Biomedical subjects

Yii-Her Chou

Publications and source records attributed to Yii-Her Chou.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Are lower urinary tract symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction in aging males of Taiwan?

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in aging males of Taiwan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A free health screening for aging males (>or=45 years old) was conducted in Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital in August 2004. LUTS and ED were assessed by validated symptom scales: the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). The subjects also completed a health and demographics questionnaire and underwent detailed physical examination, serum prostate-specific antigen level determination, and transrectal ultrasonography. RESULTS: The final study population consisted of 141 patients with a mean age of 59.8 years. The severity of LUTS and ED increased with age. After controlling for comorbidities, age (p<0.001) and IPSS score (p<0.001) were significantly associated with the IIEF-5 score. Furthermore, men with moderate to high IPSS scores were more likely to have ED as compared with those with mild symptoms after age adjustment (age-adjusted odds ratio 3.27, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: ED and LUTS are highly prevalent in our study population, and this prevalence increases with age. ED is significantly associated with the severity of LUTS after controlling for age and comorbidities. These results highlight the clinical importance of evaluating LUTS in patients with ED and the need to consider sexual issues in the management of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Outcome of hypospadias reoperation based on preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis.

From August 1981 to June 2004, we retrospectively reviewed 66 hypospadias, treated with 123 operations, to analyze the outcome of reoperation based on preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis. All patients received primary treatment in our hospital, and all had postoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in all surgical procedures. We define a hypopadias repair as "corrected without fistula" if no urethrocutaneous fistula formation, or complete wound disruption is found within at least a 2-week follow-up period. Of the 123 operations, there were 66 primary repairs and 57 reoperations. The mean age at primary repair was 4.33 years. The overall rate of correction without fistula was 53.0% (35/66), with a mean of 14 months, follow-up. A total of 88 failure repairs resulted from 67 (76.0%) fistulas and 21 (24.0%) disruptions. A higher rate of correction without fistula (81.0%) was related to subcoronal hypospadias (p = 0.020) in three types. The rate of correction without fistula of two-staged repair was lowest in primary operations (12.5%), but these cases had a significantly higher rate of correction without fistula in following reoperations (66.7%, p = 0.043). Of the 123 repairs, only 46 (37%) had preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, and these had lower early complication rates, both in primary and reoperation groups (42.3% vs 52.5% and 40.0% vs 54.1%, respectively). The differences, however, were not statistically significant (p = 0.231 and p = 0.289, respectively). In terms of rate of correction without fistula, a higher rate of correction without fistula was observed in reoperations with preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis (57.1%), compared to those without prophylaxis (23.1%). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.031). The data from this study suggest that a lower early complication rate and a significantly higher rate of correction without fistula are related to the hypospadias reoperations with preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics before surgery is recommended for these cases. However, more precise and prospective studies are warranted.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis↗

PubMed2005

Fibroepithelial polyps causing ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a child.

Fibroepithelial polyps of the ureter are benign tumors arising from mesodermal tissue in the ureter wall. They are extremely rare lesions that can cause ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. In this report, we describe an 11-year-old boy with fibroepithelial polyps of the ureter that caused left ureteropelvic junction obstruction. He presented with a 6-month history of left abdominal and flank pain. He also had short stature. Intravenous pyelography showed hydronephrosis without filling defects at the left ureteropelvic junction. Exploration revealed several finger-like polyps obstructing the lumen. This area was resected segmentally and a dismembered pyeloplasty was performed. No complications occurred during the postoperative period. The boy caught up in growth after the operation. Fibroepithelial polyps were confirmed by histology.

Child↗

PubMed2005

Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract in Taiwan.

Early detection of a mutated p53 gene is thought to provide useful information in a wide range of human tumors. The aim of this study was to identify the role of the p53 gene in transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract. From March 1992 to July 2003, 75 patients (54 men and 21 women) with a mean age of 66.85 years and pathologically diagnosed transitional cell carcinoma were enrolled in this study. Fifty-eight patients had bladder cancer, eight had ureteral cancer, and nine had renal-pelvic cancer. Rapid screening for mutation of the p53 gene was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), and sequencing analysis. Primer sets were designed to amplify fragments within exons 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the p53 gene. Pathology classified 37 tumors as low grade and 38 as high grade. Tumor stage was pT1 or less in 29 patients and at least pT2 in 46 patients. Of the 75 patients in this study, 47 (62.7%) had a p53 mutation. Of the patients with a p53 mutation, 33 (70.2%) had invasive tumors. Invasive tumors were associated with p53 mutation (p < 0.05). Noted in 20 patients (26.7%), exon 4 was the most common site of the mutation. Of the patients with exon 4 mutations, 15 (75%) had invasive tumors and nine (45%) had high-grade tumors. Additionally, among the 20 patients with a common polymorphism at codon 72, 16 (80%) had invasive tumors and 14 (70%) had high-grade tumors. In this study, 62.7% of patients with transitional cell carcinoma had a p53 mutation, suggesting that the p53 gene mutation may be used as a marker of transitional cell carcinoma. Invasive tumors are more likely to have a p53 gene mutation. A simple analysis of the p53 gene using PCR/SSCP is suitable for screening for p53 abnormalities in transitional cell carcinoma. The relationship between cancer risk and the codon 72 polymorphism of exon 4 needs further investigation.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Spontaneous rupture of ileal neobladder: a case report.

A 63-year-old male patient suffered from diabetes, hypertension, and a bladder tumor. He had undergone radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder construction 1 year prior to this admission. He came to our emergency room complaining of abdominal pain after recent alcohol consumption. Muscle guarding and abdominal rebounding pain developed after conservative treatment for 1 day. The next day, emergency laparotomy for acute peritonitis revealed two small perforations in the neobladder and calculus formation within it. In addition, severe intraperitoneal adhesion was noted. After removing the neobladder stone and repairing the neobladder, a Foley catheter was inserted for urine drainage. The patient's postoperative recovery was excellent.

Cystectomy↗

PubMed2004

Association between vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk in a Taiwanese population.

Recent molecular epidemiological studies have shown that the inherited polymorphisms of VDR gene may be linked to prostate cancer risk and its aggressive phenotypes. However, the findings remain inconclusive. In this study, we investigated the association of the BsmI, ApaI and TaqI polymorphisms of VDR gene with prostate cancer risk in a Taiwanese population. In total, 160 prostate cancer patients and 205 age-matched male controls were studied between December 2000 and February 2003. No significant associations were found between the ApaI and TaqI polymorphisms and the risk of prostate cancer. However, the control group was found to have a significantly higher frequency of the BsmI 'BB' and 'Bb' genotypes (15.6%) than prostate cancer patients (8.1%). After adjustment for age, patients with BsmI 'BB' or 'Bb' genotypes were associated with a twofold decreased risk (OR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.25-0.98; P = 0.045) for developing prostate cancer than those with 'bb' genotypes. This effect was particularly significant among men below the median age of 72 years (P = 0.017). Moreover, stronger associations were found in the advanced stages (T3/T4/N1/M1) and poorly differentiated disease (Gleason score >/= 7) ('BB' and 'Bb' vs 'bb': OR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.07-0.83; P = 0.024 and OR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.07-0.85; P = 0.026, respectively). Our findings suggest that the VDR BsmI polymorphism may play a significant role in the development of prostate cancer.

Alleles↗

PubMed2004

Testicular sparing surgery for bilateral epidermoid cysts of the testes: a case report.

We report the case of a 12-year-old boy with bilateral epidermoid cysts of the testes diagnosed preoperatively from ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and negative tumor markers. The cysts were treated using bilateral testicular sparing surgery through a scrotal approach after intraoperative frozen section. We also discuss the diagnosis and management of epidermoid cyst of the testis and briefly review the literature.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗

PubMed2004

Foreign body stone in the urinary bladder: a case report.

Bladder calculi rarely form spontaneously and are usually a manifestation of an underlying pathologic condition of the lower urinary tract, including voiding dysfunction, urinary infection, obstruction, or foreign body retention. However, a ruptured Foley balloon-induced bladder stone is an unusual complication of an indwelling Foley catheter. We report a case of spinal cord injury with paraplegia and bladder stone induced by a fragment of a ruptured Foley balloon. The bladder stone and the Foley balloon fragment were successfully removed by cystoscopy. The stone was composed of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. We report this unusual case to raise awareness that it is important to check the integrity of the Foley catheter after removal of the tube.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Relationships between American Urological Association symptom index, prostate volume, and disease-specific quality of life question in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The American Urological Association (AUA) symptom index is both valid and reliable in identifying the need to treat patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and in monitoring their response to therapy. We evaluated the relationships between AUA symptom index, disease-specific quality of life question, and prostate volume in patients with BPH. A total of 100 patients who came to Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan, for help due to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and who were diagnosed with BPH between October 2002 and June 2003 were included in the study. All patients were evaluated using transrectal ultrasonography, AUA symptom index, and disease-specific quality of life question. The disease-specific quality of life question showed good correlation with AUA symptom score (r = 0.815, p < 0.01), but weak correlation with prostate volume (r = 0.225, p < 0.05) and age (r = 0.274, p < 0.05). Prostate volume had weak correlation with AUA symptom score (r = 0.251, p < 0.05) and age (r = 0.472, p < 0.01), but good correlation with prostate specific antigen (r = 0.638, p < 0.01). In addition to AUA symptom index, we suggest using the disease-specific quality of life question to evaluate the influence on quality of life and response to treatment in clinical practice. Moreover, we should assess the impact of BPH symptoms rather than the increase in prostate volume during the management of BPH.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Acute necrotizing ureteritis with obstructive uropathy following instillation of silver nitrate in chyluria: a case report.

Chyluria occurs as a result of communication between the lymphatics and the renal pelvis. It is believed that instillation of silver nitrate into the renal pelvis is a safe, minimally invasive and effective treatment for chyluria. We report an unusual complication of acute necrotizing ureteritis following instillation of silver nitrate in a case of chyluria. It resolved completely with non-surgical intervention. The diagnosis and management of chyluria is discussed, with a brief review of the literature.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2004

Spontaneous dissecting aneurysm of the renal artery: a case report.

Primary dissecting aneurysms of the renal artery are exceedingly rare. The triad of flank pain, hematuria, and hypertension of acute onset in the absence of urinary obstruction should suggest this rare condition. We report a case of spontaneous dissecting aneurysm of the renal artery treated using conservative medical treatment. The diagnosis, therapeutic management, and outcome are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma presenting with life-threatening ventricular tachycardia: a case report.

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma develops in paraganglion chromaffin cells of the sympathetic nervous system. It probably represents at least 15% of adult and 30% of childhood pheochromocytomas. Although electrocardiographic abnormalities occur in up to 75% of patients with pheochromocytoma, there are only three other reported cases of pheochromocytoma that initially presented with ventricular tachycardia. In this report, we describe a 64-year-old woman with an abdominal para-aortic extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma who presented with pulseless ventricular tachycardia and needed electrical defibrillation initially to keep vital signs. The 24-hour urine vanillylmandelic acid was 35.8 mg. Computerized tomography showed a left retroperitoneal mass. The postoperative course was uneventful. Pheochromocytoma was proved by histologic study.

Female↗

PubMed2003

Scrotal abscess originating from appendicitis: a case report.

There are numerous reports concerning the presentation of appendicitis as a urologic problem. However, scrotal abscess originating from appendicitis has rarely been described. We report a right scrotal abscess due to a preceding retroperitoneal abscess originating from retrocecal appendicitis. The scrotal abscess developed progressively following appendectomy. Scrotal exploration was carried out under the presumptive diagnosis of abscessed epididymo-orchitis. However, the patient remained febrile and had productive pus drained from the scrotum after exploration. Abdominal computerized tomography demonstrated that a large retroperitoneal abscess had accumulated at the appendectomy site. Percutaneous drainage of the retroperitoneal abscess resulted in resolution of the scrotal abscess. In cases of scrotal abscess following previous abdominal events (e.g. appendectomy), we recommend that abdominal origins should be carefully surveyed before scrotal exploration.

Abscess↗

PubMed2003

Transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis with extension into the inferior vena cava: a report of two cases.

Of all primary malignant renal tumors, 10% to 15% originate from the renal pelvis, and 90% to 92% of these tumors are transitional cell carcinomas. Nonetheless, renal pelvis transitional cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava is very rare. We report one confirmed case and one highly suspicious case of renal pelvis transitional cell carcinoma with a tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava. Both of our patients died within 6 months of initial diagnosis, indicating the poor prognosis and advanced stage of transitional cell carcinoma with an inferior vena cava thrombus. Transitional cell carcinoma should be considered in patients with obstruction of the renal vein and the inferior vena cava.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Bladder stone in a woman after cesarean section: a case report.

Urinary bladder calculi are rarely seen in women and any history of previous pelvic surgery must, therefore, raise suspicion of an iatrogenic etiology. According to the literature, fewer than 2% of all bladder calculi occur in female subjects and, thus, their presence should provoke careful assessment of the etiology. There have been a number of reports on bladder calculi in women with a history of gynecologic procedures. We report a case of bladder calculus after cesarean section that was treated successfully by open surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Current indications for transurethral resection of the prostate and associated complications.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most common surgical procedure for relieving symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Here, we report our experience of current indications for TURP and their associated outcomes at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUH). A total of 111 patients who underwent TURP at KMUH between May 2000 and December 2001 were included in this retrospective review. For each patient, the surgical indication was categorized into acute urinary retention, chronic complications (including renal impairment, recurrent urinary infection, bladder stone/diverticulum, post-void residue, and recurrent hematuria), and symptomatic prostatism. Thirty-five patients (31%) had acute urinary retention, 28 (27%) had chronic complications, and 48 (42%) had symptomatic prostatism. Most patients chose TURP only when medical treatment had failed to relieve symptoms, no matter what category they belonged to. Patients with acute urinary retention and chronic complications had larger prostates (p = 0.002) and more tissue resected (p = 0.05) than those with symptomatic prostatism. Patients with acute urinary retention seemed to be at greater risk of postoperative complications such as recurrent urinary retention and urinary tract infection. We suggest that urodynamic study may be necessary to rule out concomitant bladder dysfunction before surgery and that adequate prophylactic antibiotic treatment be used to decrease the risk of urinary tract infection during or after TURP, especially when pyuria is noted preoperatively in patients with acute urinary retention.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Bilateral superselective arterial microcoil embolization in post-traumatic high-flow priapism: a case report.

Priapism is a prolonged penile erection unrelated to sexual stimulation. High-flow arteriogenic priapism is uncommon and usually occurs after genitoperineal trauma, which may damage a feeding cavernosal artery, leading to an arteriovenous fistula and, occasionally, to an associated pseudoaneurysm. The defects rarely occur bilaterally. Herein, we report successful treatment of high-flow priapism secondary to a traumatic pseudoaneurysm fed from the bilateral cavernosal artery. Diagnosis was made after cavernosal blood gas analysis, color Doppler ultrasonography, and superselective angiography. Treatment consisted of superselective arterial embolization using metallic microcoils and resulted in simultaneous detumescence of the penis with no complications. The patient regained morning erection on the second postoperative day and erectile function remained normal 8 months after treatment. This case shows that bilateral arteriocavernosal fistulae can be successfully treated with superselective arterial embolization without affecting potency and highlights the importance of warning men about the possibility of developing high-flow priapism following a perineal trauma.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Double J stent forgotten for 7 years: a case report.

Ureteral stents are an integral part of urologic practices. Nonetheless, stents that migrate, fragment, or are forgotten pose management and legal dilemmas. We report the case of a "forgotten" stent, which migrated upward into the right renal pelvis, concomitant with a ureteral stone. The "forgotten" stent was placed 7 years previously during right ureteral stone treatment. The patient finally underwent nephroscopic stent retrieval and ureteroscopic ureteral stone removal. The final plain X-ray demonstrated no stone fragment or residual double J stent fragment. The patient withstood the procedure well and was free of symptoms thereafter.

Humans↗