Comparison of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy, retrograde flexible ureteroscopy, and mini-percutaneous antegrade flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy for treating large (≥ 15 mm) impacted proximal ureteric stones: a prospective randomized trial.

The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of transperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (TPLU), retrograde flexible ureteroscopy (R-fURS), and mini-percutaneous antegrade flexible ureteroscopy (A-fURS) for treating large (≥ 15 mm) impacted proximal ureteral stones. A total of 105 adult patients were randomized into 3 equal groups: group A (35) patients underwent TPLU, group B (35) patients underwent R-fURS, and group C (35) patients underwent A-fURS. The initial stone-free rate was 100%, 68.6%, and 80% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The mean operative time (OT) was (85.0 ± 7.57 min) in group A, (61.0 ± 8.21 min) in group B, and (89.57 ± 15.12 min) in group C. The three groups were comparable concerning the overall complications. R-fURS is a less invasive modality for treating such stones; however, it is associated with a lower SFR and a higher rate of auxiliary procedures. Both TPLU and miniperc A-fURS are effective and valuable alternatives for treating large impacted proximal ureteric stones.

Translational and linguistic validation of the Arabic version of dysfunctional voiding symptom score questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: Dysfunctional voiding is a multifactorial condition that encompasses a wide variety of symptoms rendering its diagnosis a challenging process. In this setting, several tools have been proposed to aid the diagnosis of this disease among which is the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS). The DVSS has been translated and validated to different languages including Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Serbian, and Portuguese. The aim of the current study is to translate and cross-culturally validate the DVSS into the Arabic language. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The DVSS was translated and culturally adapted to the Arabic language following the standards of the ISPOR for the translation and cultural adaptation process for patient-reported outcomes measures. Subsequently, the translated version underwent a pre-test on 15 patients with dysfunctional voiding. Afterwards, the translated version was filled by 82 pediatric patients and/or their parents with dysfunctional voiding and then the same questionnaire was refilled by the patients and their families one week later at home. Finally, a group of healthy children and/or their parents were recruited to fill the questionnaire as a control group. Cronbach's alpha, Pearson's correlation, and Interclass correlation were used to assess for internal consistency and reliability between test-retest of the Arabic version. RESULTS: The mean total score of DVSS for the case and control groups was 16.66 ± 6.07 and 6.11 ± 3.36, respectively (P < 0.001). The Arabic-DVSS showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.9) for all the questions except Q1, Q3, Q6, and Q7 that showed good internal consistency. DISCUSSION: Translational and linguistic validation of the DVSS questionnaire into Arabic language is an important step toward its introduction in the clinical practice in Arabic countries; however, this step has also to consider the cultural variations between countries and not just linguistic translation. Generally, the Arabic-DVSS showed a satisfactory test-retest internal consistency and reliability with an excellent Cronbach's α (0.982) and ICC (0.962) for the total score of the Arabic-DVSS. Yet, the main limitation of this study was that it was only advocated for the translation and validation of the Arabic-DVSS and did not assess its value in patients' follow-up. CONCLUSION: The Arabic version of the DVSS is reliable and valid to help in the evaluation of DV in children of Arabic countries.

Efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, with modified position of the machine head in the treatment of lower calyceal stones in obese patients.

CONTEXT: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has inferior results in the lower calyceal stones, especially in obese patients. AIMS: This study aimed at evaluating of the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, with modified position of the machine head in the treatment of single lower calyceal stones in obese patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a prospective study (phase IV trial). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied the anterior rotation of the shock wave machine head in obese patients for the treatment of lower calyx stones. From February 2015 to June 2019, 105 obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥35) having lower calyx stones (≤20 mm) underwent ESWL at our institute. The procedure was done in a supine position, and the head of the shock-wave machine was tilted anteriorly. ESWL was considered successful if the kidney was completely cleared of stones. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical methods used were descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviation frequency analysis, Chi-square test, unpaired t-test test, and Pearson correlations (r). RESULTS: The mean BMI of these patients was 39.71 ± 2.8 kg/m2, the mean stone size was 17.4 ± 2.1 mm, the mean stone density was 767.1 ± 193.4 Hounsfield unit, and the mean of skin to stone distance (SSD) was 145.4 ± 4.5 mm. ESWL was successful in 86 (81.9%) patients; 13 patients (12.4%) showed complete success after the first session, while 37 (35.2%), 25 (23.8%), and 11 (10.5%) patients showed success after the second, third, and fourth sessions, respectively. ESWL failed in 19 (19.1%) cases. The success rate decreased significantly with higher stone density and SSD (P < 0.001), with negative correlations (r values) of -0.871 and -0.811, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior rotation of the head of the shock wave machine is a suitable option for the treatment of lower calyceal stones in obese patients.

Prostatic artery embolization for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly patients unfit for surgery: Our initial experience. / Embolización arteria prostática para el manejo de la hiperplasia benigna de próstata/síndrome tracto urinario inferior en pacientes añosos no candidatos a cirugía: nuestra experiencia inicial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of prostatic artery embolization in the management of LUTS secondary to BPH in elderly patients unfit for surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 17 elderly patients with moderate to severe LUTS/BPH were included in the study and treated with prostatic artery embolization. The patients were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography (to assess prostate size), IPSS, and PVR urine volume preoperatively and 6 months after the procedure. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 76.67 ± 7.69. The mean prostate volume was 139.8 ± 81.83 g. The mean preoperative IPSS and PVR were 23 ± 5.4, and 94.43 ± 88.94 ml, respectively. The mean operative time was 90 minutes. Only three patients suffered from postoperative complications (two patients suffered from urinary tract infection and one patient had partial penile necrosis). At 6 months follow up, there was a significant reduction in the prostate volume (101 ± 73.65 cc), IPSS (12.5 ± 3.65), and PVR urine volume (48.64 ± 43.55). CONCLUSION: prostatic artery embolization is a safe and effective nonsurgical alternative treatment of BPH/LUTS particularly in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de la embolización arteria prostática en el manejo de STUI secundarios a HBP en pacientes añosos no candidatos a cirugía.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: 17 pacientes añosos con STUI moderados/severos fueron incluidos en el estudio y tratados con ambolización de la arteria prostática. Los pacientes fueron evaluados con ecografía transrectal (para determinar el tamaño prostático), IPSS, y residuo post-miccional preoperatorio y a los 6 meses del procedimiento. RESULTADOS: La edad mediana de los pacientes fue de 76,67 ± 7,69. EL volumen prostático medio fue de 139,8 ± 81,83 g. EL IPSS preoperatorio y RPM medio fueron de 23 ± 5,4, y 94,43 ± 88,94 ml, respectivamente. El tiempo quirúrgico medio fue de 90 minutos Solamente 3 pacientes tuvieron complicaciones postoperatorias (2 pacientes tuvieron una infección tracto urinario y un paciente tuvo una necrosis peneana). A los 6 meses de seguimiento, hubo una reducción significativa del volumen prostático (101 ± 73,65 cc), IPSS (12,5 ± 3,65), y RPM volumen orina (48,64 ± 43,55). CONCLUSIONES: La embolización de la arteria prostática es un procedimiento seguro y efectivo como una alternativa no quirúrgica al tratamiento de HBP/STUI particularmente en pacientes añosos con múltiples comorbilidades.

Prostatic artery embolization for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia/ lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly patients unfit for surgery: our initial experience / Embolización arteria prostática para el manejo de la hiperplasia benigna de próstata/síndrome tracto urinario inferior en pacientes añosos no candidatos a cirugía: nuestra experiencia inicial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of prostatic artery embolization in the management of LUTS secondary to BPH in elderly patients unfit for surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 17 elderly patients with moderate to severe LUTS/BPH were included in the study and treated with prostatic artery embolization. The patients were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography (to assess prostate size), IPSS, and PVR urine volume preoperatively and 6 months after the procedure. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 76.67 ± 7.69. The mean prostate volume was 139.8 ± 81.83 g. The mean preoperative IPSS and PVR were 23 ± 5.4, and 94.43 ± 88.94 ml, respectively. The mean operative time was 90 minutes. Only three patients suffered from postoperative complications (two patients suffered from urinary tract infection and one patient had partial penile necrosis). At 6 months follow up, there was a significant reduction in the prostate volume (101 ± 73.65 cc), IPSS (12.5 ± 3.65), and PVR urine volume (48.64 ± 43.55). CONCLUSION: prostatic artery embolization is a safe and effective non-surgical alternative treatment of BPH/ LUTS particularly in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de la embolización arteria prostática en el manejo de STUI secundarios a HBP en pacientes añosos no candidatos a cirugía. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: 17 pacientes añosos con STUI moderados/severos fueron incluidos en el estudio y tratados con ambolización de la arteria prostática. Los pacientes fueron evaluados con ecografía transrectal (para determinar el tamaño prostático), IPSS, y residuo post-miccional preoperatorio y a los 6 meses del procedimiento. RESULTADOS: La edad mediana de los pacientes fue de 76,67 ± 7,69. EL volumen prostático medio fue de 139,8 ± 81,83 g. EL IPSS preoperatorio y RPM medio fueron de 23 ± 5,4, y 94,43 ± 88,94 ml, respectivamente. El tiempo quirúrgico medio fue de 90 minutos Solamente 3 pacientes tuvieron complicaciones postoperatorias (2 pacientes tuvieron una infección tracto urinario y un paciente tuvo una necrosis peneana). A los 6 meses de seguimiento, hubo una reducción significativa del volumen prostático (101 ± 73,65 cc), IPSS (12,5 ± 3,65), y RPM volumen orina (48,64 ± 43,55). CONCLUSIONES: La embolización de la arteria prostática es un procedimiento seguro y efectivo como una alternativa no quirúrgica al tratamiento de HBP/STUI particularmente en pacientes añosos con múltiples comorbilidades

Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for large proximal ureteric stones: Surgical technique, outcomes and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LPU) for the treatment of large proximal ureteric stone. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter analysis for patients with solitary impacted proximal ureteric stone ≥15 mm who underwent LPU from 2016 to 2019 was performed. Primary outcome was to estimate the stone-free rate (SFR). SFR was defined as absence of residual stones on postoperative computed tomography scan. Secondary outcome was to assess the perioperative outcomes, as well as to review literature data of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses comparing LPU to other treatment options. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included in our study. Mean stone size was 22.9 ± 5.8 mm and median follow-up was 14 months. Three patients had previous abdominal surgery, one patient had severe degree of scoliosis and six patients failed primary therapy. All stones were extracted successfully (SFR = 100%) without need of auxiliary treatments. Mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 86.6 ± 14.1 minutes. and 11.9 ± 14.7 mL, respectively. No intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery were reported. No major postoperative complications (≥grade 3) were reported. Mean length of hospital stay was 2 ± 0.8 days. CONCLUSIONS: For treatment of large ureteric stones, our study showed that LPU achieves 100% stone-free status. When performed by well-trained laparoscopic surgeons, it is safe and has no major perioperative complications. According to our results and literature data, when counseling patients with large impacted proximal ureteral stones, LPU should be advised as the procedure that has the higher SFR, lower auxiliary treatments, and comparable complication rates to other treatments.

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy versus open retropubic radical prostatectomy: a prospective comparative study with 19-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to compare the surgical outcomes of retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) and open retropubic radical prostatectomy (ORP). METHODS: We included patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent RS-RARP or ORP and met our inclusion criteria. We compared the perioperative, oncological, and continence outcomes between both surgical approaches. Continence function was assessed using the validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form. Continence was defined as using 0-1 safety pad per day. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as two consecutive rises in serum PSA more than 0.2 ng/mL. Events of local recurrence, distant metastasis, and cancer death were reported and compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Between 1 June 2013 and 1 October 1 2016, 184 men were enrolled, of whom 125 underwent RS-RARP and 59 underwent ORP. Baseline demographic and pathological characteristics were similar between both groups (P>0.05). Patients in RS-RARP group had significantly lower blood loss, fewer transfusion rates, lower VAS score, and shorter hospital stay than patients in ORP group (P<0.05). Major complications (≥grade 3b) did not differ between both groups (P=0.121). Positive surgical margins were 28.8% and 24.8% in ORP and RS-RARP, respectively (P=0.494). The BCR free-survival rates in ORP and RS-RARP at 1-year was 87.3% and 92.3%, respectively (Log-rank, P=0.740). At 1-, 6-, and 12-month after surgery, 42.4%, 79.7%, and 84.7% of men undergoing ORP were continent, compared with 72.8%, 90.4%, and 92% undergoing RS-RARP, respectively. Men in RS-RARP group achieved faster recovery of urinary continence compared to men in ORP group (Log-rank, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RS-RARP had better perioperative outcomes and faster recovery of urinary continence compared with ORP. Short-term oncological outcomes were comparable between both surgical approaches.

Management of 'forgotten' encrusted JJ stents using extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy: A single-centre experience.

Objective: To evaluate the role of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for the management of 'forgotten' encrusted stents. Patients and Method: This is a retrospective study of 133 patients with forgotten JJ stents, treated between January 2015 and January 2018. Encrustation was mainly found in the renal coil of the stent with distal concomitant encrustation in the vesical and/or ureteric segment. After laboratory and radiological assessment, treatment started with ESWL for the renal encrustation before successful extraction. Auxiliary endourological procedures were used for the encrusted vesical or ureteric segments. Failed cases underwent open surgery. Results: The mean (SD; range) JJ stent indwelling time was 25.84 (10; 14-70) months. In all, 96 (72.2%) patients were seen after treatment for stone disease. In total, 94 patients (70.7%) were managed by ESWL monotherapy, whilst in 36 (27%) additional endourological procedures were required before successful extraction including: cystolithotripsy 19 patients (52.8%), ureteroscopic lithotripsy eight (22.2%), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy nine (25%). Open surgery was required in only three patients (2.3%). A mean of 0.28 procedures per patient was required before smooth stent extraction. The encrusted stents were removed after the first, second, third, and fourth ESWL sessions in 44 patients (33.1%), 43 (32.3%), 26 (19.5%), and 17 (12.8%), respectively. Patients with forgotten indwelling JJ stents for >2 years had significantly larger and harder encrustation at both JJ coils. Conclusion: ESWL proved a feasible first-line treatment for forgotten encrusted JJ stents. The indwelling time of forgotten stents in the urinary tract is associated with greater encrustation burden, density and multiple sites of encrustation. Abbreviations: CLT: cystolithotripsy; ESWL: extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy; HU: Hounsfield unit; KUB: plain abdominal radiograph of the kidneys, ureters and bladder; PCNL: percutaneous nephrolithotomy; URL: ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

Clinical significance of prostatic-urethral angulation on the treatment outcome of patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with tamsulosin hydrochloride.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of the prostatic-urethral angulation (PUA) on the treatment efficacy of selective alpha-1A receptor blocker in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients with LUTS/BPH and with mean age 53.3 ± 6.3 (range 47-70) were included in our prospective comparative study. The patients were classified into 2 groups as a consecutive cases 40 in each one depending on the PUA either ≤ 35° (group A) or > 35° (group B). PUA and different prostatic parameters were measured using transrectal ultrasound. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life score (IPSS/QoL score), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual (PVR) volume were compared between the groups. The clinical significance of PUA was evaluated after 8 weeks of medical treatment with tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.4 mg daily. RESULTS: Baseline evaluation (pre-treatment) for both groups were comparable to each other with no clinically significant difference regarding age, PSA, IPSS/QoL score, Q(max) and PVR volume (P-value > 0.05). Comparison of parameters after 8 weeks showed that tamsulosin hydrochloride improved the total IPSS and all subscores (P < 0.001), QoL (P = 0.001), Q(max) (P = 0.002), and PVR (P = 0.04) in group A (Table 1). CONCLUSION: Tamsulosin hydrochloride appears to be less effective in improving IPSS/Qol score, Qmax and PVR in patients with lager PUA. The PUA might be a predictor for the treatment efficacy of α-blockers and more studies are warranted in the future before the final conclusion.

Evaluation of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Refractory Painful Bladder Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intermittent percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) as a treatment modality for patients with refractory interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty female patients with IC/BPS (mean symptom duration of 4.5 ± 2.4 years) each had a 30-minute session of PTNS per week for 12 successive weeks and the symptoms were assessed before, during, and after the treatment sessions by voiding diary, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, interstitial cystitis symptom and problem indices (ICSI and ICPI), and global response assessment (GRA) scale. The scores of the previous questionnaires were evaluated at weeks 0, 6, and 12. RESULTS: At week 0, the VAS, day time frequency, nocturia, and average voiding volume were 5.6 ± 1.1, 14.5 ± 4.0, 3.0 ± 0.9, and 131.8 ± 35.3 mL, respectively, meanwhile at week 12 these scores were 5.2 ± 1.5, 12.15 ± 3.7, 2.6 ± 0.7, and 141.0 ± 36.2, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the scores of the ICPI between weeks 0, 6, and 12 (P = .937). As regards the GRA score after the 12th session, 17 patients (85%) reported having no effect, 1 patient (5%) reported as having worse symptoms, and 2 patients (10%) reported having a mild good response. CONCLUSION: Intermittent PTNS is not a satisfactory treatment for refractory IC/BPS. However, it is recommended to perform more studies with other treatment protocol (maybe closer sessions) to confirm these results.

Perioperative use of cyproterone acetate with transurethral resection of large prostate: preliminary results.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of short-term treatment with cyproterone acetate (CPA) on intraoperative and early postoperative complications of transurethral resection of relatively large prostate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recruited patients with prostate size of 60-90 g and randomized them into two equal groups. The first one had 50 mg of CPA orally twice a day (bds) for 2 weeks before the operation and maintained it for an extra week postoperatively. The other group received placebo. All patients underwent monopolar transurethral prostatectomy (M-TURP) and the prostatic chips were stained for CD34 specific for nascent blood vessels. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients were included. Mean patient age was 60.88±2.5 years and mean prostate size was 72.76±7.21 g. CPA was well tolerated with no serious adverse effects. The mean resection time and the mean weight of the resected tissue were comparable between the two groups. Intraoperative blood loss, fluid absorption, and blood loss per gram of resected tissue (259.47±78.27 mL, 787.38±300.56 mL, and 14.87±4.02 mL/g and 327.25±98.97 mL, 937.4±350.2 mL, and 17.08±5.55 mL/g, respectively) were significantly lower in the treatment group (p<0.05). In addition, excessive postoperative bleeding was encountered in one case in the treatment group and in seven in the control (p<0.05). Finally, the histopathological study revealed that the mean microvessel density in each of the suburethral portion and the hyperplastic nodules of the prostate was significantly lower in the CPA group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The perioperative use of CPA with M-TURP of a relatively large prostate may help in decreasing the perioperative bleeding and fluid absorption that usually take place during this procedure.

On-demand use of tramadol, sildenafil, paroxetine and local anaesthetics for the management of premature ejaculation: A randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical efficacy of the on-demand use of four drugs in the management of patients with premature ejaculation (PE), as the off-label use of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and topical penile anaesthetics is frequently indicated for the management of patients with PE, and tramadol HCl and sildenafil citrate were also tried for managing this disorder, but with recommendations based on weak evidence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single-centre, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted on 150 patients who had PE for >1 year. Patients were randomised equally into five groups. On-demand tramadol, sildenafil, paroxetine, local lidocaine gel or placebo was given for patients in groups 1-5, respectively. During the month before treatment, the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) and sexual satisfaction scores (on a 0-5-point scale) were measured and compared to the mean IELT and sexual satisfaction scores recorded during 4 weeks of on-demand drug administration, with monitoring of any possible side-effects. RESULTS: Tramadol-treated patients had a significantly longer mean (SD) IELT, of 351 (119) s, than the other groups. Local anaesthetic was significantly better than paroxetine in prolonging the IELT, at 278 (111) vs. 186 (65) s, respectively. The improvement in sexual satisfaction was significantly better in the sildenafil group, with a mean (SD) improvement of 2.9 (1) points, than in the paroxetine and local anaesthetic groups, at 2.2 (0.9) and 1.9 (0.9) points, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The four drugs significantly improved IELT values over placebo. Tramadol was associated with significantly longer IELT values, whilst sildenafil induced significantly better sexual satisfaction than the other drugs. The four drugs had tolerable side-effects.

A comparison of Stone Cone versus lidocaine jelly in the prevention of ureteral stone migration during ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND: Intracorporeal lithotripsy modalities and stone removal devices have been created to facilitate endoscopic management of ureteral stones. These devices, along with improved techniques, have resulted in stone-free rates greater than 95% with low morbidity. However, problems remain that preclude consistent 100% stone-free rates with endoscopic treatment of ureteral calculi. Retrograde migration during ureteroscopic procedures remains a significant problem. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the Stone Cone device and instillation of lubricating lidocaine jelly as two methods to prevent retrograde stone migration during ureteroscopic lithotripsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included patients suffering from ureteral stones that were treated with intracorporeal lithotripsy using the pneumatic Lithoclast. These patients were divided into two groups. In group I, the Stone Cone device was used, while in group II, lidocaine jelly 2% concentration was used. RESULTS: This study included 40 patients with a mean age of 38.6 ± 9.3 years (20 patients in each group). There was no significant difference between the groups with regards to stone site, size or state of the upper urinary tract by excretory urography. The pneumatic Lithoclast allowed successful fragmentation of all calculi into small fragments. Upward stone migration did not occur in patients in the Stone Cone group, while in the lidocaine jelly group it occurred in three patients (15%). The operative time in the Stone Cone group ranged between 30 and 55 minutes (mean, 41.8 ± 5.3), while in the lidocaine jelly group it ranged between 40 and 71 minutes (mean, 51.4 ± 3.4), and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Stone Cone is safe and efficient in preventing proximal stone migration during ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy. It maintained continuous ureteral access and demonstrated a statistically significant advantage over the lidocaine jelly in terms of proximal stone migration, operative time, and the need for auxiliary procedures.

Prognostic Significance of PSA, Gleason Score, Bone Metastases in Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer Under Palliative Androgen Deprivation Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of each of the following in the development and progression of hormonal refractory disease in patients with metastatic prostate cancer under hormonal palliative treatment: The initial serum level prostate specific antigen (PSA), the Gleason score (GS), the presence of bone metastases with or without visceral metastases, and the PSA decline. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the time period from January 2005 to December 2008, a total of 92 patients with newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) were under palliative androgen deprivation therapy. The age range was 52 to 85 years with a mean age of 66.2±7.9 years. MPC was diagnosed histologically after transrectal ultrasonography guided biopsy. The Gleason score assessment was determined by low power microscopic examination. Metastases were confirmed by positive bone scintigraphy with 925 MBq 99mTc-MDP using a tomographic gamma camera, computerized axial tomography or magnetic resonance imagining. Measurements of PSA levels were conducted by the radioimmunoassay method. The influences of the following prognostic factors were evaluated: The initial serum level of prostate specific antigen (PSA), the Gleason score (GS), the presence of bone metastases with or without visceral metastases, and the PSA decline, on the time to disease progression. RESULTS: The time to progression was significantly delayed in patients with initial PSA level $50ng/ml (median: 32 months), Gleason Score $7 (median: 33 months), bone metastases only (median: 30 months) and PSA level normalization within 6 months (median: 30 months) compared to that of patients with initial PSA level >50ng/ml (median: 24 months), Gleason Score >7 (median: 24 months), bone, distant lymph nodes and/or visceral metastases (median: 24 months), PSA level decline (median: 18 months) (p-values were 0.002, <0.001, <0.001 and <0.001 respectively). The time to progression was not significantly delayed in patients with $6 sites bone metastases (median: 30 months) compared to that of patients with >6 sites bone metastases (median: 28 months) (p=0.122). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the initial PSA level, the Gleason score, the presence of bone, lymph nodes and visceral metastases, and the PSA level decline could predict increased risk of disease progression in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. KEY WORDS: Prostatic specific antigen - Gleason score - Bone scan - Androgen deprivation therapy.