Purpose: To evaluate the pathological correlation and prognostic significance of tissue stiffness measured by shear wave elastography (SWE) in bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: Patients with microscopic or macroscopic hematuria diagnosed with bladder tumors were included. SWE measurements were performed using a Samsung Medison RS80A Prestige ultrasonography device, with ten valid measurements taken for each tumor. Tumor specimens were collected via transurethral resection (transurethral resection of the bladder tumor) for histopathological analysis. Microvessel density (MVD) was assessed by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD34 antibody using the hot-spot method. Correlations between tissue stiffness, MVD and tumor stage and grade were analyzed, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined the optimal SWE cutoff for differentiating tumor characteristics. Results: A total of 65 bladder urothelial carcinoma patients were included in the study (43 high-grade, 22 low-grade). SWE and MVD were significantly higher in the high-grade group (p=0.001, p=0.002, respectively). ROC analysis showed SWE could differentiate tumor grades (area under ROC curve=0.837, p<0.001), with a cut-off of 4.25 kPa (74% sensitivity, 86% specificity). Stiffness was also higher in recurrence (p=0.007). A strong positive correlation between SWE and MVD was found (rho=0.767, p<0.001).SWE may be a reliable, non-invasive tool for assessing tumor grade and recurrence risk. Conclusions SWE may be a reliable, non-invasive preoperative marker for bladder cancer, aiding in tumor characterization and clinical decision-making.

PURPOSE: A number of techniques have been described for the treatment of a transsphincteric anal fistula. In this report, we aimed to introduce a relatively new two-stage technique, application of advancement flap after loose seton placement, to present its technical aspects and to document our results. METHODS: Included in this retrospective study were 13 patients (10 males, 3 females) with a mean age of 42 years who underwent a two-stage seton and advancement flap surgery for transsphincteric anal fistula between June 2008 and June 2013. In the first stage, a loose seton was placed in the fistula tract, and in the second stage, which was performed three months later, the internal and external orifices were closed with advancement flaps. RESULTS: All the patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. The mean follow-up period was 34 months. Only one patient reported anal rigidity and intermittent pain, which was eventually resolved with conservative measures. The mean postoperative Wexner incontinence score was 1. No recurrence or complications were observed, and no further surgical intervention was required during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The two-stage seton and advancement flap technique is very efficient and seems to be a good alternative for the treatment of a transsphincteric anal fistula.
Fistula ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Rectal Fistula* ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies