Establishment of a prediction tool for ocular trauma patients with machine learning algorithm.

AIM: To predict final visual acuity and analyze significant factors influencing open globe injury prognosis. METHODS: Prediction models were built using a supervised classification algorithm from Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio. The best algorithm was selected to analyze the predicted final visual acuity. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 171 patients with open globe injury who visited the Pusan National University Hospital between January 2010 and July 2020. We then applied cross-validation, the permutation feature importance method, and the synthetic minority over-sampling technique to enhance tool performance. RESULTS: The two-class boosted decision tree model showed the best predictive performance. The accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.925, 0.962, 0.833, 0.893, and 0.971, respectively. To increase the efficiency and efficacy of the prognostic tool, the top 14 features were finally selected using the permutation feature importance method: (listed in the order of importance) retinal detachment, location of laceration, initial visual acuity, iris damage, surgeon, past history, size of the scleral laceration, vitreous hemorrhage, trauma characteristics, age, corneal injury, primary diagnosis, wound location, and lid laceration. CONCLUSION: Here we devise a highly accurate model to predict the final visual acuity of patients with open globe injury. This tool is useful and easily accessible to doctors and patients, reducing the socioeconomic burden. With further multicenter verification using larger datasets and external validation, we expect this model to become useful worldwide.

Congenital Renal Arteriovenous Malformation: Diagnostic Clues and Methods.

Background and objectives: Renal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare disease and is difficult to be diagnosed by conventional methods because of its rarity. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic clues, and made an algorithm for the better diagnosis of renal AVM. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 13 patients who were diagnosed with AVM by using renal angiography from 1986 to 2020 at our institutes. We evaluated clinical features, diagnostic tools, treatment modalities, and outcomes after the treatment of patients. Results: All patients were female, and the mean age was 36.9 years (range 19 to 54 years). Twelve (92.3%) patients complained of gross hematuria. Four (30.8%) patients showed symptoms in relation with pregnancy and delivery. Angiographic findings demonstrated cirsoid type in 10 patients and aneurysmal type in 3 patients. Among the 11 patients who underwent computed tomography, AVMs were detected in 3 (27.3%) patients. Renal duplex Doppler was performed in 6 patients, and all of these patients were diagnosed with AVM, demonstrating a vascular turbulence or blood-rich area. Twelve patients were initially treated with transarterial embolization. Nephrectomy was performed in two patients due to persistent bleeding with hypovolemic shock. Conclusions: We should consider possible AVMs in patients who were not detected by conventional work up for hematuria, especially in mid-aged, pregnant, or recently delivered women. Renal duplex Doppler might be the optimal diagnostic modality in these patients. Our diagnostic algorithm could be aid to diagnosis and treatment for renal AVM patients.

Clinical Outcomes and Risk Factor Analysis of Patients Presenting with Emphysematous Cystitis: A 15-Year Retrospective Multicenter Study.

Background and objectives: To investigate the risk factors for emphysematous cystitis (EC) compared to those of acute cystitis (AC) to increase clinicians awareness of the possibility for the aggravation of patient status. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed a total of 54 patients who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of EC by abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan from 2006 to 2020. The control group included 92 patients who were hospitalized for the treatment of AC in the same period. We sought to identify the clinical features and predisposing diseases, such as age, sex, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), chronic kidney disease (CKD), neurogenic bladder (NB), history of urinary tract infection (UTI), and emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN), that were associated with the development of EC. Results: The median (interquartile range (IQR)) age of the patients with EC was older than that of the patients with AC (78.5 (15.3) years (range: 52-100) vs. 70.0 (26.5) years (range: 28-97 years)). Sepsis and mortality occurred only in the EC group (48.1% and 11.1%, respectively). The univariate analysis of predisposing factors revealed that age, DM, HTN, CVA, CKD, and NB were significantly associated with EC. In the multivariate analysis, DM (OR, 6.251; 95% CI, 2.254-17.250; p < 0.001), CKD (OR, 18.439; 95% CI, 3.421-99.404; p = 0.001), NB (OR, 7.374; 95% CI, 1.993-27.285; p = 0.003) were associated with EC. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that DM, CKD, and NB were significant risk factors for EC. The tendency toward sepsis and high mortality underscore the need for careful observation while treating patients with EC with the risk noted above.

Integrity of the Urethral Sphincter Complex, Nerve-sparing, and Long-term Continence Status after Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The applicability of the sphincter complex integral theory to robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is unclear, with little known about the long-term effect of sphincter complex integrity on continence. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the preoperative anatomical and functional features of the sphincter complex and the degree of nerve-sparing affect long-term continence after RARP. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective study of 529 patients who underwent RARP at a single tertiary center. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Anatomical factors, including membranous urethral length (MUL) and pelvic diaphragm length (PDL), were assessed using sagittal views of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. MUL was defined as the distance from the posterior prostate apex to the urethra level at the penile bulb, and PDL was defined as the length of the urethra that met the planes created by the pelvic floor muscles. Functional parameters including maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and functional urethral length were evaluated using preoperative measurements of the urethral pressure profiles. The degree of nerve-sparing was stratified as bilateral, unilateral, or none. Continence (pad-free status) was assessed according to anatomical and functional factors and nerve-sparing. We used binary logistic regression to assess factors predicting continence return 12 mo after RARP. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Continence return rates 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo after RARP were 39.7%, 66.0%, 80.2%, and 87.0%, respectively. Continence return rates at 12 mo differed significantly in patients with MUL ≥11.7mm (91.9%) and <11.7mm (79.9%), PDL ≥9.9mm (96.7%) and <9.9mm (74.5%), and MUCP ≥66 cmH2O (89.7%) and <66 cmH2O (79.4%). The continence return rate was significantly higher in patients with bilateral (93.0%) than in patients with unilateral (78.1%) or no (76.7%) nerve-sparing. Multivariate analysis showed that PDL (odds ratio [OR]=2.187 per mm), MUCP (OR=1.037 per cmH2O), and bilateral nerve-sparing (OR=3.671) were independently associated with continence return 12 mo after RALP. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical length and static pressure of the sphincter complex affected continence after RARP. Bilateral nerve-sparing was independently associated with long-term continence. PATIENT SUMMARY: Predisposing length and static pressure of the urinary sphincter affect continence after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. Nerve bundle preservation during surgery enhances postoperative return of continence.

Androgen deprivation therapy during and after post-prostatectomy radiotherapy in patients with prostate cancer: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Here we assessed the influence of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) during and/or after post-prostatectomy radiotherapy (RT) on biochemical recurrence (BCR) and radiographic progression in patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: Patients with prostate cancer who underwent post-prostatectomy RT were analyzed. BCR and radiographic progression after RT were compared according to the concurrent or salvage ADT. Cox regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for BCR and radiographic progression. RESULTS: Of the 227 patients who underwent post-prostatectomy RT, 95 (41.9%) received concurrent ADT for a median of 17.0 months. Despite more aggressive disease characteristics in the concurrent ADT group than in the RT-only group, the former had a better 5-year BCR-free survival rate than the latter (66.1 vs. 53.9%; p = 0.016), whereas the radiographic progression rate was not significantly different between two groups. On the other hand, salvage ADT after post-RT BCR significantly delayed radiographic progression (5-year radiographic progression-free survival; 75.2 vs. 44.5%; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent ADT improved BCR-free survival, and salvage ADT after post-RT BCR improved radiographic progression-free survival. To maximize the oncological benefit, ADT of sufficient duration should be implemented.

Heterogeneous oncologic outcomes according to surgical pathology in high-risk prostate cancer: implications for better risk stratification and preoperative prediction of oncologic outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the better risk stratification based on surgical pathology, and to predict oncologic outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) with a better scoring system in high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. METHODS: We evaluated high-risk PCa patients (PSA >20 ng/ml, ≥cT3a, or Gleason score 8-10) who underwent RP between 2007 and 2013 at our institute. We classified patients into three groups according to their pathologic outcomes: favorable (pT2, Gleason score ≤7, and node negative), intermediate (specimen-confined disease (pT2-3a, node negative PCa with negative surgical margins) but not in the favorable group), and unfavorable (the remaining patients). We developed a risk stratification scoring system to predict prognostic outcomes after RP and validated our scoring system to estimate its predictive accuracy. RESULTS: Among a total of 356 patients, 95 (26.7%), 115 (32.3%), and 146 (41%) were in the favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable prognostic groups, respectively. The 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rates of the patients in each group were 87.8, 64.6, and 41.4%, respectively. We developed a scoring system based on preoperative PSA, clinical stage, percentage of tumor positive core, and percentage of cores with a Gleason score 8-10. This demonstrated internally and externally validated concordance indices of 0.733 and 0.772, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using our scoring system, we can predict which patients with high-risk PCa would benefit more from RP. Thus, this system can be used in patient counseling to determine an optimal treatment strategy for high-risk PCa.

Prognostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 2, platelet-derived growth factor-ß (PDGF-ß), and PDGF-ß receptor expression in papillary renal cell carcinoma.

The prognostic value of the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-ß, and PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-ß in papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) is unknown. A total of 145 patients, who were confirmed to have pRCC, were analyzed. Expression levels of molecular markers were assessed via immunohistochemistry. The median follow-up period for all patients was 52.0 (interquartile range, 34.5-90.5) months. Among the cohort of 145 patients, high VEGF expression was observed in 100 (69.0%) patients, whereas high expression of VEGFR2, PDGF-ß, and PDGFR-ß was observed in 64 (44.1%), 42 (29.0%), and 30 (20.7%) patients, respectively. Only patients with high VEGFR2 expression exhibited improved 10-year recurrence-free survival (85.3% versus 58.1%; P=.005) and cancer-specific survival (86.4% versus 70.1%; P=.014) rates compared with individuals who exhibited low expression. Multivariate analysis revealed that high VEGFR2 expression was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.326; P=.006) and cancer-specific mortality (hazard ratio, 0.334; P=.046). During follow-up, 17 patients received targeted drug therapy. Patients with high VEGFR2 expression showed a better initial response (partial response, 40%; stable disease, 20%; progressive disease, 40%) than patients with low expression did (partial response, 0%; stable disease, 58.3%; progressive disease, 41.7%; P=.052). pRCC with high VEGFR2 expression seems to be associated with a better initial response to targeted drug therapy and a better prognostic outcome.

Characteristics of Anteriorly Located Prostate Cancer and the Usefulness of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosis.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the pathological and oncologic characteristics of anteriorly located prostate cancer and assessed the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging to detect anterior prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the records of 728 consecutive patients treated with radical prostatectomy. Patients were categorized with anterior or prostate cancer or tumors involving the anterior and posterior prostate according to the dominant tumor location on whole mount section. RESULTS: The anterior and posterior prostate cancer groups and the group with cancer at both locations represented 31.0%, 46.7% and 22.3% of the total number of patients, respectively. Anterior prostate cancer was less commonly palpable (p <0.001) and needed more frequent repeat biopsy (p = 0.012) than posterior prostate cancer. Moreover, the anterior group had fewer positive cores than the posterior group (p <0.001) despite comparable tumor volumes. Gleason score upgrading was more frequently observed in anterior than in posterior prostate cancer (p = 0.003). However, final pathological features did not significantly differ. Only the seminal vesicle involvement rate was lower in anterior than in posterior prostate cancer (p <0.001). Estimated 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival in patients with anterior prostate cancer was 87.5%, significantly higher than in patients with posterior prostate cancer (77.4%, p = 0.001) and patients with anterior plus posterior involvement (74.4%, p <0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that anterior location was an independent prognostic factor for biochemical recurrence (HR 0.403) along with other well-known prognostic factors. To detect anterior prostate tumors the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging were 78.1% and 58.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior prostate cancer had pathological features and favorable oncologic outcomes comparable to those of posterior prostate cancer but also more frequent Gleason score upgrading. Magnetic resonance imaging had moderate diagnostic performance for detecting lesions in the anterior prostate.

Effect of preoperative urodynamic detrusor overactivity on post-prostatectomy incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether preoperative urodynamic detrusor overactivity (DO) contributes to post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI). METHODS: We systematically searched the online PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases spanning the period of January 1989 to December 2014. RESULTS: A total of nine articles met the eligibility criteria for this systematic review. The eligible studies included a total of 457 patients with a median number of 58 patients per study (range 17-92). Of the nine studies, five conducted open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP), two performed robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), and two others utilized multiple modalities. PPI was more likely to occur in patients with preoperative DO [pooled odds ratio (OR) 2.30; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.39-3.82; studies 9; participants 419], as compared to patients who were DO negative. Sensitivity analysis using the subgroups of RRP (OR 2.32; 95 % CI 1.11-4.85), RALP (OR 3.41; 95 % CI 1.55-7.47), DO defined as any amplitude of involuntary contraction (OR 2.32; 95 % CI 1.11-4.85), no postoperative intervention (OR 2.32; 95 % CI 1.11-4.85), and outcome evaluation after 6 months (OR 2.32; 95 % CI 1.11-4.85) demonstrated consistent results. Although some comparisons showed inter-study heterogeneity, there was no clear evidence of publication bias in this meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis results suggest that preoperative DO is another possible underlying mechanism for PPI.

Comparative analysis of oncologic outcomes for open vs. robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in high-risk prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the oncologic outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in high-risk prostate cancer (PCa), we compared the surgical margin status and biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS) rates between retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) and RARP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative analysis was conducted of high-risk PCa patients who underwent RRP or RARP by a single surgeon from 2007 to 2013. High-risk PCa was defined as clinical stage≥T3a, biopsy Gleason score 8-10, or prostate-specific antigen>20 ng/mL. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize selection bias, and all possible preoperative and postoperative confounders were matched. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess the 5-year BCRFS, and Cox regression models were used to evaluate the effect of the surgical approach on biochemical recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 356 high-risk PCa patients (106 [29.8%] RRP and 250 [70.2%] RARP) were included in the final cohort analyzed. Before adjustment, the mean percentage of positive cores on biopsy and pathologic stage were poorer for RRP versus RARP (p=0.036 vs. p=0.054, respectively). The unadjusted 5-year BCRFS rates were better for RARP than for RRP (RRP vs. RARP: 48.1% vs. 64.4%, p=0.021). After adjustment for preoperative variables, the 5-year BCRFS rates were similar between RRP and RARP patients (48.5% vs. 59.6%, p=0.131). The surgical approach did not predict biochemical recurrence in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Five-year BCRFS rates of RARP are comparable to RRP in high-risk PCa. RARP is a feasible treatment option for high-risk PCa.

Oncologic outcomes in men with metastasis to the prostatic anterior fat pad lymph nodes: a multi-institution international study.

BACKGROUND: The presence of lymph nodes (LN) within the prostatic anterior fat pad (PAFP) has been reported in several recent reports. These PAFP LNs rarely harbor metastatic disease, and the characteristics of patients with PAFP LN metastasis are not well-described in the literature. Our previous study suggested that metastatic disease to the PAFP LN was associated with less severe oncologic outcomes than those that involve the pelvic lymph node (PLN). Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the oncologic outcome of prostate cancer (PCa) patients with PAFP LN metastasis in a larger patient population. METHODS: Data were analyzed on 8800 patients from eleven international centers in three countries. Eighty-eight patients were found to have metastatic disease to the PAFP LNs (PAFP+) and 206 men had isolated metastasis to the pelvic LNs (PLN+). Clinicopathologic features were compared using ANOVA and Chi square tests. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the time to biochemical recurrence (BCR). RESULTS: Of the eighty-eight patients with PAFP LN metastasis, sixty-three (71.6%) were up-staged based on the pathologic analysis of PAFP and eight (9.1%) had a low-risk disease. Patients with LNs present in the PAFP had a higher incidence of biopsy Gleason score (GS) 8-10, pathologic N1 disease, and positive surgical margin in prostatectomy specimens than those with no LNs detected in the PAFP. Men who were PAFP+ with or without PLN involvement had more aggressive pathologic features than those with PLN disease only. However, there was no significant difference in BCR-free survival regardless of adjuvant therapy. In 300 patients who underwent PAFP LN mapping, 65 LNs were detected. It was also found that 44 out of 65 (67.7%) nodes were located in the middle portion of the PAFP. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the rate of BCR between the PAFP LN+ and PLN+ groups. The PAFP likely represents a landing zone that is different from the PLNs for PCa metastasis. Therefore, the removal and pathologic analysis of PAFP should be adopted as a standard procedure in all patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

Prognostic significance of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-ß expression in localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We investigated the expression status of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B and their receptors in organ-confined clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) to evaluate their prognostic significance after radical surgery. METHODS: In 758 consecutive patients diagnosed with pT1-2N0 ccRCC between 2007 and 2012, we prospectively investigated the expression levels of VEGF, PDGF-B, VEGF receptor (VEGFR) and PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-ß via immunohistochemistry. Clinicopathologic parameters and expression of the angiogenic factors were analyzed with respect to recurrence-free survival (RFS) after nephrectomy. The median follow-up was 29.5 months (IQR 21.5, 39.6) after surgery. RESULTS: Partial nephrectomy had been performed in 48.5 % of the patients, and tumors were staged as pT1a in 514 (67.8 %), pT1b in 192 (25.3 %) and pT2 in 52 (6.9 %). VEGF, PDGF and their receptors were identified in the cytoplasm and membranes of the tumor cells. Expression level of VEGFR inversely correlated with both tumor size (r = -0.076, p = 0.014) and nuclear grade (r = -0.297, p = 0.004). As for PDGF-B, the expression level showed an inverse correlation with tumor size (r = -0.216, p < 0.001) while PDGFR-ß inversely correlated with nuclear grade (r = -0.341, p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, age, pathologic stage, nuclear grade and PDGFR-ß expression (high vs. low or none, HR 3.121 95 % CI 1.300-7.493, p = 0.011) were independently prognostic of RFS after nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: In organ-confined ccRCC, high expression of PDGFR-ß was independently predictive of poorer RFS after nephrectomy.

Analysis of factors affecting spontaneous expulsion of ureteral stones that may predict unfavorable outcomes during watchful waiting periods: What is the influence of diabetes mellitus on the ureter?

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of several factors with spontaneous stone expulsion, including ureteral stone characteristics (size, location, hydronephrosis, perinephric stranding), types of medications prescribed (α-blocker, low-dose steroid), and other possible demographic and health-history factors (gender, age, serum creatinine, underlying diabetes mellitus [DM], and hypertension). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 366 patients with ureteral stones were enrolled. All patients underwent watchful waiting without any invasive procedures. Initial diagnoses of ureteral stones were confirmed by computed tomography scans, which were taken at approximately 1-month intervals to check for stone expulsion. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify significant factors that contributed to stone expulsion. RESULTS: Among 366 patients, 335 patients (91.5%) experienced spontaneous stone passage during a mean follow-up period of 2.95±2.62 weeks. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the success of spontaneous stone passage. Univariate analyses revealed that stone location (p=0.003), stone size (p=0.021), and underlying DM (p<0.001) were significant predictors of stone passage. Multivariate analyses confirmed that stone size (p=0.010), stone location (p=0.008), and underlying DM (p=0.003) were independent predictive factors affecting stone passage. CONCLUSIONS: Stone size, location, and underlying DM were confirmed to be significant predictive factors for spontaneous passage of ureteral stones. Urologists should consider active procedures, such as shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy, rather than conservative management in patients presenting with proximally located stones, large ureteral stones, or underlying DM.

The therapeutic effect of solifenacin succinate on the recovery from voiding dysfunction after radical prostatectomy in men with clinically localized prostate cancer: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether anticholinergic medication contributes to early recovery of continence and improvement of other voiding symptoms after radical prostatectomy (RP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 78 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who had incontinence at 1 week after RP were enrolled prospectively. The patients were allocated to one of the 2 groups: group 1 (α-adrenergic agonist [midodrine] plus an anticholinergic [solifenacin]) or group 2 (α-adrenergic agonist only). A urodynamic study and the International Continence Society male Short Form questionnaire were completed preoperatively and 4 months after RP. One-hour pad test and 3-day frequency volume chart at 1 and 4 months after medication were also analyzed. RESULTS: The rate of continence, defined as being pad free, did not differ between the groups at 4 months (both 71.8%; P >.05). However, the decreased value of mean weight of daily pads worn by groups 1 and 2 were 51.5 vs 11.7 g, respectively (P = .005). The incontinence (P = .008) and quality of life (P = .044) subscale scores significantly worsened in group 2, whereas they remained unchanged in group 1. Maximal detrusor pressure and maximal urethral closure pressure significantly decreased in both groups, whereas maximal cystometric capacity increased significantly in group 1 only (290.8-332.0 cm H2O; P <.001). CONCLUSION: Anticholinergics may facilitate early recovery from incontinence and prevent worsening of quality of life, which might be attributed to increased cystometric capacity after their use.

Prevalence of high-grade or insignificant prostate cancer in Korean men with prostate-specific antigen levels of 3.0-4.0 ng/mL.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of high-grade or insignificant prostate cancer in Korean men with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels of 3.0-4.0 ng/mL. METHODS: The medical records of 4233 consecutive men with PSA levels of 3.0-10.0 ng/mL, who underwent prostate biopsy between 2007 and 2012 at our institute, were reviewed. The clinicopathologic characteristics were compared between patients with a PSA level of 3.0-4.0 ng/mL and those with a PSA level of 4.0-10.0 ng/mL. Predictive factors for high-grade (Gleason score ≥7) or insignificant cancer (defined according to the Epstein criteria) in men with a PSA level of 3.0-4.0 ng/mL were assessed. RESULTS: The high-grade disease rates were similar between men with a PSA level of 3.0-4.0 ng/mL and those with a PSA level of 4.0-10.0 ng/mL (50.5% and 53.1%, respectively). The rates of clinically insignificant cancer were higher in men with a PSA level of 3.0-4.0 ng/mL than in those with a PSA level of 4.0-10.0 ng/mL (28.4% vs 12.5%; P <.001). However, among patients with clinically insignificant cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy, only 20% of those with a PSA level of 3.0-4.0 ng/mL and 16% of those with a PSA level of 4.0-10.0 ng/mL showed pathologically insignificant cancer. Prostate volume was an independent predictor of high-grade disease in men with PSA levels of 3.0-4.0 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: More than half of the cancer patients had high-grade disease in men with a PSA level of 3.0-4.0 ng/mL, and most cases of clinically insignificant cancer were diagnosed as significant cancer on prostatectomy specimens, suggesting that the optimal PSA threshold for prostate biopsy in Korean men is 3.0 ng/mL.

Randomized clinical trial of a bladder neck plication stitch during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Urinary incontinence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is one of the most bothersome complications affecting patients' daily lives. The efficacy of the bladder neck plication stitch technique in promoting an earlier return of continence was prospectively evaluated in 158 patients who underwent RARP for clinically localized prostate cancer by a single surgeon at our institute from March 2012 to January 2013. Patients were randomized 1:1 to undergo surgery with (n = 79) or without (n = 79) the bladder neck plication stitch, and their time to recovery from incontinence, defined as being pad free, was compared. Recovery from incontinence at 1, 3, and 6 months were observed in 22 (27.8%), 42 (53.2%), and 57 (72.2%) patients, respectively, treated with, and 23 (29.1%), 47 (59.5%), and 59 (74.7%) patients, respectively, treated without the bladder neck plication stitch, with no significant difference in time to recovery from incontinence between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that age, membranous urethral length and shape of the prostatic apex on magnetic resonance imaging were independent predictors of early recovery from urinary incontinence after RARP. The bladder neck plication stitch had no effect on time to recovery from postoperative urinary incontinence following RARP.

Hilar location is an independent prognostic factor for recurrence in T1 renal cell carcinoma after nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We investigated the prognostic significance of tumor location at the renal hilum near the sinus structure on the recurrence in T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: A total of 1,818 T1 RCC patients who underwent radical (RN) or partial nephrectomy (PN) from 1997 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. A hilar tumor was defined as a tumor abutting the main renal artery and/or vein or its segmental branches, without invasion. We compared the recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates between hilar and nonhilar T1 RCC and analyzed predictors of RFS after nephrectomy. RESULTS: Patients with hilar tumors showed a poorer 5-year RFS compared with nonhilar tumors both in T1a (89.7 vs. 98.5 %, p < 0.001) and T1b (81.6 vs. 95.1 %, p < 0.001) RCCs. Among patients who underwent RN and PN, hilar tumors were associated with lower 5-year RFS (87.6 vs. 97.2 % for RN, 78.1 vs. 98.2 % for PN, both p < 0.001). In T1a hilar tumor, PN was associated with poorer 5-year RFS than RN (79.5 vs. 93.0 %, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, a hilar location remained as an independent predictor of recurrence in both T1a and T1b tumors (both p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hilar tumors show a higher recurrence rate than nonhilar counterparts in T1 RCC. In T1a hilar tumors, PN demonstrated poorer RFS than RN. Potential intrinsic renal anatomical or lymphovascular structural differences as well as differences in cancer characteristics need further investigations.