[A case of prostate cancer with cyst formation].

A 73-year-old man with the complaint of dysuria of 2 years' standing was admitted to our hospital for further examination of an intrapelvic cystic mass, 8.6 cm in diameter, detected incidentally by abdominal ultrasonography. The serum concentration of prostate specific antigen (PSA) was elevated to 44.9 ng/ml. Pelvic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a cystic mass with an irregular thick cyst wall posterior to the urinary bladder originating from the prostate. Transrectal needle biopsy presented a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The bloody fluid of the cyst obtained by transperineal aspiration contained a significantly increased level of PSA, but no cancer cells were detected by cytological examination. Total prostatectomy was performed under the diagnosis of clinical stage C (cT3N0M0) prostate cancer. Pathological diagnosis was that cancer cells were present in the prostate tissue and had partly infiltrated the cyst wall. These results suggest that the present cyst was associated with the development of prostate cancer as a pseudocyst without an epithelial lining. The patient has remained free from the disease for over ten months. We review 56 cases of this rare condition that have been reported in Japan.

Intrarenal pelvic papillary Wilms' tumor associated with aniridia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Intrarenal pelvic Wilms' tumor in a papillary growth is rare in children. A case of a two-year-old infant with Wilms' tumor associated with congenital aniridia is reported. RESULTS: A chromosomal abnormality (11p13 deletion) was found in this patient. The tumor was well evaluated by ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. DISCUSSION: Previous case reports are briefly reviewed and the clinical characteristics disclosed.

[Long-term follow up of patients with spina bifida--a review of 228 cases].

BACKGROUND: The objective of this report is to evaluate the upper urinary tract changes of the patients with spina bifida who have been followed up for more than 10 years. METHODS: We analyzed 228 patients (97 males and 131 females) of spina bifida. Mean patient age was 18.7 years (10 to 51 years) and follow up period ranged from 10 to 27 years (mean 13.4 years). Upper urinary tract deterioration (Hydroureter and/or hydronephrosis), vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and bladder deformity were investigated by excretory urography and voiding cystourethrography. We compared these 3 parameters in the initial and final examinations. RESULTS: In the initial examinations, upper urinary tract deterioration, VUR and bladder deformity were observed in 32.9%, 33.3% and 40.0%, respectively. During the follow up period, upper urinary tract was improved in 47.3% and VUR in 80.0%. Bladder deformity was disappeared in 14.4%. On the other hand, upper urinary tract was deteriorated in 9.3%. VUR and bladder deformity was newly developed or progressed in 8.0% and 29.3%, respectively. Finally, upper urinary tract deterioration, VUR and bladder deformity were observed in 31.3%, 18.2% and 52.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results revealed that upper urinary tract and VUR were relatively controlled, however, bladder deformity was increased in its frequency. To prevent upper urinary tract deterioration, further analysis of sequential changes of urinary tract conditions should be demanded.

[Long-term follow-up of female tetraplegic patients with cutaneous vesicostomy].

Tetraplegic women who underwent a cutaneous vesicostomy in our institutions were studied to evaluate long-term urinary complications and their quality of life (QOL). A total of 5 patients (C4, C5 and C6 injuries in one patient each and C7 injury in 2) were followed for 98 to 125 months (mean 107 months). Autonomic hyperreflexia disappeared after surgery in all patients. None of the patients showed deterioration of the upper urinary tract. Urinary tract infections were noted in 3 of 5 patients, but not severe. Bladder stones developed in 2 patients and a stomal stricture in 1. A questionnaire survey showed the patients to be satisfied with the operation, which had improved their QOL. These findings suggest that a cutaneous vesicostomy is an excellent surgical procedure for tetraplegic women.

Bellini duct carcinoma: a case report.

We report a rare case of Bellini duct carcinoma, which is an unusual variant of renal cell carcinoma. The patient, a 56-year-old man, was admitted to our hospital for detailed examination of a renal mass on the left side. He had no clinical symptoms such as gross hematuria or flank pain. Abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor 4 cm in diameter at the lower pole of the left kidney. Selective renal angiography showed an avascular mass lesion. We performed left transperitoneal radical nephrectomy with a preoperative diagnosis of left renal tumor, T2N0M0. The histopathological diagnosis was Bellini duct carcinoma of papillary tubular type. Lectin histochemistry demonstrated positive staining with soyabean agglutinin and peanut agglutinin. These findings supported our conclusion that the tumor might have originated from the Bellini duct epithelium. The patient currently remains disease-free. The pathogenesis and management of this rare condition are discussed.

[A comparative study of the effects of granisetron alone and a combination of granisetron plus steroids on CDDP-based combination chemotherapy-induced emesis--outcomes of a multicenter randomized comparative study using the central registration method. Nara Medical University Kytril Study Group].

The present investigation was conducted to examine the effects of granisetron alone and a combination of granisetron plus steroids on CDDP-based combination chemotherapy-induced emesis by multi-institutional randomized comparative trial using a central registration method. A total of 62 patients with urological cancer enrolled this study were randomized into two groups: granisetron (40 micrograms/kg) only group and granisetron (40 micrograms/kg) plus steroids (500 mg of methylprednisolone or 8 mg of dexamethasone) group. There were 31 patients eligible in the granisetron only group and 28 in the combination group. The same anti-emetic treatments were given in the recycling courses of chemotherapeutic regimens. Therefore, eligible patients of the second and the third cycle numbered 31 (17 in the granisetron only group, 14 in the combination group) and 21 (11 in the granisetron only group and 10 in the combination group). Significant inhibition of acute emesis in combination group was observed when compared with the granisetron only group in each cycle. Delayed emesis was also significantly inhibited in the combination group on Day 2 and 3 of the first cycle and on Day 2 of the second and third cycle. In addition, appetite loss was significantly reduced in the combination group on Day 2 and 3 of the first and second cycle. No adverse events were seen in either group. These results suggested that a combination of granisetron and steroids was useful for preventing CDDP-based combination chemotherapy-induced emesis.

[Pregnancy and delivery in the patients with spina bifida--report of 5 cases].

BACKGROUND: Because of improvement in the management for life-threatening complications of spina bifida, quality of life in the patient has become better and pregnancy is becoming more common problem in adolescent and adult female patients. In this paper, we reported patients with spina bifida who became pregnant and delivered a baby. METHODS: There were 6 deliveries from 5 patients. Mean patient age at the first pregnancy was 27.6 years (ranged from 26 to 32 years). Four patients had undergone surgical managements before pregnancy, of whom 1 had augmentation cystoplasty. Urological and obstetrical conditions during the pregnancy were analyzed. RESULTS: Upper urinary tract deterioration which was transient, was observed in 3 pregnancies. Serum BUN and creatinine levels remained stable throughout pregnancy in 4 patients. Pyelonephritis complicated 3 of 6 pregnancies. Delivery was vaginal in 4 and by cesarean section in 2. There were 7 obstetrical complications, which consisted of premature labor (2), uterine inertia (2), cephalo pelvic disproportion (2) and hydramnios (1). There were no significant anomalies in the newborns of these patients. CONCLUSION: To achieve successful pregnancy and delivery in the patient with spina bifida, careful urological and obstetrical observation for the potential complications is needed.

Urethral opening pressure in patients with myelodysplasia.

We evaluated 60 patients with myelodysplasia using the urethral opening pressure (UOP) which is defined as the total intravesical pressure at the moment when urine passes through the external sphincter by the Credé or the Valsalva maneuver. Twenty nine of the patients showed UOP value greater than 35 cmH2O and 31 below 35 cmH2O. In the high pressure group, patients showed a tendency to preserve sphincter activity and had mild paralysis of the lower extremities. In contrast, most of patients in the low pressure group showed an underactive sphincter and severe paralysis of the lower extremities. The incidence of deterioration of the upper urinary tract, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and bladder deformity were significantly high in the high pressure group than those in the low pressure group (75.9% vs 16.1%, 72.4% vs 22.6%, 82.8% vs 29.0%, respectively, P < 0.05). During the follow-up period (42 months on average), the voiding methods were changed in 15 patients from the Credé maneuver to clean intermittent catheterization, and total of 12 operations were performed (10 antiVUR operation and two with an ileocystoplasty). Finally, approximately 90% of the patients in both the high and the low pressure groups were evaluated as improved or stable in the upper urinary tract, VUR and bladder deformity after conservative or surgical managements. UOP is considered to be one of the useful parameters to select the high risk patient in the urological management of myelodysplastic patients.

[Urethral opening pressure as a parameter for introduction of the proper voiding modality in myelodysplastic patients].

To introduce the proper voiding modality to patients with myelodysplasty, urethral opening pressure (UOP), an intravesical pressure just at the beginning urine flows out beyond the external urethral sphincter, was measured in 63 myelodysplastic patients. Among 45 renal units with any morphological or functional changes at the first UOP measurement, 37 units (82.2%) were included in the high UOP group (> or = 35 cmH2O). And among 41 ureters with VUR of more than grade 2, 32 (78.0%) were in the high UOP group. In addition, deformity of the urinary bladder was observed in 36 patients, and 26 (72.2%) of these bladders showed high UOP values. Therefore, all the patients could be divided into two groups: high UOP group (> or = 35 cmH2O, 28 cases) and low UOP group (< 35 cmH2O, 35 cases). Twenty-three patients (82.1%) with high UOP values had been mainly treated with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). In contrast, 24 patients (68.6%) with low UOP values had been allowed to urinate by Credè' or Valsalva's method. In the followup study for 40 to 44 months, patients in the CIC group obtained good prognosis as for morphological or functional changes of the urinary tract. On the other hand, patients in the Credè' or Valsalva's method group showed a significantly higher deterioration rate in the high UOP group (80.0%) than that in the low UOP group (9.1%) (p < 0.005). From these results, hopely that in myelodysplastic patients with the underactive detrusor, CIC may be introduced for low pressure voiding to those who show high UOP values as early as possible. On the other hand, those who show low UOP values may be managed with Credè' or Valsalva's method as well as CIC. Thus, UOP is considered a possible prognostic factor for the morphological and functional changes of the urinary tract, which may be a useful parameter in decision of voiding modalities in myelodysplastic patients.

[Antireflux operation for vesicoureteral reflux in spina bifida patients].

A series of 32 patients with spina bifida, representing 50 renal units with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), was treated with antireflux operation. All but one patient underwent ureteral reimplantation with Cohen's technique. Another patient was treated with bilateral Politano-Leadbetter's technique. The overall success rates were 92.0% by renal unit and 87.5% by case, with a mean follow-up period of 42.5 months. These results were comparable to those in the recent literature. Failure included recurrence of VUR in 3 patients. Another patient who had undergone unilateral reimplantation developed new occurrence of reflux in the contralateral ureter. Possible masking of contralateral VUR should be taken into consideration in patients with unilateral high grade VUR. We also emphasize the importance of continuing clean intermittent catheterization in a proper manner to be free of VUR postoperatively.

[A questionnaire survey on urinary incontinence in geriatric nursing home patients].

A survey by questionnaires was performed to understand the present conditions of urinary incontinence in the aged. The objects were 748 persons who were residing in eight geriatric nursing homes locating in Nara Prefecture. The answers from 183 males and 565 females ranging from 57 to 101 years old were collected and analyzed. The answers were interpreted as follows: (1) Of these 748 persons 422 (56%) were incontinent, 94 males (51%) and 330 females (58%). (2) The higher age group tends to show the higher rate of incontinence. (3) The rate of incontinence seems to highly correlate with the degree of dementia and impaired mobility. (4) Sixty-nine persons (16%) had consulted a nursing home doctor and/or other medical doctors, only 20 of whom had been medicated for incontinence. (5) An institution where a behavioral therapy program had been employed showed a lower rate of incontinent persons. From these results, it is considered that not only an increase of nursing staff but also aggressive participation of medical specialists including urologists are needed to improve their quality of life.

Renal ablation with absolute ethanol for nonfunctioning hydronephrosis.

Six adult patients underwent renal ablation with absolute ethanol for nonfunctioning hydronephrosis due to various ureteral lesions. The procedure of renal ablation consisted of 3 separate sessions: placement of percutaneous nephrostomy; transarterial embolization of the renal artery with absolute ethanol, and sclerotherapy of the renal pelvis and ureter through nephrostomy with absolute ethanol. Marked shrinkage of the treated kidney was observed in all cases without any major adverse effects throughout the observation period. Renal ablation with absolute ethanol for nonfunctioning hydronephrosis constitutes a safe and less invasive alternative to surgical nephrectomy to preserve the quality of life of the patients.

[Transurethral resection of the prostate in the urological management for patients with stroke].

We discuss the transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) on 40 patients in the chronic stage of stroke, all of whom were refractory to conservative managements of urinary disturbance. All patients, between 35 and 89 years old (mean: 52.6 years), had only one episode of stroke and were diagnosed as benign prostatic hypertrophy or bladder neck contracture that appeared to cause urinary disturbance in these patients. At six months after TUR-P, all except for one patient, who needed an indwelling catheter due to a reinfarction, were catheter free. Of these cases 36 (92%) obtained independent micturition and did not develop urinary incontinence except transiently postoperatively. Two cases with impaired mobility and one case with progressive senile dementia required helpmates and/or a commode and so forth postoperatively. It is concluded that in chronic stroke patients TUR-P is recommended for those with benign prostatic hypertrophy or bladder neck contracture.

[Urological management for stroke patients; relation between brain lesions and establishment of micturitional modality].

A total of 154 stroke patients, 96 males and 58 females, were analyzed to establish the micturitional modality according to the type of detrusor function and the level of activities of daily living (ADL). All patients had only one episode of stroke attack and were checked at least one month after the onset. Localization of cerebral lesion in each patient was evaluated by neurological findings and cerebral angiography in addition to computed tomography of the brain. In the patient groups classified according to the type of detrusor function, micturitional modality was established in 50% of the patients with the underactive type, 70% of those with the overactive type and in 88% of those with normal function. This suggests that the overactive and normal type of detrusor function may not affect establishment of micturitional modality. On the other hand, when classified according to the level of ADL, none established micturitional modality in patients with poor ADL. By contrast, in the patients on higher levels of ADL who were able to transfer themselves from or to a wheel-chair without any assistance it was established in 75%, and in those who were able to gait with or without a brace upon discharged from the hospital, in 91%. It is concluded that establishment of micturitional modality in stroke patients is closely related to the level of ADL or function of lower extremities, but not to localization of the brain lesion.

[A study of relation between patterns of micturitional dysfunction and establishment of micturitional modality in stroke patients].

We managed 246 patients with bladder dysfunction due to the first stroke in our hospital between January, 1983 and December, 1988. Of these 221 were in the chronic stage of stroke. A total of 213 patients were evaluated for types of bladder dysfunction by cystometry. We examined the relation between hemiplegic side and type of dysfunction or micturition activity, but obtained no significant relationship. Establishment of voluntary voiding pattern was considered to depend on the improvement of daily life activities. The catheter-free rate was 89.4%, while 10.6% of the patients, who could not receive sufficient nursing care or had severe medical problems, were obliged to keep an indwelling catheter. We conclude that establishment of a bladder retraining program is necessary not only medically but socially for improvement of quality of life in stroke patients.

[Clean intermittent catheterization in the management of spina bifida: a review of 113 cases].

One hundred and thirteen cases of spina bifida treated with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) were reviewed. There were 42 males and 71 females, ranging from 4 months to 50 years. The major reasons for CIC from other voiding methods were vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) (48/113) old, and residual urine (36/113). The most common type of neurogenic bladder was hypoactive detrusor-active sphincter, in 56.6% of patients (64/113). The grade of paralytic disability of lower limb (Sharrard's classification) was low (group IV-VI) in 84 patients and high (group I-III) in 29 patients. Hydroureteronephrosis and VUR improved 52.1% (37/71) and 57.1% (36/63), urinary tract infection and urinary incontinence improved 70.9% (39/55) and 81.7% (72/87). Major complications were pyelonephritis (12 cases) and urethral pain (5 cases). We discussed the choice of voiding method in the management of spina bifida.

[Management of female neurogenic bladders caused by cervical spinal cord injuries--cutaneous vesicostomy].

Cutaneous vesicostomy according to Paquin's modification was performed on 5 female patients with neurogenic bladder caused by cervical spinal cord injury and long-term follow-up is now available. All patients are free from risk of autonomic dysreflexia and catheter trouble. There was one significant complication, stomal stricture, but it did not result in severe urinary infections or secondary changes in the upper urinary tract. Cutaneous vesicostomy proved to be valuable to improve the quality of life in female patients with neurogenic bladder caused by cervical spinal cord injury.

[Bladder augmentation in three patients with contracted bladder caused by neurogenic bladder].

Three patients with contracted bladder caused by neurogenic bladder underwent ileocystoplasty. The primary diagnosis was meningomyelocele for all of them. The operative procedure adopted was Goodwin's Cup-patch method. All cases have obtained increased bladder capacity with improvement of bladder compliance and have been free from urinary incontinence. They were followed up by using clean intermittent self catheterization. Ileocystoplasty combined with clean intermittent self catheterization offers a successful method in patients with contracted bladder caused by neurogenic bladder.

Testicular tumors occurring in non-twin brothers: a case report.

The present report describes two cases of seminoma that occurred simultaneously in non-twin brothers. These siblings were typed for HLA-A, -B, -C and -DR specificities, and manifested identical haplotypes. Sixty-four sets of affected siblings have been reported prior to the present cases. We examined HLA-DR antigen in brothers with testicular tumors and hereditary roles in the etiology are discussed.

[Percutaneous management of perinatal spontaneous rupture of a calyceal diverticulum].

We report a case of spontaneous rupture of a calyceal diverticulum in a perinatal woman who was treated with percutaneous procedure. A 28-year-old woman, who delivered a full-term healthy male infant 13 days prior to hospitalization, was admitted complaining of left progressive severe flank pain. Kidney-urethra-bladder X-ray showed a space-occupying lesion in the lower pole of the left kidney. Drip intravenous pyelography revealed the left renal pelvis and calyx to be pushed up. Renal computed tomographic scan demonstrated a cystic lesion in the lower pole of the left kidney with a perirenal hematoma. After percutaneous puncture followed by indwelling of 8 Fr. balloon catheter within the cystic lesion for drainage, the patient recovered dramatically. Retrograde and antegrade pyelography showed the cystic lesion communicating with an adjacent calyx in the lower pole of the left kidney. The physiological relationship to pregnancy is discussed as a possible etiological factor in the unique occurrence of this rare rupture, and the literature is reviewed.