Alternative Method of Retrocrural Approach during Celiac Plexus Block Using a Bent Tip Needle.

Background: This study sought to determine safe ranges of oblique angle, skin entry point and needle length by reviewing computed tomography (CT) scans and to evaluate the usefulness of a bent tip needle during celiac plexus block (CPB).

Methods: CT scans of 60 CPB patients were reviewed. Image of the uppermost margin of L2 vertebral body was used to measure the minimal and maximal oblique angles and the distances from the midline to skin puncture point.

Usefulness of preoperative serum testosterone as a predictor of extraprostatic extension and biochemical recurrence.

Purpose: A great variety of studies on preoperative serum testosterone as a predictor of progression of prostate cancer have been reported recently. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of preoperative serum testosterone levels in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy with prognostic factors.

Materials And Methods: Clinical data were collected from 60 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy.

The effect of intraprostatic chronic inflammation on benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment.

Purpose: Asymptomatic chronic inflammation of the prostate is a common finding in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We investigated how the chronic inflammation affects medical treatment for BPH.

Materials And Methods: One pathologist reviewed the chronic inflammation of 82 BPH patients who underwent transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided needle biopsy.