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Introduction: The blood-based inflammatory marker, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), is a reliable prognostic biomarker for several cancers. Although the literature supports the correlation between preoperative NLR, clinicopathological characteristics, and oncological outcomes in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), the cutoff of NLR is still debated. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of NLR in patients with UTUC. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from July 2012 to December 2022 evaluating patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). NLR was calculated using the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts obtained a day before the surgery and the cutoff value was set as 2.5. Kaplan-Meier and Cox's proportional hazards regression were used to analyze the association between NLR and the oncological outcomes. Results: The study included 91 patients (78 males, 13 females) in the final analysis with a median follow-up of 49 months (8-130). The mean age of the patients with NLR <2.5 and NLR >2.5 was 56.88 years and 56.35 years, respectively, and the pathological stage was pT1 in 48%, pT2 in 20.88%, pT3 in 27.47%, and pT4 in 3.30% of the patients. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the preoperative NLR >2.5 was significantly associated (Hz = 7.17) with higher T stage, lymphovascular invasion, necrosis, nodal involvement, adjuvant chemotherapy, and worse overall survival (OS) (Hz = 9.87). The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed an improved OS in patients with NLR <2.5, but a statistically significant difference in the recurrence-free survival was not found. Conclusions: Preoperative NLR is an easily available, inexpensive, and important prognostic biomarker of survival in patients with UTUC and has a potential role in risk stratification by predicting adverse clinicopathological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the most common trigger for a prostate biopsy. However, the range of normal PSA is poorly defined in many populations. Men with "elevated" PSA may not harbor cancer, and it is unclear if such men with a prior negative prostate biopsy should be biopsied again. We conducted a cohort study to assess the PSA trends and cancer detection rates in such men. Methods: In an Institutional Review Board-approved ambispective study, men who underwent prostate biopsy between January 2016 and December 2021 for PSA > 4 ng/mL were identified. Among them, those whose biopsy was negative for malignancy were contacted either telephonically or reviewed in person, and the most recent PSA and histopathology of any repeat prostate biopsy were determined. These were evaluated to assess the PSA trend, re-biopsy rate, and cancer detection rate. Results: During the study period, prostate biopsies were performed in a total of 1260 men; out of which 444 were negative for malignancy and 241 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Their median prebiopsy PSA was 9.81 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 7.14--15.6), and the median follow-up PSA was 5.08 (IQR: 3.18--8.4). At a median follow-up of 53 months (range: 6--77 months), PSA had decreased in 177 (73.4%) patients, was static in 48 (19.9%) patients, and increased in only 16 (6.6%) patients. Repeat biopsy was performed on 20 patients; of whom seven had cancer (35%) with an overall positivity rate of 2.9% among the 241 patients. Although the positivity rate was higher in men with increased PSA, it was not statistically different from those with lower or similar PSA. No factors could be identified to predict a positive repeat biopsy. Conclusions: PSA, the sole trigger for a prostate biopsy, declined in nearly three-quarters of men with a negative first biopsy, and <3% of men were detected to have cancer on a repeat biopsy. This information could help appropriately counsel patients and allay anxiety after a negative biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Abnormal levels of heavy metals (HM) and trace elements (TE) affect body metabolism and can induce carcinogenesis. This study aims to evaluate the role of HM and TE in carcinoma urinary bladder (CAUB). Methods: Patients with biopsy-proven CAUB (n = 100) were taken as the study group, while age-and sex-matched healthy volunteers were taken as control (n = 100). Blood and urine samples were compared for Arsenic (As), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Selenium (Se), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Mercury (Hg) levels. Serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were assessed to know the redox status between the two groups. Results: A significantly higher blood level of As, Mn, and Pb was observed in CAUB cases as compared to controls. Blood Se level was significantly lower in CAUB patients. On comparing urinary levels, CAUB patients had a higher As, Mn, and Pb levels compared to controls. Further, 68% and 59% of patients had their blood and urinary HM and TE levels above the permitted level, respectively. CAUB cases also had a lower GSH-Px (113.5 ± 44.7 vs. 163.9 ± 120.5, P = 0.0002), lower SOD levels (11.35 ± 5.6 vs. 13.75 ± 3.9, P = 0.008), and a higher LPO levels (15.5 ± 14.7 vs. 11.18 ± 11.2, P = 0.02) in the serum. Conclusions: A significantly higher concentration of As, Mn, and Pb was noted in the blood and urine of CAUB patients compared to controls. CAUB cases also had lower serum GSH-Px and SOD levels with a concomitant increased serum LPO assay suggesting underlying oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in bladder carcinoma (BC) invasiveness and metastasis. Studies have shown that muscle-invasive BC (MIBC) and non-MIBC (NMIBC) are different at the molecular level owing to different EMT-related programming. Recent studies suggest that dysregulation of specific miRNAs is linked to EMT in BC. With this background, we aimed to study the immunoexpression of EMT-markers and its correlation with miRNA-200c expression in a series of MIBCs and NMIBCs. Materials and Methods: Quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction for the quantification of miR-200c expression was performed on 50 cases of urinary BC obtained from transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), cystectomy specimens, and ten peritumoral bladder tissue. Immunohistochemistry for ZEB1, ZEB2, TWIST, E-cadherin, and β-catenin was performed on tumor and peritumoral bladder tissue. Results: Thirty-five TURBT and 15 cystectomy specimens were assessed. Among MIBC, loss of expression of E-cadherin (72.3%), β-catenin (66.7%), and ZEB1, ZEB2, and TWIST2 immunoreactivity was noted in 53.3%, 86.7%, and 73.3% of cases, respectively. Among NMIBC, loss of expression of E-cadherin (22.5%), β-catenin (17.1%) and ZEB1, ZEB2, and TWIST immunoreactivity was noted in 11.5%, 51.4%, and 91.4% of cases, respectively. Upregulation of miRNA-200c was noted in cases with retained E-cadherin and negative TWIST expression. Downregulation of miRNA-200c expression was noted in all the cases showing loss of E-cadherin, β-catenin, and in cases immunoreactive for ZEB1, ZEB2, and TWIST in MIBC. Downregulation of miRNA-200c expression was also noted in cases of MIBC with retained β-catenin and those immunonegative for ZEB1 and ZEB2. A similar trend was noted in NMIBC. Median miRNA-200c expression was low in both high-grade and low-grade NMIBC compared to peritumoral bladder tissue and was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study for the first time explores the relation of miR200C with E-cadherin, b-catenin, and its direct transcriptional regulators, namely Zeb1, Zeb2, and Twist in the same cohort of BC. We observed that miRNA-200c is downregulated in both MIBC and NMIBC. We identified novel expression of TWIST in cases of BC showing downregulation of miR200Cs suggesting that it is one of the protein targets of altered miRNA-200c expression contributing to EMT and can serve as a promising diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. Loss of E-cadherin and ZEB1 immunoexpression in high-grade NMIBC suggests an aggressive clinical behavior. However, ZEB2 heterogeneous expression in BC limits its diagnostic and prognostic utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) presents with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus in 10%-30% cases and surgical management forms the mainstay of the treatment. The objective of this study is to assess the outcomes of the patients undergoing radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing open radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy between 2006 till 2018 was done. Results: A total of 56 patients were included. The mean (±standard deviation) age was 57.1 (±12.2) years. The number of patients with levels I, II, III, and IV thrombus were 4, 29,10, and 13, respectively. The mean blood loss was 1851.8 mL, and the mean operative time was 303.3 minutes. Overall, the complication rate was 51.7%, while the perioperative mortality rate was 8.9%. The mean duration of hospital stay was 10.6 ± 6.4 days. The majority of the patients had clear cell carcinoma (87.5%). There was a significant association between grade and stage of thrombus (P = 0.011). Using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the median overall survival (OS) was 75 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 43.5-106.5) months, and the median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 48 (95% CI = 33.1-62.3) months. Age (P = 0.03), presence of systemic symptoms (P = 0.01), radiological size (P = 0.04), histopathological grade (P = 0.01), level of thrombus (P = 0.04), and invasion of thrombus into IVC wall (P = 0.01) were found to be significant predictors of OS. Conclusion: The management of RCC with IVC thrombus poses a major surgical challenge. Experience of a center along with high-volume and multidisciplinary facility particularly cardiothoracic facility provides better perioperative outcome. Though surgically challenging, it offers good overall-survival and recurrence-free survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known risk factor of penile cancer (PeCa). However, studies evaluating its true association are limited. In this study, we aimed to estimate HPV prevalence and its true association with PeCa in terms of molecular biological activities. Materials and Methods: This single-institutional prospective observational study was conducted between June 2016 and August 2019. We included 40 men with PeCa as a study group and 20 age-matched uncircumcised men who underwent circumcision for phimosis as a control group. Both the groups underwent deoxyribonucleic acid isolation for HPV subtyping followed by evaluation of relative E6/E7 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression profile and relative telomerase activity in tissue samples. HPV-16 and -18 were categorized as high-risk, whereas HPV-6 and -11 were categorized as low-risk subtypes. Results: The mean (±standard deviation) age of PeCa was 51 ± 15.9 years. The majority of patients had stage II disease, and the most common procedure done was partial penectomy. The overall prevalence of HPV in PeCa was 42.5% (n = 17) as compared to 20% (n = 4) in controls. Among the subtypes, the most common subtype was HPV-16 noted in 33.3% (8/24) of cases, followed by HPV-18 in 29.2% (7/24) of cases. PeCa tissues had a significantly higher relative E7 mRNA expression for HPV-18 than the control group (P = 0.016). The mean relative telomerase activity was significantly higher in the PeCa tissues than the control group (138.66 vs. 14.46, P < 0.001). A significantly higher relative telomerase activity was noted in the PeCa tissues positive for high-risk HPV subtypes than controls (141.90 vs. 14.46, P = 0.0008), but not between high-risk HPV-positive and HPV-negative PeCa cases (141.90 vs. 137.03, P = 0.79). High-risk subtypes were not associated with tumor stage (P = 0.76) or lymph node metastasis (P = 0.816). Conclusions: HPV was associated in 42.5% of PeCa cases based on our experience from a single institution. PeCa tissues had a higher relative E7 mRNA expression for HPV-18 and relative telomerase activity as compared to controls suggesting their potential role as surrogate markers of virus-induced tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >20 ng/mL in isolation is a criterion for classification as "high-risk" prostate cancer (PCa). However, among Indian men, PSA elevation is often seen even in the absence of PCa and patients with PSA as the sole criterion for the high-risk disease may have different outcomes from those categorized as high risk due to adverse pathological features. We compared the operative, oncological, and functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in men with high-risk PCa categorized using PSA alone versus clinical and histopathological findings. Materials and Methods: In an Institute Review Board-approved study, men undergoing RARP with high-risk PCa with at least 2-year follow-up were categorized into those with PSA >20 ng/ml being the sole criteria for being high risk (Group A) versus those with Gleason score ≥8 or ≥T2c disease but any PSA level (Group B). The two groups were compared for perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes. Results: Fifty-three patients with high-risk disease were included. Twenty-six patients (48.9%) were classified into Group A while 27 patients (50.9%) were classified into Group B. The median PSA was significantly higher in Group A (31 [26--35] ng/ml in Group A vs. 21 [12--34] ng/ml in Group B, P = 0.006) and on histopathology of radical prostatectomy specimen, 24 (92.3%) patients had GG ≤3 disease in Group A versus 10 (37%) patients in Group B ( P < 0.001). Patients in both the groups had similar perioperative and continence outcomes. However, Group A had significantly lower biochemical recurrence rate (3/26 [11.5%]) as compared to Group B (11/27 [40.7%]) ( P = 0.012). Conclusions: PSA >20 ng/ml is the single most common criterion for stratification as high-risk PCa. However, men with PSA >20 ng/ml in isolation, without another adverse criterion, have better outcomes than men with adverse clinical or pathological criteria for high-risk disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study of a 43‑year‑old male without any co‑morbidity presented with acute onset and progressive weakness of bilateral upper and lower limbs. Topics include Fluoro‑deoxy‑glucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) screening for underlying occult malignancy revealed a solid nodule with circumscribed margins; and possibility of inflammatory myopathy was considered dermatomyositis (DM) or viral myositis.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and 68Ga prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PSMA PET-CT) and respective quantitative parameters (Ktrans - influx rate contrast, Kep - efflux rate constant, ADC - apparent diffusion coefficient, and SUVmax ratio - prostate SUVmax to background SUVmax ratio) in detection and localization of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPCa) in D'Amico intermediate- and high-risk group patients (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] >10 ng/ml). Methodology: The study included thirty-three consecutive adult men with serum prostate specific antigen >10ng/ml, and systematic 12 core prostate biopsy proven prostate cancer. All the 33 patients, were evaluated with mpMRI, and 68Ga PSMA PET-CT. The biopsy specimens and imaging were evaluated for 12 sectors per prostate by a predetermined scheme. Results: MpMRI Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS v2) score =3 showed higher sensitivity than 68Ga PSMA PET-CT (96.3% vs. 82.4%), with similar specificity (54.5% vs. 54.5%) (n = 33 patients, 396 sectors). Combined use of MRI and 68Ga PSMA PET-CT in parallel increased sensitivity (99.5%) and NPV (98.7%) for detection of CSPCa and combined use of MRI and 68Ga PSMA PET-CT in series increased specificity (71.8%) and PPV (71.5%) (n = 33 patients, 396 sectors). ADC showed a strong negative correlation with Gleason score (r = -0.77), and the highest discriminative ability for detection and localization of CSPCa (area under curve [AUC]: 0.91), followed by Ktrans (r = 0.74; AUC: 0.89), PI-RADS (0.73; 0.86), SUVmax ratio (0.49; 0.74), and Kep (0.24; 0.66). Conclusion: MpMRI PI-RADS v2 score and 68Ga PSMA PET-CT (individually as well as in combination) are reliable tool for detection and localization of CSPCa. Quantitative MRI and 68Ga PSMA PET-CT parameters have potential to predict Gleason score and detect CSPCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), one of the most devastating pandemics ever, has left thousands of cancer patients to their fate. The future course of this pandemic is still an enigma, but health care services are expected to resume soon in a phased manner. This might be a long drawn process and we need to have policies in place, to be able to fight both, the SARS-CoV-2 virus and cancer, simultaneously, and emerge triumphant. An extensive literature search for impact of delay in management of various urological malignancies was carried out. Expert opinions were sought wherever there was paucity of evidence, in order to reach a consensus and come up with recommendations for directing uro-oncology services in the times of COVID-19. The panel recommends deferring treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma by 3 to 6 months, except for those with ongoing hematuria and/or inferior vena cava thrombus, which warrant immediate surgery. Metastatic renal cell cancers should be started on targeted therapy. Low grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancers can be kept on active surveillance while high risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancers and muscle invasive bladder cancers should be treated within 3 months. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be avoided. Management of low and intermediate risk prostate cancer can be deferred for 3 to 6months while high risk prostate cancer patients can be initiated on neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy. Patients with testicular tumors should undergo high inguinal orchiectomy and be treated according to stage without delay, with stage I patients being offered surveillance. Penile cancers should undergo penectomy, while clinically negative groins can be kept on surveillance. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be avoided and adjuvant therapy should be deferred. We need to tailor our treatment strategies to the prevailing present conditions, so as to fight and defeat both, the SARS-CoV-2 virus and cancer. Protection of health care workers, judicious use of available resources, and a rational and balanced outlook towards different malignancies is the need of the hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nephron‑sparing surgery (NSS) is the standard of care for small renal masses whenever feasible. This study aims to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of NSS performed by open (open partial nephrectomy [OPN]) or laparoscopic (laparoscopic PN [LPN]) or robotic (robotic PN [RPN]) approach over the past 6 years and to study the correlation of histopathological grade of renal cell carcinoma with the RENAL score. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all patients who underwent NSS was done. Results: A total of 135 patients underwent NSS. The mean tumour size was 4.4 cm. About 61 patients underwent OPN, 24 had LPN and 50 had RPN. Although tumour size was larger in OPN group (P = 0.01), tumour complexity based on the RENAL score was similar in OPN and RPN groups (P = 0.15). The OPN group had shorter operative time (P = 0.008) but more blood loss (P = 0.001) and length of hospital stay (P = 0.049) as compared to LPN or RPN group. Maximum radiological diameter of tumour (P = 0.017) appeared to be a significant predictor of operative time, while the open surgical approach (P = 0.003) and tumour stage (P = 0.044) were found to be significant predictors of blood loss. Hilar clamping time was similar in OPN and RPN groups (P = 0.054) but higher in LPN group (P = 0.01). However, post‑operative decline in renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate) (P = 0.08) and margin status were comparable among the three groups. The most common histopathology was clear cell carcinoma (70%), and RENAL score was identified as a significant predictor of histopathological grade of tumour (P = 0.008). Conclusion: Open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches to PN provide similar patient outcomes. OPN was usually preferred for larger tumours. The post‑operative decline in renal functions and complications were comparable among the three approaches. RENAL score correlated significantly with histopathological grade and hence could help in predicting tumour behaviour pre‑operatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Very few randomized controlled trials are available globally to support routine use of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol after radical cystectomy (RC), and none so far has been conducted in the Indian subcontinent. The aim of the present study was to evaluate hospital stay and 30-day perioperative outcomes following RC with the implementation of the ERAS protocol. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four patients undergoing open RC were randomized to ERAS versus conventional surgical care (CSC) at our center from April 2017 to May 2018. Key interventions included avoidance of mechanical bowel preparation, early nasogastric tube removal, early enteral feeding, and early obligatory ambulation. Follow-up was done till 30-day postoperatively or till discharge, whichever longer. Results: Twenty-seven patients in each group were analyzed. The demographic profile of the groups was similar. Length of stay in each group (8 days [5–57] ERAS vs. 9 days [5–31] CSC group, P = 0.390) was similar, with time to recovery of bowel function being significantly less in ERAS group (12 h [12–108] vs. 36 h [12–60] for bowel sounds [P = 0.001], 48 h [12–108] vs. 72 h [36–156] for passage of flatus [P = 0.001], and 84 h [36–180] vs. 96 [60–156] for passage of stools [P = 0.013]). Perioperative complication rate (12 patients (44.4%) vs. 14 (51.9%), P = 0.786) was similar. Conclusions: ERAS protocol leads to faster bowel recovery compared to conventional care in patients undergoing open RC but fails to demonstrate a shorter length of stay and lower complication rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal lymphangiectasia characterised by either unilocular or multilocular cystic lesion in and around the kidney is an uncommon condition. Presentation of these lesions is quite varied, which along with its uncommon occurrence adds to the challenges in the management of this condition. Most of these cases are managed conservatively and very rarely need any intervention. We present an unusual complication of refractory lymphatic ascites following laparoscopic deroofing of a unilocular renal lymphangiectasia in a 21-year-old gentleman who presented with left flank pain. The ascitic fluid analysis suggested non-chylous lymphatic ascites. The surgical outcome was rather exasperating for the patient than the disease itself. Hence, in the interest of the patient with minimal symptoms, if the imaging is highly suggestive of renal lymphangiectasia, either no intervention or the least invasive procedures should be attempted, whenever possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to develop a method using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) to determine the effective atomic number and electron density of substances. Materials and Methods: Ten chemical substances of pure analytical grade were obtained from various manufacturers. These chemicals were pelletized using a hydraulic press. These pellets were scanned using DECT. A relation was obtained for the pellet's atomic number and electron density with their CT number or Hounsfield unit (HU) values. Calibration coefficients were determined. Five new chemical pellets were scanned, and their effective atomic number and electron densities were determined using the calibration coefficients to test the efficacy of the calibration method. Results: The results obtained for effective atomic number and electron density from the HU number of DECT images were within ±5% and ±3%, respectively, of their actual values. Conclusions: DECT can be used as an effective tool for determining the effective atomic number and electron density of high atomic number substance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is known to adversely affect the quality of life (QoL). One may choose between surgical and medical forms depending on his economic status, education status, and taboos. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of medical versus surgical ADT on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with metastatic cancer prostate in Indian population.Materials and Methods: From July 2012 to December 2014, 50 patients (10 medical castration and 40 surgical castration) of hormone-naïve metastatic prostate cancer who were started on combined ADT were included in this study. Before starting therapy, baseline data and QoL score (short form [SF-36] scale) were noted and all patients were followed up at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Baseline data and HRQoL at all time intervals between surgical and medical castration groups were compared.Results: All patients, except two, completed the 1-year follow-up period. Patients who opted for medical castration were more educated and belonged to higher socioeconomic status. For all the domains of SF-36 QoL questionnaire, a similar improvement in the score was noted at first 3-month follow-up which deteriorated in the next follow-up at 6 months and then further at 1 year. There was no difference in HRQoL after medical or surgical castration.Conclusions: In patients with metastatic cancer, prostate initiation of ADT, irrespective of method, causes an initial improvement in HRQoL followed later by a more gradual decline below the baseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We aimed to study the outcomes of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in postchemotherapy residual masses in advanced testicular germ cell tumor (GCT) in the Indian population. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 35 patients who underwent postchemotherapy RPLND at our institute after primary (29 patients) or salvage (6 patients) chemotherapy over a period of 9 years (June 2003 to July 2012). Results: The mean age of our patients was 26.8 years. 18 (51.42%) presented with primary tumor in the right testis and 3 (8.51%) had bilateral tumors. Mixed GCT was the most common histology among 19 (54.3%) patients. 14 (40%) patients had the residual mass in para‑aortic location, which was the most common site. 14 (40%) patients required an adjunctive procedure, most commonly nephrectomy which was required in 9 out of 14 (25.7%). We recorded 25 complications, mostly Clavien‑Dindo grade II. Histopathology of residual mass was necrosis in 17 (48.57%), teratoma in 12 (34.28%), and viable tumor in 6 (17.14%) patients. Conclusion: Nearly half of the patients had either teratoma or viable tumor, thus justifying the surgical resection of postchemotherapy residual mass. Although nearly half of the patients had complications, they were adequately managed and there was no mortality. Thus, postchemotherapy RPLND can be a useful procedure in multimodality approach to GCT in carefully selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The recent advent of bipolar energy in bladder tumor resection has raised many questions regarding density of current and its effect on histopathology of the resected transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) chips. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the histomorphological features in resected bladder tumors comparing bipolar versus conventional (monopolar) energy. Settings and Design: Inclusion criteria were patients with primary presentation of carcinoma urinary bladder undergoing TURBT. The patients with prior resections were excluded as these could jeopardize the results of cautery artifacts. Materials and Methods: From February 2010 to December 2011, 61 patients with primary carcinoma bladder and meeting our inclusion criteria were compared. Group 1 (n = 31) underwent bipolar-TURBT (B-TURBT) and Group 2 (n = 30) monopolar-TURBT (M-TURBT). Two pathologists, who were blinded to the form of electrocautery used, examined the resected tissue. The degree of cautery artifact in each specimen was recorded. The severity of the cautery artifact was graded as absent, mild, moderate, or severe. The mean age, tumor size, and resection time were recorded in both groups. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using SPSS 16. Data were compared in between groups using paired t-test and Pearson's Chi-square test. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The mean age, tumor size, and resection time were similar in between the two groups. The pathologists had no obscurity in reaching a correct diagnosis in all cases. The cautery artifacts were graded as absent in 10 (32.2%) and 8 (26.67%), mild in 12 (38.7%) and 11 (36.67%), moderate in 5 (16.1%) and 7 (23.33%) and severe in 4 (12.9%) and 5 (16.66%) cases, respectively in Group 1 and 2. There was no statistically significant histomorphogical dissimilarity between specimens according to the type of cautery used. Conclusions: Bladder tissue obtained from B-TURBT is of equivalent histomorphological feature as that of standard M-TURBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the accuracy of Gleason grading/scoring on preoperative needle core biopsy (NCB) compared to the radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen. Materials and Methods: Data of NCB and RP specimens was analyzed in 193 cases. Gleason grade/scoring was done on both NCB and RP specimens. Sixteen cases were excluded for various reasons. The Gleason scores of the two sets of matched specimens were compared and also correlated with the PSA, age, and number of needle biopsy cores. The overall change was also correlated with the initial score on NCB. Results: The mean age and PSA were 63.3 ± 2(5.27) years and 18.48 ± 2(28.42) ng/ml, respectively. The average Gleason score increased from 5.51 ± 2(1.52) to 6.2 ± 2(1.42) ( P < 0.02). The primary grade increased in 57 (32.2%) cases. Overall, 97 (54.8%) cases had an increase in Gleason score. Five other cases had a change from 3 + 4 = 7 to 4 + 3 = 7. Change in Gleason score was significantly more if the score on NCB was ≤ 6 or number of needle cores was ≤ 6. Besides, 28 cases had perineural invasion, 16 had capsular invasion (pT3a), and 4 had vascular invasion on RP specimen. Conclusions: There is a significant upgrading of Gleason score on RP specimens when compared with NCB. This trend may be correlated positively with lower initial Gleason score on preoperative biopsy and the lower number of cores taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal cell cancer (RCC) is known to produce metastasis to unusual sites both synchronously and metachronously several years after the primary treatment. We report a rare case of RCC with three different, sequential, and each time isolated rare site metastasis to ureteric stump, surgical site, and urinary bladder over a period of 6 years after radical nephrectomy. At each recurrence, metastasectomy was carried out and no systemic therapy was administered. Eleven years after radical nephrectomy and 5 years after last resection, the patient remains disease free. Multiple recurrences can occur in RCC and complete surgical resection results in disease free survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary prostatic lymphomas are extremely unusual neoplasms. Their rarity and nonspecific symptomatology at presentation usually prompt a clinical diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia or chronic prostatitis, leading to significant delay in diagnosis. Clinical examination, serum prostate-specific antigen levels, and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) are not of much utility in differential diagnosis, and histological examination is the gold standard. We report two cases of primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of prostate, diffuse large B-cell type, diagnosed on TRUS-guided prostatic biopsies. Correct diagnosis is of crucial importance as the therapeutic strategy for lymphoma is radically different from that for carcinoma, and early detection of prostatic lymphoma can be potentially curative. Thus, knowledge of this rare entity, inclusion in differential diagnosis of lower urinary tract obstruction, and application of an appropriate immunohistochemical panel are essential so as not to miss this unusual diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the outcomes of a large series of patients treated with radical cystectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of bladder. Materials and Methods: A total of 502 patients underwent radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer from 1992 till December 2006. Of these, 432 patients with primary transitional cell carcinoma of bladder underwent RC with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy with a curative intent. The clinical course, pathologic characteristics and long-term clinical outcomes were evaluated in this group of patients. Results: The median follow-up was 62 months. There were 30 (6.9%) perioperative deaths and 111(25.7%) early complications. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OAS) were 66% and 62% at five years and 62% and 40% respectively at 10 years. The RFS and OAS were significantly related to the pathological stage and lymph node status with increasing pathological stage and lymph node positivity associated with higher rate of recurrence and worse OAS (P < 0.001). A total of 145 patients (33.5%) developed bladder cancer recurrence. Of these, 40 (27.6%) developed local pelvic recurrence and 105 patients (72.4%) developed distant recurrence. The median time to local and distant recurrence was 12 and 16 months respectively. Conclusion: The clinical results reported from this large group of patients demonstrate that radical cystectomy provides good survival results for invasive bladder cancer patients with low incidence of pelvic recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rare case of squamous cell carcinoma of bladder occurring in a 36-year-old female with persistent cloacal anomaly who presented with frequency, urgency, dysuria, and recurrent urinary tract infection is reported. Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography with three dimensional reconstruction showed presence of bladder tumor and persistent cloaca. She underwent pelvic exenteration and wet colostomy. Histopathologic findings revealed locally advanced moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leiomyosarcoma of inferior vena cava (IVC) involving bilateral renal veins presents a surgical challenge. Herein, we report the successful management of two such cases using restoration of left renal venous outflow by saphenous vein interposition graft as fi rst step of surgery. Then radical resection of tumor and right kidney was done. IVC was lastly reconstructed using Gore-Tex graft. This report highlights the surgical challenges to ensure radical resection. Furthermore, the importance of restoring left renal outflow in presence of concomitant right nephrectomy is discussed. Both the patients were disease free at six months with no loss of left renal glomerular filtration rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refractory bleeding following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is mainly due to formation of pseudoaneurysm. Transarterial embolization is required to control the bleeding in such cases. We report a case of post-PCNL hematuria in whom angioembolization was done. An early erosion of the embolization coil from the renal vasculature into the urinary collecting system occurred, causing urinary tract obstruction and urinary tract infection (UTI). The coil was retrieved ureteroscopically after control of UTI with antibiotics. Migration of embolization coil into urinary collecting system is a rare but important cause of urinary tract obstruction. The treating physician as well as the patient should be aware of this complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of priapism following the consumption of a single dose of sildenafil is reported. A 25-year-old unmarried healthy man consumed non-prescribed 50 mg sildenafil purchased over the counter. He developed painful priapism 30 min after the drug intake that had lasted for 4 days (96 h) when he sought medical advice as an emergency. The corpus spongiosum and glans was soft and the corpus cavernosa was rigid. Winter's shunt was done. Fifteen milliliters of dark blood was aspirated with 16 G needle. Detumescence was achieved within 30 min. He was discharged after 12 h. On one month follow-up, he had normal morning erections. A genetic basis with cross-reactivity of PDE-3 in addition to PDE-5 resulting in a cumulative erection effect may be possible elucidation for this unwanted side effect in rare cases. However, the number of cases reported with this side effect is still too less to draw further conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To investigate the role of GSTM1 and T1 null genotypes as risk factors for prostate cancer in north Indian population. Methods: The subjects appraised were 150 cases and 172 healthy males. Peripheral blood was collected along with the demographic and anthropometric data. DNA was extracted by proteinase K/SDS digestion and GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were analyzed by a multiplex-PCR. Results: GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype was found to confer 2.45 (OR= 2.45; 95% CI = 0.56-3.82; P-value=0.00008) and 2.39 (OR=2.39; 95% CI=1 36-4.20; p-value=0.02) fold higher risk of prostate cancer independent to each other. Also, null genotype at either loci, GSTM1 or GSTT1, increased the risk by 2.84 folds (OR=2.84; 95% CI=1.76-4.51; P value= 0.0002).The null genotype at both loci was assessed to be a significant risk factor of prostate cancer (OR= 4.08, 95% CI= 1.93-8.61, P value = 0.0002). Smoking imparted a 2.08 fold higher risk of prostate cancer (OR=2.08, 95% CI=1.31-3.30, P value = 0.00002). Factors like alcohol consumption, tobacco chewing, consumption of vegetarian/ non-vegetarian food, literacy levels, occupation pursued and residential locality were not found to be significant in risk prediction. Conclusions: GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes and smoking are associated with high risk of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To determine the effect of Tamsulosin, as adjunctive medical therapy on the outcome of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for solitary renal and ureteric calculi. Methods: From Jan 2007 onwards, a prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted in patients with solitary renal or ureteral calculus measuring less than 20 mm undergoing ESWL. The Study group (n=62) received 0.4 mg of Tamsulosin daily till stone clearance or a maximum period of 12 weeks and control group (n=58) received ESWL only. Parameters assessed were stone size, composition, location, stone clearance, mean time to clearance, analgesic requirement, steinstrasse, need for hospitalization and/or auxiliary procedures. Results: There was no difference between the 2 groups with regards to age, stone size, location or composition. The complete clearance rate for renal stones was 62.7% and 36.5% (P=0.004) and for ureteric stone was 89.4% and 58.8% (P=0.03) in study and control groups, respectively. The control group had a higher rate of clinically insignificant residual fragments (CISF i.e. <3mm), 12.9% vs. 35.4% (P=0.002).There was no significant difference in the mean time to stone clearance (P=0.07) or in the incidence of steinstrasse formation (P=0.12). The mean analgesic requirement (P=0.01), need for auxiliary procedures and hospitalization (P=0.03) was significantly was higher in the control group. Conclusions: Tamsulosin increase the complete clearance rate and decrease the incidence of CISF. It also reduces analgesic requirement, need of additional procedures and hospitalization rate and might be useful as a routine adjunctive therapy following ESWL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Various biomedical imaging modalities are under investigation for real time tissue imaging of periprostatic nerves with the idea of improving upon the results of nerve sparing radical prostatectomy. We explored the use of Multiphoton microscopy for this purpose. The unique advantage of this technique is the acquisition of high resolution image without requiring any extrinsic labeling agent and almost no phototoxic effect on tissue. Methods: The prostate and cavernous nerves were surgically excised in male Sprague-Dawley rats. An Olympus BX61WI upright fluorescence microscope was utilized. A femtosecond pulsed Titanium/sapphire laser at 780nm wavelength was used to excite the tissue. Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) signals were collected at 390 (± 35 nm) and the autofluorescence was collected at 380-530nm. The images were then merged and pseudocolors imparted for better appreciation of details. The corresponding tissues were subjected to H&E for histologic confirmation. Results: High resolution images of prostate capsule, underlying acini and the individual cell outlining the glands, fat and the neural tissues were obtained. Histologic confirmation and correlation of the prostate gland, fat, cavernous nerve and major pelvic ganglion validated the findings of multiphoton microscopy. Conclusions: Real time imaging and microscopic resolution of rostate and periprostatic neural tissue using multiphoton microscopy is feasible without the need for any extrinsic labeling agents. Integration of this imaging modality with operative technique has the potential to improve the precision of nerve sparing prostatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: ELAC-2 gene is considered as prostate cancer susceptibility gene. It is located on chromosome 17p11 and is encoded as HPC/ELAC2. Two common polymorphisms i.e. Ser217Leu and Ala541Thr are apparently associated with a modestly increased risk in familial prostate cancer. According to Xu et al. (2006), Ala541Thr polymorphism was not frequent either in control or in sporadic cases of prostate cancer in Americans. The frequency of heterozygous (Ala/Thr) was low in all the groups and homozygous (Thr/Thr) was an occasional occurrence. On the other hand, the Ser217Leu polymorphism has been found to be associated with prostate cancer in familial cases as well as in sporadic cases (Xu et al., 2001). The present study was conducted to find out the association of Ser241Leu genotype in cases of sporadic prostate cancer in Indian population. Methods: In Indian population the number of prostate cancer with familial history was quite negligible. Hence genotype analysis of HPC/ELAC-2 was done on 157 cases of sporadic prostate cancer and 170 age matched controls (having normal serum PSA < 4.0ng/ml and normal digital rectal examination) using RFLP technique. Results: Leu217 homozygous genotype (Leu/Leu) had shown 1.7 fold (0.74-3.92) increased risk of prostate cancer. When data was stratified with staging, the risk was aggravated to 1.86 in metastized cases (95% CI=0.70-4.96). Smokers (OR=3.24; 95% CI=0.80-13.18) and non vegetarians (OR=2.92; 95% CI=0.76-11.24) were at higher risk in developing prostate cancer with this mutant genotype (Leu/Leu). Conclusions: This study stresses the role of gene-environment interaction in the progression and development of prostate cancer. The results were similar to European American population done by Wheeler et al. (2006) indicating its role in the etiology and clinical progression of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Fibrosis (IRPF) is an uncommon, benign, non-specific inflammatory disease of the retroperitoneum. Surgical ureterolysis and immunosuppression has been the mainstay treatment. Recently, Tamoxifen- a non-steroidal antiestrogen is said to enhance secretion of TGF-β which modulates the action of fibroblasts & immune cells, thereby regulating fibrosis in mesangial cells. This prospective observational study was conducted to describe clinical course & analyse the outcome of patients of IRPF treated with Tamoxifen. Methods: Between July 2005 to July 2007, 11 patients were treated with 60mg Prednisolone with a gradual taper over 4 months. Tamoxifen was administered concurrently & continued for 2 years or upto 6 months following resolution of systemic symptoms and extubation of affected ureters. Baseline & follow up laboratory parameters included ESR, C-reactive proteins and RFT Diagnosis of IRPG was made on basis of CT/MRI and/or HPE. Results: Treatment response was analysed on basis of normalization of laboratory evidence of inflammation & renal function, regression of degree of fibrosis on CT/MRI & relief of obstructive uropathy as gauged by uneventful removal of JJ stent. Marked improvement was seen in 4(36.5%) cases. Results were equivocal in 3 ( 27.5%) cases while surgical intervention was required in 4 (36.5%) cases. Conclusions: Tamoxifen is a safe & efficacious viable therapeutic option in the management of IRPF with no significant side effect. Larger trials are however needed to confirm the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To evaluate the role of an electrothermal bipolar coagulator (Biclamp) on the performance and outcome of open radical cystectomy in comparison with conventional methods of dissection. Methods: Over 1 year period, a prospective study was carried out in patients undergoing open radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for muscle invasive carcinoma bladder employing either conventional ligation/clip in the control group (n=22) or Biclamp device in the study group (n=20). Biclamp was used to divide the posterior and lateral pedicles of bladder. Outcome measures evaluated were estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion requirement, operating time (total/cystectomy) and postoperative variables such as analgesia requirement, time to drain removal, duration of hospital stay and incidence of complications in both the groups. Results: Both groups were similar with regards to age, sex, BMI, associated co morbidity and clinical stage of the disease. Mean EBL and transfusion requirement in study and control groups were 605 and 1116 ml (P= 0.03) and 1.4 and 2.9 units (P=0.008), respectively. Mean cystectomy and total operating time were 74 and 104 minutes (P=0.02) and 295 and 304 minutes (P=0.76) in study and control groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in respect to analgesic requirement, drain removal, duration of hospital stay and incidence of complication between the groups. Conclusions: Use of Biclamp in radical cystectomy reduces blood loss,saves operating time and is particularly useful in dividing vessels deep in the pelvis where it acts as an viable alternative to hemostatic clips and sutures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]