Expanding indication of padeliporfin (WST11) vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy: results of prostate cancer Latin-American multicenter study. / Extensión de la indicación de terapia fotodinámica dirigida vascular con padeliporfina (WST11): resultados de un estudio multicéntrico latinoamericano del cáncer de próstata.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the proportion of patients with higher risk localized prostate cancer (PCa) that would become safely biopsy negative 12 months after non-thermal focal therapy with padeliporfin vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP). METHODS: Multicenter study in a scenario of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≤20ng/ml and variable PCa target volumes Gleason pattern 3 or low-volume secondary Gleason pattern 4, all patients received VTP, consisting of intravenous 4mg/kg padeliporfin activated by light-diffusing fibers in the prostate. The prostate was biopsied at baseline, months 6 and 12, PSA, patient-reported functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires were recorded at baseline, months 3, 6, and 12 and adverse events (AE) throughout the study. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat population (n=81), the proportion of patients with negative biopsies at month 12 was 74% (60/81 patients; 95% CI: 63.1%,83.2%). In the per-protocol population, the proportion was 79% (58/73 patients; 95% CI: 68.4%,88.0%). Questionnaire results indicated a slight improvement in urinary function and limited deterioration in sexual function. No difference in QoL was observed over time. A total of 42/81 (52%) patients reported mild or moderate and 4 of 81 (4.9%) experienced serious AE, all resolved without sequelae. No phototoxicity, cardiovascular event, fistula or prolonged urinary incontinence, secondary cancer or death was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the efficacy, safety, and QoL associated with padeliporfin focal treatment for low/intermediate risk localized PCa.

Is there room for luminal-basal urothelial cell population quantification? / ¿Hay lugar para la cuantificación de la población de células uroteliales luminales basales?

PURPOSE: Three cell layers compose the urothelium: basal, intermediate and luminal ("umbrella cells") and different diseases might arise from different cell populations. The aim of this study is to analyze the quantification ability of such cell populations by using four different protocols. METHODS: Twenty male rats (Wistar) were randomized in four groups of five animals: scraping, enzymatic 30, 45 and 60minutes. The cells were isolated, analyzed by flow cytometer and data processed by BD FACSDIVA™ software. RESULTS: The urothelium was separated in two cell populations that are different in size and complexity. The group that showed more efficiency in cells dissociation and cells separation was enzymatic protocol 45minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Enzymatic protocol 45minutes was able to isolate urothelial cell populations and might be explored as potential prognostic tool, patient selection and therapeutic target in urothelial diseases. Future studies should validate the potential clinical application to the proposed rational of luminal-basal paradigm in the urothelial cancer as hope for individualized approach.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of annexin1 on erectile function after cavernous nerve injury in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic actions of ANX1 on erectile function (EF). Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into four equal groups: one group (sham operation-control) and three groups (bilateral cavernous nerve (CN) crush injury). Crush injury groups were treated prior to injury with an intravascular injection of either ANX1 (50 or 100 µg kg-1) or vehicle. EF was assessed by CN electrical stimulation at 2 and 7 days after CN injury with histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis. ANX1 demonstrated functional preservation as the increase in intracavernous pressure (ICP). A dose-response relationship regarding the effect on penile tissue was confirmed, and preservation of the penile dorsal nerves and anti-apoptotic effects in the corpus cavernosum (real P-value vs injured control). ANX1 treatment prevented collagen deposition and smooth muscle loss in the penis. ANX1 normalized the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and decreased tumor necrosis factor-α in the lumen of the blood vessels of the organ. ANX1 proved effective in preserving EF in a rat model of neurogenic erectile dysfunction. ANX1 treatment before CN injury in rats improved erectile recovery, enhanced vascular regeneration and preserved the micro-architecture of the corpus cavernosum. The clinical availability of this compound merits application in penile rehabilitation studies following radical prostatectomy.

Psychotherapy and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor in early rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy: a prospective randomised controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of group psychotherapy and the use of a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE-5i) in the early rehabilitation stage of patients with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). Fifty-six patients undergoing RP for prostate cancer were randomised into four groups, and 53 completed the protocol: Group 1 - control (n = 11), Group 2 - group psychotherapy (n = 16), Group 3 - lodenafil 80 mg/one tablet per week (n = 12) and Group 4 - group psychotherapy + lodenafil 80 mg/one tablet per week (n = 14). The groups were individually evaluated for erectile function (IIEF-5) and quality of life - QoL (SF-36) weekly, with two meetings held a week apart before the RP and 12 weekly meetings after surgery. The ages ranged from 39 to 76 years, average 61.84. There were no significant medication side effects. Only Group 4 showed improvement in intimacy with a partner and satisfaction with their sex life (P = 0.045 and P = 0.013 respectively), and with no significant worsening of the IIEF-5 (P = 0.250) reported. All groups showed worsening in the final result of the role limitations caused by physical problems (P = 0.009) and role limitations caused by emotional problems (P = 0.002) of the SF-36, but Group 4 had a significantly higher score for the role limitations caused by physical problems (P = 0.009) than the other groups. In conclusion, precocious integral treatment involving group psychotherapy and PDE-5i before and after RP led to less deterioration of erectile function and other domains related to physical aspects (SF-36), with improvement in intimacy with their partner and satisfaction in their sex life, being superior to single treatments.

Oral vaccine (OM-89) in the recurrent urinary tract infection prophylaxis: a realistic systematic review with meta-analysis. / Vacuna oral (OM-89) en la profilaxis de infección urinaria recurrente: una revisión sistemática realista con metaanálisis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Escherichia Coli extract (OM-89) in the prophylaxis of recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) through a contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were double-blind randomized trials using orally administrated OM-89, 6mg daily, during three months with a minimum of three months of monitoring. Outcomes were the frequency of bacteriuria in 3 and 6 months, dysuria in 6 months and UTI in 6 months. DATABASES: PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Collaboration and their key references. After analysis by three independent reviewers, 15 double-blind randomized trials were identified, 10 papers excluded due to methods flaws and 5 used for data analysis due to double blinding and reporting drop-outs. RESULTS: Among 5 selected studies the date of publication ranged from 1985 to 2005, totalizing 396 patients in the OM-89 group and 392 in the control group. Overall, there were 61 dropouts in the control group and 76 in the OM-89 group. As a major limitation there was no appropriate description of their methodologies and none of the studies described conflict of interest or commitment to the pharmaceutical industry. All studies were multi-centric, except for two, which showed no clarity on allocation concealment. All studies show benefit in favor of vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Current literature on prospective randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of oral OM-89 vaccine in the recurrent UTI prophylaxis is of low quality, limited to the first six months only and with variable definition of bacteriuria and UTI. Although all studies show benefit in favor of vaccine, no robust trial was identified, resulting in a high heterogeneity in the data analyzed. Also, publication bias could not be excluded and future higher quality studies are warranted adding intermediate (>12 months) and long-term follow-up.

Burden of focal cryoablation versus brachytherapy versus active surveillance in the treatment of very low-risk prostate cancer: a preliminary head-to-head comprehensive assessment.

Focal cryoablation (FC), brachytherapy (B) and active surveillance (AS) were offered to patients diagnosed with very low-risk prostate cancer (VLRPC) in an equal access protocol. Comprehensive validated self-report questionnaires accessed patients' erectile (IIEF-5) and voiding (IPSS) functions, Beck scales measured anxiety (BAI), hopelessness (BHS) and depression (BDI), SF-36 reflected patients' quality of life added to the emotional thermometers including five visual analogue scales (distress, anxiety, depression, anger and need for help). Kruskal-Wallis or ANOVA tests and Spearman's correlations were obtained among groups and studied variables. Thirty patients were included, median follow-up 18 months (15-21). Those on AS (n = 11) were older, presented higher hopelessness (BHS) and lower general health perceptions (SF-36) scores than patients opting for FC (n = 10) and B (n = 9), P = 0.0014, P = 0.0268 and P = 0.0168 respectively. Patients on B had higher IPSS scores compared to those under FC and AC, P = 0.0223. For all 30 included patients, Spearman's correlation (rs ) was very strong between BHS and general health perceptions (rs  = -0.800, P < 0.0001), and weak/moderate between age and BHS (rs  = 0.405, P = 0.026) and age and general health perceptions (rs  = -0.564, P = 0.001). The sample power was >60%. To be considered in patients' counselling and care, current study supports the hypothesis that even VLRPC when untreated undermines psychosocial domains.

Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A prospective, randomized, double blind study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the possible effects of Tribulus terrestris herbal medicine in the erectile dysfunction treatment and to quantify its potential impact on serum testosterone levels. DESIGN AND METHODS: Prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study including thirty healthy men selected from 100 patients who presented themselves spontaneously complaining of erectile dysfunction, ≥ 40 years of age, nonsmokers, not undergoing treatment for prostate cancer or erectile dysfunction, no dyslipidemia, no phosphodiesterase inhibitor use, no hormonal manipulation and, if present hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus should be controlled. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and serum testosterone were obtained before randomization and after 30 days of study. Patients were randomized into two groups of fifteen subjects each. The study group received 800 mg of Tribulus terrestris, divided into two doses per day for thirty days and the control group received placebo administered in the same way. RESULTS: The groups were statistically equivalent in all aspects evaluated. The mean (SD) age was 60 (9.4) and 62.9 (7.9), P = .36 for intervention and placebo groups, respectively. Before treatment, the intervention group showed mean IIEF-5 of 13.2 (5-21) and mean total testosterone 417.1 ng/dl (270.7-548.4 ng/dl); the placebo group showed mean IIEF-5 of 11.6 (6-21) and mean total testosterone 442.7 ng/dl (301-609.1 ng/dl). After treatment, the intervention group showed mean IIEF-5 of 15.3 (5-21) and mean total testosterone 409.3 ng/dl (216.9-760.8 ng/dl); the placebo group showed mean IIEF-5 of 13.7 (6-21) and mean total testosterone 466.3 ng/dl (264.3-934.3 ng/dl). The time factor caused statistically significant changes in both groups for IIEF-5 only (P = .0004), however, there was no difference between the two groups (P = .7914). CONCLUSIONS: At the dose and interval studied, Tribulus terrestris was not more effective than placebo on improving symptoms of erectile dysfunction or serum total testosterone.

Penetrating bladder trauma: a high risk factor for associated rectal injury.

Demographics and mechanisms were analyzed in prospectively maintained level one trauma center database 1990-2012. Among 2,693 trauma laparotomies, 113 (4.1%) presented bladder lesions; 51.3% with penetrating injuries (n = 58); 41.3% (n = 24) with rectal injuries, males corresponding to 95.8%, mean age 29.8 years; 79.1% with gunshot wounds and 20.9% with impalement; 91.6% arriving the emergence room awake (Glasgow 14-15), hemodynamically stable (average systolic blood pressure 119.5 mmHg); 95.8% with macroscopic hematuria; and 100% with penetrating stigmata. Physical exam was not sensitive for rectal injuries, showing only 25% positivity in patients. While 60% of intraperitoneal bladder injuries were surgically repaired, extraperitoneal ones were mainly repaired using Foley catheter alone (87.6%). Rectal injuries, intraperitoneal in 66.6% of the cases and AAST-OIS grade II in 45.8%, were treated with primary suture plus protective colostomy; 8.3% were sigmoid injuries, and 70.8% of all injuries had a minimum stool spillage. Mean injury severity score was 19; mean length of stay 10 days; 20% of complications with no death. Concomitant rectal injuries were not a determinant prognosis factor. Penetrating bladder injuries are highly associated with rectal injuries (41.3%). Heme-negative rectal examination should not preclude proctoscopy and eventually rectal surgical exploration (only 25% sensitivity).

Psychotherapy: a missing piece in the puzzle of post radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the impact of psychotherapy associated to the use of Tadalafil in the improvement of erectile function after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: From 132 patients surgically treated for prostate cancer, thirty sequential patients with bilateral nerve sparing, low risk controlled disease and post-surgery erectile dysfunction (ED) took Tadalafil 20mg and underwent psychotherapy sessions, both weekly for three months. Patients were interviewed to establish the quality of erection using the instrument IIEF-5 and to measure psychological features impacting erectile function, aspects related to function, dysfunction, physical and emotional discomfort were evaluated with the help of an intensity scale. RESULTS: The average age was 62.5 (46 to 77 years), 96.7% had a stable relationship, 56.6% of the patients accepted the diagnosis and 43.2% exhibited defense mechanisms (3.3% negation, 6.6% revulsion, 33.3% concern). A positive correlation was observed between erectile function and time exposed to treatment (IIEF-5 - 9.7 to 13.3, p=0.0006), with increased satisfaction with life in general (2.1 to 2.7, P=.028) and sexual life (3.1 to 3.7, P=.028), added to facilitation of expressing feelings/emotions (1.8 to 3.0, P=.0008). Satisfaction with relationship and intimacy with partner did not present significant improve (P=.12 and P=.61, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A holistic patient care with more complete ED rehabilitation includes psychotherapy with a positive correlation between erectile function and treatment exposition. Psychotherapy allowed the identification of important spouse related factors in this scenario.

Cáncer de próstata: biomarcadores prometedores relacionados con la enfermedad agresiva / Prostate Cancer: Promising Biomarkers Related to Aggressive Disease

Antecedentes: A pesar del número rápidamente creciente de marcadores biológicos de pronóstico y/o respuesta a tratamientos específicos posibles en el cáncer de próstata, ninguno ha mostrado hasta la fecha la capacidad de pronosticar por completo el cáncer de próstata en la urología basada en la evidencia. Objetivo: Revisar la literatura pertinente sobre el tema. Adquisición de evidencia: Se llevó a cabo una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura actual centrándose en los prometedores biomarcadores relacionados con el cáncer de próstata agresivo. Resumen de la evidencia: En combinación con la naturaleza heterogénea de la enfermedad, las series de casos mixtas son el diseño de estudio más común, que impiden resultados sólidos y el desarrollo de una estrategia terapéutica eficaz. La mejora de la supervivencia del paciente con cáncer de próstata requiere no solo la identificación de un nuevo objetivo terapéutico, basado en la comprensión detallada de los mecanismos biológicos implicados en la diseminación metastásica y el crecimiento del tumor, sino también consistentes estudios clínicos. Conclusión: Se necesita un mejor diseño de estudio implicando los marcadores potenciales e incluyendo a los pacientes bien clasificados y por estadios, con una metodología sólida y los resultados adecuados (sobre todo la supervivencia) para la evolución en este campo (AU)

Background: Although a rapidly growing number of candidate biological markers of prognosis and/or response to specific treatments in prostate cancer, none have to date showed ability to completely prognosticate prostate cancer on evidence based urology. Objective: To review the pertinent literature on the issue. Acquisition of evidence: A comprehensive review of the current literature was done focusing on promising biomarkers related to aggressive prostate cancer. Summary of evidence: Combined with the heterogeneous nature of the disease, mixt case series are the most common study design, impeding robust results and the development of an effective therapeutic strategy. Improvement in prostate cancer patient survival requires not only the identification of new therapeutic target based on detailed understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in metastatic dissemination and tumor growth but strong clinical studies as well. Conclusion: Better study design involving potential markers and including well-classified and staged patients with robust methodology and adequate outcomes (mainly survival) are necessary to the field evolution (AU)

[Prostate cancer: promising biomarkers related to aggressive disease]. / Cáncer de próstata: biomarcadores prometedores relacionados con la enfermedad agresiva.

BACKGROUND: Although a rapidly growing number of candidate biological markers of prognosis and/or response to specific treatments in prostate cancer, none have to date showed ability to completely prognosticate prostate cancer on evidence based urology. OBJECTIVE: To review the pertinent literature on the issue. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: A comprehensive review of the current literature was done focusing on promising biomarkers related to aggressive prostate cancer. SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE: Combined with the heterogeneous nature of the disease, mixed case series are the most common study design, impeding robust results and the development of an effective therapeutic strategy. Improvement in prostate cancer patient survival requires not only the identification of new therapeutic target based on detailed understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in metastatic dissemination and tumor growth but strong clinical studies as well. CONCLUSION: Better study design involving potential markers and including well-classified and staged patients with robust methodology and adequate outcomes (mainly survival) are necessary to the field evolution.

[Androgen deprivation therapy and morbid obesity: do they share cardiovascular risk through metabolic syndrome?]. / Terapia de privación de andrógenos y obesidad mórbida: ¿tienenen común el riesgo cardiovascular por síndrome metabólico?

BACKGROUND: Although the use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has resulted in improved survival in men with advanced prostate cancer, the resulting hypogonadism is associated with profound adverse effects comparable to those found in morbid obesity, being cardiovascular risk among the most lethal. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate metabolic syndrome, metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular risk in patients with prostate cancer under ADT, not under ADT and morbid obese men. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that involves 79 men presenting prostate cancer, of whom 54 under ADT and 25 not under ADT and 91 morbidly obese patients paired by sex and age. To define metabolic syndrome, we used the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Metabolic abnormalities, metabolic markers and Framingham score to predict the ten year coronary heart disease risk were compared among patients under ADT, not under ADT and morbid obese. RESULTS: Patients under ADT presented significantly greater occurrence of diabetes and central obesity and higher levels of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) compared to eugonadal men. The mean cardiovascular risk was significantly higher in patients under ADT (39.97±12.53% vs. 26.09±14.80%; p=0.021). Morbidly obese subjects had increased ten year coronary heart disease risk; comparable to patients under ADT (p=0.054). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients under ADT show higher prevalence of metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular risk similar to those found in morbidly obese subjects. It is possible that both processes share cardiovascular risk through metabolic syndrome.

[Does the criterion for prostate biopsy indication impact its accuracy? A prospective population-based outpatient clinical setting study]. / ¿Impacta el criterio para indicar la biopsia prostática sobre su exactitud? Estudio prospectivo llevado a cabo sobre una población de pacientes ambulantes.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) are the main tests for initial prostate investigation; there is no consensus about the best criterion for prostate biopsies. We aim to check the accuracy of different criteria in this context including PSA derivatives to detect prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four different criteria for indication of prostate biopsy were compared: (A) PSA-density (>15 ng/ ml/ cc); (B) PSA > 2,5 ng/ml; (C) PSA-velocity (> 0.7 ng/ ml/ year); (D) free/total PSA ratio (<15%). All biopsies and histopathological examinations were performed by the same urologist and pathologist, respectively. RESULTS: The study was performed on 180 consecutive biopsies with 37.7% overall cancer detection rate: 29 (16.1%) performed following criterion A, 42 (23.3%) criterion B, 65 (36.1%) criterion C and 44 (24.4%) criterion D. Based on PSA criteria alone, the predictive positive value (PPV) was 37.9% for criterion A, 33.3% for B, 32.3% for C and 50.0% for criterion D, respectively, (p > 0.05). Associating positive DRE with changed PSA, the PPV increased to 50%, 50%, 43.9% and 68.2% for criteria A, B, C and D, respectively (p>0.05). In univariate analysis, DRE (positive versus negative), PSA level (>10 ng/ ml versus <4.0 ng/ ml), free/total PSA ratio (<10% versus >15%) and age were associated with PC. In multivariate analysis only positive DRE was associated with prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: All the criteria of PSA derivatives are complementary and useful predictors of cancer risk. However, a positive DRE increased the PPV of PSA derivatives. New tools are needed to improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection.

Prostatectomía radical endoscópica extraperitoneal: ¿cuál es la pendiente de la curva de aprendizaje? Efectos en la técnica de evolución personal en una experiencia de 5 años / Extraperitoneal endoscopic radical prostatectomy: How steep is the learning curve? Overheads on the personal evolution technique in 5-years experience

Objetivo: Investigar prospectivamente los efectos de la curva de aprendizaje de la prostatectomía radical extraperitoneal endoscópica en sus resultados. Materiales y métodos: En un período de 5 años (2004–2008) se practicó prostatectomía radical laparoscópica con 5–6 puertos a 270 pacientes en un centro de referencia brasileño. En los primeros 70 casos, el protocolo de la curva de aprendizaje incluía a pacientes con índice de masa corporal bajo y cáncer de próstata de poco volumen y bajo grado. Posteriormente no se aplicaron criterios para descartar la cirugía laparoscópica. Se analizó a los pacientes en dos grupos: grupo 1, primeros 70 pacientes (30 transperitoneal y 40 extraperitoneal) —curva de aprendizaje—, y grupo 2, últimos 200 pacientes —sólo prostatectomía radical endoscópica extraperitoneal—. Los parámetros quirúrgicos y los resultados se compararon mediante la prueba de la t de Student y la prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados: La media de edad fue de 65 años (± 8,2), y los parámetros determinados en los grupos 1 y 2, respectivamente, fueron los siguientes: tiempo quirúrgico medio, 300 (±190) y 180 (±100) min; pérdida de sangre, 330 (±210) y 210 (±180)ml; estancia hospitalaria, 3 (2–5) y 2 (1–3) días; márgenes quirúrgicos positivos, el 15 y el 10%; erección suficiente para la penetración en pacientes previamente potentes, el 73,3 y el 75%, sin diferencia entre los grupos. El 78% de los pacientes de ambos grupos no informó de impotencia previa. Las tasas de incontinencia urinaria grave, transfusión y complicaciones fueron mayores en el grupo 1 (p<0,05): el 10 frente al 2%, el 12 frente al 2,25% y el 30 frente al 12,5%, respectivamente. Se produjo perforación del peritoneo en el 40% de los pacientes y no se precisó conversión a cirugía abierta en ningún caso. En el 85% de los casos se utilizó un procedimiento de preservación de nervios. Tras un seguimiento medio de 3,5 años, el 90% de los pacientes no mostró recidiva del PSA, sin que hubiera diferencia entre los grupos. Conclusión: Las tasas de incontinencia urinaria grave, transfusión y complicaciones están relacionadas con la curva de aprendizaje, que es continua, aunque se hace evidente una mejoría importante después de 70 casos. Debe considerarse la aplicación de un programa de formación intensivo supervisado para limitar los problemas del aprendizaje (AU)

Objective: Prospectively investigate endoscopic extra peritoneal radical prostatectomy (EERP) learning curve impact on outcomes. Materials and methods: In a 5 year period (2004–2008) 270 patients underwent 5–6 ports laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at a referral center in Brazil. The initial 70 cases learning curve protocol included low body mass index patients with low volume, low grade prostate cancer. After that there were no criteria to exclude laparoscopic surgery. The patients were analyzed in two groups: Group 1, first 70 patients (30 transperitoneal and 40 extra peritoneal)—learning curve and Group 2, last 200 patients - EERP only. Surgical and outcome parameters were compared through Student's t test and Fisher's Exact Test. Results: The mean age was 65 years (±8.2) and comparing Groups 1 and 2, mean operative time was 300 (±190) versus 180 (±100) minutes, blood loss 330 (±210) versus 210 (±180) mL, hospital stay 3 (2 to 5) versus 2 (1 to 3) days, positive surgical margins 15% versus 10%, erection sufficient to penetration in previous potent patients 73.3% versus 75%, respectively with no difference between groups. Overall, 78% of patients referred no previous impotence with groups’ equivalence. Severe urinary incontinence, transfusion and complications rates were higher in group 1 (p<0.05): 10% versus 2%, 12% versus 2.25% and 30% versus 12.5%, respectively. Peritoneum perforation occurred in 40% and conversion to open surgery was not required. Nerve sparing procedure was applied in 85%. In 3.5-years mean follow-up 90% of patients were free of PSA recurrence with no difference between groups. Conclusion: Severe urinary incontinence, transfusion and complications rates are related to learning curve which is continuous, although a significant improvement is pragmatic after 70 cases. An intensive mentored training program should be considered to minimize the learning outlays (AU)

[Extraperitoneal endoscopic radical prostatectomy: How steep is the learning curve? Overheads on the personal evolution technique in 5-years experience]. / Prostatectomía radical endoscópica extraperitoneal: ¿cuál es la pendiente de la curva de aprendizaje? Efectos en la técnica de evolución personal en una experiencia de 5 años.

OBJECTIVE: Prospectively investigate endoscopic extra peritoneal radical prostatectomy (EERP) learning curve impact on outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 5 year period (2004-2008) 270 patients underwent 5-6 ports laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at a referral center in Brazil. The initial 70 cases learning curve protocol included low body mass index patients with low volume, low grade prostate cancer. After that there were no criteria to exclude laparoscopic surgery. The patients were analyzed in two groups: Group 1, first 70 patients (30 transperitoneal and 40 extra peritoneal)-learning curve and Group 2, last 200 patients - EERP only. Surgical and outcome parameters were compared through Student's t test and Fisher's Exact Test. RESULTS: The mean age was 65 years (+/-8.2) and comparing Groups 1 and 2, mean operative time was 300 (+/-190) versus 180 (+/-100) minutes, blood loss 330 (+/-210) versus 210 (+/-180) mL, hospital stay 3 (2 to 5) versus 2 (1 to 3) days, positive surgical margins 15% versus 10%, erection sufficient to penetration in previous potent patients 73.3% versus 75%, respectively with no difference between groups. Overall, 78% of patients referred no previous impotence with groups' equivalence. Severe urinary incontinence, transfusion and complications rates were higher in group 1 (p<0.05): 10% versus 2%, 12% versus 2.25% and 30% versus 12.5%, respectively. Peritoneum perforation occurred in 40% and conversion to open surgery was not required. Nerve sparing procedure was applied in 85%. In 3.5-years mean follow-up 90% of patients were free of PSA recurrence with no difference between groups. CONCLUSION: Severe urinary incontinence, transfusion and complications rates are related to learning curve which is continuous, although a significant improvement is pragmatic after 70 cases. An intensive mentored training program should be considered to minimize the learning outlays.

[Strategies for transfusion-free radical retropubic prostatectomy in Jehovah's witnesses]. / Estrategias para la prostatectomía retropúbica radical sin transfusión en testigos de Jehová

OBJECTIVES: While radical retropubic prostatectomy carries significant potential for blood loss requiring transfusion, Jehovah's Witnesses do not permit the use of allogeneic blood products. This study presents strategies for transfusion-free radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment in Jehovah's Witnesses patients. METHODS: From March 1998 to May 2009, 25 Jehovah's Witnesses patients diagnosed with prostate cancer underwent radical prostatectomy and bilateral iliac and obturatory lymphadenectomy. Preoperative hemoglobin boost utilizing erythropoietin aiming hemoglobin over 14 g/dL, normovolemic hemodilution and availability of cell salvage machine were provided for blood loss management. RESULTS: The mean age was 62 (43 to 70) years and the mean hospitalization time was 3.5 (3 to 7) days. Mean intra-operative bleeding was 430 (+/-120) ml and the mean pre- and post-operative hemoglobin (measured before discharge) was 15.1 (+/-0.8) and 11.7 (+/-2.3) g/dL, respectively. There was no need for cell salvage machine or transfusion. The lowest hemoglobin was 5.7 g/dL due to post-operative bladder neck bleeding, which responded to twenty days of office based erythropoietin subcutaneously on alternate days reaching 12 g/dL hemoglobin. There was no complication related to non-transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed techniques were essential for maximum reduction of the need for transfusions without increasing complications. Further studies are needed to introduce these methods in all cases of radical retropubic prostatectomy regarding the benefits in lowering costs and risks related to transfusion.

[Testicular components volume density alteration associated to cis-platinum: can antioxidants offer protection?]. / Alteración de la densidad del volumen de los componentes testiculares asociada con el cisplatino: ¿pueden los antioxidantes ofrecer protección?

OBJECTIVES: Cis-platinum based chemotherapy agents are widely used in treatment of testicular cancer and its deleterious effects on spermatogenesis are well known. Therefore an extensive survey was undertaken to evaluate the effects of antioxidants in combination with Cis-platinum in an attempt to minimize its effects upon spermatogenic function of adult rats. METHODS: A short-term prospective study (thirteen days) including twenty-four adult male Wistar rats was performed. Animals were assigned into one of three groups (eight per group): GI-control, GII-Cis-platinum treated and GIII-Cis-platinum plus superoxide dismutase and catalase. Histological analyses included germ cell counts, germ to Sertoli cell ratios and estimation of volume density components as well as the determination of the sperm reserves. Data was examined through one-way analysis of variance at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Germ cell numbers, germ cell to Sertoli cell ratios, organ weights (except body weight) and sperm reserves presented no differences among groups. However, the volumetric proportion of some components (tubular epithelium, tunica propria, Leydig cell nuclei and stroma) were affected (p<0.05) by treatment. The most prominent testicular component, the seminiferous epithelium was reduced (p<0.05) in Cis-platinum treated animals (GII). CONCLUSION: The use of antioxidant in association with Cis-platinum did not affect sperm production (germ cell numbers, germ to Sertoli cell ratios and sperm reserves) of adult rats. However, the deleterious effect of Cis-platinum on the seminiferous tubule epithelium was minimized by antioxidants.

[Extracorporeal lithotripsy in children - the efficacy and long-term evaluation of renal parenchyma damage by DMSA-99mTc scintigraphy]. / Litotricia extracorpórea en niños. Eficacia y evaluación a largo plazo de la lesión del parénquima renal mediante gammagrafía con DMSA-99mTc.

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and possible deleterious effects on renal parenchyma of children subjected to treatment of renal lithiasis, using renal scintigraphy with 99mTc dimercapto-succunic acid (DMSA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2004 to November 2007, 18 children (age 3-10 years) underwent ESWL (Philips-Dornier) for kidney urolithiasis. All patients underwent preoperative evaluation, including physical examination, urine culture, image exams and renal scintigraphy with Tc99-DMSA. Evaluation after treatment consisted of a clinical examination, blood pressure measurement, urine culture, renal ultrasound and Tc99-DMSA, repeated at 3, 6 and 12 months, which were compared to the scans obtained before ESWL to determine possible morphological or functional changes. RESULTS: Success in the stones fragmentation was achieved in all cases - in 9 patients (50%) with one session of ESWL, in 6 (33%) with two sessions and in 3 patients (17%) with 3 sessions of ESWL. Only one patient (5%), after three sessions of ESWL and 6 months of follow-up showed change in size of right kidney with a decrease in tubular function, without hypertension or other major changes. In the other cases, there was absence of hypertension up to 12 months of follow-up, absence of renal hematomas detected by ultrasound or significant renal scars in scintigraphic examinations. CONCLUSION: ESWL is effective and safe for treating renal lithiasis in children. Renal parenchyma lesions may occur early after treatment, but these lesions are transients and resolve spontaneously in virtually all cases; generally, there are no irreversible renal lesions associated with ESWL, even after the follow-up period with clinical examination, ultrasound examination and 99mTc-DMSA scintigraphy.