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Vaginal reconstruction using the posterior vaginal wall is required following radical cystectomy in women with resection of the uterus, adnexa, and anterior vaginal wall. Roll closure and clamshell closure are two widely known techniques. Of these, clamshell closure is recommended because roll closure has a high likelihood of breakdown or a resultant canal that is too narrow for sexual intercourse. In clamshell closure, however, folding the posterior vaginal wall anteriorly can be difficult. Therefore, we devised Mercedes-Benz closure, in which the vaginal wall is sutured from three directions to form a Mercedes-Benz shape, for anastomosis without tension on the vaginal wall. The present study was performed to investigate the efficacy of this alternative surgical technique for vaginal reconstruction.Twenty-six patients who underwent vaginal reconstruction following robot-assisted radical cystectomy were divided into two groups: 15 underwent clamshell closure and 11 underwent Mercedes-Benz closure. The patients' characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics, including age, body mass index, and prior abdominal surgery between the two groups. The median vaginal reconstruction time tended to be longer in the Mercedes-Benz closure group than in the clamshell closure group (35.0 vs. 27.0 min, p = 0.102). No complications associated with vaginal reconstruction were identified.The surgical outcomes were comparable between Mercedes-Benz closure and clamshell closure. If vaginal reconstruction with clamshell closure is difficult, Mercedes-Benz closure is a valuable alternative technique.

Objectives : To evaluate whether virtual partial nephrectomy images could help surgeons identify vascular and collecting system around tumors during actual surgery. Materialsmethods : We retrospectively analyzed 36 patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) between 2016 and 2017. Virtual partial nephrectomy images were created from preoperative CT images using computer software, and then analyzed. For analysis, blood vessels and collecting system portions within a 5-mm-thick safety margin around the tumor were examined. During analysis, we predicted whether targeted vasculature around the tumor would require clipping or suturing during surgery, and also whether the collecting system would require opening during resection. Surgical outcomes for virtual partial nephrectomy analyses and actual RAPNs were compared and analyzed for sensitivity and specificity. Results : In 36 cases, 119 arteries and 100 veins were targeted on virtual partial nephrectomy images. Arterial suturing or clipping for hemostasis showed a sensitivity and specificity of 83.3% and 84.5%, respectively. For veins, the sensitivity and specificity were 39.1% and 92.2%, respectively. Collecting system opening prediction sensitivity was 85.7%, and specificity was 65.2%. Conclusion : Virtual partial nephrectomy imaging is useful for RAPN planning, particularly regarding arteries and the collecting system. It is hoped that techniques for visualizing veins will improve. J. Med. Invest. 69 : 237-243, August, 2022.

The influence of the console surgeon on the feasibility and outcome of various robot-assisted surgeries has been evaluated. These variables may be partially affected by the skills of the patient-side surgeon (PSS), but this has not been evaluated using objective data. This study aimed to describe the surgical techniques of the PSS in robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC) urinary diversion and objectively examine the changes in surgical outcomes with increasing PSS experience. During a 3-year period, 28 men underwent RARC and ICIC urinary diversion. Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between patients who underwent surgery early (first half group) or late in the study period (second half group). The pre-docking incision enabled easy specimen removal. The glove port technique widened the working space of the PSS. The stay suture allowed the PSS to control the distal portion of the conduit, facilitating the passage of the ureteral stents. During stoma creation, pneumoperitoneum pressure was lost by opening the abdominal cavity. To overcome this problem, the robotic arm was used to lift the abdominal wall to maintain the surgical field and facilitate the PSS procedure. Compared with the first half group, the second half group had significantly shorter times for urinary diversion (202 min vs 148 min, p p p

Background Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and intracorporeal urinary diversion are less invasive than conventional procedures. However, for older patients, cutaneous ureterostomy (CUS) may be preferred because urinary diversion using the intestine has a high incidence of perioperative complications and is highly invasive. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC) compared with CUS in patients aged 75 years or older who underwent RARC. Methods From October 2014 to December 2021, 82 patients aged 75 years or older who underwent RARC at Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima Prefectural Central Hospital, or Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 52 and 25 patients who underwent ICIC and CUS, respectively, were included. After adjusting the patients’ characteristics using propensity score-matching, surgical results and prognoses were retrospectively compared. The propensity score was based on age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale (ECOG-PS), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA-PS), clinical tumor stage, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results The median age was lower in the ICIC group compared with the CUS group, and the proportion of high-risk cases (ECOG-PS ≥ 2 or ASA-PS ≥ 3) did not differ. The median operation time was longer in the ICIC group, and estimated blood loss was higher, compared with the CUS group. There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications within the first 30 postoperative days, incidence of complications 30–90 days after surgery, 2-year overall survival, 2-year cancer-specific survival, and 2-year recurrence-free survival. The stent-free rate was significantly lower in the CUS group than that in the ICIC group. Conclusion In older patients, the ICIC group showed non-inferior surgical and oncological outcomes compared with the CUS group. Urinary diversion following RARC in older patients should be carefully selected by considering not only the age but also the general condition (including comorbidities) of the patient.

To compare the postoperative outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy when only the inner layer is sutured (single-layer technique with soft coagulation) with those when sutures are placed in the inner and outer layers (double-layer technique) in patients with and without complex renal tumors.This retrospective three-institution study included 371 patients with renal tumors who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with a double-layer technique or a single-layer technique with soft coagulation. Tumors that were cT1b, completely embedded, located in the renal portal, or had a RENAL score of ≥10 were considered complex. Relevant data were collected from hospital records. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize selection bias.Propensity score matching created 83 patient pairs with non-complex tumors and 32 with complex tumors. Regardless of tumor complexity, there was no significant difference in operation time, console time, warm ischemia time, positive surgical margin rate, or length of hospital stay between the double-layer and single-layer groups. Although Clavien-Dindo grade I-II urinomas not requiring intervention were significantly more common in the single-layer group regardless of tumor complexity, there was no significant between-group difference in the rate of decline in renal function or grade III-IV complications.Single-layer suturing with soft coagulation achieves renal function and perioperative outcomes comparable to those of double-layer suturing regardless of complexity.

We describe two cases of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with robot-assisted total pelvic exenteration (Ra-TPE) and intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC). The first case was in a 71-year-old man with LARC (RbP, T4bN2bM0, cStage IIIc). He was started on bevacizumab+S-1/oxaliplatin therapy in July 2019. In April 2020, he developed Fournier's gangrene due to subcutaneous penetration of rectal cancer. Emergency drainage and colostomy were performed simultaneously, and a percutaneous vesical fistula was created. In May 2020, Ra-TPE and ICIC were performed. Histopathological analysis revealed moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma (ypT3N0, RM0). At postoperative 9 months, thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy was performed for a right metastatic lung tumor. At present, ie, at postoperative 12 months, the patient has been free of recurrence and metastasis, with a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level of 1.4 ng/ml and carcinoma antigen (CA) 19-9 level of 11 U/ml. The second case was in a 61-year-old man with fistula-associated anal cancer (PRb, T4N3M1b, cStage IVb). In April 2019, he was started on FOLFOXIRI+cetuximab therapy. In August 2020, Ra-TPE, ICIC, and transperineal total mesenteric excision were performed. Histopathological analysis revealed adenocarcinoma (ypT4N0, RM0). At postoperative 11 months, thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy was performed for a left metastatic lung tumor. At present, ie, at postoperative 12 months, the patient remains free of recurrence and metastasis, with a CEA level of 7.3 ng/ml and CA19-9 level of 12 U/ml. Ra-TPE, which allows transperineal removal of a specimen, can be performed as a minimally invasive surgery in combination with ICIC.

Background: Creation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) as vascular access is a basic operation that should be learned by all surgeons involved in renal failure treatment. AVF creation is often challenging for inexperienced young surgeons because it requires comprehensive surgical techniques. For such young surgeons, we introduced cadaveric surgical training (CST) for AVF creation using fresh-frozen cadavers (FFCs). This study was performed to identify the differences in AVF surgical techniques between FFCs and living bodies and to examine the impact of CST on young surgeons. Methods: Twelve CST sessions were performed for AVF creation at the Clinical Anatomy Education and Research Center of Tokushima University Hospital from March 2021 to June 2022. Seven young surgeons (1st- and 2nd-year) performed the operation, and two surgeons (10th- and 11th-year) supervised it. We conducted an anonymous questionnaire survey using a 5-point Likert scale to examine the impact of CST on young surgeons. Results: Twelve CST sessions were performed on nine FFCs. All training sessions allowed completion of AVF creation with a median operative time of 78.5 min. Although veins and arteries were more difficult to identify than in a living body, other surgical operations could be performed in the same way as in a living body. All the respondents stated that it was good for them to experience CST. In addition, 86% of surgeons responded that CST improved their surgical techniques, and 71% of surgeons responded that they were less anxious about AVF creation. Conclusions: CST for AVF creation is useful for surgical education because it enables learning of surgical techniques that are almost equivalent to those in living bodies. In addition, this study suggested that CST not only contributes to the improvement of surgical skills of young surgeons but also promotes the reduction of anxiety and stress about AVF creation.

α-Keto acids may help prevent malnutrition in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who consume protein-restricted diets, because they serve as amino acid sources without producing nitrogenous waste compounds. However, the physiological roles of α-keto acids, especially those derived from non-essential amino acids, remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of glyoxylic acid (GA), an α-keto acid metabolite derived from glycine, on myogenesis in C2C12 cells. Differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis were used as myogenesis indicators. Treatment with GA for 6 d resulted in an increase in the expression of differentiation markers (myosin heavy chain II and myogenic regulatory factors), mitochondrial biogenesis, and intracellular amounts of amino acids (glycine, serine, and alanine) and their metabolites (citric acid and succinic acid). In addition, GA treatment suppressed the 2.5-µM dexamethasone (Dex)-induced increase in mRNA levels of ubiquitin ligases (Trim63 and Fbxo32), muscle atrophy markers. These results indicate that GA promotes myogenesis, suppresses Dex-induced muscle atrophy, and is metabolized to amino acids in muscle cells. Although further in vivo experiments are needed, GA may be a beneficial nutrient for ameliorating the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function in patients with CKD on a strict dietary protein restriction.

Purpose : To evaluate the efficacy of the direct grasping technique using pean forceps under fluoroscopic guidance for ureteral stent replacement in women. Methods : Between April 2018 and September 2020, 28 female patients underwent ureteral stent replacements at our facility, and 184 stent replacement procedures were performed. A total of 127 stents were replaced using pean forceps under fluoroscopic guidance (pean forceps group), and 57 stents were replaced using the cystoscope (cystoscopy group). Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between the groups. Results : All stents were successfully replaced. There was a statistically significant difference in the procedure time between the two groups (median [interquartile range], pean forceps group : 10.8 [8.2-13.9] minutes vs. cystoscopy group : 15.8 [11.1-20.9] minutes, P

PURPOSE Decrease in signal of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on low b-value diffusion weighted image (DWI) due to non-uniform flow can provide additional information regarding CSF motion. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate whether arterial pulsations constitute the driving force of CSF motion. METHODS We evaluated the CSF signals within the Sylvian fissure on low b-value DWI in 19 patients with unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. DWI with b-value of 500 s/mm2 was evaluated for a decrease in CSF signal within the Sylvian fissure including the Sylvian vallecula and lower, middle, and higher Sylvian fissures and graded as follows: the same as contralateral side; smaller signal decrease than that on contralateral side; and no signal decrease. MR angiography (MRA) findings of MCA were graded as follows: the same as contralateral, lower signal than contralateral signal, and no signal. In 15 patients, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was evaluated using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies and graded as >90%, 90%-70%, and

We report a case of papillary renal cell carcinoma that responded well to the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab. The patient was a 68-year-old male who was being followed up for a small left renal mass without treatment. Two years later, computed tomography (CT) showed enlarged cervical and para-aortic lymph nodes, and lymph node biopsy suggested metastases of the cancer. After resection of the renal tumor, we performed pararenal aortic lymph node biopsy, and we diagnosed the case as papillary renal cell carcinoma type 1 with lymph node metastasis. The combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab each metastatic site showed regression on CT. Since immune-related adverse events occurred during the therapy nivolumab was discontinued, but partial response of the metastases was maintained.

To identify and raise awareness of the radiation exposure of urologists due to X-ray fluoroscopic procedures in daily practice.This was a single-center, cohort study of 30 consecutive patients who underwent periodic percutaneous or transurethral replacements of urinary tract catheters. A total of 55 replacements every 3 months with cases aligned were performed by a single urologist. The urologist's radiation exposure and the incident dose to patients per case were measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters. In the latter 3-month period, the pulse fluoroscopy condition was changed from 15 to 7.5 pulses per second, and collimation was added to the field of view.In the analysis of all patients, the use of a modified pulse rate and collimation did not affect the fluoroscopy time, but it did significantly reduce the air kerma and dose area product; in addition, with respect to the medical exposure dose during percutaneous catheter replacement, fluoroscopy time was longer, but air kerma and dose area product showed significant decreases. As with decreases in medical exposure of patients, the equivalent dose for eye lenses of the urologist decreased from 1.2 mSv in the first 3-month period to 0.2 mSv in the second 3-month period. Similarly, the exposure dose for the extremities also decreased significantly, from 33.9 mSv to 8.1 mSv.Urologists are exposed to non-negligible amounts of radiation due to fluoroscopy. Appropriate management such as modified pulse fluoroscopy condition and precautions are required.

While robot-assisted radical cystoprostatectomy (RARC) for locally advanced prostate cancer (LAPC) may sometimes prove to be excessive treatment, it can significantly reduce the risk of positive surgical margins and lower urinary tract obstruction in some cases. Here, we report a case of LAPC treated with RARC in a patient with right hydronephrosis due to bladder infiltration and left hypoplastic kidney. A 71-year-old man presented with frequent urination in August 2019. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 8.633 ng/ml, and magnetic resonance imaging led to the suspicion that the prostate cancer extended beyond the prostate capsule without distant metastasis. Prostatic biopsy revealed Gleason score 10 (5＋5) adenocarcinoma in 8 out of 8 specimens. We diagnosed left hypoplastic kidney and LAPC with right hydronephrosis due to bladder infiltration. We performed percutaneous right nephrostomy and started neoadjuvant hormone therapy. RARC and intracorporeal ileal conduit were performed in March 2020. The prostate was adherent to the anterior surface of the rectum and was difficult to remove. At present, five months after the surgery, the patient remains free of recurrence and metastasis with PSA level ＜0.003 ng/ml. RARC for LAPC with bladder infiltration can be an effective therapeutic strategy in some cases.

The complications of ileal conduit urinary diversion were reported to be urinary tract infections, bowel obstruction, and delayed wound healing, but ileal conduit-enteric fistula is rare. We report a case of ileal conduit-enteric fistula after robotic intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion. An 81-year-old man with muscle-invasive bladder cancer underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy and intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion. Twenty-two days after the surgery, we identified the presence of fecaluria. Loopography revealed an ileal conduit-enteric fistula. He underwent conservative treatment with fasting and intravenous hyperalimentation. Loopography was performed 48 days after the surgery. However, the fistula remained. Therefore, fistula closure surgery was performed 51 days after the surgery. Here we review the characteristics of 4 ileal conduit-enteric fistula cases reported in Japan.

(Objectives) While robot assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has been associated with improved perioperative outcomes such as blood loss, hospital stay, and improved convalescence, much of the criticism has been attributable to the longer operative time. Opinions are divided regarding whether intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) or extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) should be performed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of RARC and ICUD by comparing with the conventional method. (Patients and methods) From December 2014 to July 2018, 14 patients underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and 16 patients underwent RARC at our institution. Among the 30 patients, 23 underwent ileal conduit or orthotopic bladder; these patients were divided into two groups: an ICUD patient group (n=10) and an ECUD patient group (n=13). Treatment outcomes were compared between groups. (Results) Compared to patients who underwent LRC those treated with RARC had older (75 vs. 67, P=0.031). There was a trend of high-risk cases (American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status classification ≥3) more frequently (31.3% vs. 7.1%, P=0.176). Patient treated with RARC had less blood loss (150 vs. 544 ml, P=0.003). There was no significant difference in the intra- and postoperative complication rates (12.5% vs. 21.4%, P=0.642). Compared to patients who underwent ECUD, those treated with ICUD included a longer operative time for urinary diversion (222 vs. 181 minutes, P=0.007) but less maximal incision length without perineal incision (3.0 vs. 6.0 cm, P=0.002). (Conclusions) Our data suggests that RARC is a safe procedure with potential advantages in terms of reduced blood loss. ICUD has longer operative time but is a procedure with excellent cosmetic results.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high concentration of uremic toxins in their blood and often experience muscle atrophy. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a uremic toxin produced by tryptophan metabolism. Although an elevated IS level may induce muscle dysfunction, the effect of IS on physiological concentration has not been elucidated. Additionally, the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on muscle hypertrophy have been reported in healthy models; however, it is unclear whether UA ameliorates muscle dysfunction associated with chronic diseases, such as CKD. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether UA can improve the IS-induced impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis.C2C12 cells were incubated with or without IS (0.1 mM) and UA (1 or 2 µM) to elucidate the physiological effect of UA on CKD-related mitochondrial dysfunction and its related mechanisms using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.IS suppressed the expression of differentiation marker genes without decreasing cell viability. IS decreased the mitochondrial DNA copy number and ATP levels by downregulating the genes pertaining to mitochondrial biogenesis (Our results indicated that UA improves the IS-induced impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis by affecting differentiation, ATP levels, and IL-6 secretion in C2C12 cells. Therefore, UA could be a novel therapeutic agent for CKD-induced muscle dysfunction.

We report a case of desmoid tumor that was initially diagnosed as metastasis from renal cell carcinoma. A follow-up computed tomographic (CT) scan after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in a 64-year-old man revealed a right retroperitoneal tumor 3.5 cm in diameter. Though the CT density of the tumor was similar to that of muscles, we first suspected metastasis from renal cell carcinoma or other cancer because the tumor growth was relatively fast. We resected the tumor. The pathological diagnosis was desmoid type fibromatosis. We also review six cases of desmoid tumors after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma reported in Japan. Careful followup is required for the patients with desmoid tumors because of frequent recurrence.

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare disease involving infection caused by gas-producing bacteria is characterized by air storage in the bladder wall and lumen. Approximately 90% of the affected cases are treated using medical therapy alone, and approximately 10% require combined surgical treatment. Here we report a case of emphysematous cystitis with septic shock that could be treated using multimodal therapy with retroperitoneal drainage. A 76-year-old woman was hospitalized at a nearby hospital owing to lumbar compression fracture. She was transferred to our hospital owing to altered consciousness and low blood pressure. She was diagnosed with emphysematous cystitis, and conservative treatment was performed using an indwelling bladder catheter and by administering antibiotics or vasopressors. The patient had septic shock; hence, retroperitoneal drainage was performed. After surgery, the patient's general condition improved. In this study, we review the characteristics of five cases of emphysematous cystitis requiring surgical treatment in Japan.

We report a case of bladder diverticulum presumably caused by lower urinary tract dysfunction due to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) simultaneously treated with transurethral coagulation (TUC) of the bladder diverticulum and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC). A literature search showed this is the first report of bladder diverticulum and POP surgically treated at the same time. A 71-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for the treatment of cystocele. She had both storage and voiding symptoms. She had a POPQ stage III cystocele and stage I uterine prolapse. Ultrasonography and computed tomographic scan showed a large volume of residual urine along with a bladder diverticulum. Since urodynamic studies revealed a low compliance bladder and obstruction, we opined that the lower urinary tract symptoms were induced by the cystocele. TUC of the bladder diverticulum and LSC were performed at the same time. After the operation, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) was needed once a day for one month. Gradually, residual urine decreased and CIC became unnecessary. The bladder diverticulum disappeared, and there has been no recurrence of POP.

Introduction Mesh migration into the urinary bladder following repair of inguinal hernia and bladder cancer caused by a foreign body are extremely rare. We hereby report a rare case of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder related to a migrated mesh following inguinal hernioplasty. Case presentation A 70-year-old Japanese woman who underwent surgery for left inguinal hernia 5 years previously presented with gross hematuria. Cystoscopy and computed tomography revealed stone formed in the mesh migrated into the urinary bladder. Mesh removal surgery and partial cystectomy were performed; and pathological findings revealed muscle invasive bladder cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical cystectomy were performed. The pathological diagnosis was high-grade urothelial carcinoma, stage pT3a with positive lymph nodes, stage pN3. To date, 3 months after surgery, the patient has received adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report of urothelial carcinoma related to a migrated mesh after inguinal hernioplasty.

(Objectives) Surgical treatment prostate cancer in elderly patients is controversial. However, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a less invasive procedure than conventional surgery. Therefore, we perform RARP for elderly patients whose general condition is good (Performance status ≤1). The aim of this study is to evaluate surgical, oncological and functional outcomes for RARP in men age 75 and older. (Patients and methods) From July 2013 to April 2016, 300 patients underwent RARP at our institution. They were divided into two groups: an older patient group (≥75 years) and a younger patient group (75 years). Treatment outcomes for each group, including surgical, oncological and functional outcomes, were compared. (Results) There were no statistically significant differences in surgical outcomes with the exception of nerve sparing rates (older patients: 5.9% vs. younger patients: 17.7%, P=0.0192). Importantly, intra- and postoperative complication rates were similar in both groups (minor complication: 7.4% vs. 3.9%, P=0.322, major complication: 0.0% vs. 2.2%, P=0.592). Regarding oncological outcomes, including positive surgical margin rate and PSA failure (PSA0.2 ng/ml) at 12 months after surgery, no significant differences existed. Lastly, functional outcomes between the groups, including continence (≤1 pads/day) at 12 months after surgery, had no significant differences. (Conclusions) Our data suggests that RARP can be performed safely for men age 75 and older, and can become a good option for older patients with prostate cancer.

Although patients on long-term hemodialysis frequently develop renal cell carcinoma, mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) is rare in incidence. Here, we report a case of MTSCC occurring in a patient under hemodialysis. The patient was a 72-year-old man with end stage renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy. Hemodialysis was initiated in 2003. He presented with macrohematuria. Contrastenhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a right renal tumor. Laparoscopic right nephrectomy was performed accordingly in June 2017. Pathologically, the tumor was diagnosed as MTSCC. Six months after the surgery, the patient remains free of recurrence and metastasis. Here we review the characteristics of 5 MTSCC cases in patients on hemodialysis reported in Japan.

In the present report, we describe a patient with microcystic variant of urothelial carcinoma in urinary bladder. In March 2016, a 71-year-old man presented with bladder tumors found incidentally by ultrasonography. Cystoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple invasive tumor of posterior wall, with a maximum diameter of 33 mm. Transurethral resection (TUR) of bladder tumors was performed. Pathological diagnosis was urothelial carcinoma, high grade, T2 or more. Invasive urothelial carcinoma was diagnosed and laparoscopic radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder was performed accordingly in April 2016. Pathological findings indicated a diagnosis of microcystic variant of urothelial carcinoma. At present, six months after surgery, the patient remains free of recurrence and metastasis. Here we review the characteristics of 4 microcystic variant of urothelial carcinoma cases reported in Japan.

The patient first presented with left flank pain at the age of 15. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography performed at that time revealed left hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Mid-ureteral obstruction was suspected,and he underwent balloon catheter dilation of the mid-ureteral obstruction. Hydronephrosis,hydroureter and flank pain improved after surgery. However,at 21 years of age,he again presented with left flank pain. CT and ultrasonography revealed pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction and mid-ureteral obstruction. The suspected cause of the mid-ureteral obstruction was the umbilical ligament. Renal scintigraphy showed an obstructive pattern in the left kidney,with 52% split renal function. He thus underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty and end-to-end anastomosis of the mid-ureter with the one-step approach. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred,and the D-J stent was removed 6 weeks after surgery. At 12 months after surgery,he has had no recurrent flank pain and left renal function is normal.

In this report, we describe two cases of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI). The first case was in a 70-year-old man who received a splenectomy in 2012 due to pancytopenia induced by hepatic cirrhosis. He presented with fever and fatigue. A blood test and abdominal ultrasonography were performed. However, these examinations did not indicate any abnormal findings. He unexpectedly suffered from septic shock and acute renal failure the following day. Treatment consisted of mechanical ventilation, broad-spectrum antibiotics and continuous hemodiafiltration. Despite intensive treatment, he died 3 days after the initial visit. The second case was in a 55-year-old man with end-stage renal failure who started hemodialysis in 2004 and received a splenectomy in 2005 because of splenic artery aneurysm rupture. He presented with headache and nausea. A blood test indicated bacterial infection. We suspected OPSI and treated him with broad-spectrum antibiotics, continuous hemodiafiltration and mechanical ventilation. Despite treatment, his general condition gradually deteriorated, and he died 15 days after the initial visit. In view of the high mortality rate, prevention through vaccination and provision of proper information regarding OPSI is important.

The patient was a 70-year-old woman with a chief complaint of right hydronephrosis and hydroureter detected by ultrasound by a local doctor. She came to our hospital in January, 2014 for further examination. Because a tumor was discovered in her right upper ureter by computed tomography (CT) and retrograde pyelography, a right laparoscopic nephroureterectomy was perfomed on the suspicion of a right ureter carcinoma (clinical stage T2 N0M0). The pathological examination showed urothelial carcinoma, grade 3, pT3. She was followed up carefully without adjuvant chemotherapy. At 10 months postoperatively, a subcutaneous tumor was found at the port-site by CT, and she underwent surgical resection of the subcutaneous tumor. Pathological diagnosis was urothelial carcinoma, and was confimed to be portsite metastasis of urothelial carcinoma. She received three courses of gemcitabine and carboplatin chemotherapy therapy from November, 2014. She has been followed up without signs of recurrence.

The patient was a 67-year-old man with end stage renal failure. Hemodialysis had been started in 1998. An expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft was inserted into his left forearm and used for vascular access. He received a partial replacement of the expanded PTFE graft in September 2013. A seroma formed after this intervention and subsequently grew larger. He thus underwent seroma removal and bypass graft surgery. Four months after the surgery, to date, he remains free of seroma recurrence.

A 54-year-old woman presented with abdominal distension. Her medical history was unremarkable. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a left renal arteriovenous fistula and a large vein aneurysm, and she was diagnosed with aneurismal-type renal arteriovenous fistula. She was successfully treated with transcatheter arterial embolization using steel coils. Although she had pulmonary embolism as a serious post-operative complication, she recovered with anticoagulant therapy using heparin and warfarin. A contrast-enhanced CT scan performed 6 months after transcatheter arterial embolization did not show recanalization.

We report a case of strangulation of the penis by a rubber band. A 79-year-old man placed a rubber band tightly around the corona of his glans penis in order to prevent urinary incontinence. After five days, he was taken to our hospital in an ambulance for high temperature and general malaise. We found the rubber band and removed it immediately. Gangrene of the penis continued and he did not recover from sepsis, so we performed partial penectomy. After the operation, he completely recovered. Penile strangulation using a soft constricting object such as a rubber band might result in severe complications and we should be careful.

A 66-year-old man with superficial bladder cancer was treated with transurethral resection (TURBT) in October 2011. The pathological diagnosis was urothelial carcinoma (UC), grade 2, T1. A second TURBT was performed one month later. The pathological diagnosis was UC, grade 3, T1. He was treated with intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) after TURBT. His progress was satisfactory, but a small superficial bladder cancer was found on cystoscopy in August 2012. He was going to be treated with TURBT, but the serum alkaline phosphatase level was abnormally high on preoperative evaluation. Bone scintigraphy showed multiple bone metastases from non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) without local invasion. He was started on combined chemotherapy with 1,000 mg/m2 gemcitabine on days 1, 8 and 15 and 70 mg/m2 cisplatin on day 2 every four weeks. He received denosumab for multiple bone metastases at the same time. Although he subsequently developed severe hypocalcemia, treatment was continued, and he completed four courses of chemotherapy. Bone scintigraphy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed reduction of the multiple bone metastases, and alkaline phosphatase decreased to the normal range. It is rare for NMIBC without local invasion to metastasize to other organs. Thus, it is necessary to consider distant metastases in patients with NMIBC.

Metastasis is one of the major causes of mortality in cancer. It is well known that the activities of cell surface serine proteases are especially enhanced in malignant tumors. Proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix and basal membrane is a crucial event for tumor cell invasion and metastasis formation. FOY-305 (Foypan), a remedy for tumor pancreatitis, is a broad spectrum synthetic serine protease inhibitor which inhibits enzymatic activities including trypsin, thrombin, kallikrein and plasmin. Using Lewis lung carcinoma cell, we found that FOY-305 inhibited both spontaneous and experimental pulmonary metastasis. Furthermore, the combined treatment of FOY-305 and a traditional anti-cancer drug, 5-FU or bleomycin, resulted in marked enhancement of anti-pulmonary metastatic activity.

A precise magnetic-field stabilizer using nuclear resonance techniques is proposed and control characteristics of the stabilizer are analyzed in order to obtain conditions for optimizing control. In this control system, the error signal, which is the output voltage of the nuclear resonance magnetic-field detector, is doubly fed back through an anti-hunt circuit (wide-band DC power amplifier) as usual and further through a drift compensating circuit (integrator using a servomotor). According to the analysis, the control system has a short settling time and zero static error to a unit step disturbance. Moreover, the anti-hunt circuit contributes to making the whole system stable as well as to suppressing the field fluctuations, and the drift compensating circuit plays a role of compensating drifts of the static field. Thus the proposed stabilizer is effective for the precise stabilization of magnetic fields over a long duration.

The effect of the internal short-circuiting, which is caused by metal pegs embedded in insulating walls for an MHD power generator results in the reduction in open-circuit voltage, whereas it does not make any change in short-circuited current in the absence of the Hall effect. Electrical characteristics of generators with peg walls are expressed in terms of a correction factor which represents a rate of the reduction in open-circuit voltage. It is shown that this factor can be determined theoretically by the use of a conformal mapping technique or experimentally by means of an electrolytic bath. Experimental results obtained with a combustion-driven MHD power generator reveal that this effect is not minor even in the presence of thermal boundary layers near peg walls and that it can be minimized by coating alumina on the surface of metal pegs.

The factors that determine the line reversal temperature of a flame having a realistic temperature cross section are explained by detailed calculations of sodiumD-line contours. The upper limit of the apparent reversal temperature is determined by shapes of the temperature and sodium distributions in the flame, and is obtained when the flame is optically thin or when the effective slit width of an observing spectroscope is wide enough to cover the line contours. As the sodium distribution has a sharp peak in the highest temperature zone, the upper limit of the reversal temperature approaches the highest temperature in the flame.