V. Li Marzi

Time/duration effectiveness of sildenafil versus tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in male spinal cord-injured patients

Study design: A randomized, blinded, crossover clinical trial comparing sildenafil versus tadalafil for erectile dysfunction (ED) in male spinal cord-injured (SCI) patients.Objectives: To compare the safety, time/duration effectiveness, and the impact on the quality of life (QoL) of tadalafil 10 mg versus sildenafil 50 mg.Setting: Neurourology Section, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy.Methods: During a screening (visit 1), a diary card was distributed, in which the subjects assessed, after each attempt at intercourse the quality of their erection, responding (Yes/No) to both Sexual Encounter Profile Questions 2 (SEP2) and 3 (SEP3). The subjects made at least four attempts at intercourse. At visit 2, 15 patients (group 1) were assigned sildenafil and 15 (group 2) started with tadalafil. Responses to baseline International Index of Erectile Function 5 items (IIEF-5), Questions 13–14 (IIEF 15 items) and SEP diary were recorded. Patients attempted intercourse on four separate occasions: within 4 h of taking the first tablet, within 12 h for the second tablet, 24 h for the third, and the fourth from 24 to 36 h. At visit 3, the investigators evaluated the effectiveness with the same measures used at baseline. After a wash-out period, at visit 4, Group 1 was given tadalafil, and Group 2 was given sildenafil. Patients were required to observe the same criteria in taking the four tablets as in visit 2. After 4 weeks (visit 5), we evaluated the patients as we did in visit 3.Results: Overall, 28 patients completed the study. No subjects discontinued the drugs due to drawbacks.Tadalafil allowed a majority of men in this trial to achieve both normal sexual functioning up to 24 h postdosing compared to sildenafil (P<0.01) and improved overall sex life satisfaction as well as sexual relations with partner.Conclusion: Based on these data, tadalafil may have the potential to become an important treatment option for ED in SCI patients.Sponsorship: This study was not sponsored.

Renal Cell Carcinoma of Native Kidney After Renal Transplantation: Clinical Relevance of Early Detection

BACKGROUND Life expectancy after transplantation has improved, and cancer may soon be the leading cause of late death after transplantation. The guidelines of the American and European societies of nephrology and urology have not yet established the optimal frequency for screening for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of native kidneys in patients who have undergone renal transplantation. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence, prognosis, and risk factors of RCC in a series of patients followed up for 16 years in our transplantation unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our study is a follow-up observational cohort study conducted in 694 consecutive renal transplant recipients admitted to our institution from July 1991 through July 2007. At our institution, ultrasound studies of the native kidneys were performed every 6 months after renal transplantation. RESULTS In the patient cohort studied, 10 patients developed a renal tumor (1.6% incidence). Three patients died of causes other than recurrence of RCC. Seven patients are alive with no evidence of RCC recurrence or metastatic disease after a mean (range) follow-up of 41 (12-96) months. Acquired cystic kidney disease and dialysis duration were positively associated with development of RCC. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of RCC in the literature varies between 0.3% and 4.8%. The variability depends on the timing of follow-up, with a higher incidence in prospective studies with strict follow-up. We advise ultrasound studies performed by specialized physicians every 6 months after transplantation. More detailed guidelines designed by the major international transplantation societies are necessary.

Uterus-Sparing Vaginal Surgery of Genitourinary Prolapse Employing Biocompatible Material

Objective: The study presents an original uterus sparing technique for transvaginal repair of total genitourinary prolapse. The technique employs a synthetic mesh of mixed polypropylene and 910 polyglactin fibers. Methods: The prosthesis creates a support for the cystocele, the cervix and the enterocele. It has four anchoring sites: two at the rear in the sacrospinous ligaments and two at the front in the arcus tendineous of the levator ani muscle. Between February 2001 and December 2004, 24 patients (mean age 66.9 years), presenting symptoms of uterine prolapse, cystocele and enterocele (POP-Q stage III-IV Aa associated to II-III-IV C), were treated with our procedure. Pre- and postoperative parameters were evaluated statistically. Results: No patient had any serious complications. The mean follow-up was 31.1 months (range 6–52). 19 patients (79.1%) have shown excellent results and have been completely cured. In 5 other cases (20.8%), the cystocele was completely cured and there was a significant improvement in the hysterocele and the enterocele. One patient required surgical treatment for postoperative stress incontinence. Statistical analysis of data regarding the pre- and postoperative prolapse stage demonstrated a high degree of objective cure rates (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: While hysterectomy remains the habitual treatment for severe uterine prolapse, our technique provides a promising alternative solution. It is also significant that there were no complications of erosion or infection associated with the prosthesis.

Intrauterine device-associated actinomycosis of the ovary and urinary bladder: a case report.

Actinomycosis of the urinary bladder is rare, mostly subsequent to abdomino-pelvic infection, and usually affects women with long-term use of an intrauterine device. We describe a case of vesical actinomycosis mimicking a papillary bladder tumour in a 56-year-old woman with primary manifestation of the disease in the genital tract, subjected to two transurethral resections after relapse of a polypoid mass in the bladder. Urological procedures are necessary to differentiate actinomycosis from bladder cancer and the diagnosis is often made histologically.

592 Nocturia related to post radiation bladder pain can be improved by hyaluronic acid chondroitin sulfate (ialuril

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: After radiotherapy for prostate cancer, up to 50% of patients can have nycturia (De Langhe S et al: Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2013). Hyaluronic acid chondroitin sulfate (Ialuril®) represents the replacement of the protective lining in bladder known as Glycosaminoglycan, or GAG layer. The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of Ialuril® on symptom and bother related to nocturia, in men with bladder pain syndrome (BPS) after radiotherapy for prostate cancer.