The effect of systemic hypertension on prostatic artery resistive indices in patients with benign prostate enlargement

Background

To investigate the effect of systemic hypertension on the prostatic artery resistive indices by a comparative ultrasonographic evaluation of the prostate gland in normotensive and hypertensive patients with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).

Materials and methods

The participants had BPE and presented at the outpatient urologic clinic of a tertiary hospital. They were divided into normotensive and hypertensive groups. Each group had fifty patients. Calculation of international prostate symptom score, measurement of blood pressure, and transrectal ultrasonographic evaluation were done.

Results

The mean age for the normotensive and hypertensive groups were 66.9 ± 9.8 and 66.0 ± 10.7 years, respectively (P = 0.662). Patients with hypertensive BPE had a significantly higher mean transitional zone volume, transitional zone index, presumed circle area ratio, quality of life score, and prostatic arterial resistive indices than the age-matched normotensive BPE patients.

Conclusion

Patients with BPE and with hypertension had significantly higher prostate arteries resistive indices than normotensives with BPE. Even in patients with BPE and controlled hypertension, the prostatic artery resistance indices were still elevated than that of normotensive men with BPE.

Simple Prostatectomy for Giant Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Sub-Saharan Africa: Case Series and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause of bladder outlet obstruction in men worldwide. African men are known to have larger mean prostate volumes than other races. Giant benign prostatic hyperplasia (GBPH) is defined as prostate size greater than 200 grams. Management of GBPH is associated with several challenges which have been under-reported from the African sub-region.

OBJECTIVE

To highlight the peculiarities of clinical presentation, surgical management and outcome of GBPH.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Men with BPH and trans-rectal ultrasound estimated prostate volume > 200 grams who were scheduled for open simple prostatectomy between January and December 2016 in our hospital were prospectively studied.

RESULTS

Four patients with GBPH had simple prostatectomy during the period under review. Their ages ranged from 68 to 78 years with a mean age of 73.7 years.Three patients (75.0%) had transvesical prostatectomy while one (25.0%) had retropubic prostatectomy. The enucleated prostate specimen were found to weigh 312.1g, 396.4g, 420.8g and 450.0g respectively with mean weight of 394.8 ±50.2g and mean operation time of 111.7 ±19.7 minutes. They all had blood transfusion post-operatively with mean transfusion of 3±1.5 pints of blood per patient with relatively longer hospital stay (mean 10 days).

CONCLUSION

The surgical management of GBPH can be quite challenging. Recalcitrant gross haematuria, chronic urinary retention and renal impairment are possible modes of presentation. Open simple prostatectomy is the best option for treatment in our environment. It is associated with improved quality of life and minimal morbidity in expert hands.

Diagnostic performance of transrectal ultrasound for prostate volume estimation in men with benign prostate hyperplasia

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Despite transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) being regarded as gold standard for prostate volume estimation, concerns have been raised in the literature concerning its accuracy especially in men with above-average prostate volumes. We aimed to evaluate the performance of TRUS for prostate volume estimation in a cohort of sub-Saharan African men since they are known to have relatively large mean prostate volumes.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of 77 sub-Saharan African men who had open simple prostatectomy for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Pre-operative TRUS determined total prostate volume (TPV) and transition zone volume (TZV). Following surgical enucleation, the adenoma was weighed (EPW) and its volume (EPV) also determined by fluid displacement. TRUS was repeated six weeks post-operatively to calculate the TRUS-estimated specimen volume (TESV).

RESULTS

The mean EPV, EPW, TRUS-estimated TZV, TRUS-estimated TPV and TESV were 79.1 ± 62.9 ml, 79.1 ± 62.9 g, 53.3 ± 28.5 ml, 93.1 ± 48.9 ml and 69.9 ± 44.6 ml, respectively. Pearson's correlation showed a perfect relationship between EPW and EPV with no difference in their mean values (r = 1.000; P < .001). Pearson's correlation between TRUS-estimated TPV vs EPV, TRUS-estimated TZV vs EPV, and between TESV vs EPV were 0.932, 0.865 and 0.930, respectively (P = .0000). TRUS significantly under-estimated the TZV and TESV by 25.8 ml and 9.2 ml, respectively; unrelated to the severity of prostate enlargement.

CONCLUSION

TRUS underestimates prostate volume, independent of prostate size. We propose simple formulae that could be used to improve the prostate volume determination from TRUS, especially if magnetic resonance imaging is not readily available or contraindicated.

Unusual presentation of advanced prostate cancer in a black population of South-Western Nigeria

There are growing concerns on the varying pattern of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) presentation across the world. We report some of the unusual presentations of PCa at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, South-Western Nigeria. A review of all patients with histologically confirmed PCa who had unusual presentations between January 2014 and December 2015 was done. Unusual presentation was defined as an atypical feature in the absence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), with the diagnosis of PCa only suspected after abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) and/or elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) assay. Thirteen patients had an unusual presentation in OAUTHC during the study period. Five (38.5%) had left supraclavicular swellings while four (30.8%) had haematochyzia and tenesmus. Other unusual presentations include large bowel obstruction requiring emergency colostomy (2;15.4%) and a scalp mass (1;7.7%). All patients had appropriate treatment for stage of PCa and are being followed up in the out-patient clinic. The change in presentations of PCa may suggest the need for DRE and serum PSA assay among all middle-aged and elderly men presenting at health facilities. Large scale studies on PCa across different population groups may also help at identifying related clinical, demographic and epidemiological factors as well as possible validation of some of these unusual presentations.

Prostate Cancer and Prostate Cancer Screening: Knowledge and Attitude Among a Semiurban Population of Nigerian Men

Background and context: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy among men in Nigeria. Despite the high prevalence, there seems to be poor awareness on PCa and PCa screening among Nigerian men. Deficient knowledge and ignorance on PCa may account for late presentation with resultant worse outcomes in Nigerian men. Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitude of a cohort of Nigerian men toward PCa and PCa screening. Strategy/Tactics: A prospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on cohorts of men in the Ile-Ife community of southwestern Nigeria between August 2016 and February 2017. Men across all spheres were targeted (university lecturers, artisans, religious leaders, etc.) to have representative data from men in the community. Semistructured questionnaires were used to gather information on their knowledge about PCa, as well as their attitude toward PCa screening. Health talks on PCa were given to all the respondents immediately after filling the questionnaires. Analysis of completed questionnaires was done using SPSS version 20. Program/Policy process: Prostate Cancer Screening Advocacy Program in Nigeria. Outcomes: Four hundred and fifty (450) men above 40 years of age were administered the questionnaires, out of which 428 (95.1%) questionnaires were analyzed. The mean age of the respondents was 58.5 ± SD 9.3 years. One hundred and eighteen (27.6%) of them were either university lecturers or men with tertiary education while 310 (72.4%) had lower level of education. Among the lecturers, 86 (72.9%) showed good awareness of PCa while only 26 (8.5%) men among the less educated group were as aware of PCa. Only 57 (13%) men older than 50 years had presented to the hospital for prostate specific antigen (PSA) check. Three hundred and seventy men (86.5%) were oblivious to the role of PSA in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and were unwilling to have routine digital rectal examination (DRE). Respondents with superior knowledge of prostate cancer stated that they were more likely to routinely go for prostate cancer screening. What was learned: There is still limited knowledge of PCa and poor attitude toward PCa screening among men in our community. Health education is therefore critical as this may encourage early detection and possibly decrease disease-related mortality.

Experience with arteriovenous fistula creation for maintenance hemodialysis in a tertiary hospital in South-Western Nigeria

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is prevalent in our region. A major mode of treatment is by maintenance hemodialysis, and reliable vascular access is paramount for this to be successful. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation offers permanent vascular access in patients with ESRD. We present our experience on AVF creation over a 10-year period. Our objective was to retrospectively review the outcome of all cases of AVF that have been created for ESRD patients at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife Nigeria between January 2006 and December 2015. The demographic characteristics, indications, clinical and intraoperative findings, operative complications and outcomes were filled into a pre-designed proforma. A total of 80 cases were reviewed. The age range was 17-80 years, with a mean of 49.03 ± 16.34 years. Males (85%) were more common than females (15%). Chronic glomerulonephritis and hypertension accounted for about 77.5% of etiology of ESRD in these patients. The left (non-dominant) upper limb was used in 88.1% of cases whereas 11.9% were created on the right upper limb. The distal radio-cephalic AVF (76.3%) was most commonly performed; with either the end (vein) to side (artery) (68.8%) or side-to-side (31.2%) anastomotic techniques employed. There was a primary failure in six patients (7.5%). Primary failure was more common in diabetics and thrombosis (7.5%) was the most common cause for primary failure. AVF creation has very good outcome in well-selected patients.

SCROTAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA AND ASSOCIATED BLINDNESS: A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma of the scrotum is a rare disease which has been linked with occupational exposure to certain industrial carcinogens. Scanty reports of scrotal carcinoma exist in literature but in very few places worldwide. To our knowledge, there has been one documented report of scrotal carcinoma in our country and this is the first report of scrotal carcinoma in over 45years existence of our tertiary Health institution. We present the clinical evaluation, investigations and surgical intervention of a blind elderly welder with squamous cell carcinoma of the scrotum at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

CASE PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT

A 65 year-old blind welder presented to us with a painless fungating scrotal mass of two years' duration. He had prior incision and drainage of the swelling in a primary health centre but this failed to heal, with copious purulent discharge. The mass measured 20cm x 15cm x 8cm and was inseparable from the right testis and cord structures, with infiltration of the root of the penis. The inguinal lymph nodes were not enlarged. CT scan confirmed localized scrotal tumour and biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma.He subsequently had wide local excision of the scrotal tumour (with at least 2cm free margins), right total orchidectomy and advancement flap closure of scrotal defect. Histopathological reports corroborated the earlier findings and confirmed tumour free margins. He has remained well 18 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Squamous cell carcinoma of the scrotum, though rare, is the commonest malignancy affecting the scrotum worldwide. Surgery still remains the mainstay of treatment and early intervention improves the chances of a favourable outcome.

Peculiarities and management challenges of advanced renal cell carcinoma incidentally discovered in pregnancy

Our aim is that urologists, gynecologists, nephrologists, and general practitioners will be reminded that diagnosis of renal malignancies sometimes require a high index of suspicion as they may remain asymptomatic in advanced stages; even as they can also rarely co‐exist with and cause peculiar challenges in pregnancy.

Knowledge, attitudes and screening practices regarding prostatic diseases among men older than 40 years: a population-based study in Southwest Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

Despite the global increase in awareness of prostatic diseases resulting from widespread availability of screening tools, there is no evidence that the knowledge, attitudes and screening practices of Nigerian men have improved regarding prostatic diseases.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study amongst 305 community-dwelling men. Respondents were selected using multi-staged sampling techniques. Knowledge, attitudes and screening practices were determined based on responses to a semi-structured KAP questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact test (two-tail) with level of significance set at 0.05 were used to determine the level of statistical significance. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to establish correlation between variables.

RESULTS

Mean age of respondents was 63.4±11.8 years. Slightly less than half, 145(47.5%) were aware of prostate cancer (PCa) while only 99(32.5%) and 91(29.8%) were aware of BPH and prostatitis respectively. About a quarter (25.1%) had heard of PSA. The main sources of information were radio and television. Overall, 143(46.9%) respondents had good knowledge while 162(53.1%) had poor knowledge. Sexually transmitted disease was the commonest misconception as the cause of prostatic diseases. Overall, 44.3% had good attitudes. Only 31(10.2%) respondents had ever carried out screening for PCa. Only educational and occupational status had significant associations with level of knowledge and attitudes of participants. The only factor that influenced screening practices was educational status.

CONCLUSION

There is a poor level of knowledge, attitudes and screening practices regarding prostatic diseases in Nigeria. We recommend a widespread public health education to improve knowledge, attitudes and screening practices for prostatic diseases.