Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: According to several studies, when the histological subtype of renal cell carcinoma is established it is possible to attribute a different life expectancy to each patient. We analyzed the prognostic significance of the histological subtype in renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed the follow-up of 230 patients after radical or conservative renal surgery. The histological characteristics of the different subtypes of tumor were obtained and the disease-free and cancer-specific survival curves for the clear cell, cromophobic, papillary, collecting duct (Bellini) subtypes and those with sarcomatoid differentiation were individualized. RESULTS: The disease-free and cancer-specific survival rates for clear cell tumors were 76.6% and 68.0% respectively, 71.2% and 82.1% respectively for the cromophobic type, 71.1% and 79.8% respectively for the papillary type, 26.9% and 39.3% respectively for the sarcomatoid type, and 0.0% and 0.0% respectively for the collecting ducts (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The histological subtypes of renal tumors can stratify patients into different prognostic groups only when the sarcomatoid differentiation is present.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: We compared the safety and efficacy of the 12-core biopsy with those of the conventional systematic 6-core biopsy with PSA levels between 4.1 and 20.0 ng/mL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 428 patients who underwent a 6-core biopsy and 128 patients who underwent a 12-core biopsy. Biopsies were performed transrectally under ultrasound guidance. The 12-core biopsy scheme involved obtaining 6 far lateral cores. RESULTS: For patients with PSA level between 4.1 and 10.1 ng/mL, 47 of the 265 patients who underwent 6-core biopsy and 32 of the 91 patients who underwent a12-core biopsy were diagnosed with prostate cancer (p = 0.0006). Among the patients with a PSA level between 10.1 and 20.0 ng/mL, 48 of 163 patients who underwent the 6-core biopsy and 16 of 37 patients who underwent the 12-core biopsy were diagnosed with prostate cancer (p = 0.0606). Three of the 95 patients who were diagnosed with prostate cancer through the 6-core biopsy and 12 of the 48 patients who were diagnosed through the 12-core biopsy had cancer located in the anterior apex. The 12-core biopsy increased the diagnostic rate in the apex (p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in incidence of complications. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the 12-core biopsy is a safe and more effective procedure for increasing the diagnostic rate of prostate cancer than the 6-core biopsy in patients with PSA level between 4.1 and 10.0 ng/mL, and the most useful anatomical area to be added was found to be cores from the anterior apex.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence, onset, duration and severity of hot flashes in men after bilateral orchidectomies (BO) for prostate cancer, to evaluate body temperature changes during hot flashes and to determine whether an elevated temperature within a few days after BO can be caused by deprivation of androgen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 101) were questioned about the characteristics of their hot flashes after BO for prostate cancer. A subgroup of these men (n = 17) were instructed to record their oral and forehead temperatures during and at fixed intervals between hot flashes daily for 4 weeks. RESULTS: The mean age was 71.6 years, mean follow-up after BO was 33.2 months. Hot flashes were reported by 87 men (86%) with previous spontaneous remission in 9 (10%). The median time between BO and the onset of hot flashes was 21 days (range 1-730), median number of hot flashes 3 per day (range 1-20), and median duration was 120 seconds (range 5 to 1800). There was no significant difference between median oral (36.4º C) and forehead (36.0º C) temperature in the normal state, but during hot flashes the median forehead temperature (37.0º C) was higher than the oral temperature (36.5º C) (p = 0.0004). Both median oral and forehead temperatures were higher during hot flashes (36.5º C and 37.0º C) than in the normal state (36.4º C and 36.0º C, respectively) (p < 0.0001). During hot flashes, the oral temperature was 38º C to 40º C in only 3.2% of 593 readings in 17 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The median oral and forehead temperatures are higher during hot flashes than in normal periods. Oral temperature elevation > 38º C within days after a BO is unlikely to be the result of androgen deprivation alone.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: There is evidence showing that Gleason grading of prostatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most powerful predictors of biological behavior and one of the most influential factors used to determine treatment for prostate cancer. The aim of the current study was to compare the Gleason score for needle biopsy to the Gleason score for the correspondent surgical specimen, find any possible difference in the biochemical (PSA) progression following surgery in upgraded cases, correlate Gleason score in the specimens to several clinicopathologic variables, and compare outcomes between patients with low-grade vs. high-grade Gleason and Gleason scores 3+4 vs. 4+3. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 200 consecutive patients submitted to radical prostatectomy. Biochemical progression was defined as PSA > 0.2 ng/mL. Time to PSA progression was studied using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit analysis. RESULTS: In 47.1% of the cases, there was an exact correlation and 40.6% of cases were underestimated in the biopsies. Half of the tumors graded Gleason 6 at biopsy were Gleason score 7 at surgery. These upgraded tumors had outcomes similar to tumors with Gleason score 7 in both biopsy and surgery. There was a positive correlation of high-grade Gleason score in the surgical specimens to higher preoperative PSA, more extensive tumors, positive margins and more advanced pathologic staging. Tumors with a Gleason score > 7 have lower PSA progression-free survival vs. Gleason scores < 7. In this series, there was no significant difference when comparing Gleason scores of 3+4 vs. 4+3. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the importance of Gleason grading for nomograms, which are used by clinicians to counsel individual patients and help them make important decisions regarding their disease.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of semen and urine culture in the diagnosis of chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 70 consecutive men suspected of having chronic bacterial prostatitis along with 17 asymptomatic controls, we obtained urine and semen cultures followed 1 week later by the Meares and Stamey test, our reference standard. The interpretation of each of the cultures was blind to the results of other tests. RESULTS: 139 men were referred for evaluation of chronic bacterial prostatitis and 70 received all tests. Additionally, 17 control men volunteered to participate. The Meares and Stamey Test was positive in 69 (79%) patients. The semen culture had a sensitivity of 45% and a specificity of 94%. The likelihood ratio associated with a positive semen culture was 8.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2 to 55.3); the likelihood ratio associated with a negative semen culture was 0.6 (95% CI 0.5 to 0.7). The urine culture had a sensitivity of 4% and a specificity of 100%. The likelihood ratio of a positive urine culture was infinity and of a negative urine culture was 0.96 (95% CI 0.9 to 1). CONCLUSIONS: While a positive semen culture in a symptomatic patient may suffice to select and start antibiotic treatment against chronic bacterial prostatitis, a negative culture does not rule out the condition. Urine cultures alone are not useful for diagnosing CBP. The Meares and Stamey test remains important for the diagnosis of CBP in practice.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: Determine how serum prostate-specific antigen (t-PSA) levels and free PSA (f/t PSA) ratio change following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty men with a mean age of 67.0 + 4.2 years (range 46 to 84 years) underwent TURP for BPH between May 2005 and October 2005. Preoperative assessment included symptom evaluation with the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) and the prostate volume estimation by transrectal ultrasound. Total PSA and f/t PSA ratio were assessed before the procedure, as well as 30, 60 and 180 days after the TURP. RESULTS: Clinical improvement after TURP, reflected by I-PSS score, was demonstrated as early as 30 days and remained stable until the end of the follow-up. Mean t-PSA declined 71% after TURP and 60 days after surgery the reduction reached its peak, stabilizing afterwards. It varied from 6.19 + 7.06 ng/mL before surgery to 1.75 + 1.66 ng/mL on day 60 (p < 0.001). The mean baseline f/t PSA ratio was 18.2% + 3.4% and was not significantly changed at any given time point in the postoperative period (p = 0.91). There were also no statistically significant differences in t-PSA or f/t PSA between patients with and without prostatitis at any time point (p = 0.23). Resected prostate fragments weighed 29.9 + 19.6 g, corresponding to 39.1% of the estimated preoperative prostate volume. Each gram of tissue resected decreased PSA by 0.15 + 0.11 ng/mL, while 1% prostate volume resected led to a reduction of 2.4% + 0.4% in serum PSA from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: PSA decreases drastically in patients who undergo TURP. These low levels stabilize within 60 days after surgery. The f/t PSA ratio did not change, and the finding of chronic prostatitis did not affect the levels of these variables.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of sperm defect severity and the type of azoospermia on the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 313 ICSI cycles that were divided into two major groups according to the source of spermatozoa used for ICSI: 1) Ejaculated (group 1; n = 220) and 2) Testicular/Epididymal (group 2; n = 93). Group 1 was subdivided into four subgroups according to the results of the semen analysis: 1) single defect (oligo-[O] or astheno-[A] or teratozoospermia-[T], n = 41), 2) double defect (a combination of two single defects, n = 45), 3) triple defect (OAT, n = 48), and 4) control (no sperm defects; n = 86). Group 2 was subdivided according to the type of azoospermia: 1) obstructive (OA: n = 39) and 2) non-obstructive (NOA: n = 54). Fertilization (2PN), cleavage, embryo quality, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates were statistically compared using one-way ANOVA and Chi-square analyses. RESULTS: Significantly lower fertilization rates were obtained when either ejaculated sperm with triple defect or testicular sperm from NOA patients (63.4 + 25.9% and 52.2 + 29.3%, respectively) were used for ICSI as compared to other groups (~73%; P < 0.05). Epididymal and testicular spermatozoa from OA patients fertilized as well as normal or mild/moderate deficient ejaculated sperm. Cleavage, embryo quality, pregnancy and miscarriage rates did not differ statistically between ejaculated and obstructive azoospermia groups. However, fertilization, cleavage and pregnancy rates were significantly lower for NOA patients. CONCLUSION: Lower fertilization rates are achieved when ICSI is performed with sperm from men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermic and non-obstructive azoospermic, and embryo development and pregnancy rates are significantly lower when testicular spermatozoa from NOA men are used.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of peritoneography in assessing the patency of processus vaginalis (PV) in pediatric patients diagnosed with cryptorchidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a prospective clinical trial to evaluate the patency of PV in boys presenting cryptorchidism. Herniography was performed in 310 prepubertal boys. Data about the morphology of PV was compared with operative findings in those surgically treated patients. Retractile and ectopic testes were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Of the 376 undescended testes (310 patients), 281 cases were associated with an obliterated PV. Herniography revealed 95 cases of open PV in cryptorchid boys. The 244 normally descended testes had associated patent processus vaginalis in only 31 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Herniography is the most relevant procedure for accurate diagnosis of persistent PV. The persistence of PV was significantly more frequent when the position of the testes is more cranial. The incidence of an open PV decreases with age.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: Women with drug refractory neurogenic mixed incontinence (NMI) have limited minimally invasive treatment options and require reconstructive surgery. We examined efficacy of a combination of day case intradetrusor (ID) botulinum toxin (BTX-A) bladder injections and transobturator (TOT) or tension free vaginal tape (TVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven women who are pharmacotherapy intolerant or who have drug refractory NMI were treated. Two opted for open surgery and the remaining 9 received 1000 units of Dysport diluted in 30 mL saline cystoscopically at 30 ID sites followed by TOT in 6 or TVT in 3 as a day case combination treatment. Patient demographics, pre and post treatment videocystometrogram (VCMG), pad test and International Committee on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) scores were recorded. At 6 weeks (repeat ICIQ, pad test and patient satisfaction), at 3 and 12 months (VCMG) and 'current' (ICIQ and patient satisfaction) was recorded. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.7 years (range 41 to 78) with a mean follow up of 19.1 months (range 7 to 33). All women were continent at 3 and 12 months. Quality of life (ICIQ scores) improved at 6 weeks (p > 0.001) and remained stable up to the last follow up (p > 0.001). Eight women have stopped using pads. At 3 months, there was significant improvement in MDP (p > 0.014) and MCC (p = 0.002). Anticholinergics were discontinued in 7 with global high satisfaction with the treatment BTX-A injections were repeated in 4 (mean 13.5 months). CONCLUSION: Anticholinergic refractory women with NMI can be effectively treated as a day case with combination of ID BTX-A injections and TVT or TOT.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that preoperative Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) predicts long-term outcome of mid-urethra slings for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-five patients with SUI were prospectively randomized to two mid-urethra sling treatments: Tension free vaginal tape (TVT) or transobturator tape (TOT). They were followed-up at 3, 6, 12 months post-operatively and then annually for the primary outcome variable, i.e. dry or wet and secondary outcome variables such as scores on the urogenital distress inventory (UDI-6) and the impact of incontinence on quality of life (IIQ-7) questionnaire as well as patient satisfaction as scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Preoperative VLPP was correlated with primary and secondary outcome variables. RESULTS: Mean follow-ups were 32 + 12 months (range 12-55) for TVT and 31 + 15 months (range 12-61) for TOT. When patients were analyzed according to VLPP stratification, 95 (65.5%) patients showed a VLPP > 60 cm H2O and 50 (34.5%) patients had a VLPP < 60 cm H2O. The overall objective cure rates were 75.8% for patients with VLPP > 60 cm H2O and 72% for those with VLPP < 60 cm H2O (p < 0.619). No significant differences in objective cure rates emerged when patients were stratified for pre-operative VLPP and matched for TOT or TVT procedures: VLPP > 60 cm H2O (82 % vs. 68.9% p < 0.172); VLPP < 60 cm H2O (68% vs. 76% p < 0.528). CONCLUSIONS: When patients were stratified for preoperative VLPP (< or > of 60 cm H2O), preoperative VLPP was not linked to outcome after TVT or TOT procedures.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative vaginal incision separation and healing in patients undergoing posterior repair with perforated porcine dermal grafts with those that received grafts without perforations. Secondarily, the tensile properties of the perforated and non-perforated grafts were measured and compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a non-randomized retrospective cohort analysis of women with stage II or greater rectoceles who underwent posterior repair with perforated and non-perforated porcine dermal grafts (PelvicolTM CR Bard Covington, GA USA). The incidence of postoperative vaginal incision separation (dehiscence) was compared. A secondary analysis to assess graft tensile strength, suture pull out strength, and flexibility after perforation was performed using standard test method TM 0133 and ASTM bending and resistance protocols. RESULTS: Seventeen percent of patients (21/127) who received grafts without perforations developed vaginal incision dehiscence compared to 7% (5/71) of patients who received perforated grafts (p = 0.078). Four patients with vaginal incision dehiscence with non-perforated grafts required surgical revision to facilitate healing. Neither tensile strength or suture pull out strength were significantly different between perforated and non-perforated grafts (p = 0.81, p = 0.29, respectively). There was no difference in the flexibility of the two grafts (p = 0.20). CONCLUSION: Perforated porcine dermal grafts retain their tensile properties and are associated with fewer vaginal incision dehiscences.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of repeated extracorporeal shock waves (ESW) on the apoptosis of renal parenchyma in normal and diabetic rats by the caspase-3 expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 80 rats were assigned for ESW (Direx Tripter X1® - 14 KVA) to one of three groups with 50% rats with diabetes (A) and 50% normal (B) in each: G1 (n = 40): no ESW; G2 (n = 20): one ESW; G3 (n = 20): two ESWin an interval of 14 days. The animals were sacrificed 3 days after the ESW and samples of the renal parenchyma were histologically prepared, stained by the caspase-3 cleavage immunohistochemical method, and the apoptotic index (ApIn) was calculated by computer program Image Pro-Plus V 4,5,1 Media Cybernetics® ( ApIn = number of apoptotic cells in the microscopic section / total cells in the microscopic section). RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in ApIn of normal rats with one ESW (8.4 + 0.2) or two ESW (9.1 + 0.3) and both were similar to the control group with no ESW (7.9 + 0.2). The ApIn of diabetic rats with one ESW (7.4 + 0.3) was similar to the normal rats with one or two ESW. On the other hand, the ApIn was statistically higher in diabetic rats with two ESW (11.9 + 0.4) than in diabetic rats with one ESW (7.4 + 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: The ApIn of normal rats with a single (2,000 SW) or repeated ESW (4,000 SW) was similar to the control animals without any ESW. In diabetic rats, the repeated ESW (4,000 SW) may result in an additional risk of tissue damage expressed by the higher ApIn.