Moshe Wald

BONE ANCHORED SLING FOR THE TREATMENT OF POST-PROSTATECTOMY INCONTINENCE

PURPOSE This ongoing study evaluates the safety and efficacy of a new minimally invasive sling procedure for treating post-prostatectomy incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 16 men 56 to 74 years old (mean age 67) underwent the procedure using the Straight-In bone anchoring system. Time after prostatectomy was 1.5 to 5 years (mean 2.5). Of the 16 patients 14 had urodynamically confirmed stress urinary incontinence, while 2 had mixed incontinence with stress incontinence and detrusor instability. The procedure is performed with the patient in the lithotomy position using a perineal approach. Four miniature bone screws with pre-attached pairs of No. 1 polypropylene sutures are placed directly into the medial aspect of the inferior rami of the pubic bone. A pair of bone anchors is placed just below the symphysis on each side, and the second pair is inserted 3 to 4 cm. lower. To support the bulbar urethra a gelatin coated polyethylene terephthalate trapezoid shaped sling or cadaveric fascia lata is tied to the pubic bone using the 4 pairs of sutures attached to the bone anchors. Urethral resistance is increased to 30 to 50 cm. water above baseline pressure. RESULTS Followup was 4 to 20 months (mean 12.2). Of the 14 men with the preoperative urodynamic diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence 12 were cured of incontinence, defined as subjectively dry with no or only 1 pad used daily for security without any episode of leakage, while 2 were improved subjectively with a decrease of 50% or more in pads daily. Two other patients with the preoperative diagnosis of mixed urinary incontinence were improved. Postoperatively urodynamic study in these patients revealed resolved stress incontinence but persistent urge urinary incontinence. They responded to anticholinergics and are completely dry. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were minimal with no erosion, infection or osseous complications. CONCLUSIONS This new minimally invasive male sling procedure is safe and efficacious. Adjusting sling tension by measuring urethral resistance results in a low rate of over correction and failure. Further experience is needed to establish this procedure as treatment for post-prostatectomy incontinence.

Clinical Significance of Tumor Angiogenesis in Patients with Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES To determine the relationship between angiogenesis and various histopathologic features as well as clinical outcome in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS Microvessel density was quantified by using immunocytochemical staining of endothelial cells for factor VIII-related antigen of 36 specimens taken from patients with pathologic Stage pT1 or pT2 RCC. All patients underwent radical nephrectomy and were followed for a mean time of 97.3 months. RESULTS No association was noted between microvessel count (MVC) and either cell type, architecture, or tumor size. Inverse correlation was noted between MVC and nuclear area (P = 0.006), nuclear elipticity (P = 0.016), nuclear roughness (P = 0.039), and histologic grade (P = 0.047). Patients having tumors with low MVC had significantly better survival rate compared with those with high MVC neoplasms (P = 0.0014, by Cox proportional hazards method). CONCLUSIONS Despite lack of correlation with known predictors of survival, MVC provides independent prognostic information for patients with localized RCC.

Current options for preservation of fertility in the male

Modern cancer therapies have greatly improved survival rates in men of reproductive age and younger; however, surgery, chemotherapy, and irradiation may lead to male infertility. Men with cancer should be counseled about fertility preservation before initiating therapy, when possible. Currently, options for male fertility preservation include cryopreservation of semen or testicular tissue. However, prepubertal boys pose a special problem in this area.

Risks and Complications of Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a safe and effective procedure for permanent contraception. Vasectomy is 30 times less likely to fail and 20 times less likely to have postoperative complications than its gynecologic counterpart. Complications from vasectomy are rare and minor in nature. Immediate risks include infection, hematoma, and pain. Complications seldom lead to hospitalization or aggressive medical management. Technique is surgeon dependent; however, certain techniques, such as fascial interposition, seem to decrease rates of vasectomy failure. Despite myriad vasectomy techniques, failure rates are less than those seen with tubal ligation. Available data suggest that vasectomized men do not seem at increased risk for immune-complex diseases.

Numb chin syndrome as the presenting symptom of metastatic prostate carcinoma.

We report a case of the numb chin syndrome as the presenting symptom in a patient with metastatic prostate carcinoma. The numb chin syndrome is characterized by facial numbness along the distribution of the mental branch of the trigeminal nerve. Most cases of this syndrome that are not dental in origin have been associated with diffuse metastatic disease, particularly with underlying lymphoproliferative and breast cancer. Although axial and vertebral bone metastases are common in patients with carcinoma of the prostate, mental nerve involvement is rare. We present a case of the numb chin syndrome as the initial clinical manifestation in a patient with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma.

Adding Renal Scan Data Improves the Accuracy of a Computational Model to Predict Vesicoureteral Reflux Resolution

PURPOSE We previously developed a computational model to predict vesicoureteral reflux resolution 1 and 2 years after diagnosis. Previous studies suggest that an abnormal renal scan may be a predictor of the failure of vesicoureteral reflux to resolve. We investigated whether the addition of renal scan data would improve the accuracy of our computational model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medical records and renal scans were reviewed on 161 children, including 127 girls and 34 boys, with primary reflux between 1988 and 2004. In addition to the 9 input variables from our prior model, we added renal scan data on decreased relative renal function (40% or less in the refluxing kidney) and renal scars. Resolution outcome was evaluated 1 and 2 years after diagnosis. Data sets were prepared for 1 and 2-year outcomes, and randomized into a modeling set of 111 and a cross-validation set of 50. The model was constructed using neUROn++. RESULTS A logistic regression model had the best fit with an ROC area of 0.945 for predicting reflux resolution in the 2-year model. This was improved compared to our previous model without renal scan data. A prognostic calculator using this model can be deployed for availability on the Internet, allowing input variables to be entered and calculating the odds of resolution. CONCLUSIONS This computational model uses multiple variables, including renal scan data, to improve individualized prediction of early reflux resolution with almost 95% accuracy. The prognostic calculator is a useful tool for predicting individualized vesicoureteral reflux resolution.

Validation of a Prognostic Calculator for Prediction of Early Vesicoureteral Reflux Resolution in Children

PURPOSE Treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with observation or surgery is based on a number of clinical variables. We developed a prognostic calculator to predict spontaneous resolution using a computational model. External validation of the computational model is crucial for wide application in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed the records of 82 Japanese children with primary vesicoureteral reflux with resolution status known at 2 years after diagnosis. Clinical data were input into the online prognostic calculator. Prognostic accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated by comparing the predicted and actual clinical results. Clinical parameters were compared to determine the characteristics of cases in which the computational model failed to predict the reflux outcome. RESULTS The 2-year resolution rate was 49% (40 of 82 patients). Of the cases 42 (51%) were predicted to resolve and 40 (49%) not to resolve by the prognostic calculator. Overall accuracy of the prognostic calculator was 80.5%, with the prediction accurate in 66 patients and inaccurate in 16. Sensitivity for spontaneous resolution was 82.5% and specificity was 78.6%. Positive predictive value was 78.6% and negative predictive value was 82.5%. The ROC for this calculator was 0.793. Mean age in the 16 cases that were inaccurately predicted (4.96 years) was significantly higher than in the 66 that were accurately predicted (3.00, p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The prognostic calculator was 80.5% accurate at predicting reflux resolution and was more accurate in younger children. This calculator can be widely applied for many patients with reflux.

Therapeutic testis biopsy for sperm retrieval

Purpose of review The introduction of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection revolutionized the treatment of male infertility by requiring a minimal number of sperm to achieve pregnancy. We describe the various methods for testicular sperm retrieval in different types of azoospermia. Recent findings Different techniques for surgical sperm retrieval are available, including testicular sperm aspiration, single, multisite and microdissection testicular sperm extraction, as well as percutaneous and microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration. While these methods have similar retrieval outcomes in obstructive azoospermia, testicular sperm extraction procedures appear to be more beneficial in cases of nonobstructive azoospermia. A reliable algorithm for predicting the outcome of microdissection testicular sperm extraction using clinical parameters is still lacking, and may be difficult to develop, given the fact that this method is designed to detect and sample even minute areas of focal spermatogenesis. Summary A variety of surgical sperm retrieval procedures can be performed for the purpose of subsequent or simultaneous IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The decision regarding the type of procedure should be based on the type of azoospermia, specific clinical circumstances, as well as on the surgeons preference and experience.

A REMOTE CONTROLLED INTRAURETHRAL INSERT FOR ARTIFICIAL VOIDING: A NEW CONCEPT FOR TREATING WOMEN WITH VOIDING DYSFUNCTION

PURPOSE Many patients with voiding dysfunction find clean intermittent catheterization unsatisfactory. We evaluated the efficacy of the new remote controlled intraurethral In-Flow Catheter insert for treating women with voiding dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the efficacy of the intraurethral insert in 92 women with a mean age of 56 years. The insert is available in various sizes to adapt to individual urethras. It comprises a valve and pump assembly. A remote control unit is operated to open the valve and activate the pump, generating active urine flow. RESULTS In 45 patients (49%) the device was removed after a mean of 7.1 days due to local discomfort or urinary leakage around the insert. At a mean followup of 7.6 months (range 2 to 26) 47 women (51%) continued to use the device, and all are dry with complete bladder emptying. The insert was replaced periodically at a mean of 38 days to prevent salt deposits in and around it which lead to urine leakage. Asymptomatic bacteriuria developed in 22 patients (46.8%). Clinical urinary tract infections resolved in 3.9% of all patients-months with oral antibiotics. No dyspareunia was reported. All patients were satisfied with the insert and preferred it to previous treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS This new remote controlled intraurethral insert is safe and effective in women with voiding difficulties.

Male Contraception: History and Development

Although the twentieth century has seen great strides in the development of female contraception, not a single new agent has been introduced as an approved method for common use for male contraception. Condoms (considered uncomfortable by some) and vasectomy (a permanent invasive procedure) are the only options provided to men, leaving an undue burden on women to bear contraceptive responsibility. Significant developments have, however, been made with regard to hormonal and nonhormonal contraception, and minor, reversible, procedural contraception. This article reviews the currently available, soon to be available, and theoretically possible methods of male contraception.