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OBJECTIVE: This non-systematic review discusses the available evidence on the use of flavoxate in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: Medline was searched for inclusion of relevant studies. No limitations in time were considered. RESULTS: Flavoxate hydrochloride is an antispasmodic agent which exerts an inhibition of the phosphodiesterases, a moderate calcium antagonistic activity, and a local anesthetic effect. Results from preclinical and clinical studies show that flavoxate significantly increases bladder volume capacity (BVC), with greater results if compared to other drugs such as emepronium bromide and propantheline. Moreover in clinical trials, both versus placebo or versus active comparators, flavoxate treatment was associated with a significant improvement in different low urinary tract symptoms, such as diurnal and night frequency, urgency and urinary incontinence, suprapubic pain, dysuria, hesitancy and burning. In addition flavoxate was associated with an overall more favourable safety profile than competitors. CONCLUSIONS: Several researches and a number of years of clinical practice have proven the efficacy and tolerability of flavoxate administration in the treatment of OAB and associated symptoms. However, new studies are necessary to collect more evidence on the role of this molecule in the treatment of OAB and to further explore its use in other indications such as symptomatic treatment of lower urinary tract infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Prostate biopsy side effects have a role in the controversy over screening for prostate cancer. We measured the precise incidence of infection after prostate biopsy and determined risk factors., Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective, multicenter study in France from April to June 2013. All prostate biopsies done during this period were included in study. A web based questionnaire was used to identify patient characteristics, biopsy methods and postoperative infectious episodes. External audit helped ensure data completeness. The primary outcome was the post-biopsy infection rate. We determined risk factors for infectious complications using univariate and multivariate analysis., Results: The study included 2,718 patients, of whom 6% reported receiving antibiotics in the previous 6 months and 7.4% had a history of prostatitis. Recommended antibiotic prophylaxis consisting of 2 fluoroquinolone tablets 2 hours before examination for prostate biopsy was noted in 78.3% of cases. Post-biopsy sepsis was found in 76 subjects (2.8%). On multivariate analysis predictors of post-biopsy sepsis were noncompliance with antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.9, p = 0.001), antibiotic treatment in the previous 6 months (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-3.9, p = 0.015) and a history of prostatitis (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4, p = 0.002)., Conclusions: In this study the incidence of post-prostate biopsy sepsis was 2.8% and no deaths were reported. Risk factors identified on multivariate analysis were noncompliance with antibiotic prophylaxis according to guidelines, antibiotic treatment in the previous 6 months and a history of prostatitis., (Copyright © 2015 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare disease. Thus, little evidence-based data are available to guide clinical decision-making. The aim of the study was to provide an overview of the currently available prognostic factors for UTUC., Material and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed databases to identify original articles regarding prognostic factors in patients with UTUC., Results: We divided the prognostic factors for UTUC in four different categories: clinical factors, preoperative characteristics, intraoperative/surgical factors and postoperative/pathologic factors. Prognostic factors described in order of importance are: tumor stage and grade, lymph node involvement, a concomitant cis, age at the diagnostic, lymphovascular invasion, tumor architecture and necrosis, tumor location and multifocality, gender. The impact of obesity, smoking and other comorbidities (ECOG, ASA) on outcomes has been recently reported but needs to be validated. The endoscopic approach of distal ureter management during radical nephroureterectomy has been shown to be at higher risk of bladder recurrence., Conclusion: The incorporation of such prognosticators into clinical prediction models might help to guide decision-making with regard to timing of surveillance, type of treatment, performance of lymphadenectomy, and consideration of neoadjuvant or adjuvant systemic therapies., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Introduction: In urology, antibiotic prophylaxis is advised by the French Association of anesthesiology (SFAR) and the Infectious Disease Committee of the French Association of urology guidelines published in 2010. No guideline exists concerning the implantation of neuromodulation implants., Material and Method: A literature analysis was performed on sacral modulation and antibiotic prophylaxis. Then guidelines were discussed by reviewers. Items that showed no consensus were then discussed again to arrive at recommendations., Results: Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended during the test phase as well as in the case of installation of sacral neuromodulation (Grade C). Antibiotic recommended (Grade B) are: cefotetan or cefoxitin, 2g dose by slow intravenous injection or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid at a dose of 2 g, intravenously or, in the case of allergy vancomycin at a dose of 15 mg/kg or the clindamycin has 600 mg intravenously., Conclusions: Despite the lack of high level of evidence, antibiotic prophylaxis seems necessary when setting up of electrode case of sacral neuromodulation., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: According to the French regulatory authorities, the highest level of disinfection must be achieved for flexible cystoscopes, as they enter a sterile cavity, the current method being peracetic acid disinfection and sterile water terminal rinsing., Material and Methods: The concordance between regulations and the routine was researched using a self-administered questionnaire sent to all French urologists., Results: Responses from 78 urology units, totalling 317 urologists (26% response rate) were analysed. As a whole, 51.2% of centers followed all recommendations on disinfection. There was no microbiological surveillance in 16.6% of centers, although microbiological tests were performed in two out of three centers before using a new endoscope or when returning from maintenance., Conclusion: Improvements are needed, both in the disinfection process and the microbiological surveillance. Low temperature sterilization and the use of sterile disposable sheaths may represent an alternative., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility, tolerance and short-term efficacy of intra-prostatic UroLift(®) implants in four patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia., Patients and Method: Four patients with symptomatic BPH, already treated with alpha-blockers, were consecutively treated with intra-prostatic UroLift(®) implants under general anaesthesia. A bladder catheter was placed postoperatively. Alpha-blocker therapy was withdrawn 7 days postoperatively. The clinical and morphological characteristics of the patients were noted. Low urinary tract (IPSS) and sexual symptoms (IIEF5, MSHQ-EjD), maximum urinary flow rate and post voiding residual volume were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 month., Results: Median age was of 69 [52-74] years old and median prostatic volume of 50 cm(3) [40-80]. Median procedure time was of 11 minutes [6-15]. Intra- and postoperative outcomes were uneventful. At 1 month, the mean IPSS and IPSS-QOL improvement were of 46 % and 58 %, respectively. One patient reported no improvement in his urinary and sexual symptoms. In the other three patients, the maximum urinary flow rate was improved, the post voiding residual improved in two patients and similar in one. No alteration in erection or ejaculation functions was reported., Conclusions: In our initial experience, intra-prostatic UroLift(®) implant procedure seemed feasible, efficacious for LUTS and well tolerated, especially concerning sexual outcomes. Further study of the UroLift(®) implant in France is currently being planned., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Renal hybrid tumors (HT) are characterized by the association of both oncocytes- and chromophobe-cells within the same tumor. They have been reported in patients with Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome. The aim of this report was to describe two cases of HT and summarize recent literature., Patient and Method: Case study was summarized from the patient's medical chart. Review of literature was performed using the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database., Results: Two patients were diagnosed with multiple but small tumors of the kidney, and were treated with partial nephrectomy. Pathological analysis of these tumors showed oncocytoma-like and chromophobe-like cells intermixed in the same stroma., Conclusions: HT may constitute a spectrum of tumors between renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. From a pragmatic management perspective, it would be appropriate to consider such tumors as chromophobe carcinoma. In case of HT, a genetic study for BHD syndrome can be proposed to family relatives., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Although it is not possible to use medications on the anatomic features of incontinence, a better comprehension of the physiopathology of miction impairment can lead to pharmacological treatment of female urinary incontinence. However, analysis of the literature shows that few publications are methodologically satisfactory, nor are they comparable. In presence of stress urinary incontinence, vaginal hormone treatment must be provided if the patient presents vaginal atrophy with physical therapy or surgery planned. Use of noradrenaline recapture inhibitors and serotonin cannot be recommended today. There are no indications for alpha-adrenergic treatments. For urge incontinence treatment, use of anticholinergics should be provided, possibly associated with vaginal hormone treatment if the patient presents vaginal atrophy., ((c) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Pelvic floor rehabilitation is prescribed as first-line treatment for women with stress urinary incontinence, particularly in cases of urinary incontinence with no first-degree uterine prolapse, with poor-quality perineal testing results or inverted perineal command. Prescription of 15 sessions should suffice to evaluate the possibilities of improving the incontinence. The sessions can be continued if the patient feels she is progressing but has not reached sufficient results. With no progression despite properly conducted rehabilitation, the question of whether to continue the physical therapy arises. Currently, therapists determine the number of sessions. They are better apt to know whether sessions should be pursued and should relay a report to the prescribing physician. This type of rehabilitation is within the domain of physical therapists. Midwives can be responsible for postpartum rehabilitation. On the other hand, the importance of the patient's role in the results and their maintenance is well known. Occasionally a few sessions some time after the initial sessions can serve to verify the acquisitions and motivate the patient in her personal contribution to this rehabilitation. The work of the physical therapist cannot be substituted with Keat-type home electrostimulation. The physical therapist plays an important role in the overall management of this condition. Currently, in absence of demonstrated efficacy, self-administration of electrostimulation is not recommended. In urge incontinence, the rehabilitation approach will be used concomitantly with prescription of anticholergics with behavioral therapy and bladder biofeedback work. In addition, low-frequency electrostimulation can be done during the session. Starting with 10-12 sessions is sufficient. In all cases, rehabilitation should take a multidisciplinary approach and be integrated into a medical and/or surgical management plan., ((c) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Absorbant products have greatly improved over the past few years in terms of both efficacy and comfort, but the problem of cost for patients persists. They can only be used for short periods of time while waiting for effective curative treatment or over longer periods if no other management option is possible. The model chosen must be adapted to the amount of leakage and the patient's shape. Many nonabsorbant palliative treatments have been reported, often with small series. They can be grouped into three types: extra-urethral occlusive devices, intra-urethral obstructive devices, and intravaginal support devices. The use of a pessary or other vaginal devices can be proposed, in particular with associated prolapse, which can be used when leakage is very occasional (sport, etc.) or in women who cannot have any other treatment., ((c) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Primary urethral melanoma is a rare pathology for which treatment strategies are controversial. The aim of this work was to report a case of metastatic primary urethral melanoma, and to discuss recent data available from literature., Material and Method: Case study was summarized from the patient's medical chart. Review of literature was performed using the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database., Results: We reported the case of an 89-year-old woman who died from a primary metastatic melanoma of the urethra. This pathology encounters for less than 1% of melanomas and has an adverse prognosis. In case of metastasis, specific survival is only of a few months. When localized to the urethra, treatment relies on radical urethrectomy, followed by adjuvant chemo- and immunotherapy., Conclusions: The modalities of treatment of primary urethral melanoma rely only on reported case studies. When diagnosed at the metastatic stage, reported specific survival does not exceed a few months., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Surgery is the treatment of pelvic prolapses. But in case of stage 1 prolapses or surgical contra-indication, some non surgical treatment can be proposed. There is no scientific proof of efficacy of an hormonal treatment. Pessaries are an alternate with satisfaction for voluntary patients, it gives 58 to 80% satisfaction; in young patients or if surgery is contra-indicated, pessaries can be proposed; vaginal discomfort induced by pessaries can be improved by local oestrogenotherapy. Pelvic floor training has been compared in some studies with no training: after 2 years, 72% versus 27% without worsening of the prolapse (Piya-Anant); in moderate prolapse, training can be useful. Prevention includes careful delivery management, struggle against overweight, carriage of weight, chronic cough, etc.

Objective: To determine preoperative risk factors of postoperative voiding dysfunction after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure., Methods: In 2004, 100 patients with genuine stress urinary incontinence underwent surgery by the TVT procedure. Preoperative and postoperative urodynamic study was performed for each patient. Postoperatively, patients' perception of result and quality of life were assessed on two validated scales, namely, Mesure du Handicap Urinaire (MHU) and Ditrovie. Voiding dysfunction was defined by a postoperative peak flow rate of <15 ml/s at 3 mo. Clinical and urodynamic parameters were compared and analysed., Results: At 3 mo, 20 patients (20%) showed evidence of voiding dysfunction despite the absence of clinical symptoms in 14 of them (70%). Multivariate analysis showed that age (p<0.038) and preoperative peak flow rate (p<0.001) were independent risk factors for voiding dysfunction. Parity, menopausal status, body mass index, and maximal urethral closure pressure were not statistically related to the risk of voiding dysfunction., Conclusions: This study confirms the existence of an important rate of postoperative voiding dysfunction, mostly asymptomatic, and identifies age and preoperative maximal peak flow rate as independent preoperative risk factors. Identification of voiding dysfunction in patients may lead to better follow-up and early detection of late potential complications of suburethral procedures.

Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic significance of subtyping papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) into type 1 and type 2 tumors., Methods: From 1995 to 2004, 1358 patients underwent surgery for renal cell carcinoma, of whom 130 had PRCC alone on the specimen. The tumor characteristics, including their subtype, were analyzed; small basophilic cells and large eosinophilic cells were defined type 1 and type 2 tumors, respectively. Survival analyses were performed retrospectively., Results: Of the 130 patients (110 men and 20 women, mean age 60.6 +/- 15.3 years) with PRCC, 102 underwent radical nephrectomy (78.4%) and 28 underwent partial nephrectomy (21.6%). The median tumor size was 4.5 cm (range 0.5 to 21). The comparison of the 68 (52.3%) type 1 PRCCs and 62 (47.7%) type 2 PRCCs revealed that type 2 tumors were associated with a greater stage and grade and microvascular invasion significantly (P <0.001) more often. The median follow-up was 48 months (range 2 to 111). Of the 130 patients, 22 died of cancer-specific causes, 5 (7%) with type 1 and 17 (27%) with type 2 tumors (P = 0.002). The overall and disease-free survival rate was 89% and 92% in type 1 tumors and 55% and 44% in type 2 tumors, respectively. Univariate analysis identified tumor type, stage (P <0.001), grade (P <0.001), microvascular invasion (P <0.001), an absence of foam cells (P <0.001), the presence of sarcomatoid cells (P = 0.001), and tumor necrosis (P = 0.007) as prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis retained tumor type (P = 0.034) and TNM stage (P <0.001)., Conclusions: The results of our study have shown that histologic subtyping of PRCC allows for the identification of an independent prognostic factor.

We report the case of a 42-year-old man with a synovial sarcoma of the prostate, metastatic at presentation, who after aggressive chemotherapy followed by extensive surgery developed a complex pelvic fistula involving the lower ureter, bladder, and enteral structures. The patient was a poor candidate for surgery because of his short life expectancy and poor health status. Conservative management with bilateral nephrostomy tubes did not allow sufficient fistulous output for symptomatic relief. Using the percutaneous access already in place, we performed bilateral ureteral embolization with coils. Complete ureteral occlusion was obtained with a minimally invasive procedure and allowed total symptomatic relief.

Objective: Repeated biopsies in patients with a high risk of prostate cancer only allow a small proportion of new cancer diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of combined MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) for these patients., Methods: Between April 2003 and April 2004, 42 patients with negative multiple cores prostatic biopsies and serum PSA>4 ng/ml underwent a combined MRI/MRSI analysis. Suspicious zones on standard MRI included low intensity signals on T2 weighted images. A high choline+creatine-to-citrate ratio defined a MRSI suspicious zone. A 10 cores following peripheral biopsy scheme was done to which were added supplementary biopsies on the MRI/MRSI suspicious zones., Results: The mean age was 62.3 years (51-74), the mean pre-biopsy serum PSA was 12 (3.87-35), the mean free/total PSA ratio was 11% (5-20). The mean number of previous prostate biopsy rounds was 2.04. 15 prostate cancers were diagnosed (35.7%). In 9 cases, abnormal MRI/MRSI findings and positive biopsy sites were located on the same prostatic zones. In 5 cases, MRSI alone located the positive biopsy zones. Sensitivity of combined MRI/MRSI in this study was 73.3%; specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 96.3%, 91.6%, 86.6% and 88% respectively., Conclusions: This preliminary study shows that the combination of MRI and MRSI might be able to guide and therefore limit the number of iterative biopsies and cores for patients who are at high risk of having a prostate cancer. In some cases, MRSI alone allows identification of neoplasic prostatic zones. Other studies are needed to confirm these data.

Prostate cancer, the most frequent cancer in men over the age of 50, appears to be associated with certain nutritional risk factors. The role of these factors is revealed by epidemiological data (variation of prostate cancer incidence according to various regions of the world, modification of these incidences in relation to migratory flows of certain populations) and eating habit studies. These findings are the basis for a number of studies designed to determine the ideal diet to prevent and, if possible, contribute to the treatment of prostate cancer. The fat intake, the type of fat, the absorption of vitamins, trace elements, antioxidants (beta-carotene, lycopene), phyto-oestrogens, including soybean or plant mixtures such as PC-SPES, may all constitute nutritional factors involved in prostatic carcinogenesis. However, although a review of the literature shows that some populations appear to be more effectively protected than others by their cultural consumption of particular substances, the link with efficacy, in terms of prevention, of a diet based on this substance administered to another population has yet to be demonstrated. Although the ideal diet is unknown at the present time, some of these ingredients appear to be good candidates, such as unsaturated fats, soybean proteins, carotenoids, lycopene and vitamin E.

Introduction: Study of the efficacy of intermittent endocrine therapy after failure of local treatment., Material and Methods: 74 patients were treated for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (n = 30), radiotherapy (n = 28) or radical prostatectomy followed by radiotherapy (n = 16). Treatment (63 patients were treated by antiandrogens alone, 8 by LHRH analogue and 3 by complete androgen suppression) was continued for 6 months after obtaining undetectable PSA levels for patients after radical prostatectomy (and restarted when PSA > 4 ng/ml) or a PSA nadir < 4 ng/ml for the other patients (and restarted for PSA > 10 ng/ml)., Results: The duration of periods without treatment represented 50% of the total treatment cycle. With a mean follow-up of 43.8 months, the overall 5-year biochemical progression-free survival rate was 54.6%. On multivariate analysis, factors predictive of biochemical progression were age less than 70 years (p = 0.05), Gleason score greater than or equal to 8 (p = 0.038) and the presence of lymph node metastases (p = 0.05)., Conclusion: Intermittent endocrine therapy is a treatment option for patients with recurrence after local treatment. Candidates for intermittent endocrine therapy must be over the age of 70, with localized adenocarcinoma and a Gleason score less than or equal to 7.