Won Sik Jang

Optimal Skin-to-Stone Distance Is a Positive Predictor for Successful Outcomes in Upper Ureter Calculi following Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy: A Bayesian Model Averaging Approach

Objectives To investigate whether skin-to-stone distance (SSD), which remains controversial in patients with ureter stones, can be a predicting factor for one session success following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in patients with upper ureter stones. Patients and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,519 patients who underwent their first ESWL between January 2005 and December 2013. Among these patients, 492 had upper ureter stones that measured 4–20 mm and were eligible for our analyses. Maximal stone length, mean stone density (HU), and SSD were determined on pretreatment non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT). For subgroup analyses, patients were divided into four groups. Group 1 consisted of patients with SSD<25th percentile, group 2 consisted of patients with SSD in the 25th to 50th percentile, group 3 patients had SSD in the 50th to 75th percentile, and group 4 patients had SSD≥75th percentile. Results In analyses of group 2 patients versus others, there were no statistical differences in mean age, stone length and density. However, the one session success rate in group 2 was higher than other groups (77.9% vs. 67.0%; P = 0.032). The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that shorter stone length, lower stone density, and the group 2 SSD were positive predictors for successful outcomes in ESWL. Using the Bayesian model-averaging approach, longer stone length, lower stone density, and group 2 SSD can be also positive predictors for successful outcomes following ESWL. Conclusions Our data indicate that a group 2 SSD of approximately 10 cm is a positive predictor for success following ESWL.

Does robot-assisted radical prostatectomy benefit patients with prostate cancer and bone oligometastases?

To investigate the peri‐operative and oncological outcomes of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with oligometastatic prostate cancer (PCa).

The risk factors and clinical significance of acute postoperative complications after unstented pediatric pyeloplasty: a single surgeon's experience.

PURPOSEnTo analyze the risk factors and clinical significance of postoperative complications after unstented pediatric pyeloplasty.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnWe analyzed 285 kidney units (KUs) on which unstented pyeloplasty was performed between April 2002 and March 2010. Measures included preoperative factors, postoperative complications, change in postoperative differential renal function (DRF), and failure of pyeloplasty. Risk factors for acute complications requiring additional ureteral stenting and decreased DRF were analyzed.nnnRESULTSnDuring a median follow-up period of 67.0 months, an additional ureteral stenting was required in 28 KUs (9.8%) due to the development of acute postoperative complications after unstented pyeloplasty. The incidence of complications increased significantly as preoperative DRF increased. DRF of more than 60% was the only independent risk factor for acute complications. Postoperative decrease in DRF was observed in 58 KUs (22.4%) among 259 KUs analyzed. Pyeloplasty failure was observed in 10 KUs (3.5%). The development of acute complications was not a risk factor for a decrease in DRF or pyeloplasty failure.nnnCONCLUSIONSnUrinary diversion during pyeloplasty is not related to a decrease in DRF or pyeloplasty failure. However, in patients with a preoperative DRF of greater than 60%, diversion could be considered due to the high prevalence of complications.

Total intraglandular and index tumor volumes predict biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer

Prognostic value of tumor volume for biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer remains controversial. We aimed to determine which tumor volume definition would optimally correlate with established prognostic factors and classify macroscopic tumor configuration. Radical prostatectomy specimens with follow-up to biochemical recurrence in the period between 2009 and 2012 were retrieved. Newly proposed categories of reconstructed three-dimensional macroscopic tumor configuration were nodular, medial prominence, subcapsular spreading, and miliary types. Several algorithms were applied to identify optimal tumor volume including (1) combined volume of all nodules, (2) volume of largest nodule as index tumor, and (3) volume of nodule with strongest evidence of poor prognosis. Macroscopic typing correlated well with radiologic findings, and nodular type was most common (70.7xa0%). In most multifocal tumors, the largest nodule showed the highest Gleason score (90.8xa0%) as well as extraprostatic extension or seminal vesicle invasion (93.5xa0%). Total tumor and index tumor volumes were significant predictors of biochemical recurrence (both, Pxa0<xa00.0001). Tumor volume, classified in three groups with cutoff values at 2 and 5xa0cm3, was independently predictive of recurrence-free survival in multivariate analysis (Pxa0<xa00.05) and surpassed bilaterality even in stage pT2. In pT2 disease, recurrence-free survival was significantly associated with total tumor volume (Pxa0=xa00.003) and index tumor volume (Pxa0=xa00.002), but not with pT2 substage (Pxa0=xa00.278). The proposed macroscopic classification system can be correlated with preoperative imaging findings. Total tumor or index tumor volume significantly predicts biochemical recurrence. Tumor volume classification is easy to apply in practice with high reproducibility and offsets the limitations of pT classification.

The prognostic role of tertiary Gleason pattern 5 in a contemporary grading system for prostate cancer

BACKGROUND:Recently, a new prostate cancer (PC) grading system has been introduced, where Gleason score (GS) 7 (3+4) and GS 7 (4+3) are categorized into two separate groups. However, GS 7 with tertiary Gleason pattern 5 (TGP5) was not incorporated in the new grading system. In the present study, we validated the prognostic role of TGP5 in the new classification.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1396 patients with localized GS 6–8 PC (pT2-3N0M0) who underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution between 2005 and 2014. After excluding patients who received neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy, or had incomplete pathological or follow-up data, 1229 patients were included in the final analysis. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate and compare the probabilities of biochemical recurrence (BCR). Cox regression models were used to investigate associations between variables and the risk of BCR.RESULTS:Of 732 GS 7 patients, 75 (10.2%) had a TGP5. The BCR-free survival rate for men with TGP5 was significantly worse than for those without TGP5 (P<0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analyses for GS 7 PC, TGP5 was a significant predictor of BCR (hazard ratio 1.750, P=0.027). When the total cohort was stratified into four grade groups according to the new classification, group 2 with TGP5 had a BCR risk comparable to group 3, and group 3 with TGP5 behaved like group 4.CONCLUSIONS:Our study shows that TGP5 increased the BCR risk after RP in GS 7 PC. Moreover, we demonstrated that the presence of a TGP5 in GS 7 upgraded the BCR risk to one comparable with the next higher category under the new classification. These findings support incorporating TGP5 into GS 7 to aid with future risk assessment and follow-up scheduling for PC.

Prognostic impact of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio after radical prostatectomy in localized prostate cancer

Background:Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has a prognostic value in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer receiving systemic therapy. However, the prognostic significance of NLR was never previously evaluated in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer. In the present study, we investigated the influence of NLR on survival after a RP for prostate cancer.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 2301 patients with prostate cancer who underwent RP at our institution between 2000 and 2010. Among these patients, we considered only patients who had a preoperative complete blood count with differential result available. Patients who received neoadjuvant or postoperative adjuvant treatment (radiation, androgen deprivation therapy or both) and those without adequate medical record were excluded. A Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to analyze biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS), overall survival (OS) and prostate cancer-specific survival (CSS). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used for each end point.Results:In total, 2067 patients were evaluated; median follow-up time was 78 months (interquartile range (IQR) 65–96), median age at RP was 66 years (IQR 61–70) and median preoperative NLR was 1.76 (IQR 1.35–2.40). A Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significant association between high NLR (⩾1.76) and decreased CSS (P=0.005) and OS (P=0.003) but not with BCRFS (P=0.223). In the univariate and multivariate regression analyses, a high NLR was a significant predictor of CSS (hazard ratio (HR) 2.012, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.222–3.310, P=0.006) and OS (HR 1.650, 95% CI 1.127–2.416, P=0.010).Conclusions:This study shows that in patients with prostate cancer preoperative NLR is an independent prognostic factor for OS and CSS after a RP and suggests that a preoperative hematologic workup should be considered in the risk assessment of these patients.

Simple, Safe, and Successful Evacuation of Severe Organized Clot Retention Using a Catheter Connected With Wall Suction: Suction and Fishing Method

OBJECTIVEnTo introduce a novel method to successfully remove organized hematoma. Endoscopic evacuation can be troublesome in some patients with a large amount of blood clots or organized hematoma.nnnMETHODSnWe retrospectively reviewed medical records of 15 patients who were treated with a so-called suction and fishing method for severe clot retention. A large-bore catheter connected with a wall suction unit was inserted into the bladder through the resectoscope sheath, and subsequently a large volume of urine retention and quite a substantial amount of soft clots were removed (suction step). After awhile, negative pressure could not work when the catheter met large and organized fragments of blood clots. In this situation, large blood clots hanging on the catheter tip were removed by gently removing the catheter (fishing step).nnnRESULTSnIn all patients, clot retention was successfully managed with this method. Clot evacuation was performed without anesthesia in 9 patients when electrocauterization was not planned, and opioid analgesics were sufficient for pain control. In the other 6 patients, clot evacuation and fulguration were performed under anesthesia. Median time for clot evacuation was 20 minutes (range 5-55) and median estimated volume of clot evacuated was 200 mL (range 50-600). There was no procedure-related complication such as bladder rupture.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe suction and fishing method is a simple, safe, and successful way to evacuate severe organized clot retention. It can resolve intractable clot retention and rapidly relieve related symptoms without anesthesia.

Prognostic Significance of the Proportion of Ductal Component in Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate

Purpose: In prostate cancer ductal adenocarcinoma is mixed with the usual acinar adenocarcinoma. However, to our knowledge whether the proportion of the ductal component affects oncologic outcomes is currently unknown. We investigated whether the proportion of the ductal component predicts oncologic outcomes in ductal adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data on 3,038 patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution between 2005 and 2014. We excluded patients who received neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment. Patients were stratified based on the proportion of the ductal component. We compared the probability of biochemical recurrence between groups and investigated how the proportion of the ductal component influences biochemical recurrence using Kaplan‐Meier estimates and Cox regression models, respectively. Results: Of 2,648 patients 101 (3.8%) had ductal adenocarcinoma and 2,547 (96.2%) had acinar adenocarcinoma. Freedom from biochemical recurrence in patients with ductal adenocarcinoma was significantly lower than in those with acinar adenocarcinoma (p <0.001). When ductal cases were stratified by the proportion of the ductal component, freedom from biochemical recurrence in the high ductal component group was significantly lower compared to that in the low ductal component group (30% or greater vs less than 30%, p = 0.023). On univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, a high ductal component was a significant predictor of biochemical recurrence (p <0.001). Conclusions: The prognosis for ductal adenocarcinoma can be stratified by the proportion of the ductal component. This marker could potentially be used as a surrogate for poor prognosis or as a determinant for adjuvant therapy.

The prognostic significance of postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.

Background The pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio has prognostic value after radical prostatectomy for treating localized prostate cancer. However, the use of postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio has not been evaluated in this population. We investigated the prognostic significance of early postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Methods We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 2,302 patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution between years 2000 and 2010. Only patients with pre- and postoperative complete blood counts with differential results were included. Patients who received neoadjuvant or postoperative adjuvant treatment and those without adequate medical records were excluded. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to analyze biochemical recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used for each endpoint. Results Kaplan-Meier curves showed that high postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (>3.5) was significantly associated with decreased biochemical recurrence-free survival (p = 0.009) and overall survival (p = 0.010). In the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, high postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was a significant predictor of biochemical recurrence (hazard ratio 1.270, p = 0.008) and overall survival (hazard ratio 1.437, p = 0.033). Conclusions Our results demonstrate that postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is an independent factor for biochemical recurrence and overall survival in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. These findings suggest that neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio can be a potentially valuable tool for stratifying high-risk patients and facilitating choices of postoperative therapy in patients with prostate cancer.

Impact of lymphovascular invasion on lymph node metastasis for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy with negative resection margin

BackgroundThe association between lymphovascular invasion and lymphatic or hematogenous metastasis has been suspected, with conflicting evidence. We have investigated the association between the risk of biochemical recurrence and lymphovascular invasion in resection margin negative patients, as well as its association with lymph node metastasis.MethodsOne thousand six hundred thirty four patients who underwent radical prostatectomy from 2005 to 2014 were selected. Patients with bone or distant organ metastasis at the time of operation were excluded. Survival analysis was performed to assess biochemical recurrence, metastasis and mortality risks by Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression. Odds of lymph node metastasis were evaluated by Logistic regression.ResultsLVI was detected in 118 (7.4%) patients. The median follow-up duration was 33.1xa0months. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, lymphovascular invasion was associated with significantly increased 5-year and 10-year BCR rate (60.2% vs. 39.1%, 60.2% vs. 40.1%, respectively; pxa0<xa00.001), 10-year bone metastasis rate and cancer specific mortality (16.9% vs. 5.1%, pxa0=xa00.001; 6.8% vs. 2.7%, pxa0=xa00.034, respectively) compared to patients without LVI. When stratified by T stage and resection margin status, lymphovascular invasion resulted in significantly increased 10-year biochemical recurrence rate in T3 patients both with and without positive surgical margin (pxa0=xa00.008, 0.005, respectively). In the multivariate Cox regression model lymphovascular invasion resulted in 1.4-fold BCR risk and 1.7-fold metastasis risk increase (95% CI 1.045–1.749, 1.024–2.950; pxa0=xa00.022, 0.040, respectively). Lymphovascular invasion was revealed to be strongly associated with lymph node metastasis in the multivariate Logistic regression (OR 4.317, 95% CI 2.092–8.910, pxa0<xa00.001).ConclusionLymphovascular invasion increases the risk of recurrence in T3 patients regardless of margin status, by accelerating lymph node metastasis and distant organ metastasis.