a bovine kidney that was placed in a chicken-for twice, and correct access point and angle were achieved at every time. Accuracy of insertion of needle was checked by feeling crepitation on stone surface and observing tip of needle touching stone in a control CT scan. CONCLUSIONS: This novel device, which uses software-based mathematical calculation, 3D modeling and AR, seems to ensure a correct access point and angle for PCNL. Further research is required to test its accuracy and safety in humans.

Characteristics and outcomes of ureteroscopic treatment in 2650 patients with impacted ureteral stones.

PURPOSE: To describe stone-free rates and complications of ureteroscopic treatment for impacted compared with non-impacted ureteral stones and evaluate predictive variables for impaction. METHODS: The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society prospectively collected 1 consecutive year of data from 114 centers worldwide. Patients eligible for inclusion were patients treated with ureteroscopy for ureteral stones. Patient characteristics, treatment details, and outcomes were compared with regard to stone impaction. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore predictive variables for ureteral stone impaction and to analyse the effect of impaction on outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 8543 treated patients, 2650 (31%) had impacted and 5893 (69%) non-impacted stones. The stone-free rate was 87.1% for impacted stones, which is lower compared with 92.7% for non-impacted stones (p < 0.001). Intra-operative complication rates were higher for impacted stones (7.9 versus 3.0%, p < 0.001). Significantly higher ureteral perforation- and avulsion rates were reported in the impacted stone group compared with the non-impacted stone group. No association between stone impaction and post-operative complications could be shown. Female gender, ASA-score >1, prior stone treatment, positive pre-operative urine culture, and larger stones showed to be predictive variables for stone impaction. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteroscopic treatment for impacted stones is associated with lower stone-free rates and higher intra-operative complication rates compared with treatment for non-impacted stones. The predictive variables for the presence of stone impaction may contribute to the identification of stone impaction during the diagnostic process. Moreover, identification of stone impaction may aid the selection of the optimal treatment modality.

A Novel Electrophysiological Method in the Diagnosis of Pudendal Neuropathy: Position-related Changes in Pudendal Sensory Evoked Potentials.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the diagnostic value of pudendal somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE) neuropathy by stimulating the 2 sides separately after provocation by a standard sitting position. Routine pudendal SEPs performed in the supine position with bilateral simultaneous stimulation may fail to show the abnormality because the complaints of PNE appear or worsen in the sitting position. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with PNE and 16 controls were included. SEP recordings were performed by stimulating the dorsal nerve of penis or clitoris on either side. The recordings were performed at the initial supine position, at the beginning and end of the provocation by sitting position, and at the second supine position. RESULTS: Amplitude loss in the SEP responses after prolonged sitting was significantly more pronounced on the symptomatic sides of the patients. Approximately 45% decrease in the SEP amplitude or an amplitude value less than 1.5 µV at the end of sitting are the parameters to be used with high selectivity. CONCLUSION: The dynamic pudendal SEP study described herein seems to be more helpful in PNE diagnosis than in conventional SEPs.

Pudendal neuralgia after pelvic surgery using mesh: Case reports and laparoscopic pudendal nerve decompression.

Persistent pain after vaginal mesh surgery is a rare and agonizing entity that has devastating consequences for the patient's quality of life. Many etiologies have been blamed including nerve injuries and entrapments. Pudendal neuralgia is a rare chronic neuropathic pain syndrome in the anatomical territory of the pudendal nerve. Various treatment options, such as medication management, physiotherapy, nerve blocks, decompression surgery and neuromodulation, have been used, but the most appropriate treatment for pudendal neuralgia has not yet been determined. In this article, we present two cases of postoperative pelvic pain thought to be secondary to injury or mechanical distortion of the pudendal nerve after rectocele repair using mesh and tension-free vaginal tape sling. In cases of failed conservative treatment and of mesh removal surgery, laparoscopic pudendal nerve decompression and omental flap wrapping operation can be a treatment option for pudendal neuralgia.

Transperitoneal versus extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: A prospective single surgeon randomized comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare operative, pathological, and functional results of transperitoneal and extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy carried out by a single surgeon. METHODS: After having experience with 32 transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomies, 317 extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomies, 30 transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomies and 10 extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomies, 120 patients with prostate cancer were enrolled in this prospective randomized study and underwent either transperitoneal or extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The main outcome parameters between the two study groups were compared. RESULTS: No significant difference was found for age, body mass index, preoperative prostate-specific antigen, clinical and pathological stage, Gleason score on biopsy and prostatectomy specimen, tumor volume, positive surgical margin, and lymph node status. Transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy had shorter trocar insertion time (16.0 vs 25.9 min for transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, P < 0.001), whereas extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy had shorter console time (101.5 vs 118.3 min, respectively, P < 0.001). Total operation time and total anesthesia time were found to be shorter in extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, without statistical significance (200.9 vs 193.2 min; 221.8 vs 213.3 min, respectively). Estimated blood loss was found to be lower for extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (P = 0.001). Catheterization and hospitalization times were observed to be shorter in extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (7.3 vs 5.8 days and 3.1 vs 2.3 days for transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, respectively, P < 0.05). The time to oral diet was significantly shorter in extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (32.3 vs 20.1 h, P = 0.031). Functional outcomes (continence and erection) and complication rates were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy seems to be a good alternative to transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with similar operative, pathological and functional results. As the surgical field remains away from the bowel, postoperative return to normal diet and early discharge can be favored.

The role of steroid treatment in intractable cystitis glandularis: A case report and literature review.

Cystitis glandularis is a proliferative disease of the urinary bladder epithelium. It is rare in children. We report a case of a 23-year-old female with intractable macroscopic hematuria and severe irritative bladder symptoms persisting for 13 years. The patient, who had undergone open and endoscopic bladder surgery at various medical centres, is currently being followed up at our clinic. Cystoscopy revealed multiple edematous papillary tumours on the bladder neck, trigone, and lateral wall on both sides and she underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumour. The pathological diagnosis was cystitis glandularis in accordance with the histopathological reports obtained from the other medical centres. Her condition was resistant to transurethral resection, partial cystectomy, intravesical mitomycin, and bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment; it eventually could have affected the upper urinary tract. Oral steroid treatment was given for 6 months; after treatment, her symptoms improved and the cystoscopy revealed a dramatic improvement in her condition.

Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy Alone or With Laparoscopic Herniorrhaphy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer and inguinal hernia are common health issues in men aged more than 50 years. Recently, more data are accumulating that laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) can be performed in the same operation. The purpose of this study was to compare patients who underwent simultaneous extraperitoneal LRP (E-LRP) and LIHR with control patients who underwent only E-LRP in a matched-pairs design. METHODS: Medical records of 215 patients were evaluated, and 20 patients who underwent E-LRP+LIHR were compared with 40 patients who underwent only E-LRP in a matched-pairs analysis. Preoperative clinical parameters (age, body mass index, prostate-specific antigen, clinical stage, Gleason score of the prostate biopsy, and prostate volume) and operative data (operation time, duration of catheterization, length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, time to perform the anastomosis and its quality, and the percentage of patients with bilateral lymphadenectomy) were evaluated, as well as postoperative parameters (pathological stage, Gleason score, specimen weight, follow-up duration, biochemical recurrence, complication rates, and duration of postoperative analgesic treatment). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the preoperative and operative parameters between the 2 study groups. Pathological parameters and the follow-up period and complication rates were similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Performing LIHR and E-LRP during the same operation is safe and feasible in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer and inguinal hernia.

Laparoscopic pudendal nerve decompression and transposition combined with omental flap protection of the nerve (Istanbul technique): technical description and feasibility analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed in this study to investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic pudendal nerve decompression and transposition (LaPNDT) in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain due to pudendal neuralgia. Pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE) between the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments is the most frequent etiology. We describe the technical details, feasibility, and advantages of a laparoscopic approach in patients with PNE. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 27) with a diagnosis of PNE underwent LaPNDT with omental flap protection in an effort to prevent re-fibrosis around the nerve in the long term. The degree of pain and pain impact were evaluated pre- and postoperatively using the visual analog pain scale (VAS) and the Impact of Symptoms and Quality of Life. RESULTS: The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) follow-up of the 27 patients was 6.8 ± 4.2 months; 16 of the 27 were followed-up for more than 6 months. The mean (SD) operation time was 199.4 ± 36.1 (155-300) min, and the mean estimated blood loss was 39.7 ml. All patients were ambulated on the first postoperative day, and the mean (SD) hospitalization time was 2.1 ± 1.0 (1-6) days. The mean VAS scores of 27, 23, 16, and 6 patients were 1.5, 1.4, 1.6, and 2.0, postoperatively, at the first, third, sixth, and twelfth months (p < 0.0001). A more than reduction in VAS score (>80 %) was achieved in 13 of the 16 patients (81.2 %) who were followed-up for more than 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: LaPNDT seems a feasible surgical modality for cautiously selected patients with PNE. In addition, using an omental flap for protection of the nerve is one of the most important technical advantages of laparoscopy. As a minimally invasive surgery, the laparoscopic approach can be technically feasible, with its promising preliminary results in the treatment of PNE. With further analysis, in the future it may open new frontiers for pudendal nerve neuromodulation as a new treatment modality in some intractable functional problems of the genitourinary tract.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Impact of the learning curve on positive surgical margins.

OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to assess the incidence of positive surgical margins (PSMs ) in our series of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP ) performed by a fellowship trained surgeon in independent practice. METHODS: In this series, 300 patients underwent LRP by the same surgeon at our institution. The prospectively created records of all consecutive LRPs were reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups based on the time of surgery: group I included the first 100 cases;group II included the second 100 cases; and group III the last 100 cases. We compared the incidence rate and the location of PSMs among the groups. As additional variables, prostate-specific antigen (PSA ) level, biopsy/specimen Gleason score, clinical/pathological stage and pathologic tumor volume were also evaluated. RESULTS: Patient demographics and preoperative staging variables were comparable among the three groups, with no statistically significant differences among them. The PSM rates were 27%, 22% and 27% for groups I, II and III, respectively. The difference in overall PSM rates in the three groups was statistically insignificant (p: 0.966 ) . PSM rates decreased specifically at the posterolateral region and in pT3b stage with non/significant difference when comparing the first 100 patients to the last 100 patients. CONCLUSION: Pathologic surgical margin safety can be achieved with laparoscopic fellowship/training (LFT ) from the initial cases in independent practice.

Complications of urologic laparoscopic surgery: a center surgeon's experience involving 601 procedures including the learning curve.

When indications for laparoscopy were expanded to include a variety of urologic diseases, this increased the importance of prevention of complications, especially during the surgeons' learning curve period. Therefore, we evaluated the complications of urologic laparoscopic surgery in the course of one surgeon's experience including the learning curve after completing his long-term fellowship program. From December 2004 to August 2010, a total of 601 urologic laparoscopic surgical procedures were performed by a single surgeon who had finished a 9-month fellowship program at an experienced center. The intra- and postoperative complications of these cases were documented and graded according to the modified Clavien classification system, and then compared with the first and second 3-year periods. Of these 601 laparoscopic procedures, 47 complications occurred in 38 patients, resulting in a total complication rate of 7.8%. Conversion to open surgery occurred in four (0.6%) patients. Clavien grades I and II accounted for minor complications and occurred in 36 (5.9%) patients, whereas grades III, IV, and V accounted for major complications, which occurred in 11 (1.8%) patients. The annual complication rates formed a plateau in the 3rd year. Complication rates were significantly lower in the second 3-year period compared with the first 3 years (p<0.05). Despite the well-organized training program and transferability, surgeons must practice caution in the early years until they become more experienced. In spite of the presence of experienced laparoscopic surgeons, the surgical team needs time to gain experience. These factors cause complication rates to form a plateau in terms of time and experience.

Prostatectomía radical laparoscópica: impacto de la curva de aprendizaje en los márgenes quirúrgicos positivos / Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Impact of the learning curve on postive surgical margins

OBJETIVO: El estudio se llevó a cabo para valorar la incidencia de los márgenes quirúrgicos positivos (PSM) en nuestra serie de prostatectomía radical laparoscópica (PRL) realizadas por un mismo cirujanos en periodo de entrenamiento en dicha técnica. MÉTODOS: En nuestra serie, 300 pacientes fueron sometidos a PRL en nuestra institución, por el mismo cirujano. Se revisaron los registros creados prospectivamente de todas las PRL consecutivas. Los pacientes fueron divididos en tres grupos basados en el momento de la cirugía: el grupo I incluyó los primeros 100 casos; El grupo II incluyó los segundos 100 casos y el Grupo III compuesto por los últimos 100 casos. Se comparó la tasa de incidencia y la ubicación de los PSMs entre los grupos. Como variables adicionales, se valoraron también el nivel del antígeno prostático específico (PSA), gradación de Gleason de la pieza, estadio clínico/patológico y volumen patológico del tumor. RESULTADOS: Los datos demográficos y las variables preoperatorias fueron comparables entre los tres grupos, sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ellos. Las tasas de PSM fueron de 27%, 22% y 27% para los grupos I, II y III, respectivamente. La diferencia en las tasas globales de PSM en los tres grupos no fue estadísticamente significativa (p: 0,966). Las tasas de PSM disminuyeron específicamente en la región postero-lateral y en estadío pT3b, con diferencias poco significativas al comparar los primeros 100 pacientes con los últimos 100. CONCLUSIÓN: Con la formación en laparoscopia a través de programas de “fellowship” se puede conseguir seguridad en los márgenes quirúrgicos patológicos desde de los primeros casos de práctica independiente (AU)

OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to assess the incidence of positive surgical margins (PSMs) in our series of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) performed by a fellowship trained surgeon in independent practice. METHODS: In this series, 300 patients underwent LRP by the same surgeon at our institution. The prospectively created records of all consecutive LRPs were reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups based on the time of surgery: group I included the first 100 cases; group II included the second 100 cases; and group III the last 100 cases. We compared the incidence rate and the location of PSMs among the groups. As additional variables, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, biopsy/specimen Gleason score, clinical/pathological stage and pathologic tumor volume were also evaluated. RESULTS: Patient demographics and preoperative staging variables were comparable among the three groups, with no statistically significant differences among them. The PSM rates were 27%, 22% and 27% for groups I, II and III, respectively. The difference in overall PSM rates in the three groups was statistically insignificant (p: 0.966). PSM rates decreased specifically at the posterolateral region and in pT3b stage with non-significant difference when comparing the first 100 patients to the last 100 patients. CONCLUSION: Pathologic surgical margin safety can be achieved with laparoscopic fellowship-training (LFT) from the initial cases in independent practice (AU)

Is tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy really less injurious than standard in the midterm?

PURPOSE: To compare renal injury and vascular resistance between standard and tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients who had undergone procedures for kidney stone by using colored Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive PCNLs were evaluated between 2009 and 2011. Patients in whom access was in the lower pole, and who regularly visited our outpatient clinic were enrolled in the study. Patients who underwent standard PCNL were included in group 1, and patients who underwent tubeless PCNL were included in group 2. All data were collected from patients' files. CDUS was performed to evaluate the resistive index (RI), parenchymal thickness, and parenchymal echogenicity before the operation, in the early postoperative period (7 days after catheter removal in group 1 and 7 days postoperatively in group 2), and during the midterm period (6 months postoperatively). Statistical significance was accepted at P<0.05. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 47.54±13.26 years. There were 33 patients in group 1 and 28 patients in group 2. The mean follow-up duration was 10.71±1.2 months. There were no significant differences in demographic data between the two groups. The hospital stay was longer in group 1 than in group 2 (P=0.038). The mean operative time was shorter in group 2 than in group 1 (P=0.001). An increase in RI and a decrease in parenchymal thickness in the midterm follow-up period were noted when compared with the preoperative RI kidneys that had undergone operations in the lower pole. CONCLUSIONS: Although tubeless PCNL was successful and was associated with a shorter hospital stay and less kidney damage in the short-term period compared with standard PCNL, both procedures may cause an almost equal degree of damage in the midterm.

Evaluation of open and laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy combined with orthotopic neobladder: a single-surgeon experience.

AIM: To compare the outcomes of laparoscopic (LRCP) and open radical cystoprostatectomy (ORCP) with orthotopic urinary diversion for muscle-invasive organ-confined bladder cancer by a single surgeon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospectively documented 15 LRCP and 15 ORCP patients, followed for at least 3 years, were included in our study. The demographic parameters of patients, preoperative radiologic staging, previous operations, surgical outcomes, complications, oncologic results and intermediate-term follow-up, postoperative chemotherapy and follow-up periods were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: The mean oncologic follow-up was 3 years. Transfusion rate, estimated blood loss, oral intake and narcotic analgesic requirement were statistically less in the LRCP group (p < 0.05). However, operation time and hospital stay were similar in both groups. The complication rates were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean number of dissected lymph nodes was 20.0 ± 1.7 in the ORCP and 22.6 ± 2.0 in the LRCP group. One patient in each group had a margin positive for bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach may be feasible for muscle-invasive organ-confined bladder cancer. Furthermore, LRCP provides less blood loss, early oral intake and postoperative pain management. Additionally, continence and sexual function may be provided by LRCP as with ORCP.

The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Global Study: nephrolithotomy in 189 patients with solitary kidneys.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The study compared characteristics and outcomes in patients with solitary and bilateral kidneys who were treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) PCNL Global Study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from consecutively treated patients from 96 centers worldwide were collated after a 1-year period. The following variables in patients undergoing PCNL with solitary or bilateral kidneys were compared: Prevalence, patient characteristics, intraoperative differences and outcomes, including bleeding and transfusion rates, renal function, and stone-free rates. RESULTS: Data from 5803 patients were collated; 189 (3.3%) with solitary and 5556 (96.7%) with bilateral kidneys. Patient characteristics were well matched generally with the exception of cardiovascular disease and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk scores, which were significantly greater in patients with solitary than with bilateral kidneys (P<0.0001 and P=0.004, respectively). Patients with solitary kidneys had also undergone significantly more procedures to remove calculi before this survey than bilateral patients (P= 00.049 -<0.0001). Levels of renal impairment were significantly greater (P<0.0001) and stone-free rates were significantly lower (P=0.001) post-PCNL in solitary than bilateral kidney patients. Although bleeding rates were the same in both groups, transfusion rates were significantly greater in solitary kidney patients (P=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a solitary kidney had a higher cardiovascular risk and ASA score. Outcomes related to morbidity and stone-free rate were less favorable for solitary kidneys.

Increased peripheral CD4+CD25high Treg in prostate cancer patients is correlated with PSA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine peripheral frequencies of CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients, and to investigate if there is a correlation between peripheral Treg and total serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in PCa patients. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 56 subjects undergoing diagnostic prostate biopsies PSA>/=2.5 ng/ml were analyzed for Treg numbers. Association between the peripheral Treg and serum PSA values was first determined in the entire population, including people with no prostate pathology, PCa, and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients, and second, in 9 PCa patients before and after curative prostatectomy. In this study, the 3 groups were compared. This project was performed in the Akdeniz University Immunology laboratory, and the Urology outpatient clinic, Antalya, Turkey from December 2008 to January 2010. RESULTS: Peripheral Treg frequencies were significantly increased in the PCa patients (n=19, 3.23+/-1.59) compared with BPH patients (n=27, 1.66+/-0.80), and healthy subjects (n=10, 1.08+/-0.43) (p=0.007). The percentage of Treg in BPH patients was also significantly higher than healthy subjects (p=0.007). The increase of Treg in BPH and PCa patients was positively correlated with total serum PSA levels (r=0.75; p=0.007). CONCLUSION: Peripheral Treg densities are correlated with PSA in BPH and PCa patients, suggesting that PSA may have a role in Treg induction and/or maintenance.

Endoscopic vesicoureteral reflux correction in transplanted kidneys: does injection technique matter?

AIM AND BACKGROUND: Posttransplant vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common urologic complication after renal transplantation, although its management is controversial. The treatment of choice is open surgical revision ureteral reimplantation with significant morbidity. Recently, endoscopic correction by using nonanimal dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (NA Dx/HA) injection has been reported to be effective in the treatment of VUR of transplanted kidneys. Herein, we present our 3-year endoscopic correction results in transplanted kidneys where we used two different injection techniques, subureteral and intraureteral. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent endoscopic VUR correction of posttransplant VUR by NA Dx/HA injection between July 2005 and March 2009. We excluded patients with underlying urologic abnormalities. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients (14 women and 12 men) with a mean age of 32.2 years (range: 15­55) were studied. The VUR was also graded as nondilating reflux in 10 (grade I­II) and dilating reflux in 16 (grade III­IV). Seventeen ureters (5 nondilating and 12 dilating VUR) were injected NA Dx/HA intraureterally, and 9 ureters (5 nondilating and 4 dilating VUR) were injected NA Dx/HA subureterally. Overall success rate was 53.8% (14 out of 26). Intraureteral injection technique was successful in nine cases (52.9%), and subureteral injection technique was successful in five cases (55.5%). In nondilating VUR, injection corrected 90% (9 out of 10) of posttransplant patients, whereas in dilating VUR group injection corrected only 31.25% (5 out of 16). We found no statistical significance of injection technique on the success rate. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic correction by using NA Dx/HA with any injection technique seems to be a plausible alternative to correction of refluxing posttransplant ureters, particularly in nondilating VUR.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: transfer validity.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of a formal fellowship training program on the independent practice of the trainees (i.e. transfer validity) has not been evaluated. We analyzed the transfer validity of a structured curriculum in an in-door as well as an out-door setting. METHODS: After completing their training, two fourth generation laparoscopic surgeons who started at the same time compared operative parameters and oncological outcomes in their independent practice, prospectively analyzing the next 100 patients in each. One surgeon continued laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) in the same center of excellence (Group-In), whereas the other implemented the procedure in a separate academic center (Group-Out). RESULTS: The demographics for both groups (Group-In vs Group-Out) were similar regarding age, prostate volume and preoperative prostate-specific antigen levels. Mean operation times (214.8 vs 224.2 min; P = 0.494) and estimated blood loss (472.4 vs 402.6 mL; P = 0.109) did not differ significantly in both groups as well as complication rate (20 vs 24%), median catheter time (8 vs 8.5 days) and continence rates at 12 months (95 vs 95.5%). According to the pathological stages, the rates of positive surgical margins were similar for pT2 (3.2 vs 4.3%) and pT3 (42.8 vs 45.2%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With a well designed, long-term preclinical and clinical fellowship training program, LRP techniques can be efficiently transferred from the center of excellence to other centers with no significant impact on surgical, functional and oncological outcomes.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in clinical T1a and T1b prostate cancer: oncologic and functional outcomes--a matched-pair analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) on surgical, functional, and oncologic outcomes after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. METHODS: From a series of 2100 patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, we compared the intraoperative complications and functional and oncologic outcomes for 55 patients who had been diagnosed with prostate carcinoma on previous TURP (group 1), with those of 55 matched patients who had not undergone previous prostate surgery (group 2). The patients were match-paired for age, operating surgeon, procedure type (eg, nerve-sparing, lymph node dissection), anastamotic technique, pathologic stage, and Gleason score. The minimal duration of follow-up was 24 months. RESULTS: Both groups were similar with respect to patient age and pathologic stage. Of those with Stage cT1a and cT1b, 83.6% had a clinically significant tumor, with a mean tumor volume of 1.7 cm(3) for those with Stage cT1a and 2.4 cm(3) for those with Stage cT1b. The positive surgical margin rate was 14.5% and 16.3% for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Biochemical recurrence developed in 12.7% and 11% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Neither outcome was significantly different between the 2 groups. The long-term continence rates were similar; however, previous TURP was associated with a lower continence rate (49.1%) at 3 months compared with 61.8% for group 2 (P = .01). A nerve-sparing technique was used in 54% of group 1 patients. No significant difference was found in the potency rates between the 2 groups at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy after TURP is a challenging, but oncologically safe, procedure. The interval to total continence was delayed, but the potency rates remain unchanged.