Comparative study of extraperitoneal singe-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and transperitoneal multiport robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using propensity score matching.

Background: With the introduction of the da Vinci single-port (SP) robot platform, surgery in a narrow space has become easier, and using this, extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy has been frequently performed recently. However, studies comparing it with existing methods are still lacking. Therefore, in this study, we compared the initial extraperitoneal single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (spRARP) with intraperitoneal multiport robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (mpRARP) and tried to investigate the feasibility of extraperitoneal spRARP. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent RARP performed between January 2019 and April 2023. A total of 184 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study: 64 underwent spRARP and 120 underwent mpRARP. Patient characteristics before and after surgery were investigated, and period of passing gas, foley maintenance period, length of hospital stay, and pain changes were compared and analyzed to estimate post-surgery recovery. To address inherent biases stemming from differing patient characteristics at baseline, we performed an additional analysis after propensity score matching (PSM) (ratio, 1:1). Results: After PSM, both the spRARP and mpRARP groups consisted of 64 patients each. On preoperative examination, there were no significant differences in prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason score (GS), prostate volume, magnetic resonance imaging T stage, or Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System score between the two groups. Following surgery, there were no significant differences in operative and console time between the two groups. Notably, the estimated blood loss was considerably lesser in the spRARP group than in the mpRARP group (P=0.049). When comparing pathologic outcomes, the GS, T stage, positive surgical margin, extracapsular extension, and seminal vesicle invasion rates showed no significant differences between the two groups. Four patients who underwent spRARP and six who underwent mpRARP suffered Clavien-Dindo classification grade 3 and 4 complications. After 3 months, there were no significant differences in incontinence or potency between the two groups. However, even after PSM, the period of passing gas was earlier in the spRARP group than in the mpRARP group. Conclusions: In this study, both the extraperitoneal spRARP and transperitoneal mpRARP groups exhibited similar complication rates and surgical outcomes. Furthermore, the spRARP group had a short surgical time and demonstrated early recovery. Therefore, extraperitoneal spRARP is a feasible procedure that is expected to become increasingly popular in the future.

Analysis of trend in the role of national and regional hubs in prostatectomy after prostate cancer diagnosis in the past 5 years: A nationwide population-based study.

PURPOSE: The regions where patients diagnosed with prostate cancer by biopsy receive prostatectomy are divided into national hub and regional hubs, and to confirm the change in the role of regional hubs compared to national hub. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from July 2013 to June 2017 encompassing 218,155 patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with prostate cancer were analyzed using the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database. The degree of patient outflow was assessed by dividing the regional diagnosis-to-surgery ratio with the national ratio for each year. Based on this ratio, national and regional hubs were determined. RESULTS: Seoul consistently maintained a patient influx with a ratio above 1.6. Busan and Gyeonggi consistently exceeded 0.9, while Ulsan and Daegu steadily increased, exceeding 1.0 between 2015 and 2016. Jeonnam province also consistently maintained the ratio above 0.7. Jeju, Daejeon, Gangwon, and Incheon remained below 0.5, indicative of substantial patient outflows, whereas Gwangju and Gyeongbuk had the highest patient outflows with ratios below 0.15. Therefore, Seoul was designated as a national hub, whereas Busan, Gyeonggi, Ulsan, Daegu, and Jeonnam were classified as regional hubs. Jeju, Daejeon, Gangwon, and Incheon were the dominant outflow areas, while Gwangju and Gyeongbuk were the highest outflow areas. CONCLUSIONS: Seoul, as the national hub for prostate cancer surgery, operated on 1.76 times more patients than any other region during 2013-2017. Busan, Gyeonggi, Ulsan, Daegu, and Jeonnam functioned as regional hubs, but approximately 10%-20% of patients sought treatment at national hubs.

Penile length and circumference: are they related to nose size?

Background: We investigated the relationship between the size of the penis and that of the nose. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,160 patients whose nose and penis sizes were measured. These participants were selected from a subset of 1,531 patients who visited the Dr. JOMULJU Urology Clinic between March and October 2022. Patients aged <20 years and those who underwent surgery for the nose and penis were excluded. Nose size was determined by measuring the length, width, and height of the nose, which were used to calculate the volume of the triangular pyramid. Stretched penile length (SPL) and penile circumference before erection were measured. The participants' height, weight, foot size, and serum testosterone levels were measured. Testicular size was measured using ultrasonography. Predictors of penile length and circumference were assessed using linear regression analysis. Results: The participants' average age was 35.5 years, mean SPL was 11.2 cm, and mean penile circumference was 6.8 cm. Univariate analysis revealed that body weight, body mass index (BMI), the serum testosterone level, and nose size were associated with SPL. Multivariable analysis revealed that BMI (P=0.001) and nose size (P=0.023) were significant predictors of SPL. Univariate analysis revealed that penile circumference was related to an individual's height, weight, BMI, nose size, and foot size. Multivariable analysis revealed that body weight (P=0.008) and testicular size (P=0.002) were significant predictors of penile circumference. Conclusions: Nose size was a significant predictor of penile size. The sizes of the penis and nose increased with a decrease in BMI. This interesting study confirms the truth of an erstwhile myth about penis size.

Docetaxel Enhances Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand-Mediated Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells via Epigenetic Gene Regulation by Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2.

PURPOSE: Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising cancer therapeutic agent because of its tumor selectivity and its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing most normal cells. We evaluated whether docetaxel enhances TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in prostate cancer (PCa) cells and its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LNCap-LN3, PC3, and DU 145 PCa cell lines were used to investigate the effects of TRAIL with docetaxel treatment (dosages, 1, 3, 5, and 10 nmol). To evaluate the mechanism, death receptor 4 (DR4), DR5, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and E2F1 levels were assessed in PCa cells. RESULTS: Hormone-sensitive LNCap-LN3 showed apoptosis in proportion to the concentration of docetaxel. Castration-resistant PC3 and DU 145 showed no change irrespective of the docetaxel concentration. However, combinations of docetaxel (2 nM) and TRAIL (100 ng/mL) had a significant effect on apoptosis of DU 145 cells. In DU 145 cells, docetaxel reduced EZH2 and elevated expression of DR4. The decrease of EZH2 by docetaxel was correlated with the E2F1 level, which was considered as the promoter of EZH2. DZNep reduced EZH2 and elevated DR4 in all PCa cells. Additionally, DZNep-enhanced TRAIL mediated reduction of PCa cell viability. CONCLUSIONS: Docetaxel and the EZH2 inhibitor reduced EZH2 and elevated expression of DR4 in all PCa cell lines. Docetaxel-enhanced TRAIL mediated apoptosis in PCa via elevation of DR4 through epigenetic regulation by EZH2. To improve the efficacy of TRAIL for PCa treatment, adding docetaxel or EZH2 inhibitors to TRAIL may be promising.

Mass size is a major predictor of hypertensive attack during surgery in patients with paraganglioma of retroperitoneum.

Background: Surgical manipulation of paraganglioma can induce a massive release of catecholamines leading to hypertensive attack. But it has been not known about risk factors to cause hypertensive attack because paragangliomas of urinary bladder and retroperitoneum are notably rare tumors and have been recorded as case report or series. We investigated the relationship between mass size and hypertensive attack during surgery in patients with paraganglioma. Methods: Our retrospective chart review included 32 patients who had a pathological diagnosis of paraganglioma between March 2006 and May 2021, in single center. We analyzed the risk factors such as age, sex, height, weight, blood pressure before surgery, history of hypertension, pre-operative symptoms, mass location, and mass in 24 patients with retroperitoneal paragangliomas including urinary bladder. Hypertensive attack was defined as systolic blood pressure >180 mmHg during excision of the mass from the electric medical chart. The predictive power was assessed by the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: There were 19 retroperitoneal, 5 urinary bladder, 2 middle-ear cavity, 2 mediastinal, 2 neck, 1 spinal cord and 1 duodenal paraganglioma. Seven (29.2%) of the 24 patients had preoperative symptoms such as pain, fluctuation of blood pressure, and palpable mass. Hypertensive attack during surgery occurred in 11 patients (45.8%). There was a significant difference in mass size between groups with (n=11) and without (n=13) fluctuation of blood pressure (P=0.007). The area under curve for predicting surgical complications according to mass size was 0.808 (cutoff size 4.25 cm, sensitivity 72.7%, specificity 76.9%, 95% CI: 0.635-0.981). Conclusions: Mass size impacted occurrence of hypertensive attack during surgery in patients with retroperitoneal paraganglioma. Surgeons have to be watchful regarding of intraoperative hypertension during resection of retroperitoneal masses exceeding 4.25 cm, which are suspected as paraganglioma.

Analysis of changes in the pathophysiology of nocturia according to the number of nocturia episode, age, and gender using frequency volume charts: A retrospective observational study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the pathophysiology of nocturia based on the frequency volume chart, and determine the risk factors for nocturia occurring ≥2 times per night. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed 311 patients with complaints of nocturia from January 2017 to February 2019 at our institution. Nocturnal polyuria (NP) and global polyuria (GP) were defined as NP index >0.35 regardless of age and 24 h urine volume >2.5 L/day, respectively. Decreased bladder capacity (dBC) was when the maximal voided volume was <325 mL. Decreased nocturnal bladder capacity (dNBC) was defined as nocturnal bladder capacity index >0. RESULTS: In total, 273 patients were included in the primary analyses. Of 802 days from 273 frequency volume charts, the median number of nocturia was 1 episode per day. Further, NP (odds ratios [OR] 7.01), GP (OR 4.25), dBC (OR 3.00), dNBC (OR 10.12), and age (OR 1.04) had the association with nocturia ≥2 times per night. There was a significant stepwise increase in NP, dNBC, dBC, and GP with the number of nocturia episodes. As patient age increased, the likelihood of NP (P < 0.001) and dBC (P < 0.001) being the cause for nocturia tended to increase, but that of dNBC (P = 0.022) and nocturia without cause (P = 0.007) tended to decrease. Moreover, dBC was more likely to cause nocturia in female patients than in male patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: NP, dBC, dNBC, and GP are important factors involved in the pathophysiology of nocturia occurring ≥2 times per night.

Effects of metabolic syndrome on renal stone progression.

PURPOSE: Studies on howmetabolic syndrome affects renal stone progression in untreated asymptomatic patients are lacking. Therefore, we investigated the effect of metabolic syndrome on changes in renal stone size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 820 patients with renal stones incidentally detected on CT during regular health examinations and who underwent follow-up CT evaluations for > 1 year. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of metabolic syndrome. Changes in stone size during the follow-up were assessed, and differences were compared according to various factors. Predictors of stone size change on CT were assessed using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 820 asymptomatic patients without a history of stone treatments and with a mean follow-up of 52.4 months were included. Of these, 104 (12.7%) had metabolic syndrome and 335 (40.9%) showed stone size increase during the follow-up. The stone size at diagnosis was not significantly different between patients with and without metabolic syndrome (225.3 ± 332.6 vs. 183.9 ± 310.2 mm3, p = 0.159); however, a significant difference was observed in the change in stone size at follow-up (148.5 ± 352.0 vs. 81.5 ± 222.4 mm3, p = 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that age (ß = - 0.11; - 5.92 to -0.69; p = 0.013), fasting glucose level ≥ 100 mg/dl (ß = 0.11; 9.78-99.73; p = 0.017), and metabolic syndrome (ß = 0.10; 9.78-99.73; p = 0.017) were factors predictive of stone size changes. CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome, fasting glucose level ≥ 100 mg/dl and young age are positively related to renal stone size changes. Therefore, periodic follow-up and metabolic syndrome management are required in asymptomatic patients with renal stones, especially in young age.

Outcomes of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for ureteral stones according to ESWL intensity.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the treatment outcomes of ureteral stones according to energy intensity generated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 150 patients who underwent ESWL for treatment of ureteral stones between September 2018 and February 2020. All stones were confirmed by a computed tomography examination, and the size, location, skin-to-stone distance, and Hounsfield units (HU) of the stones were assessed. In addition, patient characteristics including body mass index and estimated glomerular filtration rate, which can affect treatment outcome, were also evaluated. The success or failure of ESWL was confirmed according to the session, and the factors affecting the treatment outcome were analyzed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of the 150 patients, 82 (54.7%) had stones in the proximal ureter, 5 (3.3%) in the mid, and 63 (42.0%) in the distal ureter. Patients underwent ESWL an average of 1.5 times, and the success rate according to session was 65.3% for the first, 83.3% for the second, and 90.0% for the third session. A multivariate analysis revealed that stone size [odds ratio (OR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66-0.99, P=0.049] and HU (OR 0.99, 95% CI, 0.98-0.99, P=0.001) were significant factors affecting the success rate after the first ESWL session; ESWL intensity was not related to success rate. Stone size (OR 0.78, 95% CI, 0.62-0.96, P=0.022) was the only significant factor affecting the success rate in the third session. CONCLUSIONS: Stone size and HU affected the ESWL success rate. ESWL intensity was not significantly related to the success rate, so it should be adjusted according to patient pain and the degree of stone fragmentation.

Varying Outcomes among Patients with Large Angiomyolipomas according to the Treatment Method.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of large angiomyolipoma (AML) treatment by selective arterial embolization (SAE) versus nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) using a robotic surgical system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2011 and June 2018, we retrospectively reviewed 25 patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) or SAE for large AMLs. Ten patients underwent RAPN, and 15 underwent SAE. Patient demographics, AML characteristics, and operative and postoperative clinical outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Outcomes were compared between patients who underwent RAPN and patients who underwent SAE. Specifically, changes in renal function and size were evaluated after the treatment. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 52.9 years, and 22 of 25 patients were female. The mean maximum AML diameter on computed tomography was 8.9 cm, and 8 patients had multiple masses. Twenty-two of 25 patients had moderate to high RENAL complexity. Patients who underwent SAE had more symptoms (p = 0.018) and higher RENAL complexity scores (p = 0.013) on average. On average, tumor size decreased by 99% among RAPN patients and by 58% among SAE patients (p = 0.001). Although the mean pretreatment estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was higher among RAPN patients (99.8 vs. 80.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.043), there were no significant changes in eGFR in either group after the treatment. One patient in the RAPN group experienced complications, but the postoperative ileus resolved without intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Both RAPN and SAE were effective and feasible treatment options for large AMLs. The AML characteristics and the condition of the patient might be important in determining the appropriate treatment method.

Efficacy and tolerability of mirabegron compared with solifenacin for children with idiopathic overactive bladder: A preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of mirabegron and solifenacin in pediatric patients with idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) and to identify factors affecting OAB symptom improvement after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 103 patients (5-15 years old) who visited our hospital with OAB symptoms between July 2017 and March 2019. All participants had received solifenacin or mirabegron. Those who had secondary OAB or who did not complete the frequency-volume chart either before or after treatment were excluded. The age-adjusted bladder capacity ratio was used to evaluate bladder capacity. Efficacy was assessed on the basis of patient reports and changes in the frequency-volume chart, and ≥90% reduction was regarded as "responding to medication." Tolerability was assessed by obtaining reports from patients about the adverse effects of the drug. RESULTS: After the exclusion of 58 patients, 45 patients (29 in solifenacin-group and 16 in mirabegron-group) were included in the primary analysis. The age-adjusted bladder capacity ratio increased from 0.71 to 0.96 (p<0.001) and from 0.57 to 0.97 (p=0.002) after solifenacin and mirabegron use, respectively. Decreased bladder capacity before medication was associated with responding to medication (odds ratio, 7.41; p=0.044). There was no significant difference in efficacy between the two drugs. Drug-induced adverse effects were reported in only 3 (10.3%) of the solifenacin-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Mirabegron showed comparable efficacy to solifenacin in pediatric patients with idiopathic OAB. Additionally, only few adverse effects were reported, suggesting that mirabegron can be a safe alternative for the treatment of idiopathic pediatric OAB.

Reduced bladder capacity without daytime voiding symptoms with nocturnal enuresis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of monosymotomatic nocturnal enuresis (MSNE) with reduced bladder capacity in children with primary nocturnal enuresis (NE) and to suggest treatment outcomes. METHODS: This study retrospectively evaluated 54 children (30 males, 24 females; median age: 8; range: 5-14) who were newly diagnosed with primary NE from November 2017 to October 2019. Reduced bladder capacity in MSNE was defined when a patient's maximal voided volume (MVV) from his or her voiding diary was 75% or less than estimated functional bladder capacity ([age + 1] x 30 mL) for his or her age and there were no daytime lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as assessed using history taking and questionnaires. RESULTS: Nineteen (35.2%) of 54 children with newly diagnosed primary NE did not report daytime LUTS. Fifteen children (27.8%) had a reduced bladder capacity and were prescribed anticholinergic or beta-3 agonist. After three months of medication, MVV significantly increased from 117.5 mL to 183.3 mL (P = 0.010), but frequency showed no significant change from 5.7 to 4.9 times a day. Improvement in enuresis occurred completely and partially in 41.7% and 25% of participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of reduced bladder capacity without daytime voiding symptoms was relatively high as 27.8% in children newly diagnosed with primary NE. In primary MSNE, reduced bladder capacity should be investigated using a frequency-volume chart in addition to thorough history taking or questionnaires. Anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists for MSNE with reduced bladder capacity are effective at increasing the bladder capacity of these patients.

Diagnosis of urine leakage after bladder repair: a prospective comparative study of ultra-low-dose CT cystography and conventional retrograde cystography.

PURPOSE: We performed this prospective cohort study to compare the accuracy and technical characteristics of ultra-low-dose CT cystography with those of conventional retrograde cystography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 31 patients referred for cystography after bladder repair were enrolled. To detect urine leakage, we initially performed conventional cystography after retrograde distention of the bladder with dilute iodinated contrast material, followed by ultra-low-dose CT cystography. The diagnostic accuracy of these two modalities was compared, and the technical characteristics of ultra-low-dose CT cystography were examined. RESULTS: All 31 referred patients were included in this study. Of the 31 patients, 27 (87.1%) underwent bladder repair after radical prostatectomy, 3 (9.7%) after radical cystectomy, and 1 (3.2%) after bladder diverticulectomy. Four of the 31 patients were diagnosed with urine leakage by conventional cystography. These four patients were confirmed to have urine leakage by ultra-low-dose CT cystography. Another five patients who did not have urine leakage according to conventional cystography were diagnosed with urine leakage by ultra-low-dose CT cystography. Moreover, performing ultra-low-dose CT cystography enabled us to identify the precise location and amount of urine leakage in all nine patients. Based on these findings, we were able to establish a proper treatment plan. CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-low-dose CT cystography is an accurate method for evaluating urine leakage after bladder repair, and this technique may help determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for patients with urine leakage after bladder repair.

Renal function is associated with prognosis in stent-change therapy for malignant ureteral obstruction.

Purpose: The authors performed this study to investigate the risk factors for predicting stent failure and to evaluate its impact on prognosis. Materials and Methods: Between January 2002 and March 2017, we retrospectively reviewed 117 consecutive patients who underwent retrograde ureteral stenting and exchanging at least once every 3 months for malignant ureteral obstruction. The patients were classified according to their pre-stenting chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage. The factors affecting stent failure were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Overall survival (OS) was estimated, and the prognostic significance of each variable was estimated using Cox proportional-hazards regression modeling. Results: Before stenting, 91 patients were CKD stages 1-3 and 26 patients were CKD stages 4-5. These two groups differed significantly only in pre-stenting estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), bilateral obstruction, and pre-stenting pyuria. Among the 117 patients, stent failure occurred in 30 patients (25.6%), and there were no differences between the groups. Pre-stenting pyuria and post-stenting complications were significant predictors of stent failure. There were 79 deaths in total, including 56 in the CKD stages 1-3 group and 23 in the CKD stages 4-5 group. In the multivariate analysis predicting patient OS, pre-stenting eGFR and post-stenting disease progression were significant factors. Conclusions: Internal ureteral stenting was effective for maintaining renal function in malignant ureteral obstruction. However, it did not restore renal function, which is related to the prognosis of the patients. Therefore, to improve patients' renal function and prognosis, patients who require stenting must be quickly recognized and treated.

Impact of adenotonsillectomy on urinary storage symptoms in children with sleep-disordered breathing.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of adenotonsillectomy on resolving urinary storage symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) in indicated sleep disordered breathing (SDB) patients. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed changes in storage symptoms and SDB score before and after surgery in 102 children (74 males, 28 females, mean age 8.4 ±â€¯2.8 years) who underwent adenotonsillectomy between July 2011 and Feb 2012. Before and 3 months after surgery, all children and their parents were requested to answer a self-reported SDB scale-questionnaire (22 questions, 0-22 points) and a urinary storage symptoms questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of urgency in the overall patients was 31.2%. After adenotonsillectomy, prevalence of frequency and, urgency in addition to SDB score were significantly decreased (p ≦ 0.001). The prevalence of UUI was also significantly lower (11.6%-7.4%, p < 0.001). Patients with urgency had a significantly higher SDB score than those without (11.4 ±â€¯4.3 vs. 7.8 ±â€¯4.0, p < 0.001). After treatment, there was no difference between these two groups. CONCLUSION: Adenotonsillectomy markedly improved both SDB score and decreased the prevalence of voiding symptoms (frequency, urgency, and UUI). There was a strong correlation between preoperative SDB score and severity of urgency in children with SDB.

Discrimination of local recurrence after radical prostatectomy: value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Multiparametric magnetic resonance is the most accurate imaging technique for prostate cancer detection, staging, localization, and aggressiveness evaluation. We assessed accuracy of diffusion-weighted imaging in local recurrence diagnosis after radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 118 patients with findings suggestive of local recurrence in dynamic contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging. Local recurrence was defined clinically as a rising prostate-specific antigen level (biochemical recurrence) without radiographic evidence of distant metastasis over 6 months after surgery. Eighty-four patients (71.2%) had local recurrence (group 1) and 34 (28.8%) showed no recurrence (group 2). The diagnostic accuracy of diffusion-weighted imaging was assessed, and factors associated with local recurrence were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Additional accuracy analysis was carried out according to the size of the nodule. RESULTS: In post-operative findings, group 1 patients had significantly higher serum prostate-specific antigen (P = 0.001), larger enhancing nodules (P = 0.005), and more positive findings in diffusion-weighted imaging (P = 0.001) than group 2 patients. The sensitivity of diffusion-weighted imaging was significantly higher for nodules ≥1 cm than for all nodules (96.6 vs. 80.9%, P = 0.001), whereas the specificities were equivalent (100.0 vs. 97.1, P = 0.529). In multivariate analysis, a positive finding in diffusion-weighted imaging was the independent predictor of local recurrence (P = 0.005), along with pathologic T stage (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion-weighted imaging is accurate in distinguishing recurrence from enhancing nodule on dynamic contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance. Nodules showing decreased diffusion suggest local recurrence, especially if sized ≥1 cm.

Efficacy of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate in Patients with a Small Prostate (≤30 mL).

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients with a small prostate (≤30 mL) in whom medical treatment was ineffective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 132 patients who underwent HoLEP by a single surgeon between 2012 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received benign prostatic hyperplasia medication for at least 6 months before surgery. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to prostate size: group 1, ≤30 mL (n=30); and group 2, >30 mL (n=102). Clinical characteristics and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), including quality of life (QoL), peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine (PVR), before surgery and 3 months postoperatively, were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: In group 1, the IPSS, QoL, and PVR significantly decreased and the Qmax significantly increased 3 months after surgery. The voiding subscore also significantly decreased 3 months after surgery (p<0.001), but the storage subscore was not significantly different (p=0.055). In group 2, hemoglobin, the IPSS, QoL, and PVR significantly decreased and the Qmax significantly increased 3 months after surgery. In these patients, both the storage subscore and voiding subscore significantly decreased after surgery (both p<0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in hemoglobin, IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and PVR either before or 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: When other medical treatments are ineffective, HoLEP is an effective intervention for patients with a small prostate.

Loupe-Assisted Vasovasostomy Using a Prolene Stent: A Simpler Vasectomy Reversal Technique.

PURPOSE: Microsurgical vasovasostomy is associated with high patency and pregnancy rates, but is difficult and requires significant effort and time to learn. Therefore, we assessed a simplified loupe-assisted vasovasostomy method using a Prolene stent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 82 patients who underwent loupe-assisted vasovasostomy with a Prolene stent by a single surgeon between January 2004 and December 2015 were reviewed. The association between the vasal obstructive interval (VOI) and the success rate was evaluated. RESULTS: The average age at the time of vasovasostomy was 39.8 years (range, 29~57 years). The mean VOI was 6.6 years (range, 1~19 years). The mean operation time was 87.0 minutes (range, 55.0~140.0 minutes). The overall patency and natural pregnancy rates were 90.2% and 45.1%, respectively. The success rate decreased as time after vasectomy increased (odds ratio, 0.869; 95% confidence interval, 0.760~0.993; p=0.039). The cases were divided into 2 groups according to the mean VOI: group A (>7 years) and group B (≤7 years), with 31 cases (37.8%) and 51 cases (62.2%), respectively. The patency and pregnancy rates of group A were 80.6% and 51.6%, respectively, while those of group B were 96.1% and 41.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Loupe-assisted vasovasostomy using a Prolene stent is a safe and effective method.

Influence of Daytime or Nighttime Dosing with Solifenacin for Overactive Bladder with Nocturia: Impact on Nocturia and Sleep Quality.

We compared changes in nocturia and sleep-related parameters between daytime and nighttime solifenacin dosing in patents with overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia. We comparatively analyzed the data of a 12-week prospective, open-label, multicenter, randomized study. All 127 patients who presented to 5 centers in Korea for the treatment of OAB with nocturia between January 2011 and December 2013 were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into 2 groups by medication timing: group 1, daytime (n = 62); and group 2, nighttime (n = 65). The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) were used to assess OAB symptoms and sleep quality. We evaluated the parameter changes before and 12 weeks after daytime or nighttime solifenacin administration. Baseline data, which included sex, age, body mass index (BMI), total AIS, IPSS, and OABSS, did not differ between the 2 groups. Total IPSS, OABSS, and total AIS significantly improved after solifenacin administration regardless of timing (P < 0.001). After solifenacin administration, the number of nocturia episodes decreased in the group 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). There were no significant intergroup differences in changes in AIS, IPSS, OABSS, and number of nocturia episodes 12 weeks after solifenacin administration. Treating OAB with solifenacin may improve nocturia and sleep quality, but advantages did not differ significantly by medication timing.

Neurovascular bundle size measured on 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging is associated with the recovery of erectile function after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Erectile dysfunction is one of the complications occurring after radical prostatectomy (RP), and recovery of erectile function is quantitatively related to the preservation of the neurovascular bundles (NVB).We evaluated the significance of NVB area on functional outcomes after RP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 141 patients who underwent bilateral, nerve-sparing, robot-assisted RP for clinically localized prostate cancer (clinically T2N0M0 on magnetic resonance imaging) and were evaluated at least 12 months after surgery. NVB area was measured as a region of interest that coincided with the outline of the maximum area of the posterolateral region of the prostate on T2-weighted axial imaging. Factors associated with functional outcomes were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 141 patients, 36 patients (25.5%) had no preoperative potency (group 1), 66 patients (46.8%) recovered potency (group 2), and 39 patients (27.7%) did not recover potency (group 3). Although the mean age of the entire cohort was 65.4 years, the mean age of group 1 was greater than groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.001). The NVB area of group 2 was larger than those of groups 1 and 3 (P = 0.001). Potency evaluations involved 105 patients (74.5%; groups 2 and 3), and patients with pre-existing erectile dysfunction were excluded. The median time to potency recovery was 3.0 months after surgery. The multivariable analysis revealed that the NVB area was the only significant factor predictive of potency recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The NVB area in the posterolateral region of the prostate is an independent factor for predicting potency recovery. The degree of postoperative erectile function can be predicted based on the preoperative NVB area.

Metabolic syndrome is predictive of lower urinary tract symptom improvement after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostatic obstruction.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of metabolic syndrome (MS) on patient outcomes who underwent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for benign prostatic obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 151 patients who underwent HoLEP by a single surgeon between March 2012 and March 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with MS were assigned to group 1 (n = 33) and patients without MS in group 2 (n = 118). Clinical characteristics and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), including quality of life (QoL), peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine (PVR), before surgery and 3 months afterward were compared between groups. Additionally, predictors of total IPSS improvement after HoLEP were assessed. RESULTS: Compared with group 2 patients, group 1 patients were older (70.3 vs. 65.2 years old, p = 0.001). Preoperative data, which included prostate volume, QoL, Qmax, and PVR, were not different between groups. For all patients, both the storage subscore and voiding subscore significantly decreased after surgery (p < 0.001). Postoperative total IPSS and voiding subscore improvement in group 1 were lower than in group 2 (total IPSS improvement 9.2 vs. 12.5, p = 0.042; voiding subscore improvement 6.6 vs. 8.8, p = 0.048). Multivariate analysis showed preoperative total IPSS (ß = 0.79, CI 0.71-0.94, p < 0.001) and number of MS components (ß = -0.15, CI -2.04 to -0.29, p = 0.009) were independently associated with total IPSS improvement. CONCLUSIONS: We found that MS was associated with decreased postoperative symptom improvement. Thus, lower urinary tract symptoms after surgery may be a systemic disorder due to multiple metabolic risk factors.