Efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in treating erectile dysfunction after bilateral nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy

We carried out a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) after bilateral nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy (BNSRP). A literature review was performed to identify all published randomised double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials of PDE5 inhibitors for the treatment of ED after BNSRP. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated. Six publications involving a total of 1678 patients were used in the analysis, including six RCTs that compared PDE5 inhibitors (tadalafil, sildenafil, avanafil and vardenafil) with placebo. Co‐primary efficacy end points: International Index of Erectile Function‐Erectile Function (IIEF‐EF) domain score [the standardised mean difference (SMD) = 4.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.87–5.22, P < 0.00001]; successful vaginal penetration (SEP2) [the odds ratio (OR) = 14.87, 95%CI = 4.57–48.37, P < 0.00001]; and successful intercourse (SEP3) (OR = 47, 95%CI = 3–13.98, P < 0.00001) indicated that PDE5 inhibitors was more effective than the placebo. Specific adverse events with PDE5 inhibitors included headache (12.08%), dyspepsia (6.76%) and flushing (6.52%), which were significantly less likely to occur with placebo. This meta‐analysis indicates that PDE5 inhibitors to be an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for ED after BNSRP.     

Immediate Continence Rates in RALRP: A Comparison of Three Techniques

Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent RALRP for localized prostate cancer by a single surgeon in our clinic from January 1, 2009–February 1, 2016. Continence was defined as no leakage or use of a safety pad for minimal leakage. The main outcome measure was continence at postoperative week 1 and months 1, 6, and 12.Results:Between 2009 and 2016, 239 patients underwent RALRP for localized prostate disease. Seventy-four patients underwent a standard approach (group 1), 88 had posterior reconstruction (group 2), and 77 had posterior reconstruction with total anatomic restoration (group 3). After 1 week, 24.3% of the patients in group 1 (18/74), 31.8% in group 2 (28/88), and 45.8% in group 3 (33/72) were continent (P = .02). One month after the surgery, continence rates for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 56.7, 67, and 75%, respectively (0.065). After 6 and 12 months, continence rates for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 72.9 and 87.8%, 81.8 and 89.7%, and 84.7 and 91.6%, respectively (P = .178 and .7484).Conclusion:Anatomic restoration improves continence rates in the early period after RALRP. Even though other parameters were higher in the total restoration group, immediate continence (at 1 week) was significantly better.     

Retroperitoneal robotic renal surgery: technique and early results

We describe a robotic retroperitoneal approach to renal surgery, optimized in porcine and cadaveric models, and applied to human patients. A retroperitoneal approach for robotic kidney surgery was developed in nonsurvival porcine and a fresh cadaver models, and then utilized in ten patients (three partial nephrectomy, three radical nephrectomy, two simple nephrectomy, one pyeloplasty, one cryoablation). Retroperitoneal access was successfully achieved for robotic renal procedures in six pigs and a human cadaver. Ten human patients (mean age 56 years, range 36–72 years) then underwent a successful retroperitoneal approach for robotic renal surgery. Mean console time was 166 (120–300) min. Mean blood loss was 82 (50–100) ml and average hospital stay was 2.6 (1–5) days. Pathology demonstrated clear cell renal cell carcinoma (four), papillary renal cell carcinoma (two), and xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (two). One patient with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis required open conversion for failure to progress due to dense adhesions. A retroperitoneal approach is a safe and feasible alternative to a transperitoneal approach for robotic renal surgery, including radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, and cryoablation. M. N. Patel and S. A. Kaul contributed equally to this work.     

Clinical efficacy of naftopidil on lower urinary tract symptoms after radical prostatectomy

Objective:   The management of lower urinary tract symptoms that persist after radical prostatectomy remains to be established. We investigated whether an α1-blocker, naftopidil, improves LUTS in patients ≥1 year after radical prostatectomy.
Methods:   A total of 29 male patients received 25 mg/day of naftopidil for the first week, then 75 mg/day for 4 weeks. The frequency-volume chart, international prostate symptom score and quality of life index (QOL) were examined before and at the end of the 5-week administration in all subjects.
Results:   Total international prostate symptom score (I-PSS) and I-PSS subtotals associated with voiding symptoms and storage symptoms were significantly decreased at 5 weeks compared with baseline ( P  < 0.001 each). QOL index was significantly improved with naftopidil for 5 weeks ( P  < 0.001). From analyses of the frequency-volume chart, mean and maximum volume/void were significantly increased ( P  < 0.05 each).
Conclusion:   Lower urinary tract symptoms detected in patients ≥1 year after radical prostatectomy were markedly improved with administration of naftopidil at 75 mg/day. These symptoms could represent a novel target for medical treatment by improved understanding of the symptom pathology in the near future.     

Anatomic Bladder Neck Preservation During Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Description of Technique and Outcomes

Background

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) has been rapidly adopted despite a daunting learning curve with bladder neck dissection as a challenging step for newcomers.

Objective

To describe an anatomic, reproducible technique of bladder neck preservation (BNP) and associated perioperative and long-term outcomes.

Design, settings, and participants

From September 2005 to May 2009, data from 619 consecutive RALP were prospectively collected and compared on the basis of bladder neck dissection technique with 348 BNP and 271 standard technique (ST).

Surgical procedure

RALP with BNP.

Measurements

Tumor characteristics, perioperative complications, and post-operative urinary control were evaluated at 4, 12 and 24 months using (1) the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index (EPIC) urinary function scale scored from 0–100; and (2) continence defined as zero pads per day.

Results and limitations

Mean age for BNP versus ST was 57.1 ± 6.6 yr versus 58.9 ± 6.7 yr (p = 0.033), while complication rates did not vary significantly by technique. Estimated blood loss was 183.7 ± 95.8 ml versus 224.6 ± 108 ml (p = 0.938) in men who underwent BNP versus ST. The overall positive margin rate was 12.8%, which did not differ at the prostate base for BNP versus ST (1.4% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.547). Mean urinary function scores for BNP versus ST at 4, 12, and 24 mo were 64.6 versus 57.2 (p = 0.037), 80.6 versus 79.0 (p = 0.495), and 94.1 versus 86.8 (p < 0.001). Similarly, BNP versus ST continence rates at 4, 12, and 24 mo were 65.6% versus 26.5% (p < 0.001), 86.4% versus 81.4% (p = 0.303), and 100% versus 96.1% (p = 0.308).

Conclusions

BNP versus ST is associated with quicker recovery of urinary function and similar cancer control.     

电视胸腔镜辅助小切口肺癌根治术39例报告

目的探讨电视胸腔镜辅助小切口（video-assisted minithoracotomy,VAMT）肺癌根治术的疗效。方法2002年4月～2008年12月,应用VAMT行根治性肺叶切除术治疗39例肺癌。做1.5cm胸腔镜切口及7～10cm操作切口,采用常规开胸手术器械与胸腔镜成套器械相结合直视操作处理肺血管、支气管行肺叶切除,胸腔镜、直视下行纵隔、肺门区淋巴结清扫。结果39例均获成功。无围手术期死亡,胸腔闭式引流时间4～7d,平均4.5d。术后病理诊断：原发性非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）37例,转移癌1例,类癌1例;37例NSCLC中术后临床分期：Ⅰa期9例,Ⅰb期13例,Ⅱa期5例,Ⅱb期7例,Ⅲa期2例,Ⅲb期1例。随访35例,其中2～12个月4例,13～24个月15例,25～36个月8例,37～48个月6例,49～60个月2例,因肿瘤复发或转移死亡4例,带瘤生存1例,无瘤生存30例。Ⅰ、Ⅱ期肺癌1年和3年生存率为100%（21/21）、91%（10/11）;Ⅲ期肺癌随访3例,3例分别于术后19、11、14个月死于肿瘤复发或转移。结论VAMT肺癌根治术近期疗效良好,将VATS技术与传统开胸技术相结合,既发挥了微创外科的优越性,又达到了传统开胸手术安全、可靠的效果,清扫淋巴结符合肿瘤手术原则,有很好的应用前景。     

Outcomes of patients with clinical CIS-only disease treated with radical cystectomy

Objectives  To report the long-term oncological efficacy of radical cystectomy for patients with presumed clinical CIS only disease, to characterize the likelihood of clinical understaging, and to characterize the pattern of recurrence. Methods  One thousand six hundred patients have undergone radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection with intent to cure from August 1971 to December 2005 at the University of Southern California; 27 patients from this cohort who satisfied both the inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. Relevant clinical and pathological data at time of cystectomy and during follow-up were reported. Overall and recurrence-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results  At time of cystectomy, 33% of patients were found to be clinically understaged. Median follow-up was 94 months. Estimated 5- and 10-year overall survival was 87 and 56%, respectively. Estimated 5- and 10-year recurrence-free survival was 100 and 83%, respectively. Conclusions  Excellent long-term survival outcomes can be achieved with radical cystectomy. Radical cystectomy should be strongly considered for patients who have failed prior intravesical therapy. Long-term surveillance of the retained urethra and of the upper tract is essential, as recurrence can occur years following cystectomy. Patients who recur are at high risk of dying from disease.     

Are predictive models for cancer volume clinically useful in localized prostate cancer?

Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between preoperatively predicted and pathologically measured prostate cancer volumes and to investigate the clinical use of preoperatively predicted cancer volume in predicting pathological stage. Methods: Correlations between pathological findings and various preoperative parameters, including the cancer volumes as predicted by using two methods (Vca and estimated PCvol), were analyzed in 196 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Results: Pathologically measured prostate cancer volume was significantly correlated with the Vca and estimated PCvol, but the correlation coefficients were respectively only 0.46 and 0.35. Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), PSA density (PSAD), primary Gleason score, Vca, Vca fraction (Vcafx), and estimated PCvol were significantly higher in 82 patients with extraprostatic cancer than in 114 patients with organ‐confined cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were significantly correlated with pathological stage. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the Vcafx and MRI findings were significant predictors of extraprostatic cancer, but receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the combination of Vcafx and MRI findings had no advantage over the combination of Gleason score, PSAD, and MRI findings. Conclusions: Vca and estimated PCvol are significantly correlated with the pathologically measured cancer volume but their ability to accurately predict cancer volume is limited. Vcafx and MRI findings were statistically significant predictors of extraprostatic cancer but their combination was not superior to the combination of Gleason score, PSAD, and MRI findings.     

The value of cystography in the prediction of early urinary continence after radical prostatectomy

ObjectiveTo determine the association between vesicourethral anastomosis level (VUAL) and the condition of the bladder neck with early recovery of urinary continence on cystography after radical prostatectomy.Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 116 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy at our hospital from 2008 to 2013. On cystography, the VUAL in the pelvic cavity was defined according to the upper margin of the pubic symphysis; above the upper margin was considered a higher VUAL and below it was considered a lower VUAL. The condition of the bladder neck was determined by whether or not there was contrast flow into the proximal urethra. Early recovery of urinary continence was defined as not requiring pads within 3 months. We determined the predictive factors for the early recovery of continence.ResultsAmong all patients, 68.1% achieved an early recovery of urinary continence. The patients with a higher VUAL were younger and had a shorter time to continence than those with a lower VUAL. The early recovery rates were 88.9% and 58.8% with a higher and lower VUAL, respectively (p < 0.001). The patients with a closed bladder neck also had better results of early continence than those with an open bladder neck (82.9% vs. 45.7%, respectively). VUAL level and bladder neck condition were independent predictors of an early recovery of urinary continence [odds ratio 5.821 (95% confidence interval: 1.632–20.75) higher vs. lower VUAL, p = 0.007; and odds ratio 5.828 (95% confidence interval: 2.259–15.036) closed vs. open bladder neck, p < 0.0001] after adjusting for age, risk of recurrence, operative method, prostate volume, and nerve sparing procedure.ConclusionPostoperative cystography can provide information on VUAL and bladder neck condition which can predict recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. A higher VUAL and bladder neck closure were associated with a higher rate of early recovery of urinary continence.     

腹腔镜保留盆腔神经的广泛子宫切除治疗子宫肿瘤

目的回顾性分析腹腔镜下保留盆腔自主神经的广泛子宫切除术在子宫肿瘤患者治疗中的可行性。 方法选择2013年8月至2015年6月在新乡市中心医院接受手术治疗的早期宫颈癌及Ⅱ期子宫内膜癌患者95例,其中43例患者接受腹腔镜保留盆腔神经的广泛子宫切除术 ＋ 盆腔淋巴结清扫术(A组),52例患者行经腹广泛子宫切除 ＋ 盆腔淋巴结清扫术(B组)。总结两组的手术时间、术中出血量、切除宫旁组织及阴道长度、淋巴结数量,以及术后膀胱、直肠及性功能恢复情况。 结果两组的手术时间、切除范围及淋巴结数量差异无统计学意义(P> 0.05);两组的术中出血量,以及术后膀胱、直肠及性功能评估治疗比较[(180±55)ml vs (340±75)ml, (51.2±10.3)h vs (74.9±12.8) h, (11.6±2.1) d vs (18.3±2.9) d, 19.9分 vs 23.4分],差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。 结论腹腔镜下保留盆腔神经的广泛子宫切除术在子宫肿瘤中是安全可行的,与传统术式相比更有利于膀胱直肠功能恢复,提高生命质量。