Tchun Yong Lee

Effects of Tamsulosin, Solifenacin, and Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Ureteral Stent Related Discomforts

Purpose To evaluate the effect of tamsulosin, solifenacin, and combination therapy of two agents in improving the lower urinary tract symptoms of patients with indwelling double-J ureteral stents. Materials and Methods A total of 168 patients underwent placement of a double-J ureteral stent after retrograde ureteroscopy for urinary stone disease. All patients received polyurethane double-J ureteral stents (6 Fr, 24 or 26 cm), which were removed a mean of 14 days postoperatively. A total of 48 patients were given no medication (Group 1), 43 patients were given tamsulosin 0.2 mg once daily (Group 2), 45 patients were given solifenacin 5 mg once daily (Group 3), and 32 patients were given a combination of two agents postoperatively (Group 4). International Prostate Symptom Score/quality of life (IPSS/QoL) and visual analogue pain scale (VAPS) questionnaires were completed by each patient at 1 day postoperatively and on the day of stent removal. Results In the total group of patients, the mean age was 50.24±12.90 years. There was a significant difference in the IPSS total score between group 1 and groups 3 and 4. Group 4 also differed significantly from group 1 in the irritative subscore. The obstructive subscore differed between groups 2 and 4 and group 1. There was a statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 4 in the QoL score. There were no significant differences in the VAPS. Conclusions Combination therapy with tamsulosin and solifenacin improved both irritative and obstructive symptoms more than in the other groups. Combination therapy should be strongly considered for patients who complain of stent-related symptoms.

Effects of tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ on expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in human bladder cancer cells

Abstract We have investigated the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon (INF-γ), the potent Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG)-induced cytokines on the production of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and MT1-MMP in high grade human bladder cancer cell lines, T-24, J-82 and HT-1376 cell lines. MMP-2 expression and activity were decreased in T-24 cells treated with both cytokines in a dose dependent manner. However, J-82 cells treated with TNF-α and INF-γ revealed dose dependent increases of MMP-9 expression and activity with similar baseline expression and activity of MMP-2. HT-1376 cells after exposure to TNF-α only enhanced the expression and activity of MMP-9. These results indicate that TNF-α and INF-γ could regulate the production of MMP-2 or MMP-9 on bladder cancer cells and their patterns of regulation are cell specific. Furthermore, this diverse response of bladder cancer cells to TNF-α and INF-γ suggests that BCG immunotherapy may enhance the invasiveness of bladder cancer in certain conditions with induction of MMPs.

PCR for diagnosis of male Trichomonas vaginalis infection with chronic prostatitis and urethritis.

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of PCR for diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among male patients with chronic recurrent prostatitis and urethritis. Between June 2001 and December 2003, a total of 33 patients visited the Department of Urology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital and were examined for T. vaginalis infection by PCR and culture in TYM medium. For the PCR, we used primers based on a repetitive sequence cloned from T. vaginalis (TV-E650). Voided bladder urine (VB1 and VB3) was sampled from 33 men with symptoms of lower urinary tract infection (urethral charge, residual urine sensation, and frequency). Culture failed to detect any T. vaginalis infection whereas PCR identified 7 cases of trichomoniasis (21.2%). Five of the 7 cases had been diagnosed with prostatitis and 2 with urethritis. PCR for the 5 prostatitis cases yielded a positive 330 bp band from bothVB1 and VB3, whereas positive results were only obtained from VB1 for the 2 urethritis patients. We showed that the PCR method could detect T. vaginalis when there was only 1 T. vaginalis cell per PCR mixture. Our results strongly support the usefulness of PCR on urine samples for detecting T. vaginalis in chronic prostatitis and urethritis patients.

Initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery by use of a homemade transumbilical port in urology.

Purpose We present our initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) by a single surgeon in the urologic field. Materials and Methods From May 2009 to April 2010, 30 consecutive patients underwent LESS including seven cases of nephrectomy, five cases of nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision, four cases of ureterolithotomy, eight cases of marsupialization, and six cases of varicocelectomy. We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of the above patients. The single port was made with a surgical glove and an Alexis® wound retractor (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA). The wound retractor was put into the peritoneal space through an umbilical incision, and a laparoscopic triangle was secured by crossing both instruments. All operations were performed by the transperitoneal approach. Results Mean patient age was 54.8 years. Mean operative time was 171.2±109.1 minutes. Mean estimated blood loss was 265.0±395.5 ml. Mean incision length was 3.2±1.4 cm. Mean length of hospitalization was 5.2±2.9 days. There was one laparoscopic conversion and two open conversions. There were two cases of transient ileus that improved with conservative treatment. Mean visual analogue pain scales on the operative day and first postoperative day were 6.3/10 and 3.1/10, respectively. Conclusions In our experience, LESS for urologic surgery is feasible, safe, and clinically applicable. We consider the homemade single-port device to be a relatively cost-effective and convenient device. If surgical instruments for LESS and appropriate ports specified for LESS are developed, LESS would be a surgical treatment technique that could be used as an alternative to the conventional types of laparoscopic surgery.

Role of early endourologic management of tuberculous ureteral strictures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Tuberculous ureteral stricture causing progressive obstructive uropathy commonly complicates renal tuberculosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of early ureteral stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) in patients with tuberculous ureteral strictures. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seventy-seven patients (84 renal units) with tuberculous ureteral strictures were analyzed. We evaluated the final outcome of involved kidneys with three different managements: medication only (N = 37), medication plus ureteral stenting (N = 28), or medication plus PCN (N = 19). RESULTS The overall nephrectomy rate was 51%. In patients treated with medication only, the nephrectomy rate was 73%, whereas the nephrectomy rate was 34% in patients treated with medication plus early ureteral stenting or PCN. The rate of reconstructive surgery for ureteral strictures also was significantly different for patients treated with medication only (8%) and those receiving medication plus early ureteral stenting or PCN (49%). Spontaneous resolution of the strictures was noted in 6 of the 12 renal units that were managed with early ureteral stenting. CONCLUSIONS Early ureteral stenting or PCN in patients with tuberculous ureteral strictures may increase the opportunity for later reconstructive surgery and decrease the likelihood of renal loss.

Incidence of upgrading and upstaging in patients with low-volume Gleason score 3+4 prostate cancers at biopsy: finding a new group eligible for active surveillance.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify patients with low-volume Gleason score 3+4 (GS3+4) prostate cancer (PCa) who may be candidates for active surveillance (AS) by analyzing the incidence of upgrading and upstaging following radical prostatectomy (RP). Patients and Methods: Of 907 patients who underwent RP at our institute over the last 5 years, 66 men diagnosed with low-volume GS3+4 PCa at needle biopsy were identified. The incidence of upstaging and upgrading was assessed. Results: The overall rate of upgrading and upstaging was 31.8 and 25.6%, respectively. Preoperative PSA levels were significantly higher in patients who were upgraded (p = 0.015). The optimal preoperative PSA cutoff level for the prediction of upgrading was 4.73 ng/ml (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 57.8%). Patients with <15% of maximum cores positive had significantly lower upstaging rate than those with >15% of maximum cores positive (p = 0.035). Clinical stage and number of positive cores had marginal association with upgrading and upstaging statistically (p = 0.061 and 0.081, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with low-volume GS3+4 PCa at biopsy, underestimation may be effectively avoided when we select patients with PSA <4.73 and % maximum cancer involvement on positive cores <15%.

Initial Experience of Laparoendoscopic Single-site Nephroureterectomy with Bladder Cuff Excision for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Performed by a Single Surgeon

PURPOSE To present our experience with the first 10 consecutive cases of laparoendoscopic single-site nephroureterectomy (LESSNU) with bladder cuff excision for upper tract urothelial carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ten patients (6 men and 4 women; 6 renal pelvis and 4 ureter) underwent LESSNU by a single surgeon. We made a 4-cm single incision at the umbilicus using a homemade single-port device. The single-port device was made with a surgical glove and Alexis wound retractor. LESSNU was performed by the same technique of conventional laparoscopic NU. RESULTS The mean age was 62.79 ± 7.93 years. The mean total operative time, time for nephrectomy, and time for bladder cuff excision were 225.6 ± 365.87, 80.00 ± 29.03, and 145.63 ± 42.63 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss was 187.50 ± 83.45 mL. On surgical pathologic examination, four patients were pT(1)N(0), four patients were pT(2)N(0), one patient was pT(3)N(0), and one patient was pT(3)N(2). There was one positive surgical margin in a pT(3)N(2) patient. The mean number of lymph nodes dissected was 2.5 (range 0-9). One incision extension was performed because of complete renal hilar lymphadenectomy by open technique (for the pT(3)N(2) patient), and one open conversion with a Gibson incision was performed because of severe adhesions around the distal ureter (the pT(3)N(0) patient). There were one case of transient ileus and one of fever that were improved with conservative treatment. The mean hospital stay was 4.75 ± 3.37 days. Eight patients who underwent LESSNU successfully were satisfied with their operations. CONCLUSIONS LESSNU for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma seems to be feasible and safe, but it is still challenging for advanced cases.

Predictive factors of Gleason score upgrading in localized and locally advanced prostate cancer diagnosed by prostate biopsy.

Purpose The Gleason score (GS) is an important factor that is considered when making decisions about prostate cancer and its prognosis. However, upgrading of the GS can occur between transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) biopsy and radical prostatectomy. This study analyzed the clinical factors predictive of upgrading of the GS after radical prostatectomy compared with that at the time of TRUS biopsy. Materials and Methods We analyzed the medical records of 107 patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of patients in whom the GS was not upgraded, and group 2 consisted of patients in whom the GS was upgraded. Associations between preoperative clinical factors and upgrading of the GS were analyzed. Preoperative clinical factors included age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, PSA density, GS of TRUS biopsy, maximum core percentage of cancer, percentage of positive cores, number of biopsies, location of positive core with maximum GS, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neplasia (HGPIN), inflammation on biopsy, and clinical stage. Results Among 85 patients, 42 (49%) patients had an upgraded GS after operation. TRUS biopsy core number of 12 or fewer (p=0.029) and prostate volume of 36.5 ml or less (p<0.001) were associated with upgrading of the GS. Preoperative clinical factors associated with nonupgrading of the GS were the detection of positive cores with a maximum GS at the apex (p=0.002) or in a hypoechoic lesion (p=0.002) in TRUS. Conclusions If the positive cores with maximum GS are located at the apex or in a hypoechoic lesion in TRUS, we can expect that the GS will not be upgraded. In patients with the clinical predictive factors of a prostate volume of 36.5 ml or less and TRUS biopsy core number of less than 12, we can expect upgrading of the GS after radical prostatectomy, and more aggressive treatment may be needed.

Comparison of oncological outcomes of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for the management of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma: a multi-institutional study

Study Type – Therapy (case series) 
Level of Evidence 4

Efficacy and Safety of Tadalafil 5 mg Administered Once Daily in Korean Men with Erectile Dysfunction: A Prospective, Multicenter Study.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a daily dose of tadalafil 5 mg as well as its safety for the cardiovascular system in men with erectile dysfunction. Materials and Methods This study included a total of 162 men who were administered a daily dose of tadalafil 5 mg between April and December of 2009. A total of 127 men completed the 8-week clinical trial. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured before treatment with tadalafil (V1) and 4 (V2) and 8 weeks (V3) after treatment with tadalafil. Adverse effects were assessed at V1, V2, and V3. In cases in which the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was ≥8 at V1, maximal flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual volume (PVR) were measured. Results The IIEF-5 values were 11.25±3.18, 14.56±3.79, and 16.91±3.56 at V1, V2, and V3, respectively, with significant improvement (V1 vs. V2, p<0.001; V1 vs. V3, p<0.001). The IPSS values were 10.59±5.56, 9.07±6.06, and 8.15±6.10 at V1, V2, and V3, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (V1 vs. V2, p<0.001; V1 vs. V3, p<0.001). There were no significant differences in blood pressure or heart rate. Adverse effects were observed in 7 men (5.51%) at V2 and in 5 men (3.94%) at V3. Conclusions Tadalafil 5 mg administered once-a-day may be effective in improving erectile function. Adverse effects on the cardiovascular system may be minimal. In addition, it is believed that this may also be effective in improving voiding symptoms.