A rare case of an enormous sacral meningocele causing ureteric obstruction.

Sacral Meningoceles, ductal ectasia and pseudomeningoceles are all rare spinal defects that occur due to errors in collagen biosynthesis in the setting of Marfan's Syndrome. Meningoceles, which are extradural collections of cerebrospinal fluid, can form large pelvic collections which can compress local structures. In rare cases, this can lead to extrinsic ureteric obstruction, which can result in acute renal failure and urosepsis. We present a case of a 35-year old female with Marfan's syndrome, with one of the largest sacral meningoceles reported in the literature, causing acute ureteric obstruction, requiring urgent surgical intervention.

Surgical Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: An Update of Clinical Evidence.

To investigate the surgical management of malignant pleural mesothelioma, 2 randomized controlled trials have been completed. We discuss the findings from these trials and the current evidence of various surgical techniques to treat this challenging disease.

Anxiety and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients undergoing active surveillance of prostate cancer in an Australian centre.

OBJECTIVE: To assess anxiety, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and understanding of active surveillance (AS) in a cohort of patients enrolled in AS of prostate cancer in an Australian setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Survey of 61 men currently enrolled in AS for prostate cancer, which included validated measures of sexual function using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), voiding using the International Prostate Symptom Severity Score (IPSS) and the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC), a measure of prostate cancer specific anxiety. Three novel questions to assess patients' Understanding of AS (UAS). IIEF-5 and IPSS scores obtained through the present survey were compared with patients' scores at initiation of AS. RESULTS: In all, 47 of 61 (77%) patients responded to the survey. There was no significant difference in patients' IIEF-5 and IPSS scores at commencement of AS compared with the survey results. Our patients' on AS MAX-PC scores were consistent with other published cohorts and did not suggest high rates of clinically significant anxiety amongst this cohort. Most (89%) of the patients' responses to the UAS indicated a correct understanding of AS. CONCLUSION: Our patients on AS maintained their HRQL with low levels of anxiety, which did not differ from those reported in other groups of men with prostate cancer and most had an appropriate understanding of AS. This study represents one of the first Australasian investigations on HRQL and anxiety in men on AS of prostate cancer.