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Introduction: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillation is an established therapy for the treatment of carcinoma in situ of the upper urinary tract. Case Presentation: A 72-year-old woman underwent radical cystectomy with cutaneous ureterostomy for invasive bladder cancer with carcinoma in situ of both ureters. For the treatment of upper urinary tract carcinoma in situ, an infusion of 40 mg bacillus Calmette-Guérin through each ureterostomy was performed once weekly for 5 times. Urine cytology of the left upper urinary tract became negative, with a recurrence-free survival of 4 months. On the other hand, the right upper urinary tract became temporarily negative but turned positive after 3 months. Conclusion: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin perfusion therapy via cutaneous ureterostomy is considered as one of the useful therapies for carcinoma in situ of the upper urinary tract. Furthermore, there are several factors to be discussed, including the treatment duration, dosage and secondary therapeutic options.

Background Colonic diverticulosis is a common disease, and the coexistence of colonic diverticulosis and colorectal cancer is often seen clinically. It is very rare that colon cancer arises from the mucosa of a colonic diverticulum. When colon cancer arises in a diverticulum and then tends to develop outside the wall, without developing within the lumen, the differential diagnosis from complicating lesions due to colonic diverticulitis is difficult. Case summary A 76-year-old man was admitted to a nearby clinic with a chief complaint of discomfort and urinary frequency. Since a vesicosigmoidal fistula was seen on abdominal computed tomography, he was referred to our hospital. Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was performed because the various diagnostic findings were diagnosed as a vesicosigmoidal fistula with diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon. However, on histopathological examination, it was diagnosed as a vesicosigmoidal fistula due to colon cancer arising in the diverticulum. Laparoscopic partial resection of the bladder was performed because local recurrence was observed in the bladder wall one and a half years after surgery. It is currently one year after reoperation, but there has been no recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion Colon cancer arising in a diverticulum of the colon should be considered when diverticulitis with complications is observed.

To evaluate the surgical feasibility and postoperative cosmesis of a novel transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgical approach involving Y-shaped incisions and three-flap umbilicoplasty in urachal remnant patients. Patients with symptomatic urachal remnants who underwent either conventional laparoscopic surgery (CL group, n = 21) or LESS surgery with Y-shaped incisions and three-flap umbilicoplasty (LESS group, n = 36) between May 2010 and September 2019 were retrospectively assessed. Perioperative factors and postoperative esthetic outcomes were compared between the groups using univariate and multivariate analyses. Esthetic outcomes were assessed using the body image questionnaire consisting of the body image scale (BIS) and the cosmetic scale (CS); a higher score indicated a better outcome. The median operative time was greater and the insufflation time was shorter in the LESS group than in the CL group. The estimated blood loss and postoperative hospital stay and surgical site infection rate did not differ significantly between the groups. While the BIS score also did not differ significantly between the groups, the CS score was greater in the LESS group than in the CL group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the surgery type (LESS surgery) was an independent predictor of greater postoperative esthetic satisfaction. Transumbilical LESS surgery with Y-shaped incisions and subsequent three-flap umbilicoplasty is feasible in patients with symptomatic urachal remnants. Regarding postoperative cosmesis, the higher CS score suggests that this technique is superior to CL surgery. Furthermore, the selection of this procedure was an independent predictor of good postoperative esthetic outcomes.

Background To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization for renal angiomyolipoma using a 1.8-French tip microballoon catheter and a mixture of ethanol and Lipiodol. Methods Seven consecutive patients with total of eight angiomyolipomas underwent this procedure between June 2014 and June 2017. A 1.8-French tip microballoon catheter was advanced to the feeding artery of the angiomyolipoma, and transcatheter arterial embolization was performed with a mixture of ethanol and Lipiodol under microballoon inflation. We retrospectively evaluated the characteristics of angiomyolipomas, technical success rate, clinical success rate, renal function, and adverse events. Technical success and clinical success were defined as complete embolization of all feeding arteries and reduction of tumor size, respectively. Results The median size of the angiomyolipomas was 46 mm (range, 40–64 mm). Transcatheter arterial embolization was successful in all eight angiomyolipomas. The median volume of the mixture of ethanol and Lipiodol was 6.0 ml (range, 2.0–14 ml). The median ratio of ethanol to Lipiodol was 71% (range, 71–75%). All eight angiomyolipomas shrank with a median shrinkage rate of 34% in diameter (range, 9–63%) and 77% in volume (range, 48–94%). The median follow-up period was 13 months (range, 9–54 months). Clinical success was achieved in all cases. Serum creatinine concentrations and the pre- and post-procedural estimated glomerular filtration rates did not change notably, and there were no major complications. Conclusion Transcatheter arterial embolization for renal angiomyolipoma using a 1.8-French tip microballoon catheter with a mixture of ethanol and Lipiodol is effective and safe.

(Objective) To evaluate the efficacy and invasiveness of focal therapy with transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for localized prostate cancer based on spatial location of significant cancer with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion image-guided biopsy. (Methods) Patients with low- and intermediate-risk significant prostate cancer who were followed-up at least 1 year, were prospectively recruited. The spatial localization of the significant cancer was determined by MRI-TRUS fusion image-guided transperineal prostate biopsy. Focal therapy targeting the regions of significant cancer was performed by transrectal HIFU using a Sonablate® 500 (SonaCare Medical, Indianapolis, IN, USA). Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics, multi-parametric MRI, and MRI-TRUS fusion image-guided prostate biopsy were analyzed to determine the treatment efficacy. Questionnaires and uroflowmetry were performed to evaluate the invasiveness. (Results) Ten men with median age of 67 years (range, 48-79), median PSA level of 7.07 ng/ml (range, 4.67-15.99), median prostate volume of 25 ml (range, 19-36) were treated. Median operative time was 29.5 minutes (range, 14-85). Catheterization was performed within 24 hours after the treatment in all patients. The median PSA concentration significantly decreased to 1.35 ng/ml (p

Objective: We report the first three cases in which the feasibility and safety of the left snuff box radial access in transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for unruptured renal angiomyolipoma (AML) were evaluated. Material and methods: Three patients with unruptured renal AMLs underwent TAE via the left snuff box radial artery. We retrospectively evaluated the characteristics of the AMLs, technical success rate, clinical success rate, and complications. Technical success and clinical success were defined as successful insertions of microballoon catheters selectively via the left distal radial artery into all intended arteries in a treatment session and shrinkage of tumor size as evaluated by CT or MRI after the procedure, respectively. Results: The median size of the renal AMLs was 49 mm. TAE was successfully performed in all cases and all feeding arteries were successfully selected with a microballoon catheter through the left snuff box radial artery. The median amount of the mixture of ethanol and Lipiodol was 1.8 mL. Tumor shrinkage was confirmed in all with a median follow-up period of 6 months. The clinical success rate was 100%. No major complications occurred. Conclusion: The left snuff box access in TAE for an unruptured renal AML is safe and feasible.

Objective We evaluated the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for urothelial bladder cancer. Methods We retrospectively examined 140 consecutive patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (clinical stage T2 to T4 and N0) who underwent radical cystectomy with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy at four academic institutions between January 2006 and December 2016. Patients were categorized into the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (those who underwent treatment with any neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen; n = 69) and the non-neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (those who did not receive any neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen; n = 71). The primary outcome measure was overall survival. Results The 5-year overall survival rates were 58.0% and 61.8% in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy and non-neoadjuvant chemotherapy groups, respectively (P = 0.320). The 5-year overall survival rates for the neoadjuvant chemotherapy and non-neoadjuvant chemotherapy groups were 64.8% and 68.4%, respectively, among cT2N0 patients (P = 0.688) and 38.6% and 21.6%, respectively, among cT3-4aN0 patients (P = 0.290). When patients with cT3-4aN0 disease in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group were divided into responders ( Conclusion Among cT3-4aN0 patients, survival outcomes were significantly better in responders (

Background: Bilateral adrenal tumors are not common in clinical practice, but are an important source of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion. Standard operative management for bilateral pheochromocytomas might dictate the removal of the involved adrenal gland and the removal of the contralateral adrenal gland. We present a case of bilateral ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma treated with staged laparoscopic unilateral total and contralateral subtotal adrenalectomy. Case Presentation: A 58-year-old male with elevated hyperglycemia and general fatigue was hospitalized for pneumonia. CT incidentally revealed bilateral adrenal tumor. Biochemical examination was significant for elevated urinary metanephrine and normetanephrines, and plasma catecholamine level. CT scan of the head, neck, thorax, and pelvis was normal. Under the clinical diagnosis of ACTH-dependent pheochromocytoma, laparoscopic right total adrenalectomy was performed. As endocrinologic examination showed residual ACTH-dependent pheochromocytoma after surgery, laparoscopic left subtotal adrenalectomy was performed. Pathology analysis revealed pheochromocytoma with stained ACTH lesions in both adrenal tumors. Conclusion: This is a rare case of ACTH-secreting bilateral pheochromocytoma effectively treated with staged laparoscopic unilateral total and contralateral subtotal adrenalectomy, in which the production of ACTH was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining.

Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign renal tumor with a risk of rupture in intratumoral aneurysms. Although renal AML in pregnancy is rare, risk of rupture is greater. Management for AML and childbirth is important during pregnancy; however, it is undefined yet. We present a case of hemorrhagic angiomyolipoma in pregnancy that is effectively managed by immediate cesarean section and elective transcatheter arterial embolization.

Kyphosis is usually described as the deformity of the spine that results in an abnormally round back. Patients with kyphosis form a challenging group to laparoscopic surgeons because of difficulties in positioning and abdominal approach. The narrow abdomen causes difficulty with trocar insertion and some operative procedures. Here we report the transperitoneal complete laparoscopic nephroureterectomy in a case of kyphosis. An 81-year-old woman underwent this operation for urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. We took best care of the positioning and the trocar insertion; we could have accomplished utilizing four ports at semilateral position without any troubles and complications. This procedure is safe and feasible, and not thought to be a contraindication for the patients with senile kyphosis.

The Hem-o-lok clips (HOLC) is frequently used for hemostasis of the lateral pedicles in robot-assisted prostatectomy (RARP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). We report a rare post-operative complication, the migration of a HOLC into the bladder leading to calculus formation after RARP. A 54 year-old man underwent RARP with nerve- sparing procedure with HOLCs in the left neurovascular bundle. Three months later, he was referred to our hospital for pollakisuria and spontaneous hematuria. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a bladder stone that was 7 mm in diameter. On cystourethroscopy, he was noted to have a yellow-colored stone at 9 o'clock position of vesicourethral anastomosis. A cystolithotripsy for a bladder stone was performed until the surface of it was broken. A HOLC with a calculus was revealed and retrieved by stone forceps through the urethra. Since then, Intravesical migration of a HOLC has not been observed.

Purpose: Large conductance, voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel is thought to have a central role to regulate urinary bladder smooth muscle functions, and its dysfunction may lead to increase of urination frequency and overactive bladder. The present study aims to investigate the expression pattern of BK channel subunits in the human urinary bladder, and how it changes in association with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Materials and Methods: Human bladders were obtained from 7 controls without prostatic enlargement and lower urinary tract symptoms and 4 BPH patients with clinically diagnosed overactive bladder who were verified by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and prostate volume. The expression and location of BK channel protein complex was examined using immunohistochemistry with affinity-purified anti-BKα antibodies. A real-time RT-PCR was used to quantify the expression of each BK channel subunit (α and β1 - 4) gene in the mucosal and muscle layers of human urinary bladder. Results: Immunohistochemical staining for BK-α protein complex was localized in the muscle and submucosal regions of urinary bladder. RT-PCR analysis revealed the presence of α-, β1-, and β4-subunit genes of BK channel in the mucosal layer, α- and β1-subunit in the muscle layer. The expressions of α- and β1-subunit genes in the muscle (α: p = 0.0003, β1: p = 0.0003) and mucosal (α: p = 0.03, β1: p = 0.02) layers significantly decreased in BOO bladders compared with controls. The expression levels of α- and β1-subunit in mucosal layer were statistically correlated with storage score of IPSS (α; r = 0.84, p = 0.002, β1; r = 0.84, p = 0.002), and so were in muscle layer (α; r = 0.934, p 0.0001, β1; r = 0.917, p = 0.00018). Conclusions: BK channels, which are mainly composed of α- and β1-subunits, are expressed in both the mucosal and muscle layers of human urinary bladder. Decreased expression of BK channel in BOO might be implicated in the mechanisms underlying the development of overactive bladder.

Acute gastroenteritis with viral infection in infants causes severe diarrhea and often results in acute renal failure due to severe dehydration. However, a viral infection, particularly rotavirus, rarely induces postrenal failure due to bilateral stones in infants. Herein, we report three cases of postrenal failure in infants due to bilateral ureteral stones induced by acute gastroenteritis with rotavirus. Following immediately nephrostomy, chemical dissolution therapy succeeded to treat postrenal failure. Immediate nephrostomy for the release of upper urinary tract obstruction combined with urinary alkalization as a chemical dissolution therapy should be considered in such cases.

Small cell carcinoma of the prostate (SCCP) is rare in clinical practice. It is often accompanied with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). We present a case of SCCP with SIADH that was successfully treated with radiotherapy in the metastatic lymphnodes and prostate. The patient was an 81-year-old male with a castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with invaded rectum and multiple metastases of pelvic lymphnodes. Hyponatremia was present. After radiotherapy, serum sodium increased and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) decreased. To our knowledge, this is the first case of SCCP with SIADH treated with radiotherapy to improve hyponatremia.

Prostaglandins have been implicated as endogenous modulators of bladder function under physiological and pathological conditions. We examined how the expression of each EP receptor subtype changed in association with bladder outlet obstruction and focused on the functional role of EP4 receptor subtype in the bladder with outlet obstruction.We assessed the gene expression of EP receptor subtypes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. EP4 protein localization was determined by immunohistochemistry. The effect of the selective EP4 agonist ONO-AE1-329 on 50 mM KCl induced contraction of rat bladder strips was examined in vitro. Continuous infusion cystometrograms were done to examine the effect of intravesical perfusion of ONO-AE1-329 on the micturition reflex in urethane anesthetized rats.EP4 receptor genes were largely expressed in bladders with outlet obstruction but absent in controls. EP4 receptor proteins were clearly detected in obstructed bladder detrusor smooth muscle and epithelium. ONO-AE1-329 (100 μM) significantly relaxed KCl induced contraction of bladder strips from rats with bladder outlet obstruction. A significant correlation was found between the relaxant effect of ONO-AE1-329 and whole bladder weight. In rats with bladder outlet obstruction intravesical infusion of 10 μM ONO-AE1-329 significantly increased bladder capacity without changing micturition pressure while it had no effect in controls.Activation of the EP4 receptors expressed in bladders with outlet obstruction may suppress detrusor muscle contraction and afferent activity. This might be a compensatory mechanism to counteract the deterioration of storage function in bladders with outlet obstruction.

A 71-year-old woman with a right adrenal mass detected by computed tomography was referred to our institution. Before 33 months, she had undergone a radical heminephrectomy for an 11-cm renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the left moiety of a horseshoe kidney. The adrenal tumor was diagnosed as the metastasis of RCC. The tumor was subsequently removed in a laparoscopic adrenalectomy by a retroperitoneal approach. Pathologic examination revealed the mass to be the adrenal metastasis of RCC. To our knowledge, this is the initial report of a laparoscopic adrenalectomy for the adrenal metastasis of renal cell carcinoma arising from a horseshoe kidney.

Sex-specific differences in activity of the lower urinary tract (LUT) responding to acid irritation in mice have been revealed. This study, using continuous infusion cystometry with acetic acid (AA; pH 3.0), was conducted to examine whether the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channels expressed in the mouse LUT are involved in the sex difference in functional responses of the bladder and urethra to irritation. No differences were found between effects of capsazepine (a TRPV1 blocker; 100 μM) and those of its vehicle on any of the cystometric changes by intravesical AA in either female or male mice. However, capsazepine eliminated the acid-induced sex differences in parameters associated with bladder contraction phase (i.e., maximal voiding pressure, closing peak pressure, 2nd-phase contraction, bladder contraction duration), whereas capsazepine did not affect those in parameters associated with bladder-filling period (i.e., intercontraction interval, actual collecting time). In males, capsazepine reduced the number of bladder contractions accompanying fluid dribbling at 2nd-phase contraction, which is indicative of the urethral response to irritation, whereas in females it increased the number. Together, these results suggest the possibilities that TRPV1 channels in the bladder and urethra are involved in the sex difference in the LUT response to acid irritation and that these participate, e.g., via “cross talk” between the bladder and urethra, in the fine-tuning of intravesical pressure (or bladder emptying) at the bladder contraction phase under irritated LUT conditions but not in sensing for bladder filling during the storage period, although the contribution of the mechanism may be small.

Objectives To examine the expressions of transient receptor potential (TRP) channel A1 and TRPM8 in the human urogenital organs (urinary bladder and prostate) and how these expressions change in association with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In addition to TRPM8, a cool receptor, TRPA1 is recently recognized as a cold receptor. TRPA1 is also a candidate for mechanosensor and/or nociceptor. Methods Urinary bladder mucosa and muscular layer were taken from 9 controls and 9 patients with BOO. Prostatic specimens were obtained from 5 controls and 6 patients with BPH. Expressions of TRPA1 and TRPM8 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were quantified by real-time revere transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Localization of TRPA1 protein was explored with immunohistochemistry. Results The expression levels of TRPA1 mRNA in the bladder mucosa, bladder muscular layer, and prostate were in the ratio of 639:1:16. TRPA1 mRNA in the bladder mucosa with BOO was significantly upregulated to 2.32 times of control. TRPA1 protein was localized in the epithelial cells of both urinary bladder and prostate gland. The expression of TRPM8 mRNA in the prostate was much higher than that in the bladder mucosa (3024:1), but was not found in the bladder muscle layer. BPH or BOO did not significantly affect the expression of TRPM8. Conclusions TRPA1 and TRPM8 were differentially expressed in the human urinary bladder and prostate. TRPA1 in the bladder epithelium might be involved in the bladder sensory transduction and the induction process of overactive bladder by BOO.

Aim: We examine the expression of mRNA of G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) subtypes and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M) subtypes in the detrusor smooth muscle of the human urinary bladder. Furthermore, we confirm the presence and the localization of GRK proteins in the detrusor smooth muscle of the obstructed bladder in comparison with the control bladder. Methods: Detrusor smooth muscle tissues of the human urinary bladder were obtained from 12 male patients; 6 patients did not have bladder outlet obstruction, and the other 6 patients had bladder outlet obstruction. Portions of the dome or anterior wall of the urinary bladder were used for the present study. Reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction for GRK2, M2 and M3 was performed using total RNA extracted from human urinary bladder detrusor. Antibodies to GRK2, GRK3 and GRK4 were used to confirm the presence of the protein product in the human urinary bladder using immunohistochemical staining and the western blotting technique. Results: All complementary DNA (cDNA) transcribed from three different mRNA (M2, M3 and GRK2) were successfully amplified and size-fractionated. The expression of GRK2 protein was strong in the human bladder detrusor, but was significantly weakened by western blotting in obstructed bladder in comparison with control bladder. Conclusions: Failure in desensitization mechanisms of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors might be related to storage symptom elicited by overactivity in obstructed bladder with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Objectives To examine the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) and the relationship between UI and generic quality of life (QOL) in working women. Methods Of 7229 female hospital nurses in Japan, 3734 (51.7%) responded to a self-administered postal questionnaire that included the Rand Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Health Survey (SF-36) and the International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire (ICIQ) for evaluating symptoms and health-related QOL. Results The overall prevalence of UI in Japanese working women aged 20 to 64 years (mean 35.2) was 16.7%. The main type of incontinence was stress UI (73%). Its prevalence increased with age and reached a plateau at age 45 to 49 years (34.7%). The ICIQ score also correlated significantly with age. Generic QOL, especially physical functioning, role-physical, social functioning, and role-emotional, was significantly impaired by UI. A comparison of subjects with and without UI revealed that the differences in the physical and mental component summary scores of the SF-36 were largest in the age groups of 25 to 29 and 55 to 59 years, respectively. The correlations of the ICIQ score with the physical and mental component scores were most significant in the age groups of 25 to 29 and 45 to 49 years, respectively. The impact of mixed UI on QOL showed a greater tendency than that of stress or urge UI. Conclusions The prevalence of UI showed an age-related increase, with a peak at 45 to 49 years old. The impact of UI on physical health was great in individuals in their 20s, but its impact on mental health increased in the older age groups.

わが国の透析患者数は年々増加しており, 2003年には23万人を超え, さらに増加しているが, それに比較して腎移植件数はほとんど増加していない. その原因として, 腎提供者の不足もあるが, 腎移植希望患者数が増えないことも-因と考えられる. 山梨県においても, 腎移植件数および献腎移植希望登録者数はあまり増えていない. そこで, 透析患者に対して腎移植に関する意識調査を施行した. 回答患者は723名で, 移植について考えたことがある者352名, 移植希望者171名, 臓器移植ネットワークに登録している者は70名で, 全体の1割以下であった. 登録しない理由は, 移植の意思がない32.5%, 年齢的なもの28.2%, ネットワークの存在を知らない13.4%, 無駄だから登録しない11.1%であった. 移植希望者が171名もいること, ネットワークの存在を知らない者が93名もいることより, 移植に対する啓蒙活動がさらに必要と思われた.

Between 1996 and 2003, ten patients with small renal tumors underwent retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy without renal ischemia, nine patients with small renal tumors underwent open partial nephrectomy via a retroperitoneal approach. Both groups were operated on using a microwave tissue coagulator. We compared the results of retroperitoneoscopic group with those of a retroperitoneal open surgery group. Retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy without renal ischemia was performed without any major or minor complications in any patient. The mean operation time for retroperitoneoscopic surgery significantly longer than that for open partial nephrectomy. However, the mean estimated blood loss for retroperitoneoscopic surgery was less than that for open partial nephrectomy. In addition, the retroperitoneoscopic group seemed to recover more rapidly than the open surgery group. This endoscopic surgery is feasible as minimally invasive procedure. It results in saving renal function, minimal blood loss and rapid recovery.

Tension-free vaginal mesh (TVM) surgery is a common and minimally invasive procedure for female pelvic organ prolapse. In 2004, this procedure was developed by a French group, and standardized surgical kits are now commercially available in many countries. Although it is less invasive, one of the shortcomings of this procedure is that it involves a single surgeon groping around with their fingers without any intraoperative monitoring. Therefore, using Intraoperative fluoroscopic monitoring during TVM surgery makes it safer, even for beginners. In this case, we performed TVM for the anterior vaginal wall. First, we used the c-arm of a fluoroscope to insert bilateral ureteral stents. A urethral catheter was then used for both urine drainage and contrast medium injection. In all procedures, we were able use fluoroscopic imaging whenever necessary. We were able to easily confirm the positions of the prolapsed bladder and the bilateral ureteral stents with fluoroscopic imaging, and the ischial spine was easy to locate before the procedure. We were also able to confirm the position of the top of the needle with fluoroscopic imaging whenever necessary. If a surgeon is worried about the risk of bladder injury during TVM surgery, they should inject contrast medium into the bladder at the start of the procedure. Intraoperative fluoroscopic monitoring during TVM surgery is easy and makes the procedure safer, even for beginners. Moreover, fluoroscopic imaging also allows intraoperative training. To avoid exposing the body to excess radiation, we must minimize the total length of the fluoroscopic examination.

Background Treatment of primary renal cell carcinoma using radiotherapy with curative intent is rare, because renal cell carcinoma is generally regarded as a radiation-resistant tumor. Recently, stereotactic body radiation therapy has been radically applied for cancers in various organs including renal cell carcinoma. However, there were few reports describing pathological changes of renal cell carcinoma post stereotactic body radiation therapy. This is the first report we are aware of documenting late histological effects of stereotactic body radiation therapy on renal cell carcinoma and surrounding normal tissue. Case presentation A right renal tumor was identified in a Japanese 70-year-old man on follow-up computed tomography for his chronic hepatitis. T1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma was clinically diagnosed as the tumor was 3 cm in diameter and well-enhanced with intravenously infused contrast material in the arterial phase on computed tomography. No metastases in regional lymph nodes or distant sites were evident. Stereotactic body radiation therapy was selected as an alternative therapy to surgery because of his poor liver function. A total dose of 60 Gy in 10 fractions over 12 days was delivered using a 10-megavolt X-ray. The renal tumor gradually decreased in size and partial response had been achieved at 2 years after completing stereotactic body radiation therapy. Hepatocellular carcinoma was identified during follow-up in the patient and he died of progression of hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatic failure 2.5 years after completing stereotactic body radiation therapy. Autopsy was done and it showed almost complete necrosis of tumor tissues with a small amount of viable renal carcinoma cells. These pathological findings suggested marked effects of stereotactic body radiation therapy on clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Conclusion Our case demonstrates a good pathological response with small foci of remnant viable cancer cells after stereotactic body radiation therapy of 60Gy in 10 fractions for small renal cell carcinoma. Although further experiences and longer follow-up are mandatory to conclude the optimal treatment schedule and efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy for renal cell carcinoma, stereotactic body radiation therapy may represent a novel less-invasive option for the treatment of primary renal cell carcinoma.

An 82-year-old diabetic man with AMS 800™ in the bulbar urethra was referred to our hospital with lower abdominal pain and swelling. He underwent open sigmoidectomy with indwelling of urethral catheter a month ago. Abdominal and pelvic CT showed the inflammatory change around the device. Urethroscopy revealed urethral erosion and bulge of cuff into the lumen of urethra. Immediately, he was treated with a course of antibiotics administration, however, the device tube became exposed on the outside of scrotum skin 6 months later. We have removed the device except cuff and a part of tube because it was thought to be difficult to separate it from the urethra. The infection rate of AMS800TM is known to be 3.3~27.8%, mostly infection has occurred in 2 years. It was a rare case of infection that occurred 10 years later from implantation in association with abdominal surgery.

OBJECTIVES The treatment of adrenal metastases using laparoscopic surgery still remains a matter of considerable controversy. The aim of this study is to present our experience of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for isolated adrenal metastasis. METHODS From June 2004 to June 2011, 5 adults (4 males/1 female) with isolated metastases to the adrenal glands underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. These patients included 3 cases of lung carcinoma, a case of hepatocellular carcinoma, and a case of renal cell carcinoma. The median patient age was 69 (range 61 to 72), and the median tumor size was 3.5 cm (range 2.5 to 7.0). RESULTS Laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed without any complications using transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches. The median operative time was 142 minutes (range 126 to 174), and the estimated blood loss was 38 ml (range 25 to 158). The resection margins were free in all cases. A patient with lung cancer has been treated with adjuvant chemotherapy, otherwise, 4 patients have not. Regarding the oncological outcome, 3 of 5 patients were alive without any recurrence at a median follow-up of 14 months. About the rest two cases, one was alive with lung metastasis occurred at 15 months later, the other was died of the cancer at 14 months later. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for isolated adrenal metastasis is thought to be feasible. However, the indication of the surgery must be determined depending on tumor size, cancer characteristics, risk factors and so on. Additionally, the operative procedures such as approaches must be discussed sufficiently.

The association between abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and renal tumor is becoming more frequent, and the increasing incidence of this synchronous diseases raised questions about the procedures of treatment. In most of the previous cases, open nephrectomy and AAA surgery have been reported, however in high risk and elderly patients, the procedure is life threatening. We present a successful staged treatment of AAA and renal tumor using novel minimally invasive treatment with endovascular aneurysm repair and retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in an elderly and high-risk case.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the expressions and sex differences of acid-sensitive ion channels (i.e. ASIC and transient receptor potential channel V1, TRPV1; both key receptors for extracellular protons that might underlie the acid-evoked pain perception) and other nociceptive ion channels in the mouse bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mucosa and muscle layers of the urinary bladder were separately taken from male and female mice. The gene expressions of ASIC subunits, TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8 were quantified using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The localization of ASIC protein was explored using immunohistochemistry. Continuous-filling cystometry was used to examine the effects of capsazepine, a TRPV1 blocker, on the bladder response to acetic acid. RESULTS ASIC1 was the dominant ASIC subunit expressed in bladder epithelium, whereas both ASIC1 and ASIC2 were expressed in bladder smooth muscle. ASIC3 expression was much less abundant, but localized in the subepithelial region. In the mucosa, the ASIC1 gene was more highly expressed in male than in female mice, whereas the expression level of ASIC2 in the bladder muscle was higher in female than in male mice. The expression of TRPV1 in the bladder showed a sex difference (male

Sex-related differences in lower urinary tract (LUT) activity responding to intravesical infusion of diluted acetic acid (A/A, pH 3.0) were investigated during cystometrograms in decerebrate unanesthetized mice. A/A produced a decrease of intercontraction intervals in both female and male animals, and the extent of the decrease in male mice was much less than in female mice [19 ± 5% ( P = 0.03) vs. 65 ± 5% ( P = 0.03); n = 6 for each], exhibiting a marked difference between the two groups in response to acid irritation of the LUT ( P = 0.002). A/A reduced maximal voiding pressure (MVP) (19 ± 4%, P = 0.03) but had no effect on pressure threshold for inducing voiding contraction (PT) ( P = 0.56) in females, whereas A/A did not change MVP ( P = 1.00) but increased PT (16 ± 4%, P = 0.03) in males. A/A decreased bladder compliances of female and male mice in a similar fashion (44 ± 10% vs. 24 ± 7%, P = 0.03 for each). In male mice, A/A produced persistent dribbling of fluid after voiding contraction phase, which was virtually not seen in females. The present study demonstrates the differences between female and male mice in response to noxious stimulation in the LUT: the female bladder is more sensitive to the acid irritation, while the male urethra is more irritable to the noxious stimulus. Identification of mechanisms underlying sex-specific characteristics might be helpful for elucidating pathogenesis of painful bladder syndrome.

In the storage phase, mechanical stretch stimulates bladder afferents. These signals generate sensations and trigger voiding responses, however the precise mechanisms by which mechanical stimuli excite bladder afferents are yet to be explored. For mechanosensory transduction, the presence of mechanosensors is essential in the peripheral sensory systems including sensory nerve endings, urothelium and others. There is increasing evidence that mechanosensitive ion channels, such as degenerin/epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) and transient receptor potential (TRP) channel families, play key roles in the mechanosensory transduction of the urinary bladder. Pharmacological interventions targeting mechanosensitive ion channels may provide a new strategy for the treatment of bladder dysfunction.

We examine the expression of mRNA of G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) subtypes and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M) subtypes in the detrusor smooth muscle of the human urinary bladder. Furthermore, we confirm the presence and the localization of GRK proteins in the detrusor smooth muscle of the obstructed bladder in comparison with the control bladder.Detrusor smooth muscle tissues of the human urinary bladder were obtained from 12 male patients; 6 patients did not have bladder outlet obstruction, and the other 6 patients had bladder outlet obstruction. Portions of the dome or anterior wall of the urinary bladder were used for the present study. Reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction for GRK2, M2 and M3 was performed using total RNA extracted from human urinary bladder detrusor. Antibodies to GRK2, GRK3 and GRK4 were used to confirm the presence of the protein product in the human urinary bladder using immunohistochemical staining and the western blotting technique.All complementary DNA (cDNA) transcribed from three different mRNA (M2, M3 and GRK2) were successfully amplified and size-fractionated. The expression of GRK2 protein was strong in the human bladder detrusor, but was significantly weakened by western blotting in obstructed bladder in comparison with control bladder.Failure in desensitization mechanisms of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors might be related to storage symptom elicited by overactivity in obstructed bladder with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

For clinical practice and research of overactive bladder syndrome, it is essential to evaluate urgency symptoms in daily life. We have developed a portable patient-activated device to record bladder sensations. This electronic device is pocket-size and light, with five grading buttons and another button for cancellation.

Objectives To examine the possibility that mechanosensitive ion channels, including epithelial Na + channels (ENaC), are implicated in mechanosensory transduction of the rat urinary bladder. Methods Cystometry with continuous infusion was performed to investigate the effect of intravesically perfused amiloride (a blocker of ENaC) on micturition reflex in urethane-anesthetized female rats. Bladder strips with or without epithelium suspended in organ bath were subjected to varying degrees of mechanical stretch (up to 50%). A luciferin-luciferase assay was used to quantify the change of stretch-evoked adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release by amiloride. The ENaC gene expression was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The expression and localization of ENaC proteins was examined using immunofluorescent staining. Results The intravesical perfusion of 1 mM amiloride significantly reduced the frequency of reflex voiding during bladder filling. This effect of amiloride was reversible by washing out the drug. The peak amplitude of micturition pressure was not affected by amiloride. The stretch-evoked ATP release, most of which (more than 90%) came from epithelial layer, was greatly diminished by 1 mM amiloride (from 443 to a 22% increase from basal level at 50% stretch of the original length). The alpha, beta, and gamma-ENaC subunit proteins and genes were expressed in the rat bladder epithelium. Conclusions The amiloride-sensitive mechanosensitive channel, including ENaC, expressed in the rat bladder epithelium might be involved in the mechanosensory transduction mechanism by controlling stretch-evoked ATP release.

We have developed a novel modification of previous approaches to donor nephrectomy and herein review our original operative procedure. First, the posterior aspect of the kidney was dissected retroperitoneoscopically and dissection of the renal artery, ureter and gonadal vein was almost completed. Second, the anterior aspect of the kidney was dissected with transperitoneal hand-assistance, and dissection of the renal pedicle from the anterior surface was accomplished easily and safely. This operative procedure was successfully performed for two donors with no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Our modified endoscopic donor nephrectomy is feasible as a minimally invasive procedure because of its safety, and its ability to preserve renal function and establish an excellent operative field for both posterior and anterior aspects of the kidney.

We examined the influence of aging on bladder function in men and women.Using the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire with an additional question on urinary incontinence lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated in all outpatients who first visited our urological department from June 2001 to December 2002. In 550 of the 1,201 patients who completed the questionnaire any pathological conditions that might cause micturition disorder could not be detected with urological examinations. Symptom scores of these patients without underlying disease causing micturition disorder were the basis of this study.In men and women total and storage symptom scores but not the voiding symptom score increased significantly with age. In each age group total, storage and voiding symp-tom scores were not significantly different between men and women. Women 50 to 69 years old had significant higher incontinence scores than men of the same age, whereas a significant increase in the incontinence score with age was found only in men. The quality of life score increased with age in men but not in women. However, the 2 sexes did not significantly differ in quality of life score.Lower urinary tract symptoms, especially storage symptoms, showed age related alterations in the 2 sexes without any underlying disease causing micturition disorder. The prevalence of urinary symptoms was not different between men and women. Therefore, bladder function in each sex might be subject to a gender independent aging process.