Tolerabilidad del paciente durante la cistoscopia y la cauterización de tumores vesicales en consulta: análisis multivariante de los factores de riesgo / Patient tolerability during office cystoscopy and bladder tumor cauterization: A multivariate analysis of risk factors

Objetivo La cistoscopia y la cauterización realizadas en el quirófano suponen un coste elevado y exponen a los pacientes a los riesgos asociados a la anestesia. La tolerabilidad de los pacientes durante la cistoscopia y la cauterización en la consulta es fundamental para el tratamiento ambulatorio del cáncer de vejiga y otras enfermedades urológicas. Se evaluaron los factores de riesgo asociados con el dolor percibido en la cistoscopia flexible en consulta, evaluando de manera independiente a un subgrupo de pacientes con cáncer de vejiga sometidos a cauterización. Materiales y métodos Análisis retrospectivo de 110 encuestas anónimas de pacientes completadas después de una cistoscopia y/o cauterización. La información de la encuesta incluía la edad, el sexo, la indicación de la cistoscopia, el número de cistoscopias previas, el número de cauterizaciones ambulatorias previas, la ansiedad antes/durante la cistoscopia y el dolor durante la cistoscopia y/o la cauterización. Se realizaron análisis univariantes/multivariantes y de regresión lineal para evaluar la asociación del dolor con los parámetros clínicos. Resultados El promedio del dolor percibido durante la cistoscopia (1,75±1,331) no difirió significativamente cuando se realizó también la cauterización (2,37±2,214) (p<0,001) (p=0,2840). Los pacientes del grupo de menor edad (<66 años) indicaron mayor ansiedad (p=0,0005), más dolor durante la cistoscopia (p=0,004) y la cauterización (p<0,001). Aunque el nivel de ansiedad general de los pacientes durante el procedimiento era bajo (1-3/10), se asoció con cierto nivel de dolor durante la cistoscopia (p=0,0005) y la cauterización (p<0,000). En el análisis multivariante, la ansiedad fue el único predictor independiente del dolor durante la cistoscopia (p=0,03; OR: 6,52; IC 95%:1,2-35,6) y la cauterización (p=0,0012; OR: 3,4; IC 95%:1,6-7,0)(AU)

Objective Cystoscopy and cauterization performed in the operating room is expensive and exposes patients to anesthesia risks. Patient tolerability during office cystoscopy and cauterization is critical to the office management of bladder cancer and other urologic diseases. We evaluated the risk factors for pain of flexible cystoscopy in the office-setting with emphasis on a sub-group of bladder cancer patients who underwent cauterization. Materials and methods Retrospective analyses of 110 anonymous patient surveys completed after cystoscopy and/or cauterization. Survey information included age, gender, purpose of cystoscopy, number of prior cystoscopies, prior number of office-cauterizations, anxiety prior/during cystoscopy, and pain during cystoscopy and/or cauterization. Univariate/multivariate and linear-regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of pain with clinical parameters. Results Average pain during cystoscopy (1.75±1.331) was not significantly different when cauterization was also performed (2.37±2.214) (P<.001) (P=.2840). Patients in the lower age group (<66 years) indicated higher anxiety (P=.0005), more pain at cystoscopy (P=.004) and cauterization (P<.001). Although the patient's overall anxiety level was low (1–3/10), it was associated with some pain during cystoscopy (P=.0005) and cauterization (P<.000). In multivariate analysis, anxiety was the only independent predictor of pain during cystoscopy (P=.03, OR: 6.52, 95%CI: 1.2-35.6) and cauterization (P=.0012, OR: 3.4, 95%CI: 1.6-7.0) (AU)

Patient tolerability during office cystoscopy and bladder tumor cauterization: a multivariate analysis of risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Cystoscopy and cauterization performed in the operating room is expensive and exposes patients to anesthesia risks. Patient tolerability during office cystoscopy and cauterization is critical to the office management of bladder cancer (BC) and other urologic diseases. We evaluated the risk factors for pain of flexible cystoscopy in the office-setting with emphasis on a sub-group of BC patients who underwent cauterization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analyses of 110 anonymous patient surveys completed after cystoscopy and/or cauterization. Survey information included age, gender, indication for cystoscopy, number of prior cystoscopies, number of prior office-based cauterizations, anxiety prior/during cystoscopy, and pain during cystoscopy and/or cauterization. Univariate/multivariate and linear-regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of pain with clinical parameters. RESULTS: Average pain during cystoscopy (1.75 ±â€¯1.331) was not significantly different when cauterization was also performed (2.37 ±â€¯2.214) (p < 0.001) (p = 0.2840). Patients in the lower age group (<66 years) indicated higher anxiety levels (p = 0.0005), more pain at cystoscopy (P = 0.004) and cauterization (p < 0.001). Although the patients' overall anxiety level was low (1-3/10), it was associated with some pain during cystoscopy (p = 0.0005) and cauterization (p < 0.000). In multivariate analysis, anxiety was the only independent predictor of pain during cystoscopy (p = 0.03, OR: 6.52,95% CI: 1.2-35.6) and cauterization (p = 0.0012, OR: 3.4, 95%CI: 1.6-7.0). In BC patients, pain scores during cystoscopy and cauterization were not significantly different (p = 0.4772) but associated with anxiety. CONCLUSION: Office-based cystoscopy and cauterization are tolerable with minimal pain. Higher pain levels during cystoscopy were associated with procedure anxiety, and pain during cauterization was associated with procedure anxiety and younger age. Younger and more anxious patients may need more counseling before cystoscopy.

Vigilancia y manejo en consulta de los tumores de vejiga Ta de bajo grado / Surveillance and office management of low-grade Ta bladder tumors

Objetivo: Los pacientes con cáncer de vejiga (CV) Ta, de grado bajo (GB) 1-2, presentarán con frecuencia una «recidiva», aunque rara vez una progresión a un estadio más avanzado. Si bien las directrices actuales mencionan la vigilancia y el manejo en consulta para estos tumores nuevos o recurrentes, la resección transuretral es el tratamiento realizado con mayor frecuencia. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la seguridad de la vigilancia y/o la cauterización ambulatoria. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio se llevó a cabo como un análisis retrospectivo de una serie de casos de 45 pacientes que tenían CV recurrente con apariencia de GB Ta y que fueron tratados principalmente con vigilancia y/o cauterización en la consulta. Se excluyeron los pacientes con carcinoma in situ. La variable de valoración principal fue la progresión a un estadio más avanzado. Resultados: La mediana de seguimiento fue de 62 meses. En 41 (91%) pacientes no hubo progresión del estadio. Tres pacientes recidivaron con CV grado alto (GA) T1; uno de ellos está recibiendo inmunoterapia sistémica. Un paciente desarrolló un CV GA T2 y fue tratado con un protocolo preservador de la vejiga. A 40 (89%) pacientes se les realizó cauterización en consulta. Once recibieron BCG y 26 recibieron quimioterapia intravesical tras la cauterización. Cinco (11%) pacientes desarrollaron CV GA durante el seguimiento. Ningún paciente falleció. Ninguno de los 17 (38%) pacientes hispanos tuvo progresión.ConclusionesLa vigilancia activa y/o la cauterización ambulatoria para pacientes con tumores vesicales pequeños GB Ta es segura, reduce costes y mejora la calidad de vida al evitar las resecciones transuretrales. (AU)

Objective: Patients with low-grade (LG), grade 1-2, Ta bladder cancer (BC) will frequently have a “recurrence”. However, they rarely progress in stage. Although current guidelines mention surveillance and office management for these new or recurrent tumors, transurethral resection is the most common treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine if surveillance and/or office cautery is safe. Materials and methods: This study was conducted as a retrospective case series analysis of 45 patients who had recurrent LG Ta appearing BC and were managed primarily with surveillance and/or office cautery. Patients with carcinoma in-situ were excluded. The primary outcome was stage progression. Results: Median follow-up was 62 months. Forty-one (91%) patients did not progress in stage. Three patients recurred with high grade (HG) T1 BC; one is receiving systemic immunotherapy. One patient developed HG T2 BC and was treated with a bladder preservation protocol. Forty (89%) patients underwent office cauterization. Eleven received BCG and 26 received post-cautery intravesical chemotherapy. Five (11%) patients developed HG BC during follow-up. No patients died. None of the 17 (38%) Hispanic patients had progression. Conclusions: Active surveillance and/or office cautery for patients with small recurrent LG Ta bladder tumors is safe, reduces cost and improves quality of life by avoiding transurethral resections. (AU)

Surveillance and office management of low-grade Ta bladder tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with low-grade (LG), grade 1-2, Ta bladder cancer (BC) will frequently have a "recurrence". However, they rarely progress in stage. Although current guidelines mention surveillance and office management for these new or recurrent tumors, transurethral resection (TURBT) is the most common treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine if surveillance and/or office cautery is safe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted as a retrospective case series analysis of 45 patients who had recurrent LG Ta appearing bladder cancer (BC) and were managed primarily with surveillance and/or office cautery. Patients with carcinoma in-situ were excluded. The primary outcome was stage progression. RESULTS: Median follow up was 62 months. 41 (91%) patients did not progress in stage. Three patients recurred with HG T1 BC; one is receiving systemic immunotherapy. One patient developed HG T2 BC and was treated with a bladder preservation protocol. 40 (89%) patients underwent office cauterization. Eleven received BCG and 26 received post-cautery intravesical chemotherapy. Five (11%) patients developed HG BC during follow up. No patients died. None of the 17 (38%) Hispanic patients had progression. CONCLUSIONS: Active surveillance and/or office cautery for patients with small recurrent LG Ta bladder tumors is safe, reduces cost and improves quality of life by avoiding TURBTs.

Active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer: knowledge, acceptance and practice among urologists.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to survey urologists regarding their knowledge, acceptance and practice of active surveillance (AS) for low-risk prostate cancer. METHODS: An email-based survey was distributed to 4987 urologists. Respondents were surveyed regarding their knowledge and acceptance of AS. Those who felt AS was a reasonable strategy were asked their opinions on the criteria for AS enrollment and the details of their practice of AS. Respondents who felt AS was not a reasonable alternative were queried as to the reasons why. RESULTS: A total of 425 (9%) urologists successfully completed the survey and 387 (91%) were both familiar with AS and aware that AS differed from watchful waiting. Of this latter group, 370 (96%) respondents felt AS was a reasonable management strategy, 95% of whom manage patients with this approach. A minority of respondents (6%) felt that patients with a PSA>10 ng ml(-1) were eligible for AS. Further, most participants (74%) felt that patients required a Gleason score ≤6. There was little agreement on the timing of follow-up biopsies. Respondents who objected to AS were most commonly concerned with missing an opportunity for curative treatment (76%) and the risk of tumor undergrading (65%). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of participants were knowledgeable and accepting of AS. Respondents were in relative agreement regarding the PSA and Gleason score criteria for AS enrollment. In contrast, there was a lack of agreement on the timing of follow-up biopsies. In the future, comparative studies are required to determine the optimal enrollment criteria and follow-up protocol for patients managed with AS.

Comparison of urologist reimbursement for managing patients with low-risk prostate cancer by active surveillance versus total prostatectomy.

Active surveillance (AS) is an alternative to total prostatectomy (TP) in managing low-risk prostate cancer (PC). Our aim is to compare urologist reimbursement for managing low-risk PC by AS or TP. The urologist's reimbursement for TP includes the fee for the procedure and follow-up visits. For AS, our protocol involves digital rectal examination (DRE) and PSA testing every 3 months for first 2 years and every 6 months thereafter. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsies are performed yearly. Some urologists recommend spacing the biopsies by 1-3 years. Medicare reimbursement values were used. The urologist reimbursements for a follow-up visit, prostate biopsy, open TP and robotic TP are $72, $595, $1905 and $2939, respectively. We also corrected for a 15% chance of having TP after being on AS. The cumulative reimbursements from open TP and following the patient up to 10 years are approximately $2121 (1 year), $2265 (2 years), $2697 (5 years) and $3057 (10 years). For robotic TP, the urologist reimbursements are $3155 (1 year), $3259 (2 years), $3731 (5 years) and $4091 (10 years). For AS, the urologist reimbursements are $883 (1 year), $1766 (2 years), $4269 (5 years) and $7964 (10 years). The urologist reimbursement from AS and TP become nearly equal between 3 and 4 years follow-up, subsequently AS attains higher reimbursement.

Presentation and outcome following radical cystectomy in Hispanics with bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Significant racial and ethnic differences in the epidemiology of bladder cancer (BC) exist. Studies have shown African Americans to have lower incidence of bladder cancer than Caucasians, but higher incidence of invasive BC. Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States. However, no reported studies on bladder cancer among Hispanics are available to date. As our center is in a unique position to study BC in Hispanic patients we were prompted to assess presentation and outcome of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for BC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1992 and May 2006, 448 RC were performed. All relevant data were collected and entered into a database. Patients were categorized by ethnicity as Hispanic and non-Hispanic White. African-American and other minority groups were excluded because of the small number. Comparative analysis of Hispanic and non-Hispanic White patients was performed. RESULTS: 67 (17%) patients were Hispanic. Mean follow-up period was 41 (SD +/- 40) months. Clinical and pathological data between these two groups were compared. Pre-cystectomy T stage was not significantly different between both groups. However, after RC incidence of < or = T1 disease in Hispanics was lower (22%) than Caucasians (37%). This difference, statistically significant (P = 0.024) indicates that Hispanics who undergo RC present with higher stage disease. Kaplan-Meier log rank test indicated a difference in disease free survival and disease specific survival between the two groups but however it did not reach statistical significance (Log Rank P = 0.082, P = 0.063). No significant difference in overall survival was observed (P = 0.465). CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic patients managed with RC for bladder carcinoma present with higher stage disease.

Presentation and outcome following radical cystectomy in hispanics with bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE: Significant racial and ethnic differences in the epidemiology of bladder cancer (BC) exist. Studies have shown African Americans to have lower incidence of bladder cancer than Caucasians, but higher incidence of invasive BC. Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States. However, no reported studies on bladder cancer among Hispanics are available to date. As our center is in a unique position to study BC in Hispanic patients we were prompted to assess presentation and outcome of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for BC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1992 and May 2006, 448 RC were performed. All relevant data were collected and entered into a database. Patients were categorized by ethnicity as Hispanic and non-Hispanic White. African-American and other minority groups were excluded because of the small number. Comparative analysis of Hispanic and non-Hispanic White patients was performed. RESULTS: 67 (17 percent) patients were Hispanic. Mean follow-up period was 41 (SD ± 40) months. Clinical and pathological data between these two groups were compared. Pre-cystectomy T stage was not significantly different between both groups. However, after RC incidence of ≤ T1 disease in Hispanics was lower (22 percent) than Caucasians (37 percent). This difference, statistically significant (P = 0.024) indicates that Hispanics who undergo RC present with higher stage disease. Kaplan-Meier log rank test indicated a difference in disease free survival and disease specific survival between the two groups but however it did not reach statistical significance (Log Rank P = 0.082, P = 0.063). No significant difference in overall survival was observed (P = 0.465). CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic patients managed with RC for bladder carcinoma present with higher stage disease.

Modified Pfannenstiel approach for radical retropubic prostatectomy: a 3-year experience.

A modified Pfannenstiel approach for radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) has been described previously. We present our experience with this approach for performing a RRP over the past 3 years. Between January 2003 and July 2006, 544 consecutive RRPs by modified Pfannenstiel approach between January 2003 and July 2006 were performed. We analyzed blood loss, transfusions, use of drain, pain score, analgesia and hospital stay. Patients were followed up at 6 weeks, three monthly for a year and six monthly thereafter. All clinical and operative variables were entered into a database and analyzed. A total of 544 men underwent RRP with median follow-up of 11 (s.d.+/-10.5) months. The mean age was 60 (s.d.+/-7) years. About 83, 91 and 95% of patients had nerve sparing, bladder neck preservation and a lymph node dissection, respectively. Fifty-three patients had a concurrent inguinal hernia repair through the same incision. Mean estimated blood loss was 431 (s.d.+/-267) ml. The pathological staging distribution was T2, 82%; T3a, 9%; and T3b, 9%. The mean pain score at days 1 and 7 were 3.7 (s.d.+/-2.5) and 3.3 (s.d.+/-3), respectively. The median hospital stay was 36 h (s.d.+/-24). About 5.5% have had biochemical recurrence. At 12 months 97% were continent and 46% potent. RRP using a modified Pfannenstiel approach offers safety and efficacy. It facilitates repair of associated inguinal hernia through the same incision.

Orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction after renal transplant.

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is an effective curative treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer. The orthotopic ileal neobladder has become a favorable choice of urinary diversion as it offers superior quality of life, cosmetic outcome and the potential for normal voiding. We treated two patients with bladder cancer who previously underwent renal transplant for end-stage renal disease. Radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction was performed in both patients. One patient had two renal transplants and underwent transplant nephrectomy at the time of cystectomy. In the other patient, the native kidneys were still present and the ureters were anastomosed to the neobladder. There is excellent function of the neobladder. There were no increased complications seen in these patients. Our cases demonstrate that an orthotopic ileal neobladder is safe and feasible after renal transplant and should be offered to these patients.

Hemospermia following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: a prospective study.

Hemospermia is known to be associated with transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB). The true incidence of hemospermia, its duration and implications are not well established. We performed a prospective observational study involving patients undergoing TRUS-PB for suspected prostate cancer at our institution. Sixty-three eligible men were included in the study. Most men (84%) undergoing TRUS-PB, who were able to ejaculate, experienced hemospermia, which was associated with some degree of anxiety. The mean duration of hemospermia was 3.5 (+/-1.7) weeks. The number of ejaculations before the complete resolution of hemospermia was 8 (+/-6.7). None of the clinical and pathological factors was a significant predictor of the duration of hemospermia. Patients should be adequately counseled before TRUS-PB to avoid undue anxiety and alterations in sexual activity.

Concurrent radical retropubic prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair through a modified Pfannenstiel incision.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for concurrent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and inguinal hernioplasty, using a modified Pfannenstiel incision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RRP is usually done through a midline lower abdominal incision but some patients with localized prostate cancer have an inguinal hernia. Concurrent inguinal hernia repair at the time of RRP with the usual method is only possible by either a preperitoneal mesh repair or formal hernioplasty, requiring an additional incision(s). A 10-12 cm Pfannenstiel incision is made along the pubic hairline centred over the pubic symphysis, and a 'Y'-shaped incision in the rectus sheath. The rectus muscle is split vertically along the midline, followed by RRP. After removing the prostate and completing the anastomosis, the surgeon identifies the inguinal canal along the inferior and lateral aspect of the transverse incision and uses a formal tension-free hernioplasty with a 3 x 5 cm polypropylene mesh. We used this technique in fifteen concurrent inguinal hernioplasties (two bilateral hernias and thirteen unilateral) at the time of RRP, with no additional incisions, using the formal tension-free Lichtenstein technique. One patient with bilateral hernias had a right indirect inguinal hernia, and all the remaining men had a direct inguinal hernia. RESULTS: All patients were discharged 2 days after surgery, with no complications associated with the procedure and no recurrences; however, the follow-up was short (mean 5.5 months). CONCLUSION: A modified Pfannenstiel incision is ideal for concurrent RRP and inguinal hernioplasty, providing excellent exposure of the pelvic structures and allowing the surgeon to use a formal tension-free mesh hernioplasty through the same incision. Wound healing and cosmetic results are excellent.

Outcome after radical prostatectomy with a pretreatment prostate biopsy Gleason score of >/=8.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome and predictors of recurrence in patients with a pretreatment prostate biopsy Gleason score (GS) of >/= 8 and treated with radical prostatectomy (RP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1048 consecutive patients who underwent RP by one surgeon (M.S.S.); patients who had a pretreatment biopsy GS of >/= 8 were identified. Information was recorded on patient age, initial prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, clinical stage, biopsy GS, pathology GS, extraprostatic extension (EPE), tumour volume, surgical margin status, seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), and lymph node involvement. The results were assessed statistically using the Kaplan-Meier method, univariate log-rank tests and multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: In all, 123 patients met the initial selection criteria; 44 were excluded from further analyses (five salvage RP, 23 < 1 year follow-up and 16 adjuvant treatment). Thus 79 patients were included in the uni- and multivariate analyses; 25 (31%) patients had a GS of /= 8. The mean follow-up was 55 months, the age of the patients 63 years and the mean (sd) initial PSA level 13 (12) ng/mL. The overall biochemical failure rate was 38% (41% if the final GS was >/= 8 and 32% if it was /= 8 in the RP specimen, 20% (11/54) were organ-confined; two patients (2.5%) in this group developed local recurrence. If the final GS was /= 20 ng/mL, EPE, SVI, a positive surgical margin and tumour volume. Cox's proportional regression indicated that a PSA of >/= 20 ng/mL (hazard ratio 7.9, 95% confidence interval 2.6-24.2, P < 0.001), the presence of EPE (4.2, 1.6-10.9, P = 0.004) and a positive surgical margin (3.8, 1.5-9.7, P = 0.005) were significant independent predictors in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: RP is a reasonable treatment option for patients with a prostate biopsy GS of >/=8 and clinical stage T1-2. These patients have a high chance of remaining disease-free if their PSA level is /= 8 should be counselled about the potential differences between the biopsy and the RP specimen GS.

Early prostate cancer: prevention, treatment modalities, and quality of life issues.

Our understanding of the screening, prevention and treatment of early prostate cancer is improving. This is a result of new data from clinical trials and the incorporation of efficacy measures based on risk assessment and quality of life (QoL). This review aims to examine completed and ongoing clinical trials that address issues in early prostate cancer, including screening, prevention, treatment, and QoL. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing has a crucial and evolving role in detecting primary prostate cancer, evaluating prevention interventions and assessing the effectiveness of treatment. Questions remain about the optimal PSA parameters appropriate for primary screening and for diagnosing relapse. Emerging and established data provide evidence that early intervention with hormone therapy, either as immediate or adjuvant therapy, delays progression in prostate cancer patients with intermediate or poor prognosis. The impact of therapeutic modality on QoL has become better characterized, as QoL instruments have been developed, validated and applied.

The use of cell salvage during radical retropubic prostatectomy: does it influence cancer recurrence?

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether there is a difference in the biochemical recurrence rate in patients who had radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) with or without cell salvage transfusion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 769 consecutive patients undergoing RRP between 1992 and 1998 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients having adjuvant hormonal treatment, postoperative external beam radiotherapy, or a follow-up of < 1 year were excluded from the analysis. The remaining 408 patients were categorized into three groups: 87 who received cell-salvaged blood using a commercial cell saver; 264 receiving only autologous transfusion; and 57 with no transfusion. Disease recurrence was defined as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of> 0.2 ng/mL. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess and compare the risk of cancer recurrence in the three groups. Covariates used in the multivariate analyses included Gleason score, preoperative PSA level, seminal vesicle involvement and surgical margins. RESULTS: The mean (range) follow-up was 40.2 (12-104) months; there were no significant differences among the groups in initial PSA level and Gleason score. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the initial PSA, Gleason score, seminal vesicle involvement and surgical margins, but not transfusion group, were independent predictors of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Cell salvage during RRP does not influence the recurrence of prostate cancer. Cell salvage is a safe method of transfusion during RRP.

Local anesthesia for ultrasound guided prostate biopsy: a prospective randomized trial comparing 2 methods.

PURPOSE: Since the introduction of prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening, asymptomatic men often undergo transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. This procedure may cause significant discomfort, which may limit the number of biopsies. We performed a randomized prospective study to compare periprostatic infiltration with 1% lidocaine with intrarectal instillation of 2% lidocaine gel before prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 1999 to July 2000, 150 men underwent prostate biopsy at the Miami Veterans Administration and Jackson Memorial Hospital. Experienced senior residents performed all biopsies. Patients were randomized into 2 groups depending on the method of anesthetic delivery. A visual analog scale was used to assess the pain score. Statistical analysis of pain scores was performed using the Student t test. RESULTS: Ultrasound guided prostate biopsy was done in 150 cases. There was a statistical difference in the mean pain score after periprostatic infiltration and intrarectal instillation (2.4 versus 3.7, p = 0.00002) with patients receiving periprostatic infiltration reporting significantly less pain. CONCLUSIONS: Men should have the opportunity to receive local anesthesia before ultrasound guided prostate biopsy with the goal of decreasing the discomfort associated with this procedure. Our prospective randomized study indicates that ultrasound guided periprostatic nerve block with 1% lidocaine provides anesthesia superior to the intrarectal placement of lidocaine gel.

Periprostatic local anesthesia before ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: an update of the miami experience.

INTRODUCTION: Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy is a very common office procedure for most urologists. Pain or discomfort associated with this procedure has been addressed recently by the use of periprostatic local anesthesia. We re-address this issue with an update of our experience and emphasize the crucial steps that contribute to the success of the technique. We also analyzed the subsequent intraoperative effects of injecting lidocaine into the area of the neurovascular bundles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 1999 and December 2000, 200 patients underwent TRUS-guided biopsies of the prostate. Patients were properly consented and subjected to the procedure using periprostatic nerve block with 10 cm3 of 1% plain lidocaine. An 'ultrasonographic wheal' was created between the rectal wall and the posterior aspect of the prostate and three or four different locations along the neurovascular bundles. Pain scores were evaluated with the visual analogue scale. RESULTS: TRUS biopsy of the prostate was performed in 200 consecutive patients using periprostatic local anesthesia, 40 patients (20%) had undergone previous prostate biopsy without anesthesia. The age of patients ranged from 44 to 75 years (mean 67). The number of biopsies ranged from 6 to 14. Mean time from introduction of the probe per rectum to the end of the procedure was 18 min. There were no instances of clinical infection, significant bleeding, urinary retention, diaphoresis or hypotension. The visual analogue scale ranged from 1 to 3 (mean 2). Intraoperative findings in 62 patients who subsequently underwent nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy were no different from the patients who had biopsies without a local anesthetic. CONCLUSION: TRUS-guided biopsy of the prostate is the procedure of choice for diagnosing prostate cancer. This procedure can be accomplished with minimal pain with the use of periprostatic local anesthesia. It is an easy, safe, acceptable and reproducible technique that we believe should be considered for all patients undergoing TRUS biopsy regardless of age or number of biopsies.