Michael Pether, S. Larry Goldenberg, Kapil Bhagirath, Martin Gleave

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.10, No.2, pp. 1809-1814, 2003

Abstract Introduction: This report will review the long-term follow-up of a prospective Phase II evaluation of intermittent androgen suppression in the treatment of prostate cancer. Specifically, this analysis will address completed cycle characteristics, the concept of prolonged off-treatment cycles, the time to cancer progression, cancer-specific survival and the association between PSA and bone scan changes.
Methods: A total of 102 patients have been entered into this protocol. Treatment was initiated with combined androgen blockade and continued for 6 months or longer to reach a serum PSA nadir. Medication was then withheld until the serum PSA increased to predetermined… More >

Mostafa M. Elhilali, J. Curtis Nickel

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.10, No.2, pp. 1799-1802, 2003

Abstract The management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia over the last decade underwent many changes. The introduction of many medical options including alpha blockers and 5 alpha reductase inhibitors provided alternatives to what used to be surgery or “watchful waiting”.
Alpha blockers evolved over the years from non specific alpha blockers to alpha 1 selective and then to alpha 1a selective with a wider acceptance due to lack of need to titrate and a better safety profile.
5 alpha reductase inhibitor (finasteride) passed through a lot of changes from being the… More >

J. M. Fitzpatrick, R. W. G. Watson

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.10, No.2, pp. 1796-1798, 2003

Abstract The prostate requires androgens for development and glandular maintenance, dying by the process of apoptosis following their removal. Anti-androgen therapy is targeted to induce this process but eventually fails with the emergence of an androgen independent cancer. These cells have development mechanisms to survive with out androgen impart due to the expression of anti-apoptotic factors. More >

Sanoj P. Punnen, Joseph L. Chin, Michael A. S. Jewett

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.10, No.2, pp. 1790-1795, 2003

Abstract Introduction and objective: BCG is the most efficacious intravesical treatment for superficial bladder cancer. However, 30%-40% of tumors are refractory. BCG failure is an indication for cystectomy but several salvage intravesical (IVe) strategies have been proposed. Early results with reduced dose BCG in combination with IFN-α in patients are currently the most promising. We have adopted this approach and now report our preliminary results. This is the first report of this salvage therapy from Canada, the birthplace of IVe BCG therapy for superficial bladder cancer.
Methods: The “O’Donnell protocol” of reduced dose IVe BCG plus IFN-α was… More >

Andrew W. Bruce, Gregor Reid

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.10, No.2, pp. 1785-1789, 2003

Abstract Emerging from the stigma of once being referred to as “snake oil”, excellent scientific and clinical evidence now exists to indicate that probiotics do indeed have a role to play in medicine. The proper definition of probiotics is important “Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”, for several reasons. It rules out so-called probiotics that have no clinically proven, peer-reviewed data, and it states the need to have viable bacteria present, unlike these pseudo products which are often wrongly labeled, poorly manufactured, with low or no viability… More >

Denis H. Hosking, Wilda E. Smith, Sherrell E. McColm

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.10, No.2, pp. 1780-1784, 2003

Abstract Introduction: We have performed a study to compare shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy under intravenous sedation for the management of distal ureteric calculi.
Materials and methods: Patient tolerance, procedure times and treatment outcomes were prospectively evaluated in 110 patients undergoing 138 SWL treatments, and 172 patients undergoing ureteroscopy under intravenous sedation for the management of distal ureteric calculi.
Results: Men tolerated SWL better than ureteroscopy. Over 90% of women tolerated both procedures well. Procedure times were 52 minutes for SWL and 27 minutes for ureteroscopy. Treatment was successful in 72% of patients undergoing SWL, and 95% of More >

Laurence H. Klotz

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.10, No.2, pp. 1774-1775, 2003

Abstract This article has no abstract. More >

Meng Guan, A. Joel Dagnone, Richard W. Norman

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.10, No.1, pp. 1772-1773, 2003

Abstract Vaso-cutaneous fistulae occur rarely after vasectomy. We report three cases encountered in our hospital over the last 18 years and recommend technical considerations to avoid this complication. More >

M. S. Deshpande, J. N. Kulkarni

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.10, No.1, pp. 1770-1771, 2003

Abstract Testicular metastasis presenting as a testicular mass is an extremely rare condition. There are only nine previously reported cases where testicular mass was the first clinical manifestation of underlying malignancy. Here we report a case of metastatic mucin secreting adenocarcinoma in testis presenting as a testicular mass with unknown primary. We have given a brief review of literature about the spread of tumor to testes. More >

Victor H. Hartanto, David DiPiazza, Murali K. Ankem, Carmen Baccarini, Nancy J. Lobby

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.10, No.1, pp. 1759-1763, 2003

Abstract Materials and methods: A total of 64 women (mean age = 57) were treated for stress urinary incontinence secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency or hypermobility between March 1998 to August 2000. Group I (SPWS) consisted of 30 patients who underwent in situ vaginal wall sling with suprapubic placement of bone anchors in the pubic tubercle utilizing the Vesica system. Group II (TVCS) consisted of 34 patients who underwent cadaveric fascia sling with transvaginal placement of bone anchors behind the symphysis pubis utilizing the Precision-TAC system. Phone interviews were conducted by a third party who was blinded… More >