Tamer Mohammed Abou Youssif

Clinical significance of serum adipokine visfatin/eNampt in relation to prostate cancer detection and aggressiveness

Background Prostate cancer is a common malignancy ranked as the second most common cause of cancer and the fifth cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The association between obesity and prostate cancer remains poorly understood, but evidence suggests that obesity may adversely affect the risk of developing high-grade disease. Adipokines may contribute toward the molecular basis for a link between obesity and prostate cancer. Several studies have shown the role of visfatin in different cancers including astrocytomas, myeloma, and male oral squamous cell; gastric, endometrial, hepatocellular, and colorectal carcinomas; and invasive breast cancer. Objective In the present study, we attempted to investigate whether a high serum level of visfatin is a good biomarker associated with prostate cancer, especially high-grade cancer, and in obese patients; then, it could be used as a biomarker for the detection of prostate cancer and to determine its aggressiveness. Participants and method The present study included 89 individuals divided as follows: 15 age-matched volunteers, control group (group I), 36 patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH group) (group II), and 38 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC group) (group III). Results There was a statistically significant increase in serum visfatin level in PC patients (group III) compared with both the controls (group I) and patients with BPH (group II) (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). In PC patients, the median value of serum visfatin was 55.36 ng/ml (44.32-94.02), whereas it was 12.06 ng/ml (10.36-17.74) in the BPH group and 14.89 ng/ml (10.68-18.62) in the control group. BMI, visfatin, and prostatic-specific antigen were found to be the major significant determinants of the tumor grade (Gleason score) of PC (with a 95% confidence interval 0.096-0.233, P < 0.001; 0.083-0.016, P = 0.005; and 0.001-0.019, P = 0.033, respectively). Conclusion In this study, we found a significant positive association between serum visfatin and PC, especially in obese individuals, and we suggest that visfatin could be used as a new promising biomarker for PC; further investigations are warranted to confirm its role in the diagnosis of PC and to assess its aggressiveness.

Bipolar vs monopolar resection of bladder tumours of >3 cm in patients maintained on low-dose aspirin: A randomised clinical trial

Abstract Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of bipolar vs monopolar transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) in patients maintained on low-dose aspirin with tumours >3 cm. Patients and methods: A prospective randomised single-centre study was performed including 200 patients with bladder tumours of >3 cm, as measured by ultrasonography. All patients were using low-dose aspirin (81 mg/day), which was not stopped in the perioperative period. Patients were randomised into two groups: Group A, monopolar TURBT (M-TURBT); Group B, bipolar TURBT (B-TURBT). The primary endpoint of the study was the decrease in postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) concentration measured using an automated cell counter. The secondary endpoints of the study were intraoperative blood transfusion or the occurrence of urethral trauma during cystoscopy and the need for re-coagulation. Results: The postoperative reduction in Hb concentration, was significantly lower in the B-TURBT group [mean (SD) 0.55 (0.26) g/dL] compared with the M-TURBT group [mean (SD) 1.24 (0.61) g/dL] (P < 0.001). There was also a significant difference (in favour of B-TURBT) between the groups in the mean postoperative reduction in haematocrit and the mean postoperative hospital stay. There was no significant difference between the groups for the occurrence of obturator jerk, bladder perforation, and the need for blood transfusion. Conclusion: B-TURBT in patients maintained on low-dose aspirin is better than M-TURBT for minimising postoperative drop in Hb concentration.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, metabolic syndrome and androgenic alopecia: Is there a possible relationship?

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and metabolic syndrome in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in comparison with those with no AGA, as several previous studies have reported inconsistent results of an association between metabolic syndrome and BPH with AGA. Patients, subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study included 400 participants, divided into 300 patients diagnosed with AGA, with different grades according to Norwood–Hamilton classification, and 100 control subjects with no AGA. Criteria for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome according to Adult Treatment Panel-III criteria (waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides), as well as criteria for diagnosis of BPH (prostatic volume, urine flow, and prostate-specific antigen) were assessed in all patients and compared with the control subjects. Results: There were significant differences between the AGA and no-AGA groups for the following variables: waist circumference, body mass index, fibrinogen level, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and glycosylated haemoglobin. There was a significant difference in number of patients with AGA manifesting criteria of metabolic syndrome (51% vs 28%), as well as BPH diagnostic criteria (36% vs 6.8%) compared with the control subjects. Both BPH and metabolic syndrome were shown to be significant independent variables associated with AGA. Conclusions: Dermatologists, urologists, and primary care physicians should monitor patients with early onset AGA for the development of urinary symptoms, to permit an earlier diagnosis of BPH; and for metabolic syndrome symptoms, to permit early diagnosis of cardiovascular risk factors.

Clinical evaluation of patients treated with a detubularised isolated ureterosigmoidostomy diversion after radical cystectomy.

Abstract Objectives: To assess the emptying pattern and patient satisfaction after constructing a detubularised isolated ureterosigmoidostomy (DIUS) following a cystectomy, introduced to overcome the poor outcome of conventional ureterosigmoidostomy, to improve the emptying pattern and accordingly patients’ quality of life. Patients and methods: The study included 122 patients who were treated with a DIUS diversion after cystectomy. The minimum follow-up of the patients was 6 months. The frequency of emptying and continence during the day and night were recorded. The ability of the patients to discriminate between urine and stool was assessed. The patients’ overall satisfaction with the outcome was categorised as fully satisfied, moderately satisfied or not satisfied. Results: In all, 95 patients were available for this evaluation; all patients were completely continent during the day and night. The mean emptying frequency was 3.9 during the day and 1.7 during the night. All patients were able to feel the desire to empty and the mean holding time was 35 min. Fifty-two patients (55%) could pass solid stools once per day, with minimal urine at the end of voiding, and the remaining evacuations were of clear urine only. Thirty-two patients (34%) were able to differentiate between urine and stool sensation before emptying. For satisfaction, 82 patients reported full satisfaction, 13 were moderately satisfied, and none regretted the diversion. Conclusions: The DIUS diversion provides continence during the day and night, with a satisfactory emptying habit. Patients with a DIUS diversion can tolerate a full pouch comfortably, with no leakage, and they can discriminate between urine and stool evacuations.

Renal cell carcinoma: Are we attacking a different tumor over the past 10 years?

OBJECTIVE There is a noticeable increase in the presentation of different types of urological malignancies at a younger age of presentation, in our institution. The objective of our study was to investigate cases presented with renal cell carcinoma, managed in the past 10 years for any possible epidemiological and cancer characteristics changes. METHODOLOGY Retrospective data collection for cases managed by our institution in the time period (2002-2012) was done. We included patients with complete data and pathologically proven renal cell carcinoma at final diagnosis. RESULTS Complete data could be retrieved for 334 patients. The mean age of cases was 43.5 years, with 279 (83%), 200 (60%) and 128 (38%) of patients younger than 60, 50 and 40 years respectively. Males and females involvement were 191 (57%) and 143 (43%) respectively. By histopathology, 200 (60%) of patients had clear cell (CC) RCC and 134 (40%) patients had non-clear cell type (papillary or chromophobe). The mean tumor size was 10.9 cm and partial nephrectomy was applied for 16% of all the cases, including 65% for cases with tumor size less than 4 cm. CONCLUSION There is a marked increase in the prevalence of renal cell carcinoma in the past 10 years, among younger age group, with higher rate for involvement of female gender. RCC is tending to present with large tumor size and more prevalence of non-clear cell histopathology. The use of partial nephrectomy is accepted for patients presented with renal mass and can safely challenge larger sized tumors.

The embedded nipple: An optimal technique for re-implantation of primary obstructed megaureter in children

Abstract Objectives: To present a novel ureteric re-implantation technique for primary obstructed megaureter (POM) that ensures success in the short- and long-term, as conventional techniques are not ideal for megaureters especially in children, with ureteric stenosis and reflux being common complications after re-implantation. Patients and methods: Between 2009 and 2012, 22 paediatric patients with POM were enrolled. We performed a new technique for re-implantation of these ureters to ensure minimal incidence of ureteric strictures and easy subsequent endoscopic access. We performed follow-up voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) at 6 months postoperatively. Results: The cohort comprised 14 boys and eight girls, with a median age of 22 months. Six patients underwent bilateral re-implantation. The mean (range) duration of indwelling ureteric catheterisation was 7.8 (4–14) days. There were no complications in the perioperative and postoperative periods. There was no reflux on follow-up VCUG in any of the patients. One patient developed Grade I reflux after 1 year and presented with a urinary tract infection. Diagnostic cystoscopy was performed in 13 patients showing that the nipple was directed similarly to the native ureteric orifice. Conclusion: The embedded-nipple technique for re-implantation of POM guarantees successful results and permits easy subsequent ureteroscopic access when needed.

Corrigendum to "Detubularised isolated ureterosigmoidostomy (Atta pouch): Manometric and radiological studies in a sample of patients" [Arab J. Urol. 12 (2014) 197-203].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.aju.2014.02.003.].

SIU Scholar: Dr. Tamer Mohammed Abou Youssif

The Société Internationale d’Urologie offers Training Scholarships for young doctors with basic surgical or urological qualifications. The SIU Scholarships involve training in a recognized Urological center of excellence located in the candidate’s geographical region. These SIU-accredited centers provide an excellent environment for learning and, in many instances, hands-on experience, so that candidates may acquire knowledge and skills that they will be able to transfer to their own setting of practice. In this series of short communications, SIU Scholars write about the impact that these training opportunites faciliated by the SIU had on their quality of care and career development. Information about applying for an SIU Scholarship is available at http://www.siu-urology. org/.