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Urinary tract infection (UTI) can take one of several forms, including asymptomatic bacteriuria, cystitis and pyelonephritis. It can lead to local complications including abscess formation and through bacteraemia to metastatic infection and sepsis syndrome. This is defined as the presence of local symptoms with systemic inflammation and is more common in the elderly and the diabetic and immunosuppressed patient. It is an important aspect of the wider problem of nosocomial infection. Complicated UTI is defined as acute or chronic infection usually involving the renal parenchyma and associated with functional or structural urinary tract abnormality. The predominant micro-organism in UTI is Escherichia coli but in hospital acquired and complicated infection the spectrum will include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. including Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Uncomplicated UTI includes cystitis and pyelonephritis. Both can recur or relapse through failure of primary therapy. This is more likely in the setting of complicated UTI. The predominant organism is again E. coli. Treatment of UTI includes trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), cephalosporins, aminopenicillins, nitrofurantoin and fluoroquinolones. TMP/SMX and fluoroquinolones should not be administered to pregnant women or nursing mothers. The choice of antibiotic should reflect local resistance patterns in the hospital or community. Urosepsis should be avoidable by limiting risk factors, e.g. hospitalisation, use of catheters and stents in susceptible individuals.

The aim of the study was to determine whether a nonoperative approach is able to reduce renal parenchymal loss after renal trauma.Sixty-four consecutive patients with major blunt renal lacerations were treated from 1988 to 1999. Initial management was conservative. In group 1 (35 patients) delayed hemorrhage, persistent urinoma or hemodynamic instability were dealt with by open surgery. In group 2 (29 patients), most complications were dealt with using endoscopic procedures; open surgery was reserved exclusively for major complications.In group 1, 7 patients were not operated and 28 patients were managed surgically. Twenty (57%) patients underwent total (8) or partial (12) nephrectomy. In 8 patients the surgical intervention was open drainage of perinephric collection (6) and/or renorrhaphies (2). Four patients in this group developed urinary fistulae treated successfully with ureteral stents. Length of hospital stay was 9.6 days (3-25 days). In group 2, persistent hemodynamic instability led to nephrectomy in 1 case. The remaining 28 patients were managed conservatively, with endoscopic ureteric stenting in 5 cases. A persistent urinary extravasation with hyperthermia led to open drainage of perinephric urinoma (5) and renorrhaphy (2). No delayed nephrectomy was necessary. Average hospital stay was 12 days (5-21 days). Only 1 patient in this group developed hypertension.For most patients and with close follow-up available, conservative treatment represents a real alternative to open surgery in major blunt renal lacerations. In our experience, open surgery usually results in loss of renal parenchyma.

A short version of the UTI Guidelines elaborated by the Urinary Tract Infection Working Group of the Health Care Office of the European Association of Urology is presented. The topics include classification, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of uncomplicated UTI, UTI in children, UTI in diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, renal transplant recipients and immunosuppression, complicated UTI due to urological disorders, sepsis syndrome, urosepsis, urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis, orchitis and principles of perioperative prophylaxis in urology.

OBJECTIVE Repair of large incisional lumbar hernias or muscular bulges is a challenge to the surgeon as reflected by the high recurrence rate. We evaluated a surgical procedure using a running strip of autogenous skin graft as a retention suture. METHODS Eight patients with large incisional lumbar hernias (> or = 20 cm, n = 6) or muscular bulges (n = 2) underwent a parietal reconstruction with this procedure. Two patients had previously been treated with synthetic meshes without success, and one had a colocutaneous fistula. RESULTS No recurrence was observed in 6 patients (75%) with a mean follow-up of 14 months. After significant weight gain, 2 repairs failed at 6 months and 1 year (partially in 1 case). No recurrence was noted for muscular bulges. CONCLUSION The use of a running strip of autogenous skin graft is a simple and reliable procedure for the repair of large lumbar hernias or muscular bulges for patients with stable weight conditions.

There is a large body of evidence relating the causation of colon cancer to bile acids. Using an animal model, we attempted to address the question, i.e., the incidences of carcinogenesis in the colon as consequences of resection of different bowel segments, predominantly employed in the construction of various forms of intestinal bladder substitutes. 60 male Wistar rats were operated. Group 1 served as control, in group 2, 20 cm of terminal ileum was resected, and rats in group 3 underwent resection of the distal 10 cm of the ileum and 7 cm of the proximal colon. All rats were killed 6 months after surgery and the colon was removed. After examination under 40-fold magnification, in the absence of tumors, 3 biopsies were performed at predetermined positions and underwent histological processing. Even if no tumor was found it would be incorrect to conclude that these results would have an appeasing relevance. The complex and highly different fecal bile acid profiles of the rat compared to man makes it impossible in this context to draw analogies between the rat model and human colonic carcinogenesis. Furthermore, 6 months of observation in the rat might be too short for 'spontaneous' colonic carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, there exists evidence from epidemiological studies to implicate bile acids as an etiological factor in the development and growth of colorectal cancer. Therefore, the importance of colorectal cancer in urologic surgery patients must be kept in perspective. In this direction, further studies are required besides the application of known appropriate preventive measures.

Objectives Current staging for renal cancer (RC) does not directly rely on tumor size. We examined the increment in accuracy related to inclusion of pathologically determined tumor size in prediction of nodal metastases (N+), distant metastases (M+), and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Methods Partial or radical nephrectomy was performed in 2245 patients with clear cell histology. Pathologic stages were T1a in 566, T1b in 490, T2 in 303, T3 in 831, and T4 in 55 patients. Tumor size was 0.5–25cm (mean, 6.8). Multivariate models relied on 1997 and 2002 TNM variables and addressed N+, M+ disease, and CCS. Their accuracy was compared according to either the presence or absence of tumor size. Results In all univariate and multivariate models, tumor size was a statistically significant predictor of all outcomes ( p ≤0.001). In all multivariate models, tumor size added between 3.7% and 0.8% to predictive accuracy of either 1997 or 2002 TNM categories. Conclusions Tumor size represents a highly significant, multivariate, and informative predictor of RC outcomes and may warrant inclusion in future TNM revisions.

Objectives: On behalf of the European Association of Urology (EAU), guidelines for the diagnosis, therapy and follow-up of patients with urothelial carcinoma in situ (CIS) have been established. Method: The recommendations in these guidelines are based on a recent comprehensive overview and meta-analysis in which two panel members have been involved (RS and AVDM). A systematic literature search was conducted using Medline, the US Physicians' Data Query (PDQ), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and reference lists in trial publications and review articles. Results: Recommendations are provided for the diagnosis, conservative and radical surgical treatment, and follow-up of patients with CIS. Levels of evidence are influenced by the lack of large randomized trials in the treatment of CIS.

Objectives: On behalf of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for diagnosis, therapy and follow-up of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (UUTT) patients were established. Criteria for recommendations are based of level 2 only, as large randomised clinical trials have not been performed in this type of disease. Method: A systematic literature research using Medline Services was conducted. References were weighted by a panel of experts. Results: TNM classification 2002 is recommended. Recommendations are developed for diagnosis, radical and conservative treatment and for local chemo-immunotherapy. Prognostic factors are defined. Recommendations for follow-up after different types of treatment are given.

Objectives: To study the evolution of renal tumours treated in a single institution over a 2-decade period. Material and Methods: 729 patients surgically treated due to a renal tumour were included in this study. Age at diagnosis, gender, tumour size, TNM stage, percentage (%) of benign tumours, type of treatment, histologic subtype and mode of presentation were compared over 3 periods (1984–1992, 1993–1997, and 1998–2003). Results: During the period of the study, the median tumour size decreased from 7.5 to 6cm while the rate of nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) increased from 1.6 to 19.6% and from 3.1 to 46.9% in all tumours and in tumours measuring less than 4 cm respectively. In this former group, the percentage of benign tumours increased from 6.3 to 15.2% while the percentage of radical nephrectomies decreased from 100% to 54.2%. Conclusion: We are treating today a great amount of small good prognosis renal tumors as well as an increasing percentage of benign tumours. In both cases, expanding the role of NSS will significantly reduce the rate of useless radical nephrectomies.

Introduction: Spinal cord compression (SCC) in metastatic prostate cancer is not rare occurring in 1 to 12% of patients. We have analysed patients treated for this condition in our institution assessing outcome and prognostic factors. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of the notes of 24 patients hospitalised with SCC due to metastatic prostate cancer from 1987 to 2001. Results: At presentation 3 patients were ambulant with mild neurological deficit, 12 patients were paraparetic and 9 patients were paraplegic. Diagnosis was established by emergency myelogram, CT-scan or MRI of the spine. 8 patients had received no hormone treatment prior to diagnosis of SCC. 19 patients presented dorsal or lumbar pain requiring opioid treatment on average 60 days before onset of neurological symptoms (range 10–840). All patients underwent steroid treatment; the 8 patients without prior hormone therapy were treated with bilateral orchidectomy, 1 out of these 8 patients had castration without other treatments; 12 patients underwent radiotherapy alone and 9 radiotherapy and laminectomy; 2 patients were in terminal conditions and receive only steroid treatment. Overall 15/24 patients were ambulant after treatment. 8 out of 9 patients treated by laminectomy and radiotherapy were ambulant after treatment versus 7 out of 12 patients treated by radiotherapy alone. 17 patients died during follow-up with a median survival of 4 months (2 weeks to 49 months). 7 patients were alive at the last control with a mean follow-up of 10 months (range 4–40). Conclusion: Outlook in patients with spinal cord compression from metastatic prostate cancer is poor. Efforts must be concentrated on prevention of spinal cord compression. Patients with hormone resistant prostate cancer who develop persistent back pain should undergo imaging studies (bone scan, spine CT-scan or MNR) and prophylactic local radiotherapy to the spine if bony metastases are identified.

Introduction: Studies have demonstrated the need for pain control during multiple transrectal prostate biopsies. Due to encountered published results on periprostatic nerve block, we prospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of periprostatic local anaesthesia at the apex in comparison to intrarectal lidocaine gel. Methods: From January 2001 to January 2002 110 patients underwent prostate biopsy. Patients were randomized to receive 10cc of either 2% lidocaine gel intrarectally (Group 1) or 10cc of 1% lidocaine solution injected under ultrasound guidance for bilateral periprostatic nerve block at the apex (Group 2). Pain during biopsy was assessed using a 10-point linear visual analog pain scale and a 5-point digital visual pain scale (continous variables). Statistical analysis of pain scores was performed using the Student t -test. Results: 96 patients fitted the inclusion and presented no exclusion criteria. 43 patients composed group 1, and 53 patients group 2. The mean pain score was 2.76±1.69 and 1.73±1.26 for group 1 and 2, respectively for the 10-point linear visual analog pain scale ( p =0.001). The mean pain score was 2.26±0.82 and 1.62±0.56 for groups 1 and 2, respectively for the 5-point digital visual pain scale ( p p =0.348), prostate size ( p =0.899), serum PSA ( p =0.932), and complications when comparing both groups. The number of biopsies per patient was significantly higher in group 2 ( p =0.006), but pain scores in each scale were significantly less. Conclusions: Periprostatic nerve block at the apex is superior to intrarectal lidocaine gel for controlling pain during transrectal prostate biopsy, with no increased complications. This technique should be recommended for those patients without anal or rectal inflammatory diseases.

To study the clinical and pathological factors that affect recurrence, progression and survival in pT1G3 bladder tumours treated conservatively.From January 1979 to December 1996, 80 patients were conservatively treated for pT1G3 bladder tumours. All patients were studied for potential prognostic factors such as: age, sex, previous tumour recurrence, tumour size, multiple tumours, carcinoma in situ, and intravesical instillations. A longitudinal, retrospective, observational and analytical study was conducted to evaluate four different types of events: recurrence, progression, overall survival, and disease-specific survival. The chi(2) (Fischer exact test) and student t tests were used to assess the prognostic value of the qualitative and quantitative variables. Estimations of the survival distributions were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the Log rank test. Multivariate analysis of the data was performed with Cox proportional hazard models.Among the 80 patients, 67 (84%) were men and 13 (16%) were women, with median age of 65.5 years. The median tumour size was 20 mm, most had single tumour (58.8%) and carcinoma in situ was found in six patients (7.5%). Thirty patients were treated with transurethral resection (TUR) of the bladder tumour and 50 patients were treated with TUR followed by BCG. The two groups of patients were comparable and followed up during a median time of 61 and 65 months, respectively (p=0.454). Kaplan-Meier estimators and Log rank tests demonstrated that patients with TUR alone recurred (p0.0001), progressed (p0.040) and died (overall survival: p0.009; disease-specific p0.040) earlier than patients who received intravesical instillations of BCG. The results were confirmed with Cox models and odds-ratios are presented.In this study, BCG adjuvant immunotherapy was the only factor affecting recurrence, progression and survival. Conservative treatment using TUR followed by BCG may improve disease-specific survival.

A short version of the UTI Guidelines elaborated by the Urinary Tract Infection Working Group of the Health Care Office of the European Association of Urology is presented. The topics include classification, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of uncomplicated UTI, UTI in children, UTI in diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, renal transplant recipients and immunosuppression, complicated UTI due to urological disorders, sepsis syndrome, urosepsis, urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis, orchitis and principles of perioperative prophylaxis in urology.

The erythrocyte polyamines, spermidine and spermine, are known proliferation markers. The authors present their experience with polyamines and prostatic carcinoma. 229 patients with prostatic carcinoma had polyamine erythrocyte determination at diagnosis. Previous results confirmed a tendency to spermidine increase with tumor stage and a significant increase in spermine in metastatic and hormonal escape patients. No correlation was found between polyamine erythrocyte levels and hemoglobin, prostate-specific antigen or tumor grade. 148 prostatic carcinoma patients were followed up. Their pretreatment erythrocyte polyamine levels were correlated to progression. Patients (whatever stage) with rapid progression present significantly enhanced pretreatment erythrocyte spermine levels compared to patients with a favorable outcome. Polyamines are not only proliferation markers but are also necessary for cell division. The authors present their results on polyamine deprivation, combining a polyamine-free diet, polyamine synthesis inhibitors and intestinal tract decontamination, on in vivo tumor growth inhibition of the murine prostatic carcinoma Dunning Mat LyLu tumor model.