Proposed Hydrogel-Implant Quality Score and a Matched-Pair Study for Prostate Radiation Therapy.

Purpose: SpaceOAR hydrogel has been Food and Drug Administration approved to reduce rectal toxicity in prostate radiation therapy. Training and certification for this procedure is performed by the manufacturer, without independent quality measures. We propose a Hydrogel-Implant Quality Score (HIQS) as a surrogate to quantify hydrogel placement accuracy, to assist clinicians in tracking their implant proficiency, and to support quality improvement.

Erectile function following unilateral cavernosal nerve replacement.

Introduction: With nerve-sparing techniques, patients undergoing a radical prostatectomy may avoid the morbidity of erectile dysfunction. Certain patients who are not candidates for nerve-sparing procedures may be eligible for nerve interposition grafts. While bilateral cavernosal nerve grafting after radical prostatectomy has shown efficacy, the effect of unilateral nerve grafting following prostatectomy remains unclear.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: an objective assessment and review of the literature.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) has become an accepted treatment option for men with prostate cancer. A search of the available literature through January 2006 was performed to analyze the surgical technique, outcomes data, and other unique issues regarding RLRP. While prospective, randomized trials and long-term data are lacking, short-term data from single institution series have demonstrated outcomes for RLRP that appear to be equivalent to those for open radical prostatectomy (ORP).

Post-operative drain output as a predictor of bladder neck contracture following radical prostatectomy.

Background: Bladder neck contracture (BNC) following prostatectomy has been reported in 0.5-32% of cases. While the etiology of a BNC is unclear, several factors have been associated with this complication, including blood loss, devascularization of bladder neck tissue, poor mucosal apposition and urinary extravasation.

Mechanical failure rate of da Vinci robotic system.

Introduction: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) is playing an increasing role in the surgical management of prostate cancer. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery, enhanced surgeon familiarity with the instrumentation, and increased patient demand has led to the popularity of this surgical technique. There are, however, shortcomings specifically associated with this technology.

Experience improves staging accuracy of endorectal magnetic resonance imaging in prostate cancer: what is the learning curve?

Introduction: Accurate clinical staging is critical in guiding treatment for patients with prostate adenocarcinoma. Endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been advocated to improve staging accuracy. In order to assess the learning curve for endorectal MRI interpretation, we compared two cohorts of patients with high-risk prostate who underwent endorectal MRI at a center with limited prior exposure to this imaging modality.

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.

An abnormal digital rectal examination is an independent predictor of Gleason > or =7 prostate cancer in men undergoing initial prostate biopsy: a prospective study of 790 men.

Objective: To evaluate our experience with a referral population of 790 patients undergoing initial prostate biopsy in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) era, to assess the role of a digital rectal examination (DRE) in predicting the outcome of prostate needle biopsy (PNB) and to evaluate if DRE findings were associated with cancer grade.

Patients And Methods: We analysed 790 consecutive men who had an initial PNB from September 1999 to July 2005 by one urologist (C.P.

Vinorelbine, doxorubicin, and prednisone in androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Background: Ultimately, patients with metastatic prostate cancer progress on androgen ablation therapy. The investigation of new chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) is essential. The authors conducted a Phase II trial with vinorelbine, doxorubicin, and daily prednisone (NAP) to investigate the antitumor activity and palliative response of this regimen in patients with AIPC.

External beam radiation helps prevent heterotopic bone formation in patients with a history of heterotopic ossification.

The aim of this study was to determine if radiation prevents heterotopic ossification (HO) in HO-forming patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or HO excision alone. Patients with HO in the ipsilateral hip (63 treated with THA revision and 25 treated with HO excision alone) and HO in the contralateral hip (36 treated with primary THA) were termed HO-forming patients. They underwent radiation to prevent HO.

Phase I-II prospective dose-escalating trial of lycopene in patients with biochemical relapse of prostate cancer after definitive local therapy.

Objectives: To report a prospective trial of lycopene supplementation in biochemically relapsed prostate cancer.

Methods: A total of 36 men with biochemically relapsed prostate cancer were enrolled in a dose-escalating, Phase I-II trial of lycopene supplementation. Six consecutive cohorts of 6 patients each received daily supplementation with 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 mg/day for 1 year.

Repetitive ureteral stenting for management of transplant graft ureteral obstruction.

Purpose: To review the use of repetitive stenting in the management of patients with ureteral obstruction after renal transplantation, with an emphasis on technique and functional graft outcome.

Materials And Methods: Five adult renal allograft recipients with ureteral obstruction were managed with repetitive ureteral stenting. Their hospital records, office notes, and operative reports were reviewed.

Bladder cancer.

Purpose Of Review: This article reviews the recent literature concerning important issues in the management of patients with bladder cancer. A brief overview of all aspects of bladder cancer including the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed with a focus on recent advances.

Recent Findings: Bladder cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.

Bladder cancer.

Purpose Of Review: This article reviews recent advances in the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer.

Recent Findings: Bladder cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent research has attempted to improve the care of patients with this disease.

Bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer is a significant public health problem responsible for more than 130,000 deaths annually worldwide. Disease prevalence is also remarkable, with more than 500,000 patients carrying the diagnosis in the United States alone. Significant progress has been made in understanding the underlying molecular and genetic events in bladder cancer.