Exploratory factor analysis: strategies used by patients to promote health.

Strategies used by patients to promote health (SUPPH) was used to measure self-care self-efficacy in patients with cancer. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the extent to which self-efficacy theory explained the factor structure of the SUPPH and (2) to determine the relationship of demographic data with factors of the SUPPH. Subjects were diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) and treated with either: (a) radical prostatectomy, (b) intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) + radioactive seed implantation, or (c) IMRT + high dose rate.

Prospective study of quality of life of patients receiving treatment for prostate cancer.

Background: No research was found that compared quality of life (QOL) outcomes of prostate cancer patients receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapies with prostate cancer patients receiving radical prostatectomy.

Objectives: To (a) describe differences in QOL before and after three types of treatment for prostate cancer: radical prostatectomy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy + seed implantation (permanent brachytherapy), or intensity-modulated radiation therapy + high dose rate radiotherapy (temporary brachytherapy); and (b) investigate demographic, physical, and psychosocial variables that impact QOL of men with prostate cancer.

Methods: Data were collected on three occasions: baseline (prior to treatment), 1 month, and 3 months after beginning treatment.

Prostate HDR radiation therapy: a comparative study evaluating the effectiveness of pain management with peripheral PCA vs. PCEA.

Introduction: High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is considered one of the most advanced treatment technologies currently available for treatment of localized prostate cancer. It gives the advantage of applying higher dose radiation, with greater precision, directly to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue and surrounding organs, thereby resulting in fewer side effects. In this facility, the treatment requires an overnight stay in the hospital, in a supine position, with a perineal template sutured to the perineum to prevent catheter movement or dislodgement.

Urolithiasis/nephrolithiasis: what's it all about?

Urolithiasis (urinary tract calculi or stones) and nephrolithiasis (kidney calculi or stones) are well-documented common occurrences in the general population of the United States. The etiology of this disorder is multifactorial and is strongly related to dietary lifestyle habits or practices. Proper management of calculi that occur along the urinary tract includes investigation into causative factors in an effort to prevent recurrences.

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in renal cell carcinoma.

Historically, the only surgical option for removal of a renal mass was through a large incision in the abdomen. Recently, many urologists have adopted new innovations in the removal of renal masses including laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. The laparoscopic approach to radical nephrectomy has been associated with improved patient outcomes including decreased pain, shorter hospital stay, rapid recovery, and improved aesthetic cosmetic appearance.