Impact of pulse duration alterable laser ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy for upper urinary tract calculi.

To assess the effectiveness of a pulse duration alterable Holmium-YAG (Ho:YAG) laser on the stone-free rate (SFR) compared to a conventional pulse duration fixed laser after ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy (URSL). The medical records from patients with upper urinary tract calculi of ≥ 9 mm and < 30 mm were retrospectively investigated. URSL using a conventional Ho:YAG Laser (group C) or a pulse duration alterable Ho:YAG system (group A) was included. In total, 228 and 188 patients were enrolled in groups C and A, respectively. A 272 µm optical core bare-ended, reusable laser fiber was used, and the laser system was set to a standard 0.8 J and 10 Hz (8 W of average power) in both groups. URSL adopts active fragmentation using an extraction approach. SF was defined as the complete absence of stone fragments on computed tomography (CT) 1-2 months after URSL. Sex, BMI, stone length, stone volume, stone density, and the number of patients with positive preoperative urine cultures were not significantly different between the groups. However, age, rate of preoperative febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI), and pre-stenting were significantly higher in group A, and the operative times and incidence of postoperative fUTI were comparable. The SFRs were 71.5% and 80.3% in groups C and A, respectively (P = 0.035). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the use of conventional laser was associated with non-SF (odds ratio [OR] 1.090, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.18, P = 0.040). The present study revealed the superior performance of a pulse duration alterable Ho:YAG laser on the SFR after URSL compared to a conventional pulse duration fixed laser delivery system.

[A Study of Factors Affecting Febrile Urinary Tract Infection Following Ureterorenoscopic Lithotripsy].

Febrile urinary tract infection (f-UTI) is a common complication after ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy (URSL) but is sometimes lethal. In this article, we analyzed the factors of post URSL f-UTI. We retrospectively evaluated the association between the development of f-UTI and patients, stones, and perioperative factors in 695 cases in which URSL was performed at our institution from September 2015 to 2018. Seventy-six of the 695 patients (10.9%) had postoperative f-UTI. Elderly (p＝0.013), female (p＝0.02), and hypertension (p＝0.001) patients had significantly higher rates of f-UTI. Renal stone (p＝0.001) cases showed significantly higher rates of f-UTI. Preoperative urine positive culture (p＝0.045), preoperative f-UTI (p＜0.001), URSL procedure using flexible ureteroscopy (p＝0.048), non-stone-free (p＝0.006), long operation time (p＝0.011), preoperative urinary stent insertion due to preoperative f-UTI (p＜0.001), were factors associated with post-operative f-UTI. Multivariate analysis revealed that hypertension (OR＝2.08, p＝0.008) and preoperative f-UTI (OR＝3.739, p＝0.033) were independent factors of postoperative f-UTI. Patients with hypertension or preoperative f-UTI should be managed more carefully during the perioperative period, suspecting that they are more likely to develop postoperative f-UTI.

Impact of eliminating urethral catheterization following ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy.

OBJECTIVES: To show that elimination of a urethral catheter in ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy cases is not disadvantageous. METHODS: We reviewed 164 non-catheterized patients (experimental group) and 656 catheterized patients (control group) with renal or ureteral stones treated at our institution. Inclusion criteria were initial operation, patient age 18 to 75 years, no dysuria, and no preoperative febrile urinary tract infection due to calculi. The primary areas of evaluation were patient background, stone characteristics, perioperative factors, and postoperative evaluation results. RESULTS: The proportion of women was significantly lower (24.4% vs 37.2%; P = 0.01) and the proportion of multiple stone cases was significantly higher (34.9% vs 19.2%; P < 0.001) in the experimental as compared to the control group, while there were no significant differences for patient background or stone characteristics. The percentages of short-term preoperative stent insertion (72.0% vs 33.0%; P = 0.009) and negative preoperative urine culture cases (58.0% vs 23.0%; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group, with no differences regarding other perioperative factors. There was no significant difference for complete stone clearance rate between the groups (P = 0.339), while only one patient underwent re-catheterization and there were no cases of urinary retention. Interestingly, the rate of postoperative febrile urinary tract infection was significantly lower (P = 0.024) in the experimental (5.7%) than in the control (9.0%) group. CONCLUSION: Postoperative urethral catheterization can be eliminated in low-risk ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy cases, although additional studies are needed.

The Significance of Age and Causative Bacterial Morphology in the Choice of an Antimicrobial Agent to Treat Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis.

Differentiating patients by age and causative bacterial morphology might aid in making the appropriate choice of antimicrobial agent when treating acute uncomplicated cystitis. In this retrospective analysis, the non-susceptibility rates of the causative bacteria to cefcapene-pivoxil (CFPN-PI) and levofloxacin (LVFX) were determined after dividing patients with acute uncomplicated cystitis by age group (15-54 and 55-74 years old) and by bacterial morphology: gram-positive cocci (GPC) or gram-negative rod (GNR). The overall non-susceptibility rates for CFPN-PI and LVFX were 19.4% and 15.3%, respectively. When the subjects were divided by age, only the non-susceptibility rate for LVFX in the younger group significantly decreased (to 8.7%). When the groups were divided by both age and bacterial morphology, the younger GNR group had non-susceptibility rates of 6.9% to CFPN-PI and 7.8% to LVFX, whereas the younger GPC group showed 10.2% non-susceptibility to LVFX. The older GNR group showed 9.8% non-susceptibility to CFPN-PI, while the older GPC group showed 7.2% non-susceptibility to LVFX. All the non-susceptibility rates were lower than 10.2% in the sub-divided groups. Differentiating patients by age and the morphology of causative bacteria can aid in making the appropriate choice of antimicrobial agent and may improve treatment outcomes in patients with acute uncomplicated cystitis.

[Lateral Port Site Hernia Following Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy : A Case Report and Literature Review].

The patient was a 69-year-old man with localized cT1cN0M0 prostate cancer, who underwent robotassisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). The operation time was 188 minutes, blood loss was 300 ml, including urine, and no intraoperative complications were noted. The fourth day after RALP, he suddenly complained of nausea and vomiting, and there was right lateral abdominal tenderness. Emergency abdominal computed tomographic scan revealed small intestinal hernia in the right lower abdomen, and we performed emergency laparoscopic surjery. At re-operation, we found lacerations of the peritoneum and transversus abdominis fascia at the insertion site of the 12 mm assistant port, and prolapse of the small intestine. Our diagnosis was lateral port site hernia following RALP. There was no necrosis in the small intestine. The transversus abdominis fascia was Z-sutured through the abdominal cavity with an absorbable thread, and the oblique abdominis muscle was Z-sutured extracorporeally to complete the operation. The patient was discharged on the eleventh day with good progress after re-operation. The possibility of lateral port-site hernia after RALP should be kept in mind, and more reliable port-site closure should be considered.

Negative impact of being underweight on the outcomes of single-session shockwave lithotripsy in patients with upper urinary tract calculi: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between being underweight and shockwave lithotripsy outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective two-centre cohort study conducted in Japan involved 597 patients diagnosed with a single urinary tract calculus based on computed tomography and who underwent shockwave lithotripsy between 2006 and 2016. We divided the patients into four groups based on their body mass index (underweight, ≤ 18.4; normal weight, 18.5-24.9; overweight, 25-29.9; obese, ≥ 30 kg/m2). We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis and estimated the odds ratio for success of single-session shockwave lithotripsy. RESULTS: Of the 597 patients, 25 (4.2%) were underweight and 34 (5.7%) were obese. After adjusting for age, sex, calculus localisation, maximum stone length, mean stone density, and skin-to-stone distance, being underweight showed a significantly negative association with success of single-session shockwave lithotripsy (odds ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.09-0.69) compared to being normal weight. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the negative impact of being underweight on the outcomes of shockwave lithotripsy in patients with upper urinary tract calculi. This finding provides a novel viewpoint regarding the body mass index and should aid improved treatment selection for patients with upper urinary tract calculi.

Novel prediction scoring system for simple assessment of stone-free status after flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy: T.O.HO. score.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a novel simple quantitative scoring model for predicting stone-free status after a flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy procedure by standardizing the complexity of ureteral stone characteristics. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 586 patients with renal or ureteral stones who underwent flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy at Abiko Toho Hospital, Chiba, Japan, from 2015 to 2018. Multivariate regression was applied to examine the relationship between preoperative descriptors and stone-free status, and a nomogram was developed using significant predictors. Next, the individual components of the nomogram were assigned points to form a simple scoring system. The predictive performance of this new scoring system was compared with the STONE score at optimal cut-off values using receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve analyses. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression findings showed that factors associated with stone-free status were length, Hounsfield unit and stone location. A nomogram prediction model was developed with an area under the curve value of 0.845, then consequently used to develop a new simple score system termed the T.O.HO. score consisting of three stone characteristics: (T)allness (1-5 points), (O)ccupied lesion (1-3 points) and (HO)unsfield units evaluation (1-3 points). The T.O.HO. score was significantly higher in stone remaining (7.66) than stone-free (5.27; P < 0.001) cases. The area under the curve for the T.O.HO. score was 0.833 at an optimal cut-off value of 7, whereas that for the STONE score was 0.683 at an optimal cut-off value of 9, showing the superiority of this new scoring system. CONCLUSION: The T.O.HO. score is a useful tool for predicting stone-free status in patients who have undergone a flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy procedure.

The Efficacy of Mirabegron for the Relief of Ureteral Stent-Related Symptoms.

To investigate the efficacy of mirabegron for lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with an indwelling ureteral stent after ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy. This was a prospective follow-up study of 76 patients with stent-related symptoms (SRSs). Patients with upper urinary calculi who were pre-stented for > 2 weeks before lithotripsy were examined for the presence of SRSs by tests including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), OAB Symptom Score (OABSS), and urinary bother and pain measured by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before lithotripsy. Mirabegron (50 mg/day) was prescribed post-lithotripsy for 2 weeks. SRSs were assessed at the time of stent removal. The IPSS scores improved significantly from 16.2 to 14.3 (p<0.001) and the IPSS-QoL scores decreased significantly from 5.0 to 4.6 (p=0.012). The OABSS scores improved significantly from 7.7 to 6.8 (p=0.006), and the urinary urgency scores (OABSS-Q3) decreased significantly from 3.24 to 2.68 (p<0.001). The number of nocturia episodes decreased significantly from 2.5 to 2.2 (p=0.045). Urinary bother and pain assessed by the VAS declined from 4.2 and 3.1 to 3.8 (p=0.15) and 2.5 (p=0.075), respectively. Mirabegron significantly improved SRSs and the number of nocturia episodes due to a ureteral stent.

Development and validation of a prediction model for failed shockwave lithotripsy of upper urinary tract calculi using computed tomography information: the S3HoCKwave score.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate a new clinical prediction model that accurately predicts the failure of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) using information obtained from non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (NCCT). METHODS: This multicentre retrospective cohort study consecutively enrolled patients diagnosed with upper urinary tract calculi by NCCT at five hospitals in Japan from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2016. Among the candidate predictors, we selected the six most significant predictors a priori. The main outcome was SWL failure after three sessions. Model calibration was evaluated by the calibration slope and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Discrimination was evaluated by the receiver-operating characteristic curves and the area under the curve (AUC). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed; based on the estimated ß coefficients, predictive scores were generated. RESULTS: Of 2695 patients, 2271 were included. Patients were divided into the development cohort (1666 patients) and validation cohort (605 patients) according to geographical factors. We developed a clinical prediction model with scores ranging from 0 to 49 points. We named the prediction model the S3HoCKwave score based on the initials of the predictors (sex, skin-to-stone distance, size, Hounsfield units, colic, and kidney or ureter). As a result of internal validation, the optimism-corrected AUC was 0.72. In the validation cohort, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test did not show statistical significance (P = 0.33), and the AUC was 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.65-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: The S3HoCKwave score is easy to understand, has a relatively high predictive value, and allows clinicians to make appropriate treatment selections.

Rupture of a Calyceal Diverticulum Secondary to Ureteroscopy: A Rare Complication.

We present a case of a 45-year-old female who experienced rupture of a right calyceal diverticulum caused by ureteroscopy. Fifteen hours after the operation, she had severe right flank pain and a high fever (38.9°C). Computed tomography revealed perinephric extravasation of urine and bleeding inside the diverticulum. We diagnosed rupture of a calyceal diverticulum; therefore, we continued antibiotic administration and pain relief medication. She became afebrile on postoperative day 4 and was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 7. Owing to renal cortex thinning in the diverticula, ureteroscopy is associated with a risk of rupture of calyceal diverticula.

Prostate Cancer Cells in Different Androgen Receptor Status Employ Different Leucine Transporters.

BACKGROUND: Leucine stimulates cancer cell proliferation through the mTOR pathway, therefore, inhibiting leucine transporters may be a novel therapeutic target for cancer. L-type amino acid transporter (LAT) 1, a Na+ -independent amino acid transporter, is highly expressed in many tumor cells. However, leucine transporter(s) in different stages of prostate cancer, particularly in the stages of castration resistance with androgen receptor (AR) expression, is unclear. METHODS: LNCaP and DU145 and PC-3 cell lines were used as a model of androgen dependent, and metastatic prostate cancer. A new "LN-cr" cell line was established after culturing LNCaP cells for 6 months under androgen-free conditions, which is considered a model of castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with androgen AR expression. The expression of leucine transporters was investigated with quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence. Uptake of 14 C Leucine was examined in the presence or absence of BCH (a pan-LAT inhibitor), JPH203 (an LAT1-specific inhibitor), or Na+ . Cell growth was assessed with MTT assay. siRNA studies were performed to evaluate the indispensability of y+ LAT2 on leucine uptake and cell viability in LN-cr. RESULTS: Cell viability showed a 90% decrease in the absence of leucine in all four cell lines. LNCaP cells principally expressed LAT3, and their leucine uptake was more than 90% Na+ -independent. BCH, but not JPH203, inhibited leucine uptake, and cell proliferation (IC50BCH :15 mM). DU145 and PC-3 cells predominantly expressed LAT1. Leucine uptake and cell growth were suppressed by BCH or JPH203 in a dose-dependent manner (IC50BCH : ∼20 mM, IC50JPH203 : ∼5 µM). In LN-cr cells, Na+ -dependent uptake of leucine was 3.8 pmol/mgprotein/min, while, Na+ -independent uptake was only 0.52 (P < 0.05). Leucine uptake of LN-cr was largely (∼85%) Na+ -dependent. y+ LAT2 expression was confirmed in LN-cr. Knockdown of y+ LAT2 lead to significant leucine uptake inhibition (40%) and cell growth inhibition (20%). CONCLUSIONS: New CRPC cell line with increased expression of y+ LAT2 as a leucine transporter was established in vitro. Anti-leucine transporter therapy could be an important option against prostate cancer. Prostate 77:222-233, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effectiveness and Safety of Ureteroscopic Holmium Laser Lithotripsy for Upper Urinary Tract Calculi in Elderly Patients.

Upper urinary tract calculi are common; however, there is no recommended treatment selection for elderly patients. Ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy (URS lithotripsy) is minimally invasive, and it provides a high stone-free rate (SFR) treatment for upper urinary tract calculi. Here, we retrospectively evaluated the surgical outcomes of URS lithotripsy after dividing the 189 cases into 3 groups by patient age: the '＜65 group' (＜65 years old, n＝108), the '65-74 group' (65-74 years old, n＝42), and the ' 75 group' ( 75 years old, n＝39). The patients' characteristics, stone status, and perioperative outcomes were assessed. The 65-74 group and the 75 group had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension compared to the＜65 group. Compared to the＜65 group, the 65-74 group had a significantly higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia, and the 75 group had significantly higher the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores. Despite these preoperative risk factors, SFR and postoperative pyelonephritis in the 65-74 group and the 75 group were similar to those of the＜65 group. In conclusion, URS lithotripsy is the preferred treatment for upper urinary tract calculi, even for elderly patients who have multiple preoperative risk factors.

Calcium Phosphate Composition Affects Ureteroscopic Laser Lithotripsy.

The effects of stone composition on transurethral lithotripsy (TUL) have not been sufficiently elucidated. The purpose of this study was to identify how calcium phosphate stone composition impacts TUL. Two hundred eighty-nine cases of semi-rigid and/or flexible TUL for upper urinary tract calculi were reviewed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were a preoperative assessment by noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) and a stone composition analysis. Small stones and those without calcium composition were excluded. Stone core radiodensity (SCR) was measured by taking the average of the upper 3 of 5 points in the proximity of the center of the stone on NCCT. Fifty-three patients with calcium phosphate composition (CaP) and 118 patients with calcium oxalate and without phosphate composition were eligible for analysis. SCR was significantly higher in the CaP group (p＜0.01). The CaP patient group needed a significantly longer operation time (p＝0.014) and more laser energy (p＝0.085), and tended to have a lower rate of complete lithotripsy (p＝0.096) and higher incidence of postoperative pyelonephritis (p＝0.181). Stones containing calcium phosphate are harder, demand more laser energy, and require a longer operating time. NCCT evaluation can estimate stone composition preoperatively, and may be a useful tool for predicting operative outcomes.

Sufficient Volume Ablation with Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate Delivers 5-Year Durability and Improves Symptom Relief for Larger Prostates.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term durability of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) or benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) and treatment efficacy for large BPE. METHODS: Four hundred fifty-seven patients with symptomatic BPE underwent PVP between January 2006 and April 2009. Efficacy was evaluated with the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QOL) score, urinary peak flow (Qmax), postvoid residual volume (PVR), and prostate volume. Parameters were checked preoperatively, and at 1, 3, and 5 years postoperatively. One hundred fifty-three patients completed 5-year follow-up. To assess treatment effects, patients were divided into two groups according to the preoperative prostate volume: group A (<60 mL, n=104) and group B (>60 mL, n=49). RESULTS: Mean IPSS, QOL score, Qmax, and PVR improved significantly and were maintained for 5 years with no significant differences; at year 1, prostate volume had decreased significantly from 54.0 mL to 30.6 mL (43% of volume ablation) and remained at that level until year 5. Investigations according to prostate size demonstrate that IPSS and QOL scores in group B remained at significantly lower levels, and Qmax in group B improved more than in group A. 1.1% of patients needed transurethral resection of the prostate due to BPO recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: PVP is effective and provides durable results for 5 years, with sustained symptom relief and improved urinary flow rate, as well as a 43% volume reduction of prostate volume. Our data indicate PVP is more efficacious for larger prostates under sufficient volume ablation.

[MODIFICATIONS FOR CONTROLLING THE DORSAL VEIN COMPLEX IN ROBOTIC-ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a superior method for controlling the dorsal vein complex (DVC) in robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at Nagakubo hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: DVC control was altered from suture ligation followed by DVC division (SL group, n = 115) to preceding division followed by suture (PD group, n = 62). Surgical margin status and functional outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: No notable surgical complications were found in the PD group. Operation time and estimated blood loss were significantly less in the PD group; however, changes to serum hemoglobin before and after surgery showed no significant difference. The rates of positive surgical margin were 26.1% and 11.3% in the SL and PD groups, respectively (p = 0.021). Apical margin positivity was 9.6% and 3.2% in the SL and PD groups, respectively (p = 0.12). Urinary continence outcomes of within one pad/day and pad free in the SL and PD groups until 6 mo after surgery were 93.6% and 89.1% (P = 0.21), and 67.3% and 67.5% (p = 0.96), respectively. Erection recovery within 6 mo was 43.6% and 41.7% in the SL and PD groups (p = 0.91). CONCLUSION: Preceding division followed by suture method decreased apical margin positivity and provided superior cancer control in comparison with suture ligation followed by DVC division, although, it was probably influenced by the learning curve. Functional outcomes were not significantly different with either method.

Safety and efficacy of teneligliptin: a novel DPP-4 inhibitor for hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: Teneligliptin is a novel DPP-4 inhibitor in development for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus that does not require dose adjustment for diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease; however, it had not been known whether or not teneligliptin is safe or potent in dialysis patients. We conducted a prospective study to assess the utility of teneligliptin for diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: Blood glucose, glycated albumin, and HbA1c were measured every 4 weeks, at 4, 12, 20, and 28 weeks, and every 8 weeks, respectively, for patients treated with teneligliptin (n = 14; 7 patients newly started and 7 that switched from other medications) and patients of a control group who continued ongoing antidiabetic therapy (n = 29). RESULTS: Blood glucose level showed a 36.7 mg/dl decrease from 4 weeks in the teneligliptin group (p < 0.05). The differences in glycated albumin (at 28 w) and HbA1c (at 24 w) between the teneligliptin group and the control group were -3.1 % (p < 0.05) and -0.57 % (p = 0.057), respectively. These parameters also decreased in patients who switched from voglibose 0.2 mg t.i.d. or vildagliptin 50 mg qd after teneligliptin administration. No case with hypoglycemia was identified. One patient had the dose of a laxative administered for constipation increased; however, no patient ceased teneligliptin due to side effects. CONCLUSION: Teneligliptin 20 mg is well tolerated, safe, and significantly improves glycemic control in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease. Teneligliptin 20 mg once daily was considered to be more potent than voglibose 0.2 mg t.i.d. or vildagliptin 50 mg qd.

[Comparison of initial results with robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and open retropubic radical prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the superiority in 2 radical prostatectomies, we compared the initial results of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) to those of retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) performed during the same period at Nagakubo hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on a total of 160 patients having undergone radical prostatectomy from April 2009 to March 2012 (92 patients with RARP and 68 with RRP). We investigated surgical stress, cancer control, functional outcomes and complications in both groups. RESULTS: Surgical stress; operation time was significantly shorter with RRP; however, blood loss and serum total protein loss were significantly less with RARP. White blood cell count at 2 days after surgery was significantly less with RARP. The rates of analgesic use and SIRS were similar. Although the date on which taking solid meals resumed did not differ, the duration of indwelling urethral catheter and admission period were significantly shorter with RARP. Cancer control; the rates of positive surgical margin were 27.2% and 19.1% with RARP and RRP, respectively (p = 0.24), and biochemical recurrence was seen in 12.0% and 19.1% with RARP and RRP, respectively (p = 0.73), which were not significantly different. Continence; urinary continence outcomes with RARP and RRP were 17% and 4% for urinary continence at discharge (p = 0.01), 1.8 and 3.3 months for no more than one pad per day (p < 0.01), and 4.3 and 6.2 months for pad free (p = 0.03), respectively. Sexual function; erection recovery within 6 mo was only observed with RARP; however, overall recovery rate of erection was 65% and 75% with RARP and RRP, respectively (p = 0.69). COMPLICATIONS: 1 case with a rectal injury was seen in both groups, but complication rates were 8.7% and 16.2% with RARP and RRP, respectively (p = 0.22). CONCLUSION: In spite of our initial experience of RARP, surgical stress and complications with RARP were considered to be superior to that with RRP. Cancer control and sexual function showed no significant difference between RARP and RRP, however, urinary continence outcome is significantly superior with RARP. Our data suggest that treatment outcome after initial experience with RARP is not inferior to that with RRP, and better results are expected by improving surgical techniques.

Malignant lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue involving the renal pelvis and the entire ureter: A case report.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma occurs in various sites, but rarely in the urinary tract. Imaging studies of a 69-year-old male revealed a left hydronephrosis and diffuse thickening of the renal pelvic and upper ureteral wall. Retrograde pyelography revealed a narrowing in this region, and brush cytology specimens contained atypical cells. As the lesion was considered to be malignant, surgical excision was performed. Histological analysis revealed an intense lymphoid infiltrate mainly consisting of B cells. The immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that the lesion was positive for CD20 and CD79a and negative for CD5 and cyclin D1. These findings led to a diagnosis of MALT lymphoma. Pathological exploration disclosed a focally dense invasion of lymphoma cells into not only the renal pelvis, but the whole ureteral wall and surrounding tissue; therefore, the patient underwent eight courses of rituximab treatment. Diffuse invasion of lymphoma cells into the whole ureter was rarely observed. Since the surgery, the patient has survived for 78 months without evidence of a recurrence of lymphoma.

ß3-Adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron is effective for overactive bladder that is unresponsive to antimuscarinic treatment or is related to benign prostatic hyperplasia in men.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of mirabegron for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) that is unresponsive to antimuscarinic agents or is related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Fifty-two newly diagnosed OAB patients (M group) and 45 patients with OAB that was unresponsive to antimuscarinics (S group) received mirabegron 50 mg once daily and were evaluated by OAB symptom score (OABSS), IPSS-QOL index, and IPSS at the time of baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. Newly diagnosed OAB patients treated with antimuscarinic agents were compared as controls. RESULTS: Mirabegron was effective for 85.2 % in M group. Significant improvements were seen in each domain of OABSS, and there was no significant difference with antimuscarinic therapy. Mirabegron was efficacious for 61.6 % of S group, and significant decreases of OABSS and IPSS-QOL index were observed. Significant improvements were also seen in voiding symptoms in men. Post-void residual urine volumes before and after treatment were 32.1 and 34.8 ml, and 26.2 and 31.3 ml in M and S group, respectively, and there was no significant difference. The incidence of adverse events was 8.4 %, although none were serious, and the patients recovered spontaneously after mirabegron was discontinued. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests mirabegron is as effective as antimuscarinics for OAB. It improves OAB symptoms in patients with OAB for which antimuscarinic agents are insufficient. This study revealed that mirabegron improves not only OAB symptoms related to BPH, but also voiding symptoms in men. Low and mild incidences of side effects support the safe utility of mirabegron.

3D analysis of spontaneous upbeat nystagmus in a patient with astrocytoma in cerebellum.

AIMS: We report the case of a 58-year-old female patient who consulted our Department complaining of positional vertigo and showing spontaneous upbeat nystagmus (UBN) in darkness. METHOD: We analyzed her UBN three-dimensionally. The MRI scan revealed the astrocytoma in the left cerebellum involving the cerebellar vermis. RESULT: Three-dimensional analysis showed a spontaneous UBN rotating around the intra-aural axis in the pitch plane. CONCLUSION: Since the cerebellar vermis is known to plays an inhibitory role on the central vertical vestibule-ocular reflex (VOR), the present results suggest that the spontaneous UBN in darkness observed in this patient was induced by an imbalance of central vertical VOR tone.