Jang Hee Han

Impact of colic pain as a significant factor for predicting the stone free rate of one-session shock wave lithotripsy for treating ureter stones: a Bayesian logistic regression model analysis

Purpose This study was conducted to evaluate colic pain as a prognostic pretreatment factor that can influence ureter stone clearance and to estimate the probability of stone-free status in shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) patients with a ureter stone. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,418 patients who underwent their first SWL between 2005 and 2013. Among these patients, 551 had a ureter stone measuring 4–20 mm and were thus eligible for our analyses. The colic pain as the chief complaint was defined as either subjective flank pain during history taking and physical examination. Propensity-scores for established for colic pain was calculated for each patient using multivariate logistic regression based upon the following covariates: age, maximal stone length (MSL), and mean stone density (MSD). Each factor was evaluated as predictor for stone-free status by Bayesian and non-Bayesian logistic regression model. Results After propensity-score matching, 217 patients were extracted in each group from the total patient cohort. There were no statistical differences in variables used in propensity- score matching. One-session success and stone-free rate were also higher in the painful group (73.7% and 71.0%, respectively) than in the painless group (63.6% and 60.4%, respectively). In multivariate non-Bayesian and Bayesian logistic regression models, a painful stone, shorter MSL, and lower MSD were significant factors for one-session stone-free status in patients who underwent SWL. Conclusions Colic pain in patients with ureter calculi was one of the significant predicting factors including MSL and MSD for one-session stone-free status of SWL.

Seasonal Variation of Urinary Symptoms in Korean Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Purpose To examine seasonal variations in urinary symptoms in Korean men with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). Materials and Methods Records were obtained from a consecutive database of LUTS/BPH patients from March 2010 to February 2014. A total of 1,185 patients were suitable for analysis. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetric parameters, prostate volume-related parameters, and serum prostate-specific antigen levels were evaluated. Results Based on the month during which they were examined, patients were categorized into cold, hot, or intermediate season groups. The IPSS score was significantly different between the cold and the hot season groups (17.3±6.9 vs. 16.1±7.4, respectively; p=0.020). Storage symptom scores were significantly aggravated in the cold (6.8±3.3; p=0.030) and intermediate groups (6.9±3.5; p=0.032) compared with the hot season group (6.3±3.4), with this observation primarily driven by the individual scores for frequency and urgency. Quality of life (QOL) scores were worse in the cold compared with the hot season group (4.0±1.1 vs. 3.8±1.1, respectively; p=0.012). There were also significant differences between the cold and hot season groups in voided volume (278.7±148.5 vs. 255.9±145.1, respectively; p=0.034) and postvoid residual volume (26.4±37.6 vs. 32.2±41.0, respectively; p=0.039). Conclusions Different urinary symptoms and uroflowmetric parameters were associated with changes in seasons. QOL and IPSS parameters might be worse in cold weather seasons compared with hot weather seasons.

Simple Modification of the Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index for Better Prediction of Endoscopically-Proven Prostatic Obstruction: A Preliminary Study

Purpose The bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), also known as the Abrams-Griffiths (AG) number, is the most widely used index for predicting BOO. However, the obstructed prostatic urethra determined by the BOOI is often inconsistent with endoscopically-proven obstruction. We assessed abdominal straining pattern as a novel parameter for improving the prediction of BOO. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the pressure-flow studies (PFS) and cystourethroscopy in 176 BPH/LUTS patients who were unresponsive to medical therapy. During PFS, some groups of patients tried to urinate with abdominal straining, which can increases intravesical pressure and underestimate BOOI theoretically. Accordingly, the modified BOOI was defined as (PdetQmax+ΔPabd)-2Qmax. Results Ultimately, 130 patients were eligible for the analysis. In PFS, ΔPabd (PabdQmax-initial Pabd) was 11.81±13.04 cmH2O, and it was 0–9 cmH2O in 75 (57.7%), 10–19 cmH2O in 23 (17.7%) and ≥20 cmH2O in 32 (24.6%) patients. An endoscopically obstructed prostatic urethra in 92 patients was correctly determined in 47 patients (51.1%) by the original BOOI versus 72 patients (78.3%) based on the modified BOOI. Meanwhile, an “unobstructed” urethra according to the original BOOI was present in 11 patients (12.0%), whereas according to the modified BOOI, only 2 (2.1%) would be labeled as “unobstructed”. In receiver operating characteristic curves, the area under the curve was 0.906 using the modified BOOI number versus 0.849 in the original BOOI (p<0.05). Conclusions The change in abdominal pressure was correlated with endoscopically-proven obstruction. Our simple modification of the BOOI on the basis of this finding better predicted bladder outlet obstruction and, therefore, should be considered when evaluating BOO in patients with LUTS/BPH.

Clinical implications of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome in the prepubertal age group

Purpose Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome is a rare syndrome characterized by Müllerian duct and renal anomalies. It is usually regarded as a disease of adolescence; however, due to a number of possible problems, the management of patients before puberty should not be overlooked. We assessed the clinical course of prepubertal patients to propose appropriate management. Materials and Methods We retrospectively assessed 43 prepubertal OHVIRA syndrome patients who were diagnosed and followed up at our institution from July 2004 to June 2015. We reviewed medical records, focusing on presentation, radiologic findings, surgical management, and the overall clinical course. Results Median age at diagnosis was 1.3 months and median follow-up period was 25.5 months. The most common accompanying ipsilateral urologic anomalies were ectopic ureter and ureterocele, while the most common contralateral anomaly was vesicoureteral reflux. During the follow-up period, six patients (14.0%) required surgery at a median age of 31.2 months due to recurrent urinary tract infection, uncontrolled vaginal distention compressing adjacent organs, urinary incontinence, or intractable abdominal pain. Conclusions While OHVIRA syndrome is known as a postpubertal disease, about 13% of prepubertal patients in our study required surgery. When ectopic ureter insertion into the vagina is present, further treatment may be needed to address the complications caused by continuous urine production. Patients should be monitored for complications arising from either obstructed hemivagina or renal anomalies with regular follow-up, especially before the age of five years.

Clinical significance of peripheral zone thickness in men with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia

To evaluate the clinical impact of prostate peripheral zone thickness (PZT), based on presumed circle area ratio (PCAR) theory, on urinary symptoms in men with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) as a novel prostate parameter.

Is Periurethral Calcification Associated With Urinary Flow Rate and Symptom Severity in Men With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia? A Retrospective Review

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of periurethral calcification (PUC) with urine flow rate and symptom severity in men with lower urinary tract symptoms-benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS-BPH). METHODS The records of 1199 LUTS-BPH patients were obtained from a prospectively maintained database of men on their first visit from April 2010 to April 2013. Patients with incomplete data or comorbidities affecting voiding function were excluded. The degree of PUC was scored by evaluating the ratio of the calcified urethra to the entire prostatic urethra on the midsagittal plane of a transrectal ultrasonogram. The relationships between prostate-related parameters, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and uroflowmetric parameters were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 1030 patients were eligible for final analysis. There were 654 patients (63.5%) with no PUC, 233 (22.6%) with mild PUC, and 143 (13.9%) with moderate to severe PUC. The total IPSS was 16.21 ± 7.29, 17.74 ± 7.77, and 17.75 ± 7.60 in no, mild, and moderate to severe PUC groups, respectively (P = .007), whereas peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) was 15.05 ± 7.59, 13.62 ± 6.68, and 12.20 ± 6.39 mL/s, respectively (P <.001). In an age-adjusted partial correlation test, PUC significantly associated with total IPSS, the storage symptom score, and Qmax (P <.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that PUC independently associated with Qmax (P = .012), total IPSS (P = .042), and the storage symptom score (P = .018) but not with postvoid residue, the voiding symptom score, or the postmicturition symptom score. CONCLUSION PUC is independently associated with Qmax and urinary symptoms indirectly advocating for the recent idea that periurethral fibrosis and stiffness could cause LUTS-BPH in men.

Conservative Management of Segmental Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney in Children

OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical characteristics and natural course of segmental multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK). METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 40 patients (43 renal units) diagnosed as having segmental MCDK between January 2002 and June 2014. Segmental MCDK was classified as typical when it was localized to the upper pole of a duplex collecting system, and otherwise as atypical. We investigated involution, associated anomalies requiring surgery, and complications of segmental MCDK. RESULTS Of 43 renal units, 23 were typical and 20 were atypical. During 71.5 (interquartile range: 37.5-84.1) months of median follow-up period, complete and partial involution were observed in 48% and 26% of the typical group and 30% and 35% of the atypical group, respectively. In the typical group, involution was complete significantly earlier (P = .048) and ipsilateral anomalies were more frequently observed (P = .002). The initiation point of involution and contralateral anomalies were not different in the two groups. Hypertension developed in 1 case with contralateral MCDK and 1 case with contralateral renal agenesis. CONCLUSION Segmental MCDK is not a rare disease entity, and conservative treatment appears to be sufficient with thorough follow-up, including regular monitoring of blood pressure and renal function, and with ultrasonography.

Preoperative Lymphocyte-Monocyte Ratio Ameliorates the Accuracy of Differential Diagnosis in Non-Metastatic Infiltrative Renal Masses

Purpose Distinguishing infiltrative renal cell carcinoma (RCC) from transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a challenging issue due to their radiologic similarities. We evaluated systemic inflammatory biomarkers as parameters for distinguishing tumor types. Materials and Methods A computerized search of medical records from November 2005 to October 2015 identified 116 patients with infiltrative renal masses who were difficult to diagnose confirmatively in radiological study. We investigated the diagnostic efficacy among these patients with their preoperative absolute neutrophil counts (ANC), absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC), absolute monocyte counts (AMC), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR). Results The infiltrative RCC group demonstrated significantly lower ALC {1449/µL (1140–1896), median [interquartile range (IQR)]} than the TCC group [1860/µL (1433–2342), p=0.016]. LMR [median (IQR)] also was lower in the infiltrative RCC group [2.98 (2.32–4.14) vs. TCC group 4.10 (2.86–6.09); p=0.011]. In subgroup analysis, non-metastatic infiltrative RCC showed lower ALC and LMR and higher NLR than non-metastatic TCC. Within non-metastatic infiltrative renal masses, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that younger patient age and lower LMR were associated with infiltrative RCC [odds ratios (OR) 0.874, p=0.024 and OR 0.461, p=0.048, respectively]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that younger age and lower LMR were highly predictive of non-metastatic RCC (area under the curve=0.919, p<0.001). Conclusion Age and LMR were significantly different between patients with infiltrative renal mass. These are potential markers for distinguishing between infiltrative RCC and TCC without metastasis.

Feasibility of Transvesical Robotic VVF Repair in Porcine Model

Extraperitoneal transvesicoscopic vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair has received limited use because of its narrow working space, longer operation time, and technical difficulty. The present study describes the feasibility of robotic-assisted transvesicoscopic VVF repair in an animal model. Two Yorkshire swine underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) VVF repair. With the 4 trocars, an artificial VVF was made in the supratrigonal area and VVF repair was performed in 3 layers as in open VVF repair methods. The mean operation time was 108 minutes. The operation time was prolonged in 1 case due to weak fixation of bladder to anterior abdominal wall. Equipment interference did not occur. Tissue manipulation and suturing were easy. The results of this study suggest that extraperitoneal RAL procedures for VVF repair may be an effective minimally invasive modality with reduced morbidity. A shorter operation time and easy suturing technique were the distinct merits of the extraperitoneal RAL technique.

Inherent characteristics of metachronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the era of targeted agents

Background To assess the prognostic and predictive factors of time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS), respectively, in patients with metachronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) who were treated with targeted agents. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed metachronous mRCC patients, defined as individuals diagnosed with metastatic disease >3 months after initial nephrectomy, treated at an institute since 2005. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to discover the most determinant variables associated with TTF and OS. Results Sarcomatoid features, absence of metastasectomy, multiple site metastasis, time to metastasis <1.5 year, and increased corrected calcium were independent prognostic factors of OS. The low risk group (0–1 risk factors) did not reach the median OS, whereas the OS for the intermediate (2 risk factors) and high risk groups (3–5 risk factors) were 58.6 and 23.6 months, respectively (p<0.001). When a death event was considered the dependent factor, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was significantly higher than in the existing International mRCC Database Consortium (IMDC; p=0.010) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC; p=0.010) risk criteria models. Conclusion Initial tumor size or T stage did not affect TTF or OS. Patients who could not undergo metastasectomy and rapidly developed multiple metastases with higher corrected calcium and initial tumors with sarcomatoid features were less likely to benefit from targeted therapy; thus, the new agents under development or clinical trials could be more helpful than the use of standard targeted agents.