Yu Seob Shin

Myelolipomas of both adrenal glands.

Adrenal myelolipoma is a rare, nonfunctional benign tumor that is composed of mature adipose tissue and hematopoietic elements. In the past, these tumors were accidentally discovered at autopsy. Today, they are found much more frequently and incidentally, mainly because of the widespread use of noninvasive imaging with ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Most lesions are asymptomatic, small, and unilateral, but a number of bilateral tumors have been reported. We report here on a case of a 48-year-old man with incidentally found myelolipomas of both adrenal glands. In particular, a giant myelolipoma of the left adrenal gland was treated by transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Current Management of Testicular Cancer

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) of the testis are rare, but are the most common cancer in young men. GCTs may consist of one predominant histologic pattern or may represent a mixture of multiple histologic types. For treatment purposes, two broad categories are recognized: 1) pure seminoma and 2) others, which together are termed nonseminomatous GCTs (NSGCTs). In general, seminoma tends to be less aggressive, to be diagnosed at an earlier stage, and to spread predictably along lymphatic channels to the retroperitoneum before spreading hematogenously to the lung or other organs. Compared with NSGCTs, seminoma is exquisitely sensitive to radiation therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. NSGCTs are usually mixed tumors and teratoma often exists at the sites of metastasis with other GCT elements; cure often requires chemotherapy to kill the chemosensitive-components and surgery to remove the teratomatous components. The main factors contributing to excellent cure rates of GCTs are careful staging at diagnosis; adequate early treatment using chemotherapeutic combinations, with or without radiotherapy and surgery; and very strict follow-up and salvage therapy. We review several clinical studies and summarize the current trends in the management of GCTs.

Current Status and Clinical Studies of Oriental Herbs in Sexual Medicine in Korea

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common diseases among aging men. Although previous studies have shown that type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5-Is) are very effective for the treatment of ED, many researchers are currently attempting to identify therapeutic agents from natural sources with comparable or better effects than PDE5-Is. Herbal medicine is thought to be advantageous because it is natural; moreover, it not only treats isolated symptoms, but also maintains general well-being. Furthermore, since newly created chemical compound libraries have limited structural diversity with regard to pharmaceutical agents, more attention has recently been paid to the ability of oriental herbs to enhance physical health, including sexual function. Herein, we review the current status of Korean preclinical or clinical studies of the application of oriental herbs to sexual medicine.

Floating Hem-o-Lok Clips in the Bladder without Stone Formation after Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Hem-o-Lok clips (Weck Surgical Instruments, Teleflex Medical, Durham, NC, USA) are widely used in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy because of their easy application and secure clamping. To date, there have been some reports of intravesical migration of these clips causing urethral erosion, bladder neck contractures, and subsequent calculus formation. We report the first case of bladder migration of Hem-o-Lok clips without stone formation after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The Hem-o-Lok clips were found during urethral dilation with a guide wire for bladder neck contracture under cystourethroscopy. The Hem-o-Lok clips were floating in the bladder without stone formation and were removed by a cystoscopic procedure.

An Unexpected Course after Simultaneous Urethral Repair and Reimplantation of Penile Prosthesis in a Patient with a Urethral Stricture

We experienced the growth of urethral hair along the urethral stricture six years after simultaneous urethral repair and reimplantation of penile prosthesis (RPP) in a patient with a urethral stricture. We detected hair in the urethra with a stricture on the bulbous urethra. Further, we performed hair removal by using a pair of cystoscopic forceps and internal urethrotomy. Then, we performed RPP, and the patient voided well; the prosthesis worked very well and without any complications. One-stage urethroplasty with a pedicle island of the penile skin and RPP in a simultaneous stage may be an option for treating the long-segment urethral stricture in the penile prosthesis patient. However, we should pay attention to the urethral hair growth that can occur after urethral repair performed using a skin graft.

New Reconstructive Surgery for Penile Paraffinoma to Prevent Necrosis of Ventral Penile Skin

OBJECTIVE To introduce a new repair technique, inverted V-shape, for penile paraffinoma without necrosis of the ventral skin anastomosed. MATERIALS AND METHODS From March 2006 to July 2012, 34 patients underwent penile paraffinoma repair using the T-style or a new operation procedure, the inverted V-shape anastomosis with a bilateral scrotal flap. The patients were subdivided into 2 groups. In group 1, each patient underwent the T-style anastomosis. In group 2, each patient underwent the inverted V-shape anastomosis. Two circumferential incisions were made, one at the skin just proximal to the corona of the penis and one at the penoscrotal junction. Complete removal of the involved skin and subcutaneous tissue, including paraffinoma, was performed. Both scrotal flaps were drawn to the mid-dorsal portion of the corona after scrotal flaps were incised appropriately and sutured with a T-style anastomosis between the coronal and scrotal flaps. The ventral skin was anastomosed end to end to avoid the T-style anastomosis, similar to a dorsal anastomosis. We created an inverted V incision 1 cm below from the anastomosis site. The scrotal flaps were sutured layer by layer. RESULTS All 14 flaps survived completely without the necrosis of the ventral skin. The results were successful and without any major complications. CONCLUSION Penile resurfacing without the T-style anastomosis at the ventral corona with bilateral scrotal flaps is a new technique for repair of penile paraffinoma. It is an effective and reliable method, especially for the saving corona and scrotal flap anastomosed to the ventral penile body.

Changes in Surgical Strategy for Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: 12-Year Single-Center Experience

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the annual changes in prostate variables and style of surgical treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) over the past 12 years. Materials and Methods The subjects were 918 patients (January 1999-November 2010) who were treated by either open prostatectomy or transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). Every year, the performance ratio between open prostatectomy and TURP was evaluated. Before surgery, total and transitional zone volumes of the prostate were measured by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). After surgery, resection weight and residual volume of the prostate were measured by TRUS. Results From 2001 through 2010, the performance ratio of TURP increased greatly from 89% to 97%. During 1999 to 2010, the total volume of the prostate increased from 40.0 cc to 55.0 cc in the TURP group and from 74.1 cc to 116.7 cc in the open prostatectomy group. During 1999 to 2010, the mean resection volume of the TURP group increased from 2.3 cc to 20.1 cc. Also, the mean resection volume of the open prostatectomy group increased from 59.3 cc to 114.3 cc. During 1999 to 2003, the resection time of the TURP group decreased from 72.9 minutes to 43.2 minutes. Conclusions During 1999 through 2010, the performance ratio between open prostatectomy vs TURP was high for TURP. The total volume and resection volume of the prostate increased annually, and the resection time decreased annually.

Twelve-week, prospective, open-label, randomized trial on the effects of an anticholinergic agent or antidiuretic agent as add-on therapy to an alpha-blocker for lower urinary tract symptoms

Purpose The effects of an anticholinergic or antidiuretic agent as add-on therapy to an alpha-blocker for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) according to a voiding diary in 3 days are unknown. We prospectively investigated the efficacy of an anticholinergic or antidiuretic agent as add-on therapy for nocturia in men previously treated with an alpha-blocker for LUTS. Subjects and methods Patients were randomly subdivided into two groups. All patients had a 4-week washout. Group A had alpha-blocker for 4 weeks, then an alpha-blocker plus an anticholinergic agent for 4 weeks, and, finally, 4 weeks of an alpha-blocker plus an antidiuretic agent. Group B had an alpha-blocker for 4 weeks, then an alpha-blocker plus an antidiuretic agent for 4 weeks, and, finally, 4 weeks of an alpha-blocker plus an anticholinergic agent. In both groups, patients were subdivided into nocturnal polyuria, decreased nocturnal bladder capacity (NBC), or nocturia by both causes subgroups. A 3-day voiding diary, total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS sub-scores, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, uroflowmetry, and post-void residual urine volume, were assessed at baseline, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results A total of 405 patients completed the study. During treatment, the changes from baseline in total IPSS and IPSS sub-scores were significantly decreased at 4 weeks and were maintained for 12 weeks. In the nocturnal polyuria subgroup of Groups A and B, the number of episodes of nocturia in 3 days, nocturnal urine volume, and nocturnal index were significantly decreased using an alpha-blocker plus an antidiuretic agent. In the decreased NBC subgroup of Groups A and B, IPSS storage sub-score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, number of episodes of nocturia in 3 days, number of episodes of urgency in 3 days, and NBC index were all significantly decreased using an alpha-blocker plus an anticholinergic agent. Conclusion An anticholinergic agent or antidiuretic agent as an add-on therapy in men previously treated with an alpha-blocker improves nocturia including LUTS.

Juxta-adrenal malignant schwannoma with lymph node metastases

Juxta-adrenal malignant schwannoma is a very rare tumour of neural crest cell origin. A 69-year-old woman visited for proper management of incidentally detected adrenal mass as part of a dyspepsia workup. Metabolic evaluation was unremarkable and imaging results suggested a malignant adrenal mass with lymph node metastases. The patient underwent a left adrenalectomy with para-aortic lymphadenectomy. The diagnosis and its origin was confirmed by histologic and immunohistochemical studies. We report the first case of juxta-adrenal malignant schwannoma with lymph node metastases, and review the literature on this rare tumour.

An unusual course after an injection of industrial silicone for penile augmentation

A 48-year-old male patient had an injection of industrial silicone under the penile skin for augmentation by non-medical practitioners a week before. There was complete necrosis of the dorsal part of the penile skin and soft tissue. In a penile magnetic resonance image, big masses of silicone under the penile skin were found and a part of the silicone was partially exposed. Debridement of the necrotic tissue was done. As the right side of the tunica albuginea was thin-walled, a silicone-induced infection developed. Because of this, the wet dressing was done daily without closing the wound for the next 23 days. Finally, both scrotal skins were drawn and sutured to the dorsal glandular skin after the total penile skin was completely removed and sutured with T-style anastomosis. The ventral flap was anastomosed to the ventral glandular skin with the end-to-end technique with inverted V incision at 1 cm proximal from the sutured margin. Flaps survived completely without skin necrosis or dehiscence.