OBJECTIVE: This Study was designed to determine the five year biochemical progression free rate of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer stratified to low, intermediate and high risks groups who underwent permanent prostate brachytheraphy.

METHODS: Thirty six patients with a mean age of 67 years diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer were treated with Iodine-125 permanent prostate brachytherapy from November 2001 to December 2003. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) failure was defined as having more than +2 increase of serum PSA from the nadir, with PSA nadir set at 0.4 ng/ml. The biochemical recurrence-free rate for the overall and the stratified groups were then calculated.

RESULTS: Twelve patients were lost to follow up leaving twenty-four subjects in the study. The prescribe minimum dose was 145 grays. Median follow-up was 62 months. The over-all 5 year biochemical recurrence-free rate was 58%. Satisfying these patients into low, intermediate, and high group yielded a progression free rate of 80%, 42%, and 5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Permanent prostate branchytheraphy is an effective treatment for patients with clinically localized prostate cancers. This reported 5-year biochemical recurrence-free rate at East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) is comparable with that reported by other centers.

Human ; Male ; Aged 80 And Over ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Prostate-specific Antigen ; Brachytherapy ; Disease-free Survival ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Disease Progression ; Radioimmunotherapy ; Iodine Radioisotopes

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic surgery is one of the most common minimally invasive surgical techniques applied in the field of urology. The authors developed a mechanical adaptor for commercially available penlight-type LED light that can be used in common endoscopic procedures in urology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A four-piece light adaptor device made from medical-grade aluminum steel was crafted and functions as an adaptor for penlight-type LED light in one end and an endoscopic telescope on the other end. In order to determine its function and quality, it was compared to the conventional light source machine used in most endoscopic procedures. The specification of both light sources were compared in terms of light intensity and colour temperature through a light meter. This device was applied clinically by using it in a series of endoscopic procedures.

RESULTS: Application of the device in the endoscopic surgical procedures showed that it functioned well and appropriately. It was able to complete a full course of each operation undertaken.

CONCLUSION: This original an innovative device offers an alternative to the conventional light source equipment available commercially. Based on the authors experience we recommend the use of this adaptor for common endoscopic procedures done in minimally invasive surgery.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Endoscopy ; General Surgery ; Urology ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Inventions ; light ; Equipment and Supplies

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of Tramadol, Tramadol/HNBB combination and Tramadol/Alfuzosine combination in the relief of renal colic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 82 patients diagnosed with renal colic from May to October 2009 were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups: Group I (n=27) was given Tramadol (50 mg/capsule orally) only, Group II (n=28) was given Tramadol and Hyoscine-N-Butylbromide (10 mg/tablet orally) and Group III was given Tramadol and Alfuzosine (10 mg/tablet orally). Pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale pre-treatment and post-treatment.

RESULTS: The Visual Analog Scale scores for all groups showed improvement after treatment. The average difference in Visual Analog Scale for Group I was 3.148, Group II was 3.444, and Group III was 3.429. A significant difference was seen in all treatment groups. ANOVA was used to compare the differences between the three treatments. All treatments had comparable results, therefore, no significant difference was seen in the effect of the three treatments.

CONCLUSION: Relief of renal colic was achieved in all groups as seen in a decrease in the Visual Analog Scale Score after giving of treatment, however, the differences for each treatment group was not statistically significant.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adolescent ; Child ; Renal Colic-Signs and Symptoms, treatment, management ; Visual Analog Scale-Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures ; Tramadol ; Butylscopolammonium Bromide

A 19-year old man presented with acute onset of intractable hypertension with associated dizziness and nausea. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a 7.0cm x 6.27cm x 6.0cm suprarenal mass on the right. The patient was diagnosed to have pheochromocytoma and successfully underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Human ; Male ; Young Adult ; Adrenalectomy ; Surgical Procedures, Operative ; Endocrine Surgical Procedures ; Laparoscopy ; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms ; Neoplasms ; Endocrine Gland Neoplasms

INTRODUCTION

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters entrap emboli from the periphery going to the pulmonary circulation, preventing pulmonary embolism (PE). Studies show that many IVC filter insertions are done for weak or non–guideline directed indications. This study examined the indications for IVC filter insertion in a tertiary care hospital in Metro Manila, adherence to society guidelines, and clinical outcomes after filter insertion.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective cohort involving patients who received an IVC filter from January 2015 to February 2021. The main outcome was the indication for IVC filter. Other outcomes were strength of recommendation for filter placement and postfilter clinical outcomes: all-cause death, venous thromboembolism–related mortality, PE, and filter related complications.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients received IVC filters from January 2015 to February 2021, and 77 were included in the analysis. Sixty-one percent had moderate to strong indications for the procedure, 49% were due to contraindication to anticoagulation. Thirty-nine percent had unclear indications: 16% concomitantly received therapeutic anticoagulation, whereas 11% had isolated distal deep vein thrombosis. Mean follow-up was 170 days. Postfilter clinical outcomes included all-cause death in 12%, venous thromboembolism–related mortality in 1%, and PE in 3%. Filter complications occurred in 4%. Retrievable IVC filters were used in 51% with attempted removal in 4%, 3% of which were successful.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients receiving IVC filters in our center had strong to moderate indications for the procedure. The use of retrievable filters and consequent retrieval is low and should be encouraged. Venous thromboembolism–related mortality and filter complications were low, comparable to international data.

Echocardiography ; Laboratories ; Resources ; Surveys And Questionnaires