Biomedical subjects

Patrizio Rigatti

Publications and source records attributed to Patrizio Rigatti.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Development and external validation of an extended repeat biopsy nomogram.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that the outcome of repeat biopsy could be accurately predicted. We tested this hypothesis in a contemporary cohort from 3 centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The principal cohort of 1,082 men from Hamburg, Germany was used for nomogram development as well as for internal 200 bootstrap validation in 721 and external validation in 361. Two additional external validation cohorts, including 87 men from Milan, Italy and 142 from Seattle, Washington, were also used. Predictors of prostate cancer on repeat biopsy were patient age, digital rectal examination, prostate specific antigen, percent free prostate specific antigen, number of previous negative biopsy sessions and sampling density. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to develop the nomograms. RESULTS: The mean number of previous negative biopsies was 1.5 (range 1 to 6) and the mean number of cores at final repeat biopsy was 11.1 (range 10 to 24). Of the men 370 (30.2%) had prostate cancer. On multivariate analyses all predictors were statistically significant (p < or =0.028). After internal validation the nomogram was 76% accurate. External validation showed 74% (Hamburg), 78% (Milan) and 68% (Seattle) accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Relative to the previous nomograms (10 predictors or 71% accuracy) our tool relies on fewer variables (6) and shows superior accuracy in European men. Accuracy in American men is substantially lower. Racial, clinical and biochemical differences may explain the observed discrepancy in predictive accuracy.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

CD8(+) T lymphocytes isolated from renal cancer patients recognize tumour cells through an HLA- and TCR/CD3-independent pathway.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to characterize the immune response of patients affected by renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: Long-term RCC lines were established by retroviral-mediated transfer of the large T-antigen of SV40 into fresh carcinoma cells. Reactive T cell effectors were generated by iterative stimulations of patients' PBMC with autologous tumour cells. RESULTS: This protocol led to the induction of CD8(+) T cell clones reactive against the autologous tumour, but not against NK-sensitive cell lines. However, some of these effectors recognize normal renal cells, allogeneic renal carcinoma cell lines and colon and non-small cell lung carcinomas but not melanomas and lymphoblastoid lines, without evidence of shared classical HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules. Further characterization performed on the CD8(+) TCR alpha/beta(+) clone, CTL30, demonstrated that neither expression of CD1, HLA-Ia nor HLA-Ib, correlated with the T cells' recognition. Moreover, beta2m expression by target cells was not required to achieve interaction of tumour-effector cells. In agreement with this observation, the lytic activity of CTL30 was not inhibited by anti-HLA-I Ab, and antigen expression was not affected by inhibitors of antigen processing. Lytic activity of CTL30, while partially inhibited by anti-NKG2D, could not be abolished by anti-CD3 Abs. Moreover, growth and expansion of CTL30 was sustained only by T cell interaction with antigen-expressing tumour cells; unspecific mitogenic stimuli, such as anti-CD3 and PHA, did not allow T cell expansion. These results demonstrated the existence of an alpha/beta T cell population, recognizing epithelial tumour cells through an HLA-unrestricted, CD3-independent mechanism.

CD3 Complex↗

PubMed2006

A reappraisal of the role of vesicourethral anastomosis biopsy in patient candidates for salvage radiation therapy after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To investigate the usefulness of vesicourethral anastomotic biopsy (VUBx) in patients who are candidates for salvage radiotherapy (SalvRT) after radical prostatectomy (RRP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1992 to 2001, 98 patients with a PSA failure (PSAf) after RRP underwent SalvRT to the prostatic bed (median dose 70 Gy). In 50/98 patients the VUBx was positive, in 26 negative; 22 patients underwent SalvRT without a prior VUBx. The prognostic impact on biochemical disease-free survival (bNEDs) of histologic confirmation of the local failure was evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: In the 40 patients with pre-RT PSA < or = 0.9 ng/mL, no additional prognostic information derived from the VUBx, while, for higher PSA values, a positive histology resulted as a covariate independently predictive of post-RT outcome (5-year bNEDs: 74% vs 42% in the 35 and 23 patients with a positive or negative/not performed VUBx, respectively, P=.03), together with pT, pre-RT PSA < or = 1.5 ng/mL, and PSA doubling time. CONCLUSIONS: In case of PSAf after RRP, VUBx before SalvRT seems unnecessary for PSA < or = 0.9 ng/mL. For higher values, a positive VUBx seems to always justify a SalvRT, which may not be recommendable, given the nonnegligible risk of an already micrometastatic disease, if the biopsy results are negative.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Development and external validation of an extended 10-core biopsy nomogram.

OBJECTIVES: To test the accuracy of a previously externally validated sextant biopsy nomogram in referred men exposed to > or =10 or more biopsy cores. Moreover, we explored the hypothesis that a more accurate predictive tool could be developed. METHODS: Previous nomogram predictors (age, digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen, and percent free PSA) were used to assess the accuracy of our previous nomogram in a cohort consisting of 2900 men referred for prostatic evaluation. Moreover, these variables were complemented with sampling density (SD) (i.e., ratio of gland volume and the number of planned biopsy cores) within multivariable logistic regression models (LRM) predicting presence of prostate cancer (pCA) on the initial 10 or more core biopsy. The LRMs were used to develop and internally validate (200 bootstrap resamples) a new nomogram in 1162 men from Hamburg, Germany. The LRMs' external validity was tested in three separate cohorts (Hamburg, n=582; Milan, n=961; Seattle, n=195). RESULTS: The contemporary external validation of the previously validated sextant nomogram demonstrated 70% accuracy. Internal validation of the new nomogram demonstrated 77% accuracy, and external cohorts demonstrated 73-76% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: In the era of extended biopsy schemes, previously developed predictive models are less accurate in predicting the probability of pCA on initial biopsy. We developed a new tool that allows obtaining more accurate predictions. Moreover, before biopsy, it also allows defining the ideal ratio between gland volume and the number of planned biopsy cores that would yield the ideal biopsy rate.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Complications and other surgical outcomes associated with extended pelvic lymphadenectomy in men with localized prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: More-extensive pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) may be associated with a higher rate of complications and a longer hospital stay than more limited PLND. METHODS: Before radical retropubic prostatectomy, PLNDs were performed in 963 patients. Of these, 767 (79.6%) had >or=10 lymph nodes removed and examined (extended PLND [ePLND]), while 1-9 nodes (limited PLND [lPLND]) were removed in the remaining 196 (20.4%). Limits included external iliac, obturator, internal iliac, and iliac bifurcation. PLND-related complications and the length of hospital stay were recorded prospectively and analyzed according to the extent of PLND. RESULTS: In patients subjected to ePLND, the overall rate of complications was 19.8% versus 8.2% in those treated with lPLND (p<0.001). In individual analyses of specific complications, only the lymphocele rate was significantly higher after ePLND (10.3% vs 4.6%; p=0.01). Similarly, ePLND translated into a longer hospital stay (9.9 vs 8.2 d; p<0.001). These differences persisted when adjustment was made for prostate-specific antigen and either clinical or pathologic tumor characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that, even in the hands of experienced urologic surgeons, ePLNDs are associated with higher complication rates and longer hospital stay. These detriments need to be taken into account when the staging benefit associated with ePLND is considered.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Association between erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease. Role of coronary clinical presentation and extent of coronary vessels involvement: the COBRA trial.

AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with CAD according to clinical presentation, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) vs. chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), and extent of vessel involvement (single vs. multi-vessel disease). METHODS AND RESULTS: 285 patients with CAD divided into three age-matched groups: group 1 (G1, n=95), ACS and one-vessel disease (1-VD); group 2 (G2, n=95), ACS and 2,3-VD; group 3 (G3, n=95), chronic CS. Control group (C, n=95) was composed of patients with suspected CAD who were found to have entirely normal coronary arteries by angiography. Gensini's score used to assess extent of CAD. ED as any value <26 according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). ED prevalence was lower in G1 vs. G3 (22 vs. 65%, P<.0001) as a result of less atherosclerotic burden as expressed by Gensini's score [2 (0-6) vs. 40 (19-68), P=0.0001]. Controls had ED rate values similar to G1 (24%). Group 2 ED rate, IIEF, and Gensini's scores were significantly different from G1 [55%, P<0.0001; 24 (17-29), P=0.0001; 21 (12.5-32), P<0.0001] and similar to G3 suggesting that despite similar clinical presentation, ED in ACS differs according to the extent of CAD. No significant difference between groups was found in the number and type of conventional risk factors. Treatment with beta-blockers was more frequent in G3 vs. G1 and G2. In G3 patients who had ED, onset of sexual dysfunction occurred before CAD onset in 93%, with a mean time interval of 24 [12-36] months. In logistic regression analysis, age (OR=1.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-1.16; P=<0.0001), multi-vessel vs. single-vessel (OR=2.53; 95% CI, 1.43-4.51; P=0.0002), and CCS vs. ACS (OR=2.32; 95% CI, 1.22-4.41; P=0.01) were independent predictors of ED. CONCLUSION: ED prevalence differs across subsets of patients with CAD and is related to coronary clinical presentation and extent of CAD. In patients with established CAD, ED comes before CAD in the majority by an average of 2 up to 3 years.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed2006

Validation of a nomogram predicting the probability of lymph node invasion based on the extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a multivariate nomogram to predict the rate of lymph node invasion (LNI) in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer according to the extent of extended pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND), which is associated with significantly higher rate of LNI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised 781 consecutive patients (median age 66.6 years, range 45-85) treated with PLND and radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for clinically localized prostate cancer. Their median (range) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 7 (1.03-49.91) ng/mL, and their clinical stages were T1c in 433 (55.4%), T2 in 328 (42%) and T3 in 20 (2.6%). Biopsy Gleason sums were <or= 6 in 514 (65.8%), 7 in 204 (26.1%) and 8-10 in 63 (8.1%). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test the association between predictors including PSA level, biopsy Gleason sum, clinical stage, number of nodes removed and the rate of LNI. Finally, regression coefficients were used to develop a nomogram, which was internally validated with 200 bootstrap re-samples. RESULTS: The median (range) number of lymph nodes removed was 14 (2-40); LNI was detected in 71 patients (9.1%). The univariate predictive accuracy for total PSA level, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason sum and number of total nodes removed and examined was 64.2%, 59.8%, 74% and 62.9%, respectively. Except for PSA (P = 0.2), all variables were statistically significant multivariate predictors of LNI at RRP (P <or= 0.001). A nomogram based on clinical stage, PSA level, biopsy Gleason sum and the number of total lymph nodes removed was 78.6% accurate, and 1.8% more accurate than a nomogram without the number of removed lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of PLND is directly related to the probability of LNI. The risk of LNI increases linearly, and is proportional to the number of nodes removed and examined. The effect of the increased probability of LNI is weighted more heavily in men with more advanced clinical stage and grade.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

A nomogram for staging of exclusive nonobturator lymph node metastases in men with localized prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Some patients with localized prostate cancer are at risk of nonobturator lymph node invasion (NOLNI) and may require an extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). We explored the rate of exclusive NOLNI and developed a nomogram to predict it. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We mapped all ePLND specimens according to their anatomic location (obturator, external iliac, internal iliac lymph nodes) and assessed the location-specific rate of LNI in 565 patients. A multivariate logistic regression-based nomogram predicting NOLNI was then internally validated with 200 bootstrap resamples. RESULTS: Overall, 11.1% (63 of 565) had LNI and 21 (3.7%) had exclusive NOLNI. The nomogram predicting exclusive NOLNI was 80.2% accurate. The nomogram's negative predictive value was 99%, when it predicted 0-10% probability of NOLNI. This approach could allow the omission of an ePLND in 350 of 565 (61.9%) patients and still correctly stage 85.8% of NOLNI cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our nomogram-based approach offers the possibility of identifying men who are at virtually zero risk of exclusive NOLNI. In these men, an ePLND may be safely avoided.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate versus open prostatectomy for prostates >70 g: 24-month follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: Prospectively evaluate perioperative outcomes and 2-yr follow-up after holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) and standard open prostatectomy (OP) for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia-related obstructed voiding symptoms, with prostates >70 g. METHODS: From March 2003 to December 2004, 80 consecutive patients were randomised for surgical treatment with HoLEP (n=41) or standard OP (n=39). All patients were preoperatively assessed with International Prostate Symptom Score and International Index of Erectile Function questionnaires and complete urodynamic evaluation. Intraoperative and perioperative parameters such as blood loss, catheter removal, and hospital stays were assessed. Early and late complications were recorded. Patients were evaluated at 1-, 3-, 12-, and 24-mo follow-ups with the same tests. RESULTS: Operating room time was significantly shorter for the OP group (72.09+/-21.22 min vs. 58.31+/-11.95 min, p<0.0001); catheter removal (1.5+/-1.07 d and 4.1+/-0.5 d, p<0.001) and hospital stay (2.7+/-1.1 d vs. 5.4+/-1.05 d, p<0.001) were shorter in the HoLEP group. Blood loss was less and blood transfusions fewer in the HoLEP group (p<0.001). In both groups urodynamic and uroflowmetry findings improved from baseline, were still evident at the 24-mo follow-up, and were comparable between the two groups. Late complications were also comparable. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP is a feasible technique for treating large prostates. Functional results are similar to OP at the 2-yr follow-up. Reduced catheterisation, hospital stay, and blood loss make HoLEP an attractive option for the treatment of large prostates.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2006

Intra- and peri-operative outcomes comparing radical retropubic and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: results from a prospective, randomised, single-surgeon study.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively compare intra- and peri-operative outcomes of open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and laparoscopic prostatectomy (LRP) by a single surgeon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One-hundred-twenty, consecutive, age-matched patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer were eligible for surgery. Sixty patients underwent RRP and 60, LRP. Intra- and peri-operative parameters, pathologic findings and early complications were recorded. A validated visual analogue scale was used to assess pain in the recovery room, 3 h after the operation and on post-operative days 1, 2 and 3. A cystogram was performed on post-operative day 5. RESULTS: Operating time was significantly shorter in the RRP group versus the LRP group (mean+/-SD, 170+/-34. 2 vs 235+/-49.9 min, p<0.001). Blood loss was significantly less in the LRP group versus the RRP group (mean+/-SD, 853.3+/-485 vs 257.3+/-177 ml, p<0.001), but no patient in either group underwent early re-intervention for bleeding. The RRP group showed a trend for higher use of analgesia. A watertight anastomosis was shown at cystourethrography and the catheter removed in 86% and 66% of LRP and RRP patients, respectively. The overall percentage of post-operative complications and positive margins were comparable. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic prostatectomy is an attractive alternative to open prostatectomy, offering the advantages of reduced blood loss and safe early catheter removal. Furthermore, the laparoscopic procedure proved to be safe oncologically. Long-term follow-up is required to compare functional results in terms of continence and potency.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Validation of a nomogram predicting the probability of lymph node invasion among patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and an extended pelvic lymphadenectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Our goal was to develop and internally validate a nomogram for prediction of lymph node invasion (LNI) in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer undergoing extended pelvic lymphadenectomy (ePLND). METHODS: 602 consecutive patients (mean age 65.8 years) underwent an ePLND, where 10 or more nodes were removed. PSA was 1.1-49.9 (median 7.2). Clinical stages were: T1c in 55.6%, T2 in 41.4% and T3 in 3%. Biopsy Gleason sums were: 6 or less in 66%, 7 in 25.4%, 8-10 in 8.6%. Multivariate logistic regression models tested the association between all of the above predictors and LNI. Regression-based coefficients were used to develop a nomogram predicting LNI and 200 bootstrap resamples were used for internal validation. RESULTS: Mean number of lymph nodes removed was 17.1 (range 10-40). LNI was detected in 66 patients (11.0%). Univariate predictive accuracy for total PSA, clinical stage and biopsy Gleason sum was 63%, 58% and 73%, respectively. A nomogram based on clinical stage, PSA and Biopsy Gleason sum demonstrated bootstrap-corrected predictive accuracy of 76%. CONCLUSIONS: A nomogram based on pre-treatment PSA, clinical stage and biopsy Gleason sum can highly accurately predict LNI at ePLND.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Can phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors cure erectile dysfunction?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To systematically analyze and review the available evidence about the potential role of chronic administration of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors for the cure of erectile dysfunction (ED) based on clinical and basic science data. METHODS: Analysis of published full-length papers that were identified with Medline and Cancerlit from January 1993 to September 2005. Abstracts published in the journals European Urology, the Journal of Urology, the International Journal of Impotence Research, and the Journal of Sexual Medicine as official proceedings of internationally known scientific societies held in the same time period were also assessed. RESULTS: Chronic administration of PDE-5 inhibitors have reportedly been associated with increased persistent vascular and endothelial function--which represents a key factor in maintaining vascular tone and inducing vasodilation--by increasing the level of endothelial cGMP generated by activation of endothelial nitric oxide. Clinical studies have revealed a potential protective role of these compounds on endothelial function in short- and long-term assessments. Several studies based on animal models have provided direct experimental support for the role of PDE-5 inhibitors in improving the structure and function of the cavernosal tissue and have suggested potential molecular mechanisms involved. CONCLUSIONS: Although evidence increasingly supports the potential role of chronic administration of PDE-5 inhibitors for improving erectile function in patients affected by ED, long-term data are lacking. However, data available from animal models support the evidence of potential benefits induced on endothelial function by chronic exposure to PDE-5 inhibitors.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Baseline potency in candidates for bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the baseline erectile function (EF) of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer (pCa), who are candidates for a bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (BNSRRP) to (a) objectively rate the preoperative self-reported subjective patient's EF and (b) investigate possible correlations between preoperative EF and demographic data and comorbidities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two-hundred-thirty-four patients, who verbally self-reported they were preoperatively fully potent and strongly motivated to maintain postoperative EF, underwent a BNSRRP. A comprehensive medical and sexual history was obtained on hospital admission the day prior to surgery. Subjectively reported potency rate was compared with the scores of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). RESULTS: The EF domain of the IIEF showed a baseline normal EF in only 43% of the subjects. In contrast, 13% had a mild erectile dysfunction (ED), 8% had a mild to moderate ED, 8% complained of a moderate ED, and as many as 28% reported severe EF impairment. Interestingly, 38% of the patients with severe ED did not attempt any intercourse during the last 4 weeks prior to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients with clinically localized pCa and self-reported total potency already had suffered from ED preoperatively. Incorrect timing of questionnaires administration, the potential influence of preoperative patient's psychological distress, and the implication of the patient's partner's psychological and sexual health may be contributing factors to the contradictory finding. The preoperative use of validated questionnaire may help to identify patients who can actually expect to regain potency following a BNSRRP.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Radical prostatectomy after previous prostate surgery: clinical and functional outcomes.

PURPOSE: Radical prostatectomy has progressively become an elective treatment for primary localized prostate cancer as well as for incidental or subsequent prostatic cancer after previous surgery for obstructive benign disease. This increased acceptance opens concerns about oncological and functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 1999 and August 2003, 109 patients underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer as a second line approach after surgery for primary bladder outlet obstruction. Of these patients 88 had undergone previous transurethral resection of the prostate and 21 had undergone open prostatectomy. Incidental and delayed prostate cancer was detected in 71 and 38 cases, respectively. Perioperative and postoperative morbidity was evaluated in all patients, while postoperative functional outcomes were assessed by a subjective questionnaire in 43. RESULTS: As a second surgery, radical retropubic prostatectomy was generally more complex technically and it resulted in longer operative time compared to radical surgery in naïve patients. In contrast, early and delayed postoperative morbidity increased moderately. Complete urinary continence was documented in 32 (74%) and 37 patients (86%) at the 6 and 12-month follow-ups, respectively. In this patient cohort adequate erectile function was reported by 12%. CONCLUSIONS: Radical retropubic prostatectomy can be performed safely after previous prostate surgery for bladder outlet obstruction. However, a consistent surgical background in prostate surgery is needed to manage frequently unexpected difficulties. Candidates for second line prostate surgery should be informed that functional results are less predictable and satisfactory than those achieved after the same surgical approach in naïve patients.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Urodynamics after TURP and HoLEP in urodynamically obstructed patients: are there any differences at 1 year of follow-up?

OBJECTIVES: To compare urodynamic findings after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia-related bladder outlet obstruction. METHODS: From January to October 2002, 100 consecutive patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia with obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms were randomized to surgical treatment with either HoLEP (group 1, n = 52) or TURP (group 2, n = 48). All patients were preoperatively assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score and quality-of-life question, total serum prostate-specific antigen measurement, transrectal ultrasonography, and complete urodynamic study. The operative time, catheterization time, and overall hospital stay were also recorded for both groups. All patients were assessed at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using a complete urodynamic evaluation. RESULTS: All patients were obstructed preoperatively (Schäfer grade greater than 2). Both groups were comparable in terms of age, total serum prostate-specific antigen level, International Prostate Symptom Score, and urodynamic results. At 1, 6, and 12 months of follow-up, no statistically significant differences were recorded in terms of detrussor pressure at maximal urinary flow rate, Schäfer grade (linear passive urethral resistance relation), maximal urinary flow rate, International Prostate Symptom Score, and quality-of-life score. In the HoLEP group, the catheterization time and hospital stay were significantly shorter. Transitory lower urinary tract symptoms after 3 months of follow-up and dysuria were more frequent in the HoLEP group than in the TURP group, although at 12 months of follow-up, the results were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Both HoLEP and TURP were equally effective in relieving bladder outlet obstruction. Although associated with greater early self-resolving irritative symptoms, HoLEP can guarantee a shorter catheterization time and hospital stay with longer operative times, proposing itself as an attractive alternative to standard TURP.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Holmium laser enucleation versus open prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: an inpatient cost analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the cost of open transvesical prostatectomy (OP) with that of holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) in the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: From February to May 2004, 63 consecutive patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in a large prostate (70 to 220 g) and documented BOO were randomized to surgical treatment with OP (29 in group 1) or HoLEP (34 in group 2). All costs associated with the procedures during the hospital stay were recorded prospectively, and a cost-effectiveness analysis of the critical perioperative (ie, intraoperative and postoperative to hospital discharge) data was performed. RESULTS: The cost analysis showed a mean perioperative cost of 2868.9 euros (3556.3 dollars) for group 1 and 2356.5 euros (2919.4 dollars) for group 2. A direct comparison analysis showed that the most significant cost factors were the operative time (average 16.1% and 25.1% to the cost of OP and HoLEP, respectively), operating room surgical setup/disposables, including laser fiber and resectoscope loop in group 2 (average 13.3% and 29.3% to the cost of OP and HoLEP, respectively), and length of postoperative hospital stay (average 53.3% and 32.0% to the cost of OP and HoLEP, respectively). Overall, the hospitalization cost of HoLEP was 9.6% less than that for OP. CONCLUSIONS: Our data have demonstrated that HoLEP is associated with a significant hospital net cost savings compared with OP in patients undergoing surgery for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in large glands.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Bone metastases are infrequent in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer: analysis of their clinical and pathologic features.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients with bone metastases identified at the time of newly diagnosed prostate carcinoma at biopsy. METHODS: From November 2002 to May 2004, 1587 consecutive patients had a pathologic diagnosis of prostate cancer and underwent conventional technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate scintigraphy of the entire body. The clinical and pathologic features of those patients with positive bone scan findings (group 1) were compared with those of a subcohort of 372 patients with negative bone scan findings performed at the same nuclear medicine department (group 2). RESULTS: A retrospective complete data collection was available for 1242 of 1587 patients. Bone metastases were found in 31 patients (2.5%). As expected, patients with skeletal metastases had a significantly greater mean serum total prostate-specific antigen level, and a Gleason sum of 8 or 9 was significantly more frequent in the pathologic findings of these subjects. Group 1 patients had a significantly greater prevalence of previous nonprostate primary neoplasms (chi-square 12.74, df = 1, P = 0.0004) and reported a greater prevalence of current use of H2 blockers for the treatment and prevention of gastroesophageal reflux disorders (chi-square 37.52, df = 1, P < 0.0001) than did group 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data have confirmed that bone metastases are more frequent in patients with high prostate-specific antigen levels and poorly differentiated tumors at biopsy regardless of the patient's age. A history of previous nonprostate primary neoplasms and the use of H2 blockers seemed to be more prevalent in those patients with bone metastases at diagnosis.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Impact on sexual function of holmium laser enucleation versus transurethral resection of the prostate: results of a prospective, 2-center, randomized trial.

PURPOSE: We compared the impact of HoLEP and TURP on sexual function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and January 2003, 120 patients with a mean age +/- SD of 65.2 +/- 7.1 years who had benign prostatic hyperplasia were enrolled in this 2-center, prospective, randomized study. A total of 60 patients with a mean age of 65.25 +/- 6.9 years underwent HoLEP (group 1) and 60 with a mean age of 64.18 +/- 7.2 years underwent TURP (group 2). Patients were assessed before surgery, and at 12 and 24-month followup visits. Subjective symptoms were scored by the International Prostate Symptom Score, the International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life question, IIEF, 10 nonvalidated general assessment questions, physical examination, serum prostate specific antigen and transrectal ultrasonography. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients (53.3%) in group 1 and 31 (51.6%) in group 2 reported various degrees of erectile dysfunction before surgery according to the IIEF-EF score. Differences between preoperative and postoperative orgasmic domain scores in each group were significant (p <0.001). A slight but not significant increase in the mean IIEF-EF domain score was reported in each group at postoperative assessments without any difference between the 2 surgical approaches. According to general assessment question analysis the prevalence of subjectively reported postoperative retrograde ejaculation was significantly higher than at baseline assessment in the 2 groups with no differences between the 2 surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: TURP and HoLEP significantly lowered the IIEF orgasmic function domain with no differences between techniques. This was caused by retrograde ejaculation. Marginal, nonsignificant erectile function improvement was reported after surgery in the 2 groups.

Aged↗