Fluorescence diagnosis of bladder cancer.

Standard management of newly presenting superficial bladder tumours is to remove the tumour endoscopically and to administer a single dose of a chemotherapeutic agent into the bladder postoperatively. However, between 20-40% of patients will develop a tumour in the bladder again within 12 months (Herr, 1997). There is controversy about whether these tumours are genuine recurrences or previously undetected tumours. Photodynamic diagnosis is currently the subject of clinical trials for detection and surveillance of bladder cancer. A solution is administered into the bladder preoperatively which is absorbed by the cancer cells. These areas within the bladder then fluoresce under blue light, aiding the surgeon to detect tumours that may not have been visible to the naked eye. The authors present a review of this developing technique and their early experiences of photodynamic diagnosis in clinical trials which appear to be clinically relevant in decreasing recurrent bladder tumours.

Primary intratesticular leiomyosarcoma in a mixed race man: a case report.

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the testis is an extremely rare condition with only a few reported cases in the literature. None has been reported in men of Afro-Caribbean descent. This report describes the first case of a primary leiomyosarcoma in a mixed race man. Several different immunostains were used to confirm the morphological suggestion of a primary intratesticular smooth muscle tumour. Scrotal ultrasound and abdominal computed tomography imaging were used to exclude paratesticular and retroperitoneal pathology. Where reported, primary intratesticular leiomyosarcoma is described as an indolent tumour with the potential for distant metastases. Its occurrence in younger men is usually associated with anabolic steroid abuse. Although the number of reported cases is very few, radical orchidectomy followed by surveillance appears to be the treatment of choice.

Comorbidity assessment in localized prostate cancer: a review of currently available techniques.

Pathological nomograms have allowed urologists to make accurate predictions about the behaviour of localized prostate cancers. However, predicting overall outcome and survival is not solely dependent on tumour characteristics; comorbidity is also a vital determinant of outcome The majority of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65 years of age and many will have significant competing comorbid disease that will need to be accounted when considering eligibility for radical treatment. Most urologists currently make an educated guess about the risk posed by comorbid disease. Such an approach has the potential to allow personal bias to influence what should be an objective measure. This review describes the available methods for objectively assessing comorbid risk and assesses their potential utility to men with localized prostate cancer being considered for radical treatment.

Repeating the measurement of prostate-specific antigen in symptomatic men can avoid unnecessary prostatic biopsy.

OBJECTIVES: To report the 2-year clinical and biochemical follow-up of symptomatic men who had a high prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) level, for whom our policy has been to avoid biopsy in those with a normal repeat PSA, as minimizing negative prostate biopsies is an important goal in managing men with a high PSA, where the decision for biopsy based on one high value may be inappropriate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 101 men (median age 72 years, range 47-85) referred to a urology department over 1 year with a PSA level above the age-specific reference range (but < 50 ng/mL) had a repeat PSA measurement. Those with a normal PSA and a normal digital rectal examination (DRE) were not biopsied. Their follow-up included a symptom review, DRE and PSA measurements. RESULTS: Of the 101 men, 67% presented with LUTS, 11% with symptoms of urinary infection, 8% with haematuria and 9% for screening. In 35 patients the repeat PSA level was normal; in three of these 35 prostate cancer was diagnosed after biopsy because of an abnormal DRE, three were lost to follow-up and one died from unrelated causes. Thus 28 patients were available for review at 2 years. In 23 (82%) the PSA remained within the normal range. In 66 of the 101 men the repeat PSA was abnormal. Cancer was diagnosed in 28 and the remaining 36 with no cancer were managed by PSA review; 30 were reviewed at 2 years and in half of them the PSA level returned to normal. CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic men referred with a raised PSA level and who have a normal DRE and normal repeat PSA, prostatic biopsy can be safely avoided.

Impalpable testis cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the significance of ultrasonographically detected hypoechoic lesions of the testis when the clinical examination is normal, and to highlight the management difficulties thereafter. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 2-year period four patients underwent radical orchidectomy where the sole indication for surgery was a hypoechoic lesion detected on ultrasonography (US). The indications for US were persistent scrotal discomfort in two men, contralateral orchitis, and the follow-up of testicular microlithiasis. The lesions were 4-11 mm in size and one man had several. None of the lesions were palpable; the tumour markers were normal in all patients. RESULTS: Three of the testes contained seminoma; in one there were two foci of seminoma and in all intratubular germ cell neoplasia was also identified. The remaining case was a Leydig-cell tumour. All tumours were staged as pT1 after radical inguinal orchidectomy. CONCLUSION: Impalpable lesions of the testis are likely to be malignant if they are hypoechoic on US and should be considered as seminoma until proved otherwise. The management thereafter is not straightforward, but must ensure an adequate histological diagnosis if the US appearances do not resolve.

Identifying under-performing surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the likelihood of poor surgical results being explained by chance rather than under-performance. METHODS: The 30-day mortality rates after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer were analysed theoretically. Surgical competence was defined as a mortality rate of 4%, excellence as 2% and under-performance as 8%, 12%, 20% or 40%. Four scenarios were explored for surgeons of different competence: first, the sample size required to show that a given level of under-performance is very unlikely to be due to chance; second, the likelihood of two or more consecutive deaths in a series of cases; third, the likelihood of clustering of deaths, defined as two deaths in five or in 10 cases; and last, the likelihood of outstanding surgical results (i.e. no deaths) being achieved in small cohorts by surgeons of differing competence. RESULTS: For surgeons with a mortality rate of 8%, 12%, 20% or 40%, the sample sizes needed to prove under-performance are 211, 65, 21 and seven, respectively. For consecutive deaths, 0.4% of excellent, 1.4% of competent and 21% of surgeons with a mortality rate of 12% will experience two or more consecutive deaths in the next 10 cases. For clustered deaths, 1% of excellent, 5% of competent and 23% of seriously under-performing surgeons (mortality rates > or = 12%) will experience two deaths in their next 10 cases. Lastly, for the likelihood of outstanding results, only 3.6% of surgeons with an 8% mortality rate and < 1% of surgeons with a mortality rate > or = 12% will experience no deaths over 40 consecutive cases. CONCLUSIONS: Very large cohorts are needed to confirm even significant under-performance. Consecutive deaths are very unlikely events for competent surgeons. Clustered deaths (two deaths in 10 cases) are very unlikely events for excellent surgeons but plausible for competent ones. Analysis of consecutive/clustered deaths is limited by low statistical sensitivity; only up to a quarter of seriously under-performing surgeons are identified. No deaths in 40 consecutive cases implies competence.

Fibular nonunion and equinovarus deformity secondary to posterior tibial tendon incarceration in the syndesmosis: a case report after a bimalleolar fracture-dislocation.

A 39-year-old woman sustained a grade II open bimalleolar fracture-dislocation of the left ankle. Six months after an ORIF of these fractures was performed, she presented with a nonunion of the distal fibula fracture and with a fixed hindfoot equinovarus and forefoot adduction deformity. At surgery for repair of the fibular nonunion, the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) was found to be entrapped in the posterior tibiotalar joint, with a portion of the tendon interposed between the tibia and the fibula in the area of the posterior syndesmosis. After extrication of the PTT, the hindfoot varus and forefoot adduction deformity were corrected. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in the English literature of a missed PTT syndesmotic entrapment that resulted in a fibular nonunion and in a fixed foot deformity after an open bimalleolar ankle fracture dislocation.

Open versus arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis: a comparative study.

A retrospective review was undertaken for 36 patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis. Nineteen patients underwent an arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis, and 17 patients underwent an open arthrodesis. Only patients with limited angular deformities were suitable candidates for an arthroscopic arthrodesis. The open arthrodesis group inclusion criteria were defined by the maximum coronal and sagittal plane deformity in the arthroscopic group. Perioperative parameters were compared and analyzed. Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis yielded comparable fusion rates to open ankle arthrodesis, with significantly less morbidity, shorter operative times, shorter tourniquet times, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis is a valid alternative to traditional open arthrodesis of the ankle for selected patients with ankle arthritis.

Extraosseous manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis in the foot and ankle.

The immune mediated pathologic effects of rheumatoid arthritis on osteoarticular tissues are well delineated in the orthopaedic and medical literature. Less well explored are the extraosseous manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. The rheumatoid disease process can affect virtually any organ system or tissue in the human body; from scleritis, arteritis, and splenomegaly to neuropathy, bursitis, and tendinopathy. The scope of this treatise is to define better for the clinician the extraosseous presentation of rheumatoid arthritis in the foot and ankle.

Expression of the angiogenic factor thymidine phosphorylase/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor in primary bladder cancers.

Thymidine phosphorylase (TP), also known as platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, has been implicated in bladder cancer angiogenesis. To examine its role more clearly, we have quantified and localized its expression using Western analysis and immunohistochemistry in a series of 105 bladder cancers. We have also assessed the relationship between TP expression and other tumor parameters including quantitative angiogenesis, p53 status, ploidy, and survival. By Western analysis, TP expression was 5-fold higher in tumors than in normal bladder samples (P < 0.02). Expression was 15-fold higher in invasive tumors than in normal bladder (P < 0.001) and 8-fold higher than in superficial tumors (P < 0.005). Immunohistochemistry of the tumors showed TP was present in the neoplastic epithelium in 27% of the tumors, in the inflammatory cells in 72% of the tumors, in stromal cells in 30% of the tumors, and in tumor-associated endothelium in 11% of the tumors. Expression by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry was significantly up-regulated in tumors compared with normal bladder (P < 0.05). Tumor cell TP expression correlated with tumor grade (P < 0.02), but there was no correlation between tumor cell TP expression and tumor stage (P = 0.46), ploidy (P = 0.52), p53 expression (P = 0.9), tumor vascularity (P = 0.8), relapse-free survival (P = 0.57), or overall survival (P = 0.94). TP protein is expressed in bladder cancers, and expression is associated with an aggressive phenotype. Because TP can activate a number of cytotoxic agents, it provides a potential therapeutic target in bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer angiogenesis, its role in recurrence, stage progression and as a therapeutic target.

In this article we review the role of angiogenesis in bladder tumor development and its putative role in determining tumor progression and recurrence. The potential value of antiangiogenic therapy in the disease is also discussed.

Surgical skills of pre-registration house surgeons.

As demands on house surgeons increase and junior doctors' hours are reduced, the opportunity for learning surgical skills during the pre-registration period is threatened. An increasing number of medical specialties, including general practice, now require a proficiency in these skills. For many doctors the pre-registration period may be the last occasion when formal training from experienced surgeons is available. Fifteen house surgeons were tested and asked to perform three basic surgical drills on artificial skin and answer 10 questions relevant to minor surgery during the final week of their house surgical post. Four (27 per cent) house surgeons were unable to complete any of the surgical drills, no one could calculate the dose of lignocaine in 10 ml of a 1% solution, and only two (13 per cent) knew the safe maximum dose of subcutaneous plain lignocaine. This study highlights deficiencies in basic surgical skills amongst house surgeons and suggests that this opportunity for training is being missed.

Urinary basic fibroblast growth factor in patients with bladder cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of urinary measurements of an angiogenic factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), in the assessment of patients with bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Urine from 83 patients was assayed using a commercially available ELISA for bFGF. Thirty-eight patients had a bladder tumour and 21 had a history of bladder cancer but no disease at the time of testing. Twenty-four patients acted as controls, 16 of whom were about to undergo transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and eight who had no urological disease. RESULTS: Median urinary bFGF was higher in patients with active bladder cancer than in those with a clear cystoscopy (5.20 and 2.13 ng/g creatinine, respectively; P < 0.005). Median urinary bFGF was also elevated in patients about to undergo TURP (4.52 ng/g creatinine). Using a threshold value of 6.0 ng/g creatinine, the sensitivity of the test for detecting cancer was 42% and specificity was 88%. At a threshold value of 4.0 ng/g the sensitivity was 62% and the specificity 70%. CONCLUSION: The relationship between urinary basic FGF and the presence of bladder cancer was significant. The test is not sufficiently sensitive or specific to use as a screening test for bladder cancer but may be very useful in monitoring the effectiveness of systemic therapies in bladder cancer. Elevated levels of bFGF in the urine of patients about to undergo TURP suggests a role for bFGF in the pathogenesis of BPH.

Temporary reappearance of sperm 12 months after vasectomy clearance.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of positive semen analysis 12 months after vasectomy clearance. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken, starting in 1990, of men undergoing vasectomy. Azoospermia was confirmed by two successive semen analyses 16 weeks after vasectomy. One year later a further sample was analysed for the presence of sperm. RESULTS: Of 1000 men who provided a sample for analysis, six men (0.6%) have had positive semen analyses 1 year after the initial tests showed azoospermia. In all six the sperm count was <10,000 per mL. Five of the six men produced a repeat sample 1 month later which, in all five cases, showed azoospermia. No pregnancies have been reported to date. CONCLUSION: Transitory reappearance of sperm following successful vasectomy occurs in about 0.6% of men. This incidence is 18 times greater than the reported pregnancy rate following successful vasectomy.

Efficiency in the outpatient department: the lessons from urology.

To determine the scope for improvements in efficiency in the outpatient management of urological patients, a retrospective analysis was undertaken of outpatient records from one consultant's practice in a regional teaching hospital. Two hundred consecutive patients referred between March and May 1992 were studied for 1 year after referral. Each outpatient visit was judged to be unavoidable or potentially avoidable. Of referrals, 72% were in one of four diagnostic categories (bladder outflow obstruction; haematuria; scrotal disorders; frequency/dysuria syndromes). Of these patients, 90% were seen only once or twice for each episode of illness. Of the visits, 150/347 (42%) were potentially avoidable. Patients with suspected bladder outflow obstruction, haematuria and scrotal disorders should undergo imaging of the relevant anatomy before referral. Patients with haematuria should be referred directly for a flexible cystoscopy after imaging. Urologists need to educate general practitioners more clearly about the indications for the treatment of scrotal swellings in elderly men and mild bladder outflow obstruction in middle-aged men. Patients need not be reviewed routinely after transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hypertrophy or after investigations for haematuria have revealed no serious abnormality.