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Context Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a highly prevalent condition. In addition to age and androgens, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which is expanding worldwide and in Sub-Saharan Africa is frequently cited as a risk factor. Further, T2DM is increasingly noted among BPH patients of South-Kivu region, in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This association may adversely affect the clinical expression, the treatment as well as the evolution of BPH. Objectives - To check the presence of an association between BPH and T2DM in South-Kivu region; - To determine possible underlying mechanisms that could support this association. Methodology This study is based on hospital observations of a higher prevalence of diabetes among patients operated for BPH compared to that of the general population. These findings are subsequently verified on a large scale in the South-Kivu Province. Among the associative mechanisms between BPH and T2DM described in the literature, we highlight those which are frequently observed in our study. Finally, the potential influence of ethnicity on prostatic volume is reported. Results Prostatic volume and prostate symptoms are statistically higher in diabetics than in non-diabetics. Hyperinsulinemia, poor glycemic control and lower testosterone levels are the associative mechanisms observed in this study. Obesity markers are scant among diabetic subjects. Ethnicity also seems to modulate prostate volume. Conclusion T2DM is an important determinant of BPH in South-Kivu region. Thus, it is appropriate to integrate urological assessment in the follow-up of diabetic men over 40 years old. In addition, glycemic imbalance should be investigated in patients with enlarged prostate., Contexte L’hypertrophie bénigne de la prostate (HBP) est une affection à forte prévalence. Outre l’âge et les androgènes, le diabète sucré de type 2 (DST2), qui est en forte expansion dans le monde et surtout en Afrique Subsaharienne, est fréquemment cité parmi les facteurs de risque.En outre, le DST2 est de plus en plus observé chez les patients souffrant d’HBP au Sud-Kivu dans l’Est de la République Démocratique du Congo (RDC). Cette association peut influencer de façon néfaste l’expression clinique, la prise en charge et l’évolution de l’HBP. Objectifs - Vérifier l’association HBP et DST2 au Sud-Kivu ; - Identifier les mécanismes possibles qui pourraient sous-tendre cette association. Méthodologie L’étude est issue des constats faits en milieu hospitalier d’une fréquence élevée de sujets diabétiques parmi les patients opérés d’HBP par rapport à la prévalence dans la population générale. Ces constats sont par la suite vérifiés à large échelle dans la population du Sud-Kivu. Parmi les mécanismes associatifs décrits dans la littérature entre l’HBP et le DTS2, une démarche est menée pour identifier ceux qui se manifestent souvent dans notre étude. Enfin, une observation portant sur l’éventuelle influence de l’appartenance ethnique sur le volume prostatique est mise en évidence. Résultats Le volume prostatique ainsi que les symptômes prostatiques sont statistiquement plus importants chez les diabétiques que chez les sujets non-diabétiques. L’hyperinsulinémie, le mauvais contrôle glycémique ainsi que le taux bas de la testostérone sont les variables associatives observées dans ce travail. Les marqueurs d’obésité sont rares parmi les diabétiques. L’appartenance ethnique exercerait également une certaine influence sur le volume prostatique. Conclusion Le diabète sucré de type 2 est un important déterminant d’HBP au Sud-Kivu. Ceci étant, il sied d’intégrer un bilan urologique dans le suivi des diabétiques chez les sujets masculins âgés de 40 ans révolus. En outre, la, (MED - Sciences médicales) -- UCL, 2019

Few studies assessed the efficacy of physiotherapy to managed lower urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients. According to the International Classification of Functioning, handicap and health, we conducted a randomized controlled trial in order to compare the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training vs posterior tibial nerve stimulation. Our results showed that these two techniques improve quality of life of patients and symptoms related to urgency. In order to avoid the limits of questionnaires in urology, the Rash model was used to develop ACTIVLIM-URO, an unidimensional clinical scale measuring activity limitations in patients with overactive bladder., (MOTR - Sciences de la motricité) -- UCL, 2015

AIM: this randomized controlled trial compare the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training vs. transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: inclusion criteria were EDSS score < 7 and presence of lower urinary tract symptoms. Exclusion criteria were multiple sclerosis relapse during the study, active urinary tract infection and pregnancy. The primary outcome was quality of life (SF-Qualiveen questionnaire). Secondary outcomes included overactive bladder (USP questionnaire) score and frequency of urgency episodes (3-day bladder diary). Sample size was calculated after 18 patients were included. Data analysis was blinded. Each patient received 9 sesions of 30 minutes weekly. Patients were randomized in pelvic floor muscles exercices with biofeedback group (muscle endurance and relaxation) or transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation group (rectangular alternative biphasic current with low frequency). RESULTS: a total of 31 patients were included. No difference appeared between groups for quality of life, overactive bladder and frequency of urgency episodes (respectively p = 0.197, p = 0.532 et p = 0788). These parameters were significantly improved in pelvic floor muscle training group (n = 16) (respectively p = 0,004, p = 0,002 et p = 0,006) and in transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation group (n = 15) (respectively p = 0,001, p = ˂ 0,001 et p = 0,031). CONCLUSIONS: pelvic floor muscle training and transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation improved in the same way symptoms related to urgency in MS patients with mild disability. Keywords: multiple sclerosis; physiotherapy; lower urinary tract dysfunction; pelvic floor muscles training; posterior tibial nerve; rehabilitation. RESUME BUT: cet essai contrôlé randomisé comparait l’efficacité des exercices du plancher pelvien vs stimulation transcutanée du nerf tibial postérieur. PATIENTS ET METHODES: les critètres d’inclusion étaient un score EDSS < 7 et présen

Le traitement des troubles d’érection d’origine organique (communément appelés : Dysfonction Erectile = DE) obéit à un algorithme précis stratifié en trois niveaux. Le traitement de première ligne de la DE consiste en la prescription d’un inhibiteur de la phosphodiestérase de type 5. Si ce traitement d’essai échoue, un bilan vasculaire est justifié et un traitement alternatif (traitement de 2e ligne) sera proposé : l’apprentissage d’autoinjections intra-caverneuses d’une médication vaso-active. Un traitement de 3e ligne sera proposé si le patient refuse les auto-injections : l’acquisition d’une pompe à vide ou l’implantation d’une prothèse pénienne. À la DE d’origine organique, se surajoute fréquemment une angoisse de performance. Dans certains cas, la DE est mixte : organique et psychogène. Ces aspects ne seront pas abordés ici. De même, d’autres troubles sexuels peuvent se « greffer» à une DE : éjaculation prématurée ou au contraire éjaculation retardée et baisse de libido. Dans cette revue, nous nous limiterons aux traitements médicamenteux et « mécaniques » de la DE d’origine organique. Après 50 ans, la DE est souvent considérée comme un symptôme « sentinelle » d’une pathologie cardiovasculaire clinique ou infraclinique sous-jacente. Le médecin de famille et l’urologue seront attentifs à dépister cette pathologie par un bilan orienté. Les cinq facteurs de risque vasculaire connus pour induire la Dysfonction Endothéliale sont également responsables de la Dysfonction Erectile. Pathologies vasculaires et érectiles sont donc souvent liées ou au moins associées (DE = DE…un même combat en quelque sorte).

Le XV e symposium du CPSM: Quelques Pathologies Génitals aspects médicaux, éthiques, sexologiques et relationnels

In an observational study in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) consulting a general practitioner (GP) or urologist in Belgium, demographics, ED characteristics (including erection hardness score), co-morbidities and treatment expectations were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. In total, 341 GPs and 41 urologists recruited 1492 patients. Most (74%) were untreated and 25% had ED for >3 years. Considering PDE5 inhibitors, erection hardness (89%) and maintenance (92%) were considered 'very important' by most patients. Only 18% of physicians initiated discussion about ED, despite 41% of patients having >or=3 known risk factors. The questionnaire was considered helpful by 81% of GPs and 83% of their patients. Overall, patients are under-diagnosed, and physicians are reluctant to ask about ED. A questionnaire including erection hardness score is useful to facilitate discussion about ED in general practice. Erection hardness and maintenance are more important to patients as compared to fast onset or long duration of action.

De tous temps, les scandinaves ont été des précurseurs dans le "combat" pour la libération des moeurs, des us et coutumes. Le musée danois de la Femme situé à Århus (Jutland) rassemble une collection de documents, d'objets et tout élément utile pour éclairer le public sur la condition des femmes scandinaves à travers les âges depuis la préhistoire jusqu'à nos jours. Le mouvement féministe au Danemark trouve ses fondements à la fin du XVIIIe siècle. La "Danish Women's Society" est créée en 1871. Les premières femmes entrent à l'université de Copenhague en 1875. Le droit de vote pour les élections municipales est accordé aux femmes en 1908 et en 1915 pour les élections nationales. En matière de contrôle des naissances également les femmes scandinaves ne furent pas en reste. Le musée de la Femme survole ces étapes importantes du mouvement féministe scandinave à l'appui de documents et séquences audio-visuelles.

Entrapment of the pudendal nerve may be at the origin of chronic perineal pain. This syndrome must be diagnosed because this can result in the indication of surgical decompression of the entrapped nerve for pain relief. Electroneuromyographic (ENMG) investigation is often performed in this context, based on needle electromyography and the study of sacral reflex and pudendal nerve motor latencies. The limits of ENMG investigation, owing to various pathophysiological and technical considerations, should be known. The employed techniques do not assess directly the pathophysiological mechanisms of pain but rather correlate to structural alterations of the pudendal nerve (demyelination or axonal loss). In addition, only direct or reflex motor innervation is investigated, whereas sensory nerve conduction studies should be more sensitive to detect nerve compression. Finally, ENMG cannot differentiate entrapment from other causes of pudendal nerve lesion (stretch induced by surgical procedures, obstetrical damage, chronic constipation...). Thus, perineal ENMG has a limited sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome and does not give direct information about pain mechanisms. Pudendal neuralgia related to nerve entrapment is mainly suspected on specific clinical features and perineal ENMG examination provides additional, but no definitive clues, for the diagnosis or the localization of the site of compression. In fact, the main value of ENMG is to assess objectively pudendal motor innervation when a surgical decompression is considered. Perineal ENMG might predict the outcome of surgery but is of no value for intraoperative monitoring.

Malakoplakia is a rare inflammatory disease, related to Enterobacteria infection in the context of a disorder of cell-mediated immunity. This disease does not have any specific clinical or laboratory signs and the diagnosis is exclusively based on histology. Malakoplakia is exceptional in children and usually involves the gastrointestinal tract. The authors report a rare case of malakoplakia of the urinary bladder in a 4-year-old child, in whom the initial diagnosis was an anomaly of the urachus.

A case of intraparenchymal renal haemorrhage associated with renal artery dissection, occurring at the end of pregnancy in a woman with a vascular form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is reported for the first time. This cases illustrates the potential risk of this syndrome and the importance of multidisciplinary management to ensure an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful in this setting to elucidate complex cases of renal colic in pregnant women presenting an increased risk of ischaemic or haemorrhagic disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Here, we report the results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the efficacy of emergency ESWL (eESWL) on the short-term outcome of symptomatic ureteral stones. MATERIAL: The trial enrolled 100 patients admitted in emergency room for renal colic caused by a ureteral radioopaque [corrected] stone. Patients were randomized to medical therapy alone or combined with eESWL. eESWL was performed within 6 hours of the onset of renal colic without specific analgesia on a Lithostar lithotripter (Siemens Medical, Munich, Germany). The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients stone free rate after 48 hours (SF-48) and the cumulative proportion of patients discharged from the hospital after 48 and 72 hours. RESULTS: Ureteral stone's location was proximal and distal in respectively 46% and 54% of the patients; stone's mean size was 5.5 mm (range 2-10 mm). Median hospital stay was 3 days, ranging from 1 to 14 days. SF-48 in the control group varied from 76% for distal stones <5 mm to 28.6% for proximal stones >5 mm, averaging at 61%. On average, eESWL increased SF-48 by 13% (p: 0.126), the gain strictly depending on stone size and location. SF-48 increase ranged from 40% for proximal stones >5 mm to 1.8% for distal stone <5 mm. On average, eESWL increased the median duration of hospital stay by one day. This mean negative impact results from ESWL increasing significantly the duration of hospital stay in case of distal stone, while slightly shortened it for stones located proximally. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated for the first time that rapidly performed ESWL is a valuable therapeutic option to improve elimination of ureteral stones and shorten duration of hospital stay, proven that the stone is located proximally to the iliac vessels.

Malakoplakia is a rare inflammatory disease, related to Enterobacteria infection in the context of a disorder of cell-mediated immunity. This disease does not have any specific clinical or laboratory signs and the diagnosis is exclusively based on histology. Malakoplakia is exceptional in children and usually involves the gastrointestinal tract. The authors report a rare case of malakoplakia of the urinary bladder in a 4-year-old child, in whom the initial diagnosis was an anomaly of the urachus.

A case of intraparenchymal renal haemorrhage associated with renal artery dissection, occurring at the end of pregnancy in a woman with a vascular form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is reported for the first time. This cases illustrates the potential risk of this syndrome and the importance of multidisciplinary management to ensure an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful in this setting to elucidate complex cases of renal colic in pregnant women presenting an increased risk of ischaemic or haemorrhagic disorders.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and depression are highly prevalent and frequently comorbid. Sildenafil effectively treats ED in men with depression and in men taking antidepressants. We evaluated the efficacy of sildenafil in men with depression in remission and ED. Patients with a history of ED when major depressive disorder (MDD) was diagnosed, which persisted after MDD was treated to remission, were randomized to 12 weeks of treatment with sildenafil (50 mg, flexible) or placebo. Efficacy was assessed using intercourse success rates, a global efficacy question (Has treatment improved your erections?), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Life Satisfaction Checklist (LSC). By week 12, intercourse success rates were significantly higher among sildenafil-(74%) compared to placebo-treated patients (29%; P=0.0001). About 83% and 34% of sildenafil- and placebo-treated patients, respectively, reported improved erections (odds ratio=9.4, P=0.0001). IIEF scores in the sildenafil group (n=83) were significantly improved compared to those in the placebo group (n=85; P < 0.0001). LSC sexual life item improved significantly among sildenafil- versus placebo-treated patients. The most frequently reported adverse events were transient and mild-to-moderate. Sildenafil is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for ED in patients with a history of ED at the time of MDD diagnosis, and which persisted after the MDD was treated to remission. © 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

OBJECTIVES: Despite several publications, the ability of the free/total (F/T) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ratio to predict the pathologic extension of prostate cancer is still a matter of controversy. In addition, its ability to predict biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy has not yet been reported. METHODS: Since January 6, 1996, the F/T PSA ratio was prospectively measured preoperatively in 343 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy as the first treatment for localized prostate cancer. RESULTS: The ability to predict organ-confined disease was measured by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The areas under the curve were 0.66 for PSA density, 0.61 for total PSA, 0.60 for Gleason score, and 0.587 for the F/T PSA ratio. In multiple logistic regression analyses, the F/T PSA ratio was not a relevant predictor of organ-confined disease (Wald statistic 0.345 for P = 0.55). Similar results were obtained in the subgroup of patients with a PSA level between 2.5 and 10 ng/mL. The biochemical survival for the 270 patients who did not receive adjuvant therapy was 86% at 61 months. Statistically significant univariate predictors (P <0.05) of PSA recurrence were pT stage (log-rank 18.2) and Gleason grade (log-rank 8.8). The F/T PSA ratio was not a significant predictor of recurrence in the univariate analysis (log-rank 3.6 for P = 0.314) and in multivariate analysis (Wald statistic 0.2 for P = 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the F/T PSA ratio is not helpful for the prediction of organ-confined disease and PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether individual labelling and processing of the sextant of origin improves the accuracy of prostate biopsy in predicting the final pathological stage after radical prostatectomy in patients with T1c prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The charts of 386 patients treated for prostate cancer by radical prostatectomy between January 1996 and June 1999 were reviewed. In all, 124 patients fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: no abnormality on digital rectal examination (DRE) or transrectal ultrasonography, a prostate specific antigen (PSA) level before biopsy of < or = 20 ng/mL, and prostate cancer diagnosed after one set of random sextant biopsies, with the cores being submitted in six separate containers individually labelled for the sextant of origin. RESULTS: Within this series of patients with a low tumour burden, the preoperative PSA, biopsy Gleason score and unilateral vs bilateral involvement were not significant predictors of disease extension. The percentage of positive cores and the number and topography of positive sextants were both statistically significant predictors of organ-confined disease. Although these two variables appeared to be statistically equivalent on a first analysis in the overall series, a subgroup of patients was identified who benefited from the complete topographical information, i.e. those 52 (42%) patients with a Gleason score of < 7, 25-75% positive biopsies and < or =3 positive sextants. CONCLUSION: These results support the individual labelling of biopsy cores in selected patients with a normal DRE and a moderately elevated PSA, as it helps to better predict the final pathological stage. This substantial benefit outweighs the additional effort by the pathologist.

The evaluation and treatment of Erectile Dysfunction has evolved dramatically over the last 10 years thanks to the improvement of our understanding of the physiology of erection and the development of effective drugs to be taken "on demand" before intercourse. In addition, Erectile Dysfunction is now clearly recognized as a medical disorder. It is beyond the scope of this article to go into details about the physiology and pathophysiology of the sexual cycle and the different diagnostic procedures for evaluating erectile disorders. Rather, we will concentrate on the therapeutic options for managing erectile disorders after a brief review of the most recent concepts of erection physiology and diagnosis.

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate (Viagra(R), Pfizer Inc., USA) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study over a period of 26 weeks in men with erectile dysfunction of a broad spectrum of aetiology. Patients and methods In all, 315 patients from five countries were randomized to receive treatment with placebo (156 men) or sildenafil (159 men). Significant concomitant medical conditions were hypertension (20%), a history of pelvic surgery (19%), diabetes mellitus (15%), and ischaemic heart disease (10%). Patients randomized to treatment received a starting dose of 25 mg of sildenafil or matching placebo, which could be increased to 50 mg and then to 100 mg of sildenafil, based on efficacy and tolerability. Assessments of efficacy comprised the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), including question three (ability to achieve an erection) and question four (ability to maintain an erection), a partner questionnaire, an overall efficacy question, and event-log data. Results After 12 weeks of treatment, 26%, 32% and 42% of patients were taking 25, 50 and 100 mg of sildenafil, respectively. A similar distribution of doses was reported after 26 weeks of treatment. Treatment with sildenafil significantly improved the patients' abilities to achieve and maintain an erection compared with treatment with placebo (P < 0.001). Scores for four of the five sexual function domains of the IIEF (erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction) also improved significantly (P < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in the mean score for the erectile function domain. regardless of the aetiology of erectile dysfunction (P < 0.001). After 12 weeks and 26 weeks of treatment, 82% and 79% of patients receiving sildenafil reported improved erections, compared with 24% and 23% of patients receiving placebo, respectively (P < 0.001). Treatment-related adverse events were mild to mo

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OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and natural history of stage T1a-T1b prostate cancer in patients undergoing surgery for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and thus evaluate the effect that recent medical and 'minimally invasive' treatments (which provide no prostate sample for pathological examination) might have on the percentage of patients with unsuspected prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 1648 patients undergoing surgery for BPH over a 13-year period were reviewed retrospectively; the period overlapped the introduction of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) as a detection method. RESULTS: Stage T1 prostate cancer was found in 182 patients (11%), comprising 126 (11%) of 1199 transurethral resections and 56 (12%) of 449 open enucleations. The introduction of systematic PSA assays gradually reduced the mean incidence of T1 cancer from 23% to 7%, with a greater effect on T1b (from 15% to 2%), while the incidence of T1a remained nearly constant (+/-5%). The pathological features of surgical specimens from 43 radical prostatectomies undertaken for T1 tumours were reviewed. Locally advanced disease (stage >/=pT3) was apparent in 13% of T1a and 28% of T1b tumours. Amongst the patients electing for surveillance, only 8% of those with T1a progressed within 30-97 months of follow-up (mean progression time 73 months), whereas 29% of those with stage T1b progressed within 36 months of follow-up (mean progression time 17 months). CONCLUSION: These results show that the use of the PSA assay has decreased but not suppressed the incidence of pT1 prostate cancer, with a greater effect on those tumours at higher risk of progression (T1b). This suggests that the detection of prostate cancer based on PSA and transrectal ultrasonography is appropriate for screening patients and is sufficiently accurate that treatments for BPH that provide no pathological materials can be applied safely.

In our institution, children with voiding disorders are submitted to a detailed evaluation comprising a careful clinical examination, laboratory tests, imaging (kidney ultrasonography and voiding cystourethrography) and urodynamic tests. Depending on the etiology of voiding dysfunction, children are subjected to a non invasive or an invasive urodynamic evaluation. Non invasive urodynamic testing comprises a free urinary flowmetry associated or not with an EMG recording of the pelvic floor. Invasive urodynamic testing consists of a pressure-flow study or a video-XR-urodynamic test. In rare instances, genitourinary electrophysiological investigations will be performed. Herein we describe these different urodynamic and electrophysiologic tests.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the potential influence of adjuvant radiotherapy on urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with N0M0 prostate cancer randomized in a prospective study on postoperative radiotherapy for locally advanced disease (positive surgical margin, capsular perforation and/or seminal vesicle infiltration) were studied. Objective pad weighing tests corroborated by direct personal interviews were used to evaluate urinary continence at regular postoperative intervals. RESULTS: Of the patients 48 received 60 Gy. external radiotherapy with 18 MV photon beams between 12 and 16 weeks postoperatively, and 52 were followed expectantly. Risk factors were similar in both groups. With a mean followup of 24 months, no difference in complete urinary continence was observed. Of the irradiated group 77% and of the surveillance group 83% were totally dry. The fate of the bladder neck had no significant influence on final continence status, although there was a trend for faster recovery when the bladder neck was preserved. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective randomized study 60 Gy. external radiation therapy administered between 3 and 4 months after radical prostatectomy for pathologically locally advanced prostate cancer had no significant influence on urinary continence.

Standard radical nephrectomy entails en bloc removal of the kidney together with Gerota's fascia and the ipsilateral adrenal. Thanks to the refinement of imaging techniques (ultrasound, CT and MRI), smaller tumors are being diagnosed. In addition, direct extension to the adrenal gland or adrenal metastasis can be detected in most cases. This is why several authors reserve adrenalectomy for large and/or upper pole tumors or abnormal appearing glands on preoperative CT-scan. However, preoperative diagnosis is not always accurate. Furthermore, micrometastatic adrenal invasion at the time of nephrectomy and late recurrences in the persistent adrenal have been documented, so that partisans of adrenalectomy only spare the adrenal in exceptional cases. The authors have reviewed several series in the litterature as well as there own, and conclude that ipsilateral adrenalectomy can be omitted for small middle- or lower pole tumors when the adrenal appears normal on CT and during the surgical intervention.

We report one case of acute testicular torsion following orchidopexy for an undescended testis. A review of the literature reveals only ten similar cases. History of a previous testicular surgery should not preclude the possibility of a torsion in that testicle. We conclude that at orchidopexy for an undescended testis, eversion of the tunica vaginalis is an essential step to avoid any future torsion.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the potential influence of adjuvant radiotherapy on urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with N0M0 prostate cancer randomized in a prospective study on postoperative radiotherapy for locally advanced disease (positive surgical margin, capsular perforation and/or seminal vesicle infiltration) were studied. Objective pad weighing tests corroborated by direct personal interviews were used to evaluate urinary continence at regular postoperative intervals. RESULTS: Of the patients 48 received 60 Gy. external radiotherapy with 18 MV photon beams between 12 and 16 weeks postoperatively, and 52 were followed expectantly. Risk factors were similar in both groups. With a mean followup of 24 months, no difference in complete urinary continence was observed. Of the irradiated group 77% and of the surveillance group 83% were totally dry. The fate of the bladder neck had no significant influence on final continence status, although there was a trend for faster recovery when the bladder neck was preserved. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective randomized study 60 Gy. external radiation therapy administered between 3 and 4 months after radical prostatectomy for pathologically locally advanced prostate cancer had no significant influence on urinary continence.

The effectiveness of a vacuum erection device was evaluated in a 3-year prospective trial involving 110 men with erectile disorders. The patients ranged from 36 to 75 years of age (average: 61). Fifty-seven had chosen the vacuum device as a first treatment attempt; 27 were on intracavernous self-injections with a vasoactive agent but wanted another treatment; and several treatment modalities had failed in the remaining 26 patients. At the 3-month follow-up, the patients were mailed a questionnaire to evaluate the quality of sexual intercourse with the vacuum constriction device. Partner satisfaction was evaluated in parallel. Improvement in sexual parameters as well as difficulties and side effects induced by the device were investigated. Our results confirm the efficacy of the vacuum constriction device in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in selected patients.

Antenatal and incidentally diagnosed megaureters can be safely treated conservatively after careful work up by combined imaging technics. Serial and repeated imaging are non the less usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis. This aspect could be fastidious and expensive. In case of symptoms, breakthrough infections or loss of kidney function, surgical treatment should be considered and good results can be expected. Refluxing megaureter has to be considered as high grade reflux and surgical approach is more often suggested. The authors have reviewed the experience of 139 patients with megaureters treated in the last decade to illustrate those facts.

To better characterize risk factors of progression (or recurrence) of prostate cancer after radical surgery, we analysed clinical and biological preoperative characteristics and post-operative pathology results in a series of 179 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 1994. The mean follow-up in the series is 36 months (24-36). 39 patients treated before radical prostatectomy by hormonotherapy or surgery (TURP, TULIP) were excluded from analysis. 28 patients treated with immediate adjuvant therapy were also excluded from the study on risk factors of recurrence. Clinical understaging is 37% (50/134 patients with stage T1-T2 have extracapsular extension or invasion of seminal vesicles). Preoperative PSA value is related to the pathologic stage. Extracapsular disease was found in 17% and 46% when PSA was < 4 ng/ml or > 10 ng/ml respectively, thereby confirming the poor staging value of preoperative PSA alone. Analysis of the surgical margins demonstrates a statistically significant difference (p = 0.018) between patients with a preoperative PSA < 10 ng/ml (22% of positive margins) and those with a PSA > 10 ng/ml (42% of positive margins). Predictive factors of recurrence were analyzed in the 112 patients who have not received pre- or postoperative treatment. The respective impact of clinical stage, preoperative PSA value, Gleason score, invasion of prostatic apex, capsular perforation, surgical margins, invasion of seminal vesicles or of pelvic lymph nodes, and invasion of intraprostatic, intracapsular or extraprostatic nerves were evaluated. In T3 cases, we observe 50% recurrence (but only 4 patients fall into this group) versus 14% in clinically localized tumors (T1c-T2c). No recurrence is detected when preoperative PSA is < 4 ng/ml; on the contrary 21% of patients with a PSA > 10 ng/ml recurred. Infiltration of the apex does not influence prognosis. In our experience, capsular perforation is a worse prognostic factor th

Unexpected severe electrolyte imbalance in the postoperative period. Report two cases. Two cases of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone are reported. In each patient, the physiopathology is reviewed. Differential diagnosis and treatment of hyponatremia is discussed.

OBJECTIVES: Improved discrimination between prostate cancer (PC) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is clearly needed. Our aim in this study was to evaluate whether the free to total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ratio would be useful in the gray zone of 1.8-10 ng/mL total PSA range. METHODS: In a consecutive series of 435 clinic patients referred for prostate evaluation, 308 had a total PSA < 10 ng/mL (92 had PC and 216 BPH). Free and total PSA were measured, and the free to total PSA ratio calculated. RESULTS: Total PSA values were significantly different between the two groups. For the 200 patients with a total PSA < 6 ng/mL, no significant difference in total PSA values were seen (P = 0.411), whereas free to total PSA ratios remained statistically different (P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis comparing the performances of total PSA over the ratio of free to total PSA showed a clear advantage for the ratio at all sensitivity levels. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that in a significant number (n = 308) of prostatic patients in the diagnostic gray zone of 1.8-10 ng/mL total PSA, the routine use of free to total PSA might be advantageous in discriminating between cancer and benign hyperplasia. This advantage remained for total PSA < 4 ng/mL. Further study is warranted to confirm these findings in an unselected population.

We studied the influence of vessels crossing the ureteropelvic junction and of the grade of hydronephrosis in 86 patients who underwent endoureteropyelotomy. With a follow-up ranging from 1 to 12 years, the presence of crossing vessels had a significant negative influence on the outcome and recurrence rate of the procedure. The success rate was 82% when no vessels were present but only 33% when crossing vessels were documented. In 13 of 15 failures (87%), a crossing vessel was found at open pyeloplasty. The degree of hydronephrosis was a less potent detrimental factor, with an 81% success rate in low-grade and 54% in high-grade hydronephrosis. The best results (90% success) were obtained in patients with no crossing vessels and low-grade hydronephrosis and the worst (30% success) in those with high-grade hydronephrosis in the presence of crossing vessels. Selection of patients according to those prognostic factors is recommended. Conventional intravenous urographic imaging techniques proved insufficient, and only angiography provided diagnostic accuracy; less-invasive methods are desirable.

Sexual dysfunction is a common complaint in men with Multiple Sclerosis: up to 80% of them report erectile dysfunction and 10% ejaculatory problems at some stage of the disease. The aim of this article is to provide sexologists and psychiatrists some practical advice about investigating and treating erectile disorders in these patients suffering from a chronic and distressing disease.

The autonomic innervation of the limbs and the genitalia was studied by means of electrical stimulation of the median nerve at the wrist and the dorsal nerve of the penis/clitoris and recording of sympathetic skin responses from the hand, the foot, and the perineum. In males, the response was also recorded from the penile shaft following median nerve stimulation, Normative data were obtained from 40 healthy volunteers (20 men and 20 women), The clinical contribution of these tests was investigated in a series of 42 patients referred to our laboratory for urinary and/or sexual disorders, Sympathetic skin responses are helpful in the evaluation of sexual impotence and of disorders affecting the pelvic floor as well as of well-known neuropathies.

BACKGROUND. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) exists in different molecular forms, and their respective concentration has been proposed as a useful tool to improve discrimination between benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer (PC). METHODS. The relevance of the free to total PSA ratio was prospectively studied in a selected urology clinic population of 420 patients. Total serum PSA ranged from 2.1 to 30 ng/ml; 154 had PC and 266 had BPH. RESULTS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for the total population (total-PSA range from 2.1 to 30 ng/ml) and for the diagnostic gray zone of 2.1-10 ng/ml. For the two groups, the free to total PSA ratio had a higher specificity than total-PSA for all sensitivity levels. Cut-off values were found to vary with prostate weight. CONCLUSIONS. Although free to total PSA ratio demonstrated better performances than total-PSA, its use in screening appears problematic, due to the low prevalence of prostate cancer. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.