Predictors of local recurrence and its impact on survival after glansectomy for penile cancer: time to challenge the dogma?

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictive pathological factors for local recurrence (LR) and to study the impact of LR on survival in patients treated with glansectomy for penile squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients treated with glansectomy at international, high-volume reference centres. We analysed histopathological predictors of LR, stratified patients into risk groups based on the number of risk factors present, and studied the impact of LR on survival outcomes using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression models. Subsequently, we performed sensitivity analyses excluding margin-positive cases, pT3 disease, and cN+ disease, or all of these factors. RESULTS: Across nine institutions, 897 patients were included, of whom 94 experienced LR. On multivariable analysis, presence of high-grade disease and pT3 stage were independent predictors of LR. LR-free survival rates significantly differed according to the number of risk factors present, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-3.07; P = 0.01) for the intermediate-risk group (one risk factor) and 6.11 (95% CI 3.47-10.77; P < 0.001) for the high-risk group (two risk factors), using the low-risk group (no risk factors) as reference. Patients who experienced LR had significantly worse overall survival (OS; HR 2.89, 95% CI 2.02-4.14; P < 0.001) and cancer-specific survival (CSS; HR 5.64, 95% CI 3.45-9.22; P < 0.001). LR (HR 3.82, 95% CI 2.14-6.8; P < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion and cN status were significant predictors of decreased CSS. LR remained a strong predictor of both OS and CSS in all sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological T3 stage and presence of high-grade disease were independent histopathological predictors of LR after glansectomy for primary pSCC, which allowed risk stratification into three groups with significantly different risk of developing LR. Additionally, LR is related to poor OS and CSS, indicating that LR is a manifestation of underlying aggressive disease and clearly challenging the dogma of using organ-sparing surgery whenever possible since survival is unaffected by higher LR rates.

Histopathological changes in oral mucosa in cases of failed augmented urethroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Histopathological changes in oral (buccal or lingual) mucosa after exposure to urine are still not completely understood. We evaluated these changes in free oral mucosal graft integrated in human urethra. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total 19 patients with recurrent urethral stricture after oral mucosa urethroplasty (buccal 12 and lingual 7) were prospectively evaluated. Intraoperatively integrated buccal or lingual mucosal graft sample that was previously engrafted to urethra was completely excised along with healthy oral mucosa, and it was sample processed for histopathological evaluation by dedicated pathologist. Preoperative clinical data were properly collected from all the study participants. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 30 years, and the mean preoperative peak flow rate was 4.2 mL/s. Etiology of initial stricture was idiopathic in 13 (68.42%) patients and traumatic urethral catheterization in 6 (31.58%) patients. Mean interval from previous buccal mucosal urethroplasty to current urethroplasty was 21.9 months (range 12-46 months). On repeat urethroplasty, the mean stricture segment length was 59.2 (38-77) mm [60.08 (38-74.6) mm buccal, and 58.32 (39.6-77) mm lingual]. These integrated oral mucosal grafts maintained their histopathological characteristics in all patients except some kind of changes like submucosal fibrosis in seven (58.33%) cases of buccal and vacuolar degeneration in five (71.42%) cases of lingual mucosal urethroplasty. CONCLUSION: Histopathological characteristics of integrated oral (buccal and lingual) mucosal grafts were maintained even on exposure to urine except some changes like submucosal fibrosis and vacuolar degeneration. Impact of these changes require further research.

Primary Low-Grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma of Kidney-an Extremely Rare Entity.

Renal LGFMS is an extremely rare tumor. So far, only four cases have been reported in literature. LGFMS are indolent tumor with distinctive histopathological features with potential for late recurrences and metastasis. The diagnosis is made on histopathological examination and supported by immunohistochemical analysis. A 35-year-old young male was presented with flank pain and lump and diagnosed as low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma after surgery on immunohistochemical analysis. This is the fifth case of renal LGFMS and we presented the review of literature. Radical surgery remains the primary treatment modality. Long follow-up is mandatory.

Comparison of safety and efficacy of silodosin, solifenacin, tadalafil and their combinations in the treatment of double-J stent- related lower urinary system symptoms: A prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of silodosin, solifenacin, tadalafil and their combinations in reducing double J (DJ) stent-related symptoms (SRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 335 patients who underwent DJ stenting and develop SRS at 1st week were randomized into eight groups. Ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ) and Quality of life (QOL) scores were noted in each group: Group A-Silodosin (8 mg OD)+ Solifenacin (10 mg OD)+ Tadalafil (5 mg OD), B - Silodosin 8 mg OD, C - Solifenacin 10 mg OD, D- Tadalafil 5 mg OD, E- Silodosin (8 mg OD) + Solifenacin (10 mg OD), F- Silodosin (8 mg 0D)+ Tadalafil (5 mg OD), G- Solifenacin (10 mg OD)+ Tadalafil (5 mg OD) and H-placebo. Analgesic (diclofenac 50 mg) was given as per requirement. All groups received the drugs for 14 days and again USSQ, QOL score with analgesic requirement were noted in each group. RESULTS: USSQ score was similar in all groups at 1st week but all groups (Groups A-G) led to significant decrease in USSQ score at 3rd week as compared to Group H with less requirement of analgesic. However when we compared groups with each other we found that mean USSQ score and analgesic requirement was favoring Group E as compared to other groups. Quality of life score was also best in Group E (mean 1.5) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with silodosin and solifenacin (group E) was effective for relieving SRS with improved quality of life and less requirement of analgesic than any other groups and should be considered in patients who develop SRS.

Benign diaphragmatic neurilemmoma mimicking a left adrenal cyst.

Neurilemmomas are benign, slow growing, encapsulated nerve sheath tumor. These tumors arise from the schwann cells of neural crest. Neurilemmomas can manifest in various form according to site, extent and severity of involvement of organ. Diaphragmatic neurilemmomas are very unusual and even difficult to diagnose on preoperative imaging. We will report a case of 39 year old male, who presented with complaints of occasional left flank pain for one year and subsequently investigated, which showed left adrenal cyst with haemorrhagic fluid content. On the contrary, when surgical exploration of the lesion was done, it showed a cyst within the diaphragm, completely separated from left kidney and left adrenal with haemorrhagic content in situ. Histopathological examination of the lesion showed it to be a benign neurilemmoma with cystic degeneration. Post opearatively patient did well. We believe that this is the first case report, which is addressing such kind of initial manifestation of diaphragmatic neurilemmomas.

Role of oestrogen receptor-α and -ß in bladder tissue of patients with a clinical diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To study the differential expression of oestrogen receptor (ER) subtypes in human urinary bladder tissue using immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods and to explore their correlation with various measures of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: In this prospective case-control study, the case group comprised 34 patients with bothersome LUTS who underwent transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), while the control group comprised 19 age-matched, otherwise healthy patients who underwent cystoscopy to investigate microscopic haematuria. Cystoscopy and bladder biopsy were performed in both groups. IHC evaluation of biopsy specimens was carried out for ER subtypes (ER-α and ER-ß) and for Ki 67 in semi-quantitative fashion. Correlations of receptors with various measures of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/LUTS were also assessed. RESULTS: Expression of ER-α (in both epithelial and stromas cells) was statistically significantly greater in the case group than in the control group, but ER-ß expression was not significantly different between the groups. Ki 67 expression was also significantly greater in the case group. Comparison of clinical variables according to receptor status showed that International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), post-void residual urine volume (PVR) and prostate volume were significantly associated with epithelial and stromal ER-α; however, ER-ß was associated only with PVR. CONCLUSION: We found significant correlation between bladder ER levels (specifically ER-α) and various clinical measures of BPH. We conclude that ER-α is the key mediator that could be responsible for various clinical measures of BPH/LUTS.

Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy vs Open Inguinal Lymphadenectomy for Carcinoma Penis: Expanding Role and Comparison of Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare differences of morbidity profile, oncological yield, and efficacy between video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy and open inguinal lymphadenectomy cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 29 patients with proven squamous cell carcinoma of the penis were selected for inguinal lymphadenectomy from August 2013 to January 2017. Video endoscopic lymphadenectomy was performed on 1 limb and open inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed on the contralateral side. Relevant outcome data such as operative time, complication rate, number of lymph nodes removed, number of positive nodes, and recurrence during the follow-up period were collected, analyzed, and compared. RESULTS: The mean operative time was significantly longer for the video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy group (mean = 162.83 minutes) as compared with the open group (mean = 92.35 minutes). However, the mean numbers of lymph nodes removed were 7.6 in the endoscopic group and 8.3 in the open group. Postoperative complications occurred in 10 limbs (34.48%) in the open group and in 3 limbs (10.34%) in the endoscopic group. In the follow-up period ranging from 7 to 28 (mean 14) months, 2 patients died because of either distant or visceral metastasis. CONCLUSION: The present study clearly outlines the fact that video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy can deliver an equivalent lymph node yield similar to open inguinal lymphadenectomy with significantly less morbidity and is not affected by either the palpability or the number of palpable nodes. Thus, we believe that this minimally invasive technique can provide a prudent alternative for the management of the inguinal region in carcinoma of the penis.

Safety and efficacy of silodosin and tadalafil in ease of negotiation of large ureteroscope in the management of ureteral stone: A prosective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of silodosin and tadalafil in ease of negotiation of large size ureteroscope (8/9.8 Fr) in the management of ureteral stone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 2015 and May 2016, 86 patients presented with ureteral stone of size 6-15 mm were on consent randomly assigned to 1 of 3 outpatient treatment arms: silodosin (Group A), tadalafil (Group B), and placebo (Group C). After two weeks of therapy 67 patients underwent ureteroscopy, and ureteral orifice configuration, ureteroscopic negotiation, ureteral dilatation, operating time, procedural complication and drug related side effects were noted in each group. RESULTS: Ureteral negotiation was significantly better in Groups A (73.9%) and B (69.6%) as compared to Group C (38.1%) (p<0.01). Statistically significant difference was noted in the requirement for dilatation in Group C (71.4%) as compared to Groups A (26.1%) and B (39.1%) (p<0.01). Ureteral orifice was found to be more dilated in Groups A (69.6%) and B (60.9%) as compared to Group C (28.6%). Mean operating time was statistically lower in Groups A (35.2 min) and B (34.91 min) as compared to Group C (41.14 min) (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Both silodosin and tadalafil not only relax ureteral smooth muscle but also help in forward propagation of large size ureteroscope (8/9.8 Fr) without any significant risk of adverse events.

Electron microscopic changes of detrusor in benign enlargement of prostate and its clinical correlation

ABSTRACT Aims: To study the ultra structural changes in bladder musculature in cases of BPE and their clinical relevance. Material and Methods: In this descriptive longitudinal, controlled, observational study patients were enrolled into three groups, group 1, group 2A and group 2B. Control group (group-1) consisted of age matched normal male patients, who underwent surveillance or diagnostic cystoscopy for microscopic hematuria or irritative symptoms. Case group (group-2) comprised of patients with BPE, undergoing TURP. Case group (group-2) was further classified into: Category 2A (patients not on catheter) and category 2B (patients on catheter). All relevant clinical parameters like IPSS, prostate size, Qmax, PVR were recorded. Cystoscopy and bladder biopsy were performed in all patients. Various ultrastructural parameters like myocytes, fascicular pattern, interstitial tissue, nerve hypertrophy and cell junction pattern were analyzed under electron microscope and they were clinically correlated using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Control group had significant difference as compared to case group in terms of baseline parameters like IPSS, flow rate and prostate size, both preoperatively and postoperatively, except for PVR, which was seen only preoperatively. There was statistically significant difference in ultrastructural patterns between case and control group in all five electron microscopic patterns. However, no significant difference was found between the subcategories of case groups. Conclusions: BPE is responsible for ultra structural changes in detrusor muscle and these changes remain persistent even after TURP. Nerve hypertrophy, which was not thoroughly discussed in previous studies, is also one of the salient feature of this study.

Crossed Fused Ectopic Kidney: A Case Report.

Crossed fused ectopic kidney is an unusual congenital malformation of the urinary tract. This condition is usually identified in the autopsy specimen rather than in general clinical scenario. In this condition, both kidneys are located on one side of the midline and are fused with each other. This condition is generally asymptomatic and usually diagnosed as incidental finding. We came across a case of crossed fused left to right ectopia with inferior infusion with nephroptosis. Generally, in cases of crossed fused renal ectopia, one kidney is lower than the other one but in our report, both kidneys were present at the same level. Initially it was thought as cake kidney, but on careful inspection diagnosis of crossed fused left to right ectopia with inferior infusion was made. During workup of abdominal pain, this finding was detected with no gross abnormality except for a tiny calculus. After detailed discussion with the patient, regular follow up was done without any active intervention and during that period he remained clinically and radiologically stable. So in these conditions active intervention is not always mandatory and patient may remain asymptomatic without any intervention.

Electron microscopic changes of detrusor in benign enlargement of prostate and its clinical correlation.

AIMS: To study the ultra structural changes in bladder musculature in cases of BPE and their clinical relevance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this descriptive longitudinal, controlled, observational study patients were enrolled into three groups, group 1, group 2A and group 2B. Control group (group-1) consisted of age matched normal male patients, who underwent surveillance or diagnostic cystoscopy for microscopic hematuria or irritative symptoms. Case group (group-2) comprised of patients with BPE, undergoing TURP. Case group (group-2) was further classified into: Category 2A (patients not on catheter) and cat-egory 2B (patients on catheter). All relevant clinical parameters like IPSS, prostate size, Qmax, PVR were recorded. Cystoscopy and bladder biopsy were performed in all patients. Various ultrastructural parameters like myocytes, fascicular pattern, interstitial tissue, nerve hypertrophy and cell junction pattern were analyzed under electron microscope and they were clinically correlated using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Control group had significant difference as compared to case group in terms of baseline parameters like IPSS, flow rate and prostate size, both preoperatively and postoperatively, except for PVR, which was seen only preoperatively. There was statistically significant difference in ultrastructural patterns between case and control group in all five electron microscopic patterns. However, no significant difference was found between the subcategories of case groups. CONCLUSIONS: BPE is responsible for ultra structural changes in detrusor muscle and these changes remain persistent even after TURP. Nerve hypertrophy, which was not thoroughly discussed in previous studies, is also one of the salient feature of this study.

Unusual Presentation of Prostate Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in elderly men and it frequently metastasizes to regional lymph nodes and sometimes to bone. Very rarely in some of the cases it also shows involvement of non-regional lymph nodes like supra-diaphragmatic lymph nodes. In our report, we present a 60-year-old male, initially misdiagnosed as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with cervical lymph node involvement may be due to infective region or inflammatory pathology, which was later found to have prostatic adenocarcinoma metastatic to supraclavicular lymph nodes. Very less case reports are present which have shown similar presentations. So we would like to highlight that prostatic carcinoma can be present in an atypical form also.

Immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen receptors in prostate and clinical correlation in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: Estrogens act through interaction with 2 receptor subtypes, ER alpha (ERα) and ER beta (ERß), in human prostate. The aim of the present study was to semiquantitatively assess the differential expression of ER subtypes in human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by use of immunocytochemistry (IHC) methods and to explore their relationship with various measures of BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 patients with BPH undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate and 22 patients with bladder cancer with normal prostate undergoing surveillance cystoscopy were studied as cases and controls, respectively. Quantitative immunolabeling of ER subtypes was scored by use of a semiquantitative scale. Also, correlations were assessed between ER levels in prostate and various measures of BPH. RESULTS: Overall, we found strong immunostaining for ERα in stroma and for ERß in epithelium, respectively. The IHC score for ERα differed significantly between BPH patients and controls in both stroma (p≤0.001) and epithelium (p=0.008), respectively. The ERß IHC score was also significantly higher in the epithelium of BPH patients (p=0.01). Also, we found a significant correlation between prostatic ER levels and various clinical measures of BPH. CONCLUSIONS: ERs may play an important role in the pathogenesis of BPH.