[Percutaneous radiofrequency sacral rhizotomy in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in spinal cord injured patients]

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the effects of percutaneous radiofrequency sacral rhizotomy in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients on urodynamic parameters (maximum cystometric capacity - MCC and detrusor pressure at maximum cystometric capacity - PdetMCC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective study assessed eight patients with SCI (four men and four women) with a mean age of 31.3years (22 to 41). Mean interval period between spinal cord lesion and rhizotomy was 53.5 months (20 to 96). All patients underwent an anesthetic block of the 3rd sacral root bilaterally using 0.5% bupivacaine under fluoroscopic control. Those who responded with an increase on bladder capacity were selected to undergo the percutaneous radiofrequency sacral rhizotomy. All patients underwent urodynamic evaluation at 6 and 12 months following the procedure. MCC and P(det)MCC were recorded.

RESULTS

All patients presented a significant improvement on MCC after 12 months. The mean vesical volume increased from 100.2±57.1 to 282.9±133.4ml (p<0.05). The P(det)MCC reduced from 82.4±31.7 to 69.9±28.7cmH(2)O (p=0.2). Three patients with autonomic dysreflexia had complete relief of symptoms after the procedure. At 12 months, recurrence of detrusor hyperactivity was observed in all patients. One patient presented abolishment of reflex erections after the procedure. No major complications related to the rhizotomy were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous radiofrequency sacral rhizotomy is a minimally invasive technique with low morbidity able to increase MCC. There is a trend towards the reduction of the P(det)MCC in SCI patients at 12 months, although statistical significance was not reached.

[Long term follow-up of the tendinous urethral support: an anatomical approach for stress urinary incontinence]

Sling procedures have been around for decades in the management female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), but only in the past decade they have become the preferred technique. Minimally invasive procedures are the procedure of choice in many centers for your efficacy and low morbidity. The tendinous urethral support (TUS) represents an anatomical approach that consists in placing a midurethral low tension tape anchored to the tendinous arc bilaterally. From February 1999 to October 2000, 25 female patients (mean age: 53 years old), with SUI underwent TUS procedure, and 23 were available for follow-up. Those patients were followed until 72 months. After six months, 20 (87%) patients were dry, 2 (8.7%) improved and 1 (4.3%) incontinent. However, at the last evaluation, 15 (65.2%) investigation.

[Three dimensional anatomy and virtual surgery for transobturator approach]

INTRODUCTION

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) may be managed by transobturator approach. We developed a three-dimensional model, for understanding the surgical anatomy and manual training as well, in order to reduce the learning curve for pelvic surgeries.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate in synthetic models, the anatomical basis for the management of SUI and cystocele.

METHOD

The anatomical model includes: pelvic bones, the main layers of the pelvic muscles, ligaments and fascias. The surgical devices were transobturator needles, synthetic slings and meshes for anterior vaginal wall repair. The workshop was carried out with an anatomical overview and hands-on training in this tridimentional models and finally surgery in animals. At the end, a questionnaire was applied to verify the impact of this tool in the learning process and trainee satisfaction.

RESULTS

As far as the anatomical concept, 90% (n=72) of the participants classified this model as very good and 10% (n=8) as good. As a tool for understanding the tridimentional pelvic floor anatomy applied to transobturator procedures there were 100% of approval.

CONCLUSIONS

This synthetic model allows for understanding the pelvic floor tridimentional anatomy and surgical procedures as well. Further skill is got in the animal model reducing the learning curve for transobturator procedures.

Histological and histochemical changes of the intestinal mucosa at the urothelial-enteric anastomotic site

OBJECTIVE

The incorporation of bowel segments for urinary tract reconstruction may induce intestinal mucosal changes with the development of metabolic, nutritional, gastrointestinal and carcinogenic complications. The early histological and histochemical changes of the intestinal mucosa in contact with the feces-urine mixture, are evaluated in the present study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve rats (operated group) were submitted to a vesico-colonic anastomosis, and 10 rats (control group) underwent a sham operation (the colon was opened and immediately sutured). On the operated group, the left colon was divided into 3 equal portions and the middle segment was used for the bladder-colonic anastomosis. After 20 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and the entire left colon in each group, as well as the bladder and the vesico-colonic anastomosis in the operated group, was removed. The proximal, middle (anastomotic site in the operated group and sutured portion in the control group) and distal colon were used for histological and histochemical studies.

RESULTS

Metaplasia, chronic inflammatory process and fibrosis were significantly greater at the anastomotic site compared to the middle segment of the control group. There were no differences in both groups in terms of dysplasia, atrophy and hypertrophy either on the proximal, middle or anastomotic area and distal portion of the left colon. All animals in the operated group showed a reduced presence of sulfomucin and an increase in the sialomucin content.

CONCLUSION

The histological changes observed in this study may suggest a precancerous phenomenon.

[Is there a place for randomized biopsies in the follow up of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder?]

INTRODUCTION

Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder represents a disease of entire urothelial tract. The follow up is very important to detect any lesion that might represent a progression or a local recurrence. Some authors recommend randomized biopsies as a routine workup, others recommend cystoscopies and urinary cytology as the main part of superficial bladder cancer follow up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty nine patients with superficial bladder cancer were followed up during a ten-year period. Randomized biopsies and urinary cytology were harvested according to the international cancer protocol on bladder cancer.

RESULTS

15 (1%) out of 1.489 randomized biopsies found to be positive to transitional cell carcinoma. Four out (10.5%) of 35 biopsies targeted to suspicious areas were positive to transitional cell carcinoma. 50 (17.4%) out of 288 cystoscopies with urinary cytology found to be positive to transitional cell carcinoma. Sensitivity and Specificity of biopsies (including randomized and targeted) were 31% and 85.2% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of cystoscopies with urinary cytology were 48% and 86.5% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Randomized biopsies did not show to detect more local recurrence or progression when compared to the urinary cytology. Cystoscopies with urinary cytology have good sensitivity and specificity for detection of tumor recurrence during follow up of transitional cell carcinoma.

Intermittent androgen replacement for intense hypogonadism symptoms in castrated patients

OBJECTIVES

For locally advanced prostate cancer management, medical androgen deprivation and surgical castration are alternatives. These hormonal treatments may cause a myriad of side effects, such as osteoporosis with increased risk of fractures, anemia, behavioral changes and lack of sexual interest. We evaluated the feasibility of intermittent androgen replacement in surgically castrated patients with significant side effects.

METHODS

Five patients with advanced prostate cancer, ranging from 71 to 77 years of age (mean age = 74 years), surgically castrated for at least 3 years, with important symptoms of hypoandrogenism received testosterone replacement. They were followed with PSA and testosterone measurement every other month and bone scans every 6 months.

RESULTS

For the first year all patients improved significantly, none of them showed PSA increase over 10 ng/ml. There was no evidence of local recurrence or distant disease. After 18 months, only one patient (20%) had a significant PSA increase, controlled by androgen withdrawal. No side effects or metastasis were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Hormonal replacement in patients that underwent castration seems to be feasible in improving intense symptoms associated to androgen deprivation. After 18 months, no evidence of recurrence was noted. It is an experimental alternative for highly symptomatic patients, but the short follow-up and the small number of patients cannot allow for definitive conclusions and should be studied further.

Effects of high-energy shock wave on organs adjacent to the kidney in the growing rat

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of high-energy shock waves (HESW) on organs adjacent to the kidney, in the growing rat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 60 Wistar male rats. Upon completing 30 days of age, a radiopaque marker was placed in the animals' left renal cavity. With 40 days of age, after radiologically confirming the markers' position, the rats were divided into 2 groups: control-group--30 rats that did not receive shock waves; experimental group--30 rats exposed to 1000 shock waves of 17.2 KV in intensity. The rats were sacrificed 7, 90 and 180 days after exposure to HESW. The bodily growth was assessed and the analysis of macro- and microscopic morphology of liver, spleen, pancreas, lungs and adrenals.

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference in the animals' bodily growth. The microscopic morphologic analysis demonstrated significant alterations in spleen (proliferative changes in the red pulp) and liver (cloudy swelling) of the animals submitted to HESW and sacrificed on the seventh day. These changes completely disappeared in subsequent analyses.

CONCLUSION

HESW applied to rat did not inhibit the animals' growth and caused transitory histological lesion in spleen (proliferative changes in the red pulp) and in liver (cloudy swelling of hepatocytes). Such changes were observed only in the group that was exposed to HESW and was sacrificed 7 days following the experiment, presenting spontaneous recovery.

Correlación entre los prolapsos urogenitales y la presencia de detrusor hiperactivo

PURPOSE

To evaluate the urodynamic characteristics of a series of women with stress urinary incontinence presenting various rates of vaginal prolapse.

METHODS

92 female patients were included in this study, mean age was 48 years (range 29-75). All patients underwent urogynecologic physical examination (vaginal prolapse was graded) and complete urodynamic study in order to detect the presence of detrusor overactivity. Urodynamic terminology and measurements comply with the ICS (International Continence Society) standards. Statistical significance was established below 0.05.

RESULTS

65 women (70.6%) presented anterior vaginal prolapse and 31 (33.6%) posterior vaginal prolapse. Involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscle appeared in 13 patients (20%) who had an anterior vaginal prolapse and 6 women (19.3%) who had a posterior vaginal prolapse. The existence of involuntary contractions was not associated with the diagnosis of vaginal prolapse.

CONCLUSION

Our study did not show any correlation between existence of vaginal prolapse and detrusor overactivity.

Resiniferatoxin for detrusor instability refractory to anticholinergics

PURPOSE

We have evaluated the clinical and urodynamic effects of intravesical instillation of resiniferatoxin in patients with idiopathic detrusor instability refractory to anticholinergics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

There were 30 women, median age 56 years old with detrusor instability for over 6 months and a history of anticholinergic use with no response or intolerable collateral effects. A 50 nM solution of resiniferatoxin was prepared for intravesical instillation. All patients were evaluated for urinary symptoms, as well as for urodynamic assessments before and 30 days after instillation. Tolerability was analyzed during the instillation.

RESULTS

A clinical improvement was observed in 30% of the patients with urinary urgency and in 33% of the patients with urge-incontinence. The mean maximum cystometric capacity before application was 303.9 +/- 78.9 and after application 341 +/- 84.6. No significant difference was observed (p = 0.585). The mean maximum amplitude of the contractions diminished from 47.86 +/- 29.64 to 38.72 +/- 30.77 (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Resiniferatoxin, in this concentration, proved to be useful in a small percentage of patients regarding clinical detrusor instability. Maximum amplitude of the involuntary contractions was significantly reduced and in 33% patients the involuntary contractions disappeared. Further studies with different concentrations are recommended.

Safyre. Un nuevo concepto de cabestrillo ajustable mínimamente invasivo para la incontinencia urinaria por estrés femenina

INTRODUCTION

SAFYRE is a new readjustable and minimally invasive sling for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Attempts to restore the normal suburethral hammock using an anatomical approach have been made in recent years. The authors report their experience with this device, which associates the efficacy of slings with readjustability.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 100 consecutive patients with clinical and urodynamic diagnosis of SUI underwent SAFYRE sling procedure. The age range was from 40 to 71, mean age 63 years. Seventy-five patients (75%) presented previous failed anti-incontinence procedures. Physical clinical examination, stress test, pad use and a urodynamic study were performed before the surgery. All the patients presented symptoms of SUI and 30% also reported mild urgency.

RESULTS

The average follow up period was 14 months (12-30 months). The mean operative time was of 25 minutes. Dystopia repair was performed whenever necessary, during the same procedure. The average hospital stay was 24 hours. In 3% of the implants, bladder perforation occurred. During the postoperative period, 26 patients developed urgency symptoms. During that follow up period, 92% were found to be continent, 3% reported an improvement and 5% were dissatisfied.

CONCLUSION

SAFYRE is a safe and quick procedure that allows for postoperative readjustment. This technique may be an attractive alternative if the good result obtained so far proves to be long lasting.

Urodynamic studies in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

We compared the clinical and urodynamic outcome of men with lower urinary tract symptoms with and without previous urodynamic evaluation submitted to transurethral resection of the prostate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective and randomized study was performed in 315 patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate. In 151 patients (group A) with a mean age of 63 years, transurethral resection of the prostate was performed without a prior urodynamic study, and group B, 164 patients with a mean age of 61 years, underwent a urodynamic study prior to surgical procedure. In group B, only obstructed patients were selected for surgery. All patients had I-PSS higher than 15 and underwent at least 2 uroflowmetry and flow was lower than 10 ml/sec. At 6-month follow up, patients in both groups underwent the I-PSS questionnaire and pressure / flow study.

RESULTS

The symptomatology and uroflowmetry did not display different behavior between the groups. The mean postoperative score for group A was 8.87 + 3.27 and for group B was 9.32 + 3.14 (p = 0.22). The mean postoperative uroflow for group A was 17.0 + 2.1 mL/s and for group B was 16.6 + 2.2 mL/s (p = 0.15).Postoperative, in group A, 27 patients (17.8%) were obstructed and in group B, 16 patients (9.75%) were obstructed (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that the previous urodynamic study is not the only factor related to the success of surgical outcome; and therefore, the symptomatology and uroflowmetry associated would be enough during the preoperative routine studies for BPH patients.

The effect of ovariectomy and estradiol replacement on collagen and elastic fibers in the bladder of rats

The authors quantified the collagen and elastic fibers in the bladder wall of ovariectomized rats with and without estradiol replacement. This study was conducted on 60 3-month-old Wistar rats. Group 1 remained intact; group 2 underwent bilateral ovariectomy and were sacrificed after 30 days; group 3 were sham operated and sacrificed after 30 days; group 4 had a bilateral ovariectomy and after 30 days were started on subcutaneous injections of 17beta-estradiol (10 microg/kg body weight) for 90 days; group 5 were sham operated and after 30 days were on started subcutaneous sesame oil replacement (0.2 ml/day) for 90 days; group 6 had a bilateral ovariectomy and after 30 days were started on subcutaneous sesame oil replacement (0.2 ml/day) for 90 days. Sirius red and Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin were used to stain collagen and elastic fibers on paraffin-embedded rat bladder sections. The M-42 grid system was used to quantitatively analyze the fibers. Ovariectomy had no effect on the volumetric density and absolute volume of the collagen and elastic fibers in the bladder wall of rats, or on the weight of the bladder. Estradiol replacement in castrated animals did not demonstrate any significant difference in the stereological parameters compared to the castrated group without hormonal replacement.

Routine ureteral stenting after ureteroscopy for ureteral lithiasis: is it really necessary?

PURPOSE

We assessed the cost-effectiveness of routine ureteral stenting after ureteroscopic stone removal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 295 consecutive patients who underwent rigid ureteroscopic stone removal 133 in group 1 and 162 in group 2 were randomized to receive and not receive a stent, respectively, after the procedure. Operative time, stone size, stone location, success rate, postoperative pain and complications were analyzed in each group.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the 2 groups regarding stone size, stone location, success rate, postoperative pain or complications. However, in group 1 operative time was significantly longer than in group 2 (chi-square test p = 0.019). The hospital charge per patient when placing and not placing a stent after ureteroscopy for stone removal was $9,900.95 and $3,661.78, respectively. The female patients with a stent without a suture required an extra charge for stent removal in the operating room, while no men had a stent with a suture.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine catheter placement after ureteroscopic stone removal increased operative time and did not seem to improve patient outcome. The cost was 30% that without a stent.

Nonadrenergic, noncholinergic relaxation of human isolated corpus cavernosum induced by scorpion venom

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effects of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom (TSV) on human corpus cavernosum (HCC) using a bioassay cascade. Priapism is occasionally observed in scorpion envenomation, mostly in children.

METHODS

HCC strips were suspended in a cascade system and superfused with aerated and warmed Krebs' solution at 5 mL/min. Noradrenaline (3 micromol/L) was infused to induce a submaximal contraction of the HCC strips. The release of cyclooxygenase products was prevented by infusing indomethacin (6 micromol/L).

RESULTS

N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 micromol/L; n = 10) increased the tone of the preparations and significantly reduced (P <0.01) the acetylcholine (ACh) and TSV-induced relaxations. Subsequent infusion of L-arginine (300 micromol/L) partially reversed the increased tone and significantly restored the relaxations induced by TSV and ACh (P <0.01). The soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (10 micromol/L; n = 8) markedly reduced (P <0.01) the relaxations induced by TSV, ACh, glyceryl trinitrate, and bradykinin. 7-Nitroindazole (10 micromol/L; n = 8) inhibited the relaxations induced by TSV by 84% (P <0.01) and also caused small, but significant, reductions in the ACh and bradykinin-induced HCC relaxations (P <0.05). Atropine (1 micromol/L; n = 6) abolished the relaxations evoked by ACh (P <0.01), but had no effect on those elicited by TSV. Tetrodotoxin (1 micromol/L; n = 6) abolished the relaxations induced by TSV (P <0.01) and also reversed the established TSV-induced relaxation (n = 4).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that TSV relaxes HCC through the release of nitric oxide from nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) nerves. The elucidation of the mechanism responsible for the TSV-induced relaxations might be useful for a better understanding of the development of priapism in cases of scorpion envenomation.

The transverse colonic reservoir: the Unicamp technique

OBJECTIVE

To present the results of a continent and nonrefluxing transverse colonic urinary reservoir technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients who had received high doses of irradiation underwent construction of transverse colonic reservoir as a primary form of urinary diversion. Fourteen patients had a vesicovaginal fistula after definitive radiation therapy for gynaecological tumours and six had radiation therapy for invasive bladder cancer as a definitive treatment. They were followed for a median (range) of 4.5(1-8) years. Intravenous pyelography before diversion showed mild hydronephrosis in 10 patients.

RESULTS

After diversion, hydronephrosis improved in four patients and no upper tract deteriorated. All but one of the pouchograms showed no ureteric reflux. All the patients required clean intermittent self-catheterization every 3-4 h. Persistent asymptomatic bacteriuria was present in 14 patients, although clinical urinary tract infections were not reported. A moderate metabolic acidosis was present in 12 patients, but none required treatment. The urodynamic evaluation revealed a median (range) reservoir capacity of 450 (350-600) mL, with no contractions or contractions of <35 cm H2O.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the Unicamp technique for constructing a transverse colonic reservoir is a safe and effective diversion, and is recommended as an alternative method for patients treated by pelvic irradiation.

Is transurethral vaporization a remake of transurethral resection of the prostate?

PURPOSE

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is still the gold standard method to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP) is compared with the transurethral resection of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over a 10-month period, 78 patients presenting with moderate and severe symptomatic BPH were randomized into two groups. A total of 38 patients underwent TURP, and 40 men underwent TUVP. The protocol included urinary flow rate (Qmax), symptomatology evaluated by the International Prostatic Symptom Score (I-PSS), and an ultrasonographic estimate of the postvoiding residual volume (PVR). The TUVP was carried out using a regular loop with the electrical source set at 250 to 300 W in the pure cutting mode. The same technique was used in the TURP, but the electrosurgical unit was set at 50 to 80 W for cutting and 50 W for hemostasis. The mean follow-up was 17 months (range 11-23 months).

RESULTS

The data showed significant improvement in the symptom score, maximum flow rate, and postvoiding residual urine volume after treatment (P<0.01) in both groups. Comparing the symptom score, there was no difference between the two techniques (P = 0.88), the same occurring with the PVR (P = 0.78). However, the Qmax was higher after TURP (P = 0.02). The amount of tissue resected showed no statistical difference between the two techniques (P>0.05). Operative time, postoperative irrigation, catheter removal, and hospital stay were better with TUVP (P = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.003) when we compared the occurrence of retrograde ejaculation with TURP (32%) and TUVP (65%) The TUVP using a regular loop, in addition to the advantage of the equipment and technique already being familiar to urologists, is efficient and reduces capital expenditure.

CONCLUSION

The TUVP is a remake of TURP, with higher energy offering better results.

Evaluation of patients with bladder outlet obstruction and mild international prostate symptom score followed up by watchful waiting

OBJECTIVES

To examine the variability of bladder outlet obstruction and mild lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) followed up by watchful waiting.

METHODS

The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) has four questions related to voiding symptoms and three related to filling symptoms. Scores of 0 to 7, 8 to 19, and 20 to 35 represent mild, moderate, and severe symptoms, respectively. Over a period of 36 months the IPSS questionnaire was administered to 479 patients 50 to 81 years old (mean age 63) with BPH. A pressure-flow study was used to determine the presence of bladder outlet obstruction. On the basis of their scores, the patients were classified into 50 with mild, 227 with moderate, and 202 with severe symptoms. In the present study only patients with a mild score were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 50 patients with mild symptoms, 16 (32%) had bladder outlet obstruction. After a period of 9 to 22 months (mean 17) of watchful waiting, these 16 patients were reviewed. Twelve (75%) of the 16 had bladder outlet obstruction reconfirmed by pressure-flow studies, and 3 (18.8%) of 16 had increased symptoms (moderate symptomatic) and underwent treatment (1 began pharmacologic treatment, and 2 chose transurethral resection). A total of 4 (25%) of 16 patients still had mild voiding disturbances and refused the second urodynamic evaluation. The remaining 34 patients with no obstruction had annual routine follow-up and had persistent mild symptom scores and normal uroflowmetric results. These patients did not undergo another pressure-flow evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

A pressure-flow study is routinely avoided in patients with a mild IPSS. From symptoms alone it was not possible to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction in these patients. Pressure-flow studies and symptom profiles measure different aspects of the clinical condition. After a mean follow-up of 17 months of watchful waiting, 13 (81.2%) of 1 6 patients were clinically stable. Because the need for therapy is dictated by quality of life, it is difficult to propose treatment for patients with minimal symptoms, even in the presence of bladder outlet obstruction.

Transurethral resection of partially obstructed ejaculatory ducts: seminal parameters and pregnancy outcomes according to the etiology of obstruction

PURPOSE

We determine how transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts performed for infertility affects seminal parameters and pregnancy outcomes in patients with partial ejaculatory duct obstruction due to a congenital or acquired etiological factor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on history and physical examination, hormonal profiles, semen analyses, transrectal ultrasonography and vasography findings partial ejaculatory duct obstruction was diagnosed in 14 men a mean of 30 years old who presented for infertility evaluation. Patients were grouped according to congenital or acquired cause of obstruction. Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts was performed using the standard resectoscope loop technique. Clinical outcome was assessed by postoperative analyses of seminal parameters and pregnancy reports.

RESULTS

Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts significantly improved semen quality (ejaculate volume and percentage of sperm motility) in all patients in the congenital group, while all but 1 (83%) had an improved sperm count. Pregnancy was achieved via sexual intercourse by 66% of the patients an average of 5.7 months postoperatively. Of the acquired etiological factor group 37.5% had improved semen quality after transurethral resection of ejaculatory duct and 12.5% achieved pregnancy via sexual intercourse. Postoperative complications occurred at a similar rate in each group (33%). However, complications in the congenital etiology group were minor, while 25% of the men in the acquired group had significant impairment of seminal parameters after transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts.

CONCLUSIONS

Semen quality improvement and pregnancy outcome after transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts for partial ejaculatory duct obstruction differ significantly according to the main etiological cause of obstruction. An equivocal diagnosis of partial obstruction and technical problems during transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts may contribute to failure. However, in some cases the reason for failure remains unclear.

Pharmacological characterization of kinin-induced relaxation of human corpus cavernosum

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the kinin receptor subtype involved in the relaxation of human isolated corpus cavernosum (HCC) induced by bradykinin (BK), Lys-bradykinin (Lys-BK), Met-Lys-bradykinin (Met-Lys-BK) and des-Arg9-bradykinin, and to investigate whether the kinin-induced relaxation of HCC results from the stimulation of nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) neurons supplying the cavernosal tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Excised HCC tissues were immediately placed in Krebs solution and kept at 4 degrees C until use (never > 24 h after removal). HCC was cut in strips of approximately 2 cm, suspended in a cascade system and superfused with oxygenated and warmed Krebs solution at 5 mL/min. After equilibration for approximately 90 min, noradrenaline (3 micromol/L) was infused to induce a submaximal contraction of the HCC strips. The release of cyclo-oxygenase products was prevented by infusing indomethacin (6 micromol/L). HCC strips were calibrated by injecting a single bolus of the nitrovasodilator glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) and the sensitivity of the tissues adjusted electronically to be similar. The agonists (kinins, histamine and acetylcholine) were injected as a single bolus (up to 100 microL) and the relaxation of HCC expressed as a percentage of the submaximal relaxation induced by GTN.

RESULTS

Bradykinin, Lys-BK and Met-Lys-BK significantly relaxed the HCC tissues; on a molar basis, there was no statistical difference among the degrees of relaxation induced by these peptides. The B1 kinin receptor agonist des-Arg9-bradykinin had no effect on the HCC. The infusion of the B2 kinin receptor antagonist Hoe 140 (50 nmol/L) virtually abolished the relaxation induced by BK, Lys-BK and Met-Lys-BK without affecting those induced by acetylcholine and histamine. The infusion of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester increased the tone of the HCC tissues and significantly reduced (P < 0.01) the relaxation induced by BK (74%), Lys-BK (90%), Met-Lys-BK (87%) and acetylcholine (89%) without affecting those induced by GTN. The subsequent infusion of L-arginine (300 micromol/L) partially reversed the increased tone and significantly (P < 0.01) restored the relaxation induced by BK, Lys-BK and Met-Lys-BK. The results were similar with the novel guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo[4,3,-alquinoxalin-1-one] which reduced by > 95% (P < 0.01) the relaxation induced by BK, Lys-BK, Met-Lys-BK, acetylcholine and GTN. The infusion of the sodium-channel blocker tetrodotoxin had no significant effect on the BK-, GTN- and acetylcholine-induced relaxation of HCC.

CONCLUSION

This study clearly showed the existence of functional B2 kinin receptors in human erectile tissues that when activated lead to the release of NO and hence relaxation of the HCC tissues. As tetrodotoxin failed to affect the kinin-induced relaxation of HCC strips, it is likely that these peptides release NO from the endothelium of sinusoidal capillaries rather than from neuronal sources supplying the cavernosal tissue. Although tissue kallikreins and their components have been found in the male reproductive system, the physiopathological importance of these findings has yet to be elucidated.

Quality of life after partial penectomy for penile carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the impact of partial penectomy on the quality of life of patients with carcinoma of the penis.

METHODS

Fourteen patients who had undergone partial penectomy for penile cancer were studied. Their median age was 50.5 years and the median time of follow-up was 11.5 months. The quality of life was evaluated in three dimensions: social adjustment, sexuality, and emotional state. The patients underwent a semistructured interview and were asked to complete the Overall Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, the Social Problem Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

RESULTS

In 9 (64%) patients, the overall sexual function was normal or slightly decreased. Only 2 (14%) men had precarious or absent sexual function. The masculine self-image and the relationship with their partners remained practically unchanged in all the patients. Sexual interest and satisfaction remained normal or slightly reduced in 9 and 12 patients, respectively. The frequency of sexual intercourse was unchanged or slightly decreased in 9 patients. Three patients had no sexual intercourse after surgery. No significant levels of anxiety and depression were found. Within the areas of living conditions, family life, and interactions with other people, all the patients remained as they were before the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who undergo partial penectomy for penile cancer can maintain the quality of life (in social, psychological, and sexual terms) at levels similar to those that existed in the period before surgery.

Repeated lipoinjections for stress urinary incontinence

A total of 30 women with stress incontinence underwent periurethral injection of autologous fat under spinal anesthesia. The fat was harvested from the abdominal wall by liposuction. Preoperative evaluation consisted of history, physical examination, and urodynamic evaluation. For study purposes, some patients also underwent bladder and urethral ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging studies. The first 13 patients received a single periurethral lipoinjection, and the following 17 patients received sequential injections when needed at 3-month intervals. Results were assessed by subjective questionnaire performed at 3 and 12 months. All patients had intrinsic sphincteric deficiency. Of the first group, there were only four patients (31%) cured after 1 year of follow-up. On the other hand, in the group that received repeated injections, there were 11 patients (64%) cured with a mean of two injections at 1-year follow-up. Our results show that this procedure warrants continued clinical investigation because it may be useful in selected cases of urinary stress incontinence.

Latin American study on patient acceptance of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in the evaluation of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES

To determine the acceptance of the self-administered International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) by people of differing educational levels in two different countries.

METHODS

The questionnaire adopted by the World Health Organization and known as the IPSS attempts to measure the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. An international study was performed in Brazil and Argentina and included 768 patients. The IPSS was self-administered and used to evaluate and quantify the clinical symptoms resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia. The patients were asked not to answer any questions that they did not clearly understand or about which they were unsure of the information they should give. The patients were assessed into two subgroups according to their level of education. The Brazilian group consisted of 458 men in which subgroup 1 was composed of 244 (53%) men who had an elementary school education, whereas subgroup 2 consisted of 214 (47%) men who had a higher education level, including a university degree. The Argentinian group consisted of 310 patients, 158 (51%) of whom had an elementary school education, whereas the remaining 152 (49%) had received higher education, including a university degree.

RESULTS

A total of 77 men (16.8%), 35 (45.5%) from subgroup 1 and 42 (54.5%) from subgroup 2, failed to complete the questionnaire. The difference between the two subgroups was not significant. A total of 189 questions were not answered. There was no significant difference among the three questions most frequently unanswered by each subgroup. A total of 40 (12.9%) men filled out the questionnaire incompletely, 31 (77.5%) in the lower-education subgroup and 9 (22.5%) in the higher-education subgroup. An incomplete questionnaire was more frequent among the patients with lower education (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of the cultural variations, there was no significant difference in the number of patients unable to answer the questionnaire in the two countries.

Antegrade endopyelotomy for pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in children

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of repairing pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction by percutaneous endopyelotomy in children with a similar series carried out in adults.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nine children with primary (six) or secondary (three) PUJ obstruction were treated using a one-stage cold-knife percutaneous endopyelotomy. The success and morbidity rates were compared with a series of 61 adults with primary (46) or secondary (15) PUJ obstruction treated similarly.

RESULTS

In children, endopyelotomy was successful in five of six with primary and two of three with secondary PUJ obstruction, with a mean follow-up of 30 months (range 18-56). In the adults, endopyelotomy was successful in 38 of 46 (83%) with primary and 12 of 15 with secondary PUJ obstruction, an overall success rate of 82%, with a mean follow-up of 42 months (range 9-86). There was no statistical difference in the success rates with primary and secondary endopyelotomy between adults and children (P = 0.58). Failures were associated with high-grade hydronephrosis, a stenotic segment > 1.5 cm long and technical problems. Morbidity occurred in one of nine children and 3.2% of the adults.

CONCLUSION

This early experience suggests that percutaneous endopyelotomy can be performed safely and successfully in children with primary PUJ obstruction. However, in secondary stenosis, the results were less than optimal. Larger series should be analysed to form definitive conclusions on the role of endopyelotomy for the treatment of PUJ obstruction in children, given the high rate of success of open pyeloplasty and its minimal morbidity.

The effects of ejaculation on serum prostate specific antigen

PURPOSE

We evaluated the correlation of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and ejaculation in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia and an active sexual life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a study of 40 patients 50 to 60 years old (mean age 55) with prostatic symptoms serum PSA was evaluated before as well as 1 and 7 days after ejaculation. Due to clinical significance of PSA in diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer, we included men at risk age and with an active sex life.

RESULTS

The results were compared to those of a control group of 10 asymptomatic (without coitus) men 50 to 60 years old (mean age 55 years). There were no statistically significant differences in PSA levels before and after ejaculation or between the groups. These results suggested that there was no physiological relationship between ejaculation and PSA level.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our data we conclude that sexual activity does not preclude the use of PSA to screen men for prostatic cancer.

Correlation of deoxyribonucleic acid content and failure of superficial bladder cancer treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

The purpose is to analyze patients with superficial bladder cancer who failed the initial therapy with oral BCG and underwent immunoprophylaxis with intravesical BCG. A total of 13 patients with grade 2 pT1 transitional cell carcinoma or carcinoma in situ without other concurrent malignancies had tumour recurrence with oral BCG therapy. We report our experience with 6 patients treated with intravesical BCG after failure of previous oral BCG immunotherapy. A quantitative deoxyribonucleic acid study using static cytometry was employed to analyze tumour ploidy. All were aneuploid tumours. 2 (33.3%) patients were free of cancer during the 21-month mean observation period and 4 (66.7%) had recurrence during a mean follow-up of 24 months. Two patients showed tumour progression. There were no major complications. Our results suggest that superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder with aneuploid DNA values, even if treated more aggressively with intravesical BCG, do not show good results.

Functional and histologic alterations in growing solitary rat kidney as result of extracorporeal shockwaves

The long-term effects of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) on children treated for renal calculi are unclear. To study the effects on the immature animal, we evaluated 31 Wistar white rats that underwent right nephrectomy at 30 days of age. At 40 days of age they were divided into three groups: a control group of 10 rats that received no shockwaves; Group I (9 rats) that received 1000 shockwaves at 16.0 kV, and Group II (12 animals) that received 1000 shock waves at 17.2 kV. Six months later at maturity (7 months and 10 days of age), the following parameters were measured: (1) body and renal weight; (2) blood lithium, sodium, potassium, and creatinine; (3) fractional lithium, sodium, and potassium excretion; and (4) clearances of lithium and creatinine. The kidneys were studied grossly and histologically. We found no significant changes in overall animal and renal growth between the post-SWL and control groups. However, there were significant changes in renal function. The animals in Groups I and II presented significant increases in blood potassium compared with the control group. Furthermore, the 1000 x 17.2 kV group showed permanent histologic renal changes, including red cells in Bowman's capsule and glomerular congestion. The disorders caused by SWL are compatible with hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism, inappropriately low plasma renin activity, and aldosterone deficiency.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy on renal growth and function: an animal model

The long-term effects of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) on children are unclear. At 40 days of age, with an average weight of 166 g, 34 Wistar white rats were divided into three groups: 9 rats (control group) received no shockwaves, 10 rats (Group 1) received 1000 shockwaves at 16.0 kV, and 15 animals (Group 2) received 1000 shockwaves at 17.2 kV. Six months later, at maturity, body weight; lithium and creatinine; fractional sodium, potassium, and lithium excretion; and the clearances of lithium and creatinine were measured, and the kidneys were studied grossly and histologically. We found no significant changes in overall animal or renal growth between the post-SWL groups and the control group. However, there were significant changes in renal function, mainly in Group 2; the animals of this group presented a significant increase in blood lithium and potassium, besides a significant decrease in the fractional potassium excretion compared with the control group. Furthermore, the animals in Group 2 showed permanent histologic renal changes, including red cells in Bowman's capsule and glomerular congestion. The disorders caused by SWL are compatible with hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism, an inappropriate low plasma renin activity and aldosterone deficiency. We conclude that SWL does not affect either overall animal or renal growth but may cause permanent histologic damage and significant changes in renal function.

Ejaculatory dysfunction after transurethral microwave thermotherapy for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

The possibility of retrograde ejaculation or impotence after transurethral resection of the prostate has led to searches for other treatments for benign hyperplasia (BPH). Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) was administered to 100 men with a mean age of 61 years and moderate to severe BPH in one 60-minute outpatient session without anesthesia. A urethral catheter was frequently maintained for 5 to 7 days to avoid urinary complaints. Of the 100 original patients, 79 were followed from 3 to 24 months (mean 7.3 months). The prostate volume, irritative and obstructive symptoms, residual urine volume, and urinary flow improved (P < 0.01). No systemic complications were encountered. There were minor complications such as epididymitis, urethral bleeding, and severe micturition discomfort within the first 30 days postoperatively. A total of 7 ejaculatory disorders occurred among 64 patients (11%), 6 complete absences and 1 retrograde ejaculation without recovery for more than 6 months. As TUMT is a fairly new method, further studies must be done to define its effectiveness and safety.

Is percutaneous monotherapy for staghorn calculus still indicated in the era of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy?

Staghorn stones can be treated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL); however, the combination of the two techniques appears as the most frequent treatment. In a previous study, the investigators noted that staghorn calculi treated with PCNL monotherapy have a good clearance rate. Herein, we have reviewed 102 staghorn stones that underwent PCNL before (1984-1986) (Group 1; n = 51) and after (1987-1990) (Group 2; n = 45) the introduction of SWL. The stone burden has increased in both size and complexity: there were 27 complete staghorn calculi (60%) in Group 2 compared with 19 (37%) in Group 1. Despite the higher number of kidney punctures, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine measurements demonstrated improvement of renal function postoperatively. The stone-free rates were 78% and 89% and the retreatment rates 31% and 18% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Complications (29% and 38%) were a function of the technical factors that become more apparent in the more difficult cases. Our data support the concept that the surgeon should have no previous intention to use the lithotripter and, therefore, should try to remove the entire stone percutaneously safely and economically.

Subureteric lipoinjection for vesicoureteral reflux in renal transplant candidates

OBJECTIVE

Vesicoureteral reflux is a risk factor predisposing to infection after renal transplantation. Endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux, a minimally invasive therapy, has been increasingly used with encouraging results. Although recent reports have described the successful use of Teflon paste in the endoscopic treatment of reflux, the choice of the material to be used is controversial. There is a need for finding an ideal substance for endoscopic injection for a simple and safe treatment of reflux.

METHODS

Based on the good results of autologous lipoinjection in other situations, we performed lipoinjection for vesicoureteral reflux in 12 renal transplant candidates. There were 10 female and 2 male patients with grade III reflux or higher, accounting for 17 ureters treated by endoscopic lipoinjection. Voiding cystourethrography was performed in the operating room immediately after the procedure and again three months later.

RESULTS

In 2 patients (16.2%) there was reduction of the grade of reflux, including the unique ureter that stopped refluxing. In the remaining 10 patients (83.3%) there was no change in the grade of reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that although simple and attractive, lipoinjection alone is not a good alternative for endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux.

Blood pressure changes after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in normotensive patients

To evaluate the blood pressure changes caused by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy 102 patients 5 to 81 years old (mean age 40 years) with normal blood pressure and kidney lithiasis were monitored during a mean period of 22 months. There were 61 male (group 1) and 41 female (group 2) patients. Patients were evaluated by measurement of the diastolic pressure and the average arterial pressure before and after lithotripsy. Hypertension was considered when the diastolic pressure was greater than 90 mm. Hg for 2 weeks. The amount of shock waves applied in each case ranged from 1,250 to 6,000, with a mean of 4,000 shock waves at a median intensity of 18.1 kv. The incidence of hypertension after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was 3.92%, which is similar to that of a normal population, although the diastolic pressure was statistically higher after treatment in both groups. In the male patients the diastolic pressure increased from 79.26 (+/- 9.7) to 81.47 (+/- 10.1) mm. Hg and in female patients it ranged from 76.58 (+/- 8.3) to 79.26 (+/- 9.9) mm. Hg. Similarly, the average arterial pressure was equally higher in the female group, ranging from 89.88 to 91.75 mm. Hg. In the male group the difference was not statistically significant, despite an increase from 94.5 to 95.8 mm. Hg.

Laparoscopy in the management of nonpalpable testes and intersex states

Cryptorchidism is the most frequent anomaly in sexual development in male children and is frequently detected in diseases that result in ambiguous external genitalia. Laparoscopy has become a minimally invasive procedure in the management of nonpalpable testis. A total of 45 patients (2 to 35 years old) underwent laparoscopy as a diagnostic method in the investigation of nonpalpable testis. Among them, 37 (82%) underwent exploration and a complete correlation between laparoscopy and operative findings was observed. One patient with ambiguous external genitalia was evaluated and laparoscopy showed an intersex state known as true hermaphroditism and a laparoscopic gonadectomy was performed. Based on our experience, in 37% of nonpalpable testes a confirmatory operation is not necessary. The procedure can also be indicated to localize müllerian ducts remnants and gonadal tissue in selected intersex states, and even to perform gonadal biopsies or gonadectomies, in order to avoid open surgical procedure.

Percutaneous treatment of bladder stones

A total of 36 patients with bladder stones underwent percutaneous suprapubic cystolithotripsy. The successful rate was 89%. There were 11% failures due to nonfragmentation of the stones by the ultrasound probe. According to the presence of associated diseases 3 groups of patients were established. Two groups underwent concomitant treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia and urethral stricture. No complications occurred even in patients with concomitant treatment. There was no statistically significant difference when these groups were compared (p > 0.05). Fluoroscopy was not necessary during the procedure. Since the technique is simple, safe and effective, it represents an alternative in the management of bladder stones.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy with Lithostar lithotriptor

Initial experience of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) using the Lithostar lithotriptor is reported; 193 patients underwent 248 treatments for 210 stones. A total of 139 renal calculi (126 patients) and 71 ureteral stones (67 patients) were analyzed. Treatments were performed without anesthesia in 65 calculi (27.6%), with intravenous sedation in 91 (42.5%), and under epidural anesthesia in 34 calculi (29.9%). A three-month follow-up showed a success rate of 88.0 percent for renal calculi and 95.5 percent for ureteral calculi treated in situ. Renal stone fragmentation was achieved with a mean of 4,890 shocks at 17.4 kV and ureteral calculi were fragmented with a mean number of 4,798 shocks at a mean of 18.3 kV. Auxiliary procedures after ESWL were required in 2 patients with renal stones and in 1 with ureteral calculi. A comparison between stone size and number of shock waves required to achieve stone fragmentation revealed a linear relationship. Hospitalization was not necessary in 84.4 percent of renal calculi and 89.6 percent of ureteral calculi. Retreatments were necessary in 22 (15.8%) of the renal calculi (18 had 2 sessions, 3 had 3 sessions, and 1 had 4 sessions). Of the ureteral calculi, 8 (11.3%) underwent retreatment (6 had 2 sessions, 1 had 3 sessions, and 1 had 4 sessions). The low morbidity with a large number of patients treated on an outpatient basis, minimizing the need for anesthesia, demonstrated a favorable initial successful experience with the Lithostar.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of radiolucent urinary calculi using the Siemens Lithostar Plus

Between October 1989 and June 1991, 1,250 patients with urinary calculi were treated at our institution using the Siemens Lithostar. A total of 17 patients (1.37%) with radiolucent or slightly opaque calculi underwent lithotripsy with the Lithostar Plus, which has an overhead electromagnetic generator module and a localization system composed of a real-time on-line 3.5 mHz. ultrasound transducer. The stones were located in the calices in 52.9% of the cases, renal pelvis in 17.7%, ureter in 23.5% and bladder in 5.9%. Followup consisted of a nephrotomogram or ultrasound 1 day and 1 to 3 months postoperatively. Complete removal of all stone fragments was achieved in 76.4% of the cases after 3 months. Retreatment was necessary in 23.5% of the cases. All treatments were performed without anesthesia and hospitalization. Complications were present in 11.8%; perirenal hematoma was noted in 1 patient but this resolved spontaneously within a few days and the same occurred in 1 patient with renal pain. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy using the Lithostar Plus proved to be an effective noninvasive procedure to treat radiolucent and slightly opaque urinary calculi. However, since the Lithostar Plus has a higher power setting, care must be taken to avoid damage with the use of high energy.

Adjunct controlled inversion therapy following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for lower pole caliceal stones

The lower calix is responsible for a significant number of kidneys with residual stone fragments after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL*). To compare the effectiveness of controlled inversion therapy as an adjunctive method to the elimination of calculous fragments, 42 patients who had undergone treatment for lower caliceal stones with a Siemens Lithostar lithotriptor were reviewed. Of the patients 25 had no adjunctive therapy and 17 underwent controlled inversion therapy. The success rate, effectiveness quotient and complication rate were analyzed. Followup consisted of ultrasound and a nephrotomogram 1 day and 1 to 3 months postoperatively. Complete removal of all stone fragments was achieved in 84% of the patients without an adjunctive maneuver and in 64.7% of those treated with controlled inversion therapy. The effectiveness quotient was 72.4% and 35.5%, respectively. The group treated without adjunctive therapy had fewer retreatment sessions and a lower complication rate. There were no complications related to the controlled inversion therapy and patient acceptance was generally enthusiastic. We conclude that controlled inversion therapy did not improve the results of ESWL for lower pole caliceal calculi.

Renal calculi in lower pole calices: what is the best method of treatment?

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL*) can be used in the treatment of lower pole caliceal calculi. In a retrospective analysis these 2 therapies were compared for treatment of solitary lower pole caliceal calculi to evaluate morbidity. During a 2-year period 23 patients treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy and 24 who underwent ESWL with the Siemens Lithostar were analyzed in regard to the success rate, effectiveness quotient, complication rate, length of hospitalization and disability period. Followup consisted of ultrasound and/or a plain film of the kidneys, ureters and bladder 1 day and 1 to 3 months postoperatively. A nephrotomogram was included in the ESWL group. Complete removal of all stone fragments was achieved in 93.6% of the patients treated percutaneously without retreatment. In the ESWL group the success rate was 79.2% with a 41.6% retreatment rate. On the other hand, the ESWL group had a shorter hospitalization and an earlier return to normal physical activities. Among the patients who underwent a percutaneous operation 13% had complications compared to 4.1% in the ESWL group. The recurrence rate was higher in the former group (13% within a median of 18 months, compared to 8.3% within a median of 11 months in the ESWL group). The mean stone diameter was 1.42 cm. in the percutaneous group and 1.22 cm. in the ESWL group. Stone composition was similar in both groups. Since ESWL is an effective noninvasive procedure without the need for routine anesthesia and hospitalization, and with prompt return of the patient to a normal life it must be considered the method of choice for lower caliceal stones less than 2 cm. in diameter. However, percutaneous nephrolithotomy will continue to have a primary role in the management of larger stones.

Experimental studies on BCG in hamsters

The effects of BCG in the treatment of superficial bladder cancer in man are known, but the mechanism is not quite well understood. Thirty-six hamsters received BCG through three routes: intravesical, intradermal and oral. Each group was composed of 12 animals; BCG was administered to 9 and only saline solution to 3 hamsters. BCG was given once a week for six weeks. The animals were sacrificed at 20, 30 and 65 days after the last administration of BCG. The anatomopathologic study revealed granulomatous reaction in the liver of 5 hamsters and in the spleen of 4 other animals of the intravesical group. In all groups that received BCG, hyperplasia of periarteriolar lymphoid tissue (T zone) of the spleen was observed. We support the view that BCG promotes a systemic reaction whatever the route of administration may be.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate metastatic to penis as cause of priapism

Prostatic carcinoma metastasising to the penis is a rare occurrence with only 56 cases reported in the literature. The incidence of transitional cell carcinoma arising primarily in the prostate ranges from 1. 5 to 4%. These tumors have uniformly poor prognosis regardless the type of therapy. Most of the patients die within two to six moths and very few survive beyond twelve months. A case of transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate with penile metastases and priapism is presented.

Is routine dilation of the ureter necessary for ureteroscopy?

The results of transurethral ureteroscopic stone removal in 144 patients were reviewed. Patients were treated by two different techniques according to the dilation of the ureterovesical junction before the introduction of the ureteroscope. Group 1 was represented by 71 patients submitted to ureteral dilation and in group 2 there were 73 patients treated without ureteral dilation. There was only one failure in introducing the instrument without ureteral dilation. In patients submitted to transurethral ureteroscopy with previous ureteral dilation, the success of ureteroscopic stone removal was 91.6% and complications occurred in 6.9%, and, in the cases not submitted to ureteral dilation, the success rate was 99.4% and the complication rate 4.1%. The success rate achieved in removing upper third stones was 100.0% middle third 90.5% and lower third stones 95.6%. Of the 144 patients treated, 8 (5.5%) had ureteral injury, but only 1 (0.6%) needed open surgery. We do not believe that ureteral dilation prevents complications or improves the results of ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

Vasography: experimental study

Vasography may cause stricture of the vas deferens. The probable causes of this obstruction are traumatic lesion at the puncture site and the radiological contrast material used. Because of this problem we performed an experimental study using Wistar rats, which were divided into four groups: Group A - Control, Group B - injection of a saline solution, Group C - hypaque injection, Group D - hypaque plus saline solution. According to the results obtained it was concluded that the needle puncture is not responsible for stricture of the vas deferens. Hypaque is responsible for 5% of strictures and the use of a saline solution to wash the vas did not show any benefit.

Colon perforation following percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Between February 1984 and 1986, 285 patients underwent percutaneous nephrostomy placement followed by track dilation and calculi removal. Although percutaneous colonic perforation is rare, we report a case consequent to this procedure. The patient had a good outcome after surgical management of the damaged colon. This report considers the anatomic aspects for percutaneous nephrostomy placement as well as the auxiliary methods used in diagnosis of lesions of the colon.

Comparison between percutaneous nephrolithotomy and open stone procedures

A total of 205 patients have undergone stone extraction surgery. Three groups were studied: in 70 patients the stones were removed by flank incision, in 20 patients by posterior incision and 80 patients were treated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Patients submitted to percutaneous nephrolithotomy had a shorter hospitalization, operative time and a significantly reduced period of recuperation, allowing earlier return to work and decreased disability. Narcotic drugs were demanded in a lower amount in the percutaneous nephrolithotomy group.

Comparison of the Stamey bladder neck suspension procedure with a modified endoscopic suspension for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence

Endoscopic vesicourethral suspension is an acceptable procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and is associated with a high success rate and little morbidity. Classical endoscopic vesical neck suspension was performed in 93 patients with cure of incontinence in 89 (95.7%). Cost-effectiveness and simplification were introduced to Stamey's technique. Modifications introduced to the Stamey technique were found to be simpler and to provide cost savings with fewer complications. Eighty-six women were operated on by this method, with 84.9% of success. A total of 133 (74.3%) of the patients had previous surgical procedures to correct incontinence, demonstrating the indication of the endoscopic vesicourethral suspension in case of failures with other techniques.

Staghorn calculi: percutaneous versus anatrophic nephrolithotomy

In a retrospective analysis percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy and anatrophic nephrolithotomy for staghorn stones were compared to evaluate morbidity. In 46 patients treated percutaneously and 29 patients treated by open surgery, the procedure time, success rate, complication rate, length of hospitalization, disability period, and amount of analgesics needed in the postoperative period were analyzed. 5 patients treated during the learning period were not considered for this study, no matter whether they were treated by open or percutaneous surgery. Complete removal of all stone fragments was achieved in 73.8% of the patients treated percutaneously. Calculi were removed successfully in 82.1% of the patients submitted to anatrophic lithotomy. The group treated percutaneously showed shorter procedural time (mean 120 versus 210 min), shorter hospitalization period (5 versus 7 days), less need for analgesics (mean 1.6 versus 4.7 doses per patient), and an earlier return to normal physical activities (9 versus 43 days). Among the patients who underwent open surgery, 14 (50.0%) required additional interventions to treat complications. Although in the percutaneous group 28.5% required more than one percutaneous intervention, the overall complication rate per surgery of 20.0% was significantly lower, with no need for open surgery. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy proved to be of significantly lower morbidity than anatrophic lithotomy.

Concentrations of norfloxacin in prostatic tissues following oral administration in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

For assessing plasma and tissue concentrations of norfloxacin after oral administration, twelve patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) were given two doses of 400 mg norfloxacin approximately 12 hours apart prior to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Prostatic tissue samples and blood samples were collected and assayed for norfloxacin content by HPLC. The mean peak norfloxacin concentration in plasma was 1.63 micrograms/ml (range 0.63 to 3.38 micrograms/ml). The mean peak concentration in prostatic tissue was 1.63 micrograms/g (range 0.75 to 3.30 micrograms/g). The plasma and prostatic tissue levels of norfloxacin exceeded the MIC's of most urinary tract pathogens. The data suggest that norfloxacin may be useful in the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis.

Varicocele: medical and surgical treatment

Varicocele is the most frequent finding in male infertility. Thirty percent of infertile male patients requesting treatment present with varicocele. Between December 1971 and December 1984, 151 infertile patients presenting varicocele were treated in this study: 28 underwent medical treatment, 38 surgical treatment, and 23 both medical and surgical treatment. The spermograms of all the patients were studied before and after treatment. The following variables were considered: volume, sperm count, percentages of general motility and of grade III sperm, and of oval forms. There was not a significant statistical difference in the analysis of the spermogram parameters before and after treatment in the three groups. The pregnancy rate for the medical-surgical group was 60.9% and for the surgical group 47.4%--not a statistically significant difference. The purely medically treated group had a pregnancy rate of 25%, which is significantly lower than the other groups.