Objective:To investigate alterations in brain function among elderly patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome(IC/BPS)during the resting state.Methods:We prospectively recruited seven elderly patients with IC/BPS admitted to the Urology Department of Beijing Hospital from December 2023 to May 2024 as the experimental group, and concurrently selected twelve elderly healthy individuals as the control group.After enrollment, all participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)scans.General clinical data, including age and gender, as well as standardized assessment scores from the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index(ICSI), Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index(ICPI), Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS), were collected.The data were processed using Matlab.This study employed a paired sample t-test to analyze the differences in gray matter volume between the two groups.The functional activities of the subjects' brains were analyzed using regional homogeneity(ReHo)and low-frequency amplitude(ALFF)algorithms.Based on the identified abnormal brain regions, further functional connectivity(FC)analysis was conducted to explore the connectivity patterns among the functional brain regions.Results:No significant differences were observed in age( t=-0.68, P=0.536)or gender( χ2=0.019, P=0.891)between the experimental group and the control group.The scores of SAS and SDS in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group( P<0.001).No significant difference was observed in cerebral gray matter volume between the two subject groups.In contrast to the control group, the ALFF value of the left superior parietal lobe(MNI: x, y, z=-21, -66, 60; t=12.530 5)was elevated in elderly patients with IC/BPS, and the ReHo value of the left precuneus(MNI: x, y, z=-9, -54, 63; t=9.410 3)was also increased.Through FC analysis, it was revealed that elderly IC/BPS patients exhibited significantly lower FC values between the left superior parietal lobule and the central sulcus(MNI: x, y, z=21, 15, 3; t=-27.835 6), as well as between the left anterior cingulate and the left posterior cingulate gyrus(MNI: x, y, z=-12, 0, 42; t=-8.738 9)in comparison with the control group. Conclusions:In contrast to normal individuals, elderly IC/BPS patients demonstrate functional aberrations in the left superior parietal lobule and the left precuneus.Moreover, a decrease in functional connectivity is observed between the left superior parietal lobule and the central sulcus, as well as between the left precuneus and the left posterior cingulate gyrus.These abnormal functional alterations in the brain may be implicated in the maintenance and development of symptoms in IC/BPS patients.This study conducted research from the perspective of central nervous system regulation, presenting possible directions for further exploration of the pathophysiological mechanisms of IC/BPS.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of non-ablative vaginal erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet(Er:YAG)laser therapy in improving symptoms in women with mild-to-moderate stress urinary incontinence(SUI).Methods A prospective,multicenter,randomized controlled trial was conducted.A total of 126 female SUI patients were enrolled and randomized in a 2∶1 ratio to the treatment group(n=84,receiving Er:YAG laser therapy)and the sham control group(n=42,undergoing non-energized laser device with shielded beam).Efficacy outcomes were compared between the two groups,including the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form(ICI-Q-SF)scores at baseline and 1,3,6 months after treatment,response rate 3 month after treatment,urine leakage volume,daily incontinence episodes and visual analog scale(VAS).Results One month and 3 months after treatment,the ICI-Q-SF scores in the treatment group(8.07±3.33 and 7.04±3.04,respectively)were significantly lower than those in the control group(9.57±4.03 and 9.65±3.27,respectively;both P＜0.05).The 3-month response rate was significantly higher in the treatment group(71.43％)compared to the control group(35.71％,P＜0.05).Improvements in urine leakage volume 1 and 3 months after treatment were significantly greater in the treatment group versus the control group(both P＜0.05).A statistically significant reduction in daily incontinence episodes was observed in the treatment group 1 month after treatment compared to the control group[2(0,5)times vs.4(2,8)times,P＜0.05].VAS score in the treatment group markedly decreased 1 month after treatment,comparable to the level observed in the control group[0(0,2.45)vs.0(0,0),P＜0.05].Conclusion Non-ablative vaginal Er:YAG laser therapy significantly alleviates symptoms in women with mild-to-moderate SUI and represents a viable treatment option for this condition.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of non-ablative vaginal erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet(Er:YAG)laser therapy in improving symptoms in women with mild-to-moderate stress urinary incontinence(SUI).Methods A prospective,multicenter,randomized controlled trial was conducted.A total of 126 female SUI patients were enrolled and randomized in a 2∶1 ratio to the treatment group(n=84,receiving Er:YAG laser therapy)and the sham control group(n=42,undergoing non-energized laser device with shielded beam).Efficacy outcomes were compared between the two groups,including the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form(ICI-Q-SF)scores at baseline and 1,3,6 months after treatment,response rate 3 month after treatment,urine leakage volume,daily incontinence episodes and visual analog scale(VAS).Results One month and 3 months after treatment,the ICI-Q-SF scores in the treatment group(8.07±3.33 and 7.04±3.04,respectively)were significantly lower than those in the control group(9.57±4.03 and 9.65±3.27,respectively;both P＜0.05).The 3-month response rate was significantly higher in the treatment group(71.43％)compared to the control group(35.71％,P＜0.05).Improvements in urine leakage volume 1 and 3 months after treatment were significantly greater in the treatment group versus the control group(both P＜0.05).A statistically significant reduction in daily incontinence episodes was observed in the treatment group 1 month after treatment compared to the control group[2(0,5)times vs.4(2,8)times,P＜0.05].VAS score in the treatment group markedly decreased 1 month after treatment,comparable to the level observed in the control group[0(0,2.45)vs.0(0,0),P＜0.05].Conclusion Non-ablative vaginal Er:YAG laser therapy significantly alleviates symptoms in women with mild-to-moderate SUI and represents a viable treatment option for this condition.

Objective:To investigate alterations in brain function among elderly patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome(IC/BPS)during the resting state.Methods:We prospectively recruited seven elderly patients with IC/BPS admitted to the Urology Department of Beijing Hospital from December 2023 to May 2024 as the experimental group, and concurrently selected twelve elderly healthy individuals as the control group.After enrollment, all participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)scans.General clinical data, including age and gender, as well as standardized assessment scores from the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index(ICSI), Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index(ICPI), Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS), were collected.The data were processed using Matlab.This study employed a paired sample t-test to analyze the differences in gray matter volume between the two groups.The functional activities of the subjects' brains were analyzed using regional homogeneity(ReHo)and low-frequency amplitude(ALFF)algorithms.Based on the identified abnormal brain regions, further functional connectivity(FC)analysis was conducted to explore the connectivity patterns among the functional brain regions.Results:No significant differences were observed in age( t=-0.68, P=0.536)or gender( χ2=0.019, P=0.891)between the experimental group and the control group.The scores of SAS and SDS in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group( P<0.001).No significant difference was observed in cerebral gray matter volume between the two subject groups.In contrast to the control group, the ALFF value of the left superior parietal lobe(MNI: x, y, z=-21, -66, 60; t=12.530 5)was elevated in elderly patients with IC/BPS, and the ReHo value of the left precuneus(MNI: x, y, z=-9, -54, 63; t=9.410 3)was also increased.Through FC analysis, it was revealed that elderly IC/BPS patients exhibited significantly lower FC values between the left superior parietal lobule and the central sulcus(MNI: x, y, z=21, 15, 3; t=-27.835 6), as well as between the left anterior cingulate and the left posterior cingulate gyrus(MNI: x, y, z=-12, 0, 42; t=-8.738 9)in comparison with the control group. Conclusions:In contrast to normal individuals, elderly IC/BPS patients demonstrate functional aberrations in the left superior parietal lobule and the left precuneus.Moreover, a decrease in functional connectivity is observed between the left superior parietal lobule and the central sulcus, as well as between the left precuneus and the left posterior cingulate gyrus.These abnormal functional alterations in the brain may be implicated in the maintenance and development of symptoms in IC/BPS patients.This study conducted research from the perspective of central nervous system regulation, presenting possible directions for further exploration of the pathophysiological mechanisms of IC/BPS.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of single-incision transobturator bulbourethral sling suspension without skin tunnel puncture in male patients with urinary incontinence.Methods:The clinical data of 6 male patients with urinary incontinence who underwent single-incision transobturator bulbourethral sling suspension without skin tunnel puncture in Beijing Hospital from August 2023 to August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.The age of the patients ranged from 66 to 76 years old, with an average of 71.7 years old. The disease duration ranged from 18 to 48 months, with an average of 30 months. Six patients used 1 to 3 pads per day, with an average of 2.3 pads. The International Continence Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICI-Q-SF) scored 13 to 19, with an average of 15.8. The Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL) scored 5.3 to 30.6, with an average of 18.8. Three patients underwent transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia and three patients underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. The degree of urinary incontinence was mild in 2 cases and moderate in 4 cases. The technical points are as follows: the puncture method has been changed from the traditional outside-in approach to an inside-out approach. After the puncture needle passes through from beneath the skin at the incision, the sling is guided in, avoiding the need for skin tunneling punctures. Upon completion of the puncture, the ends of the sling on both sides are tied with a certain tension at the midline of the incision, and the incision is then closed layer by layer. The efficacy and safety of surgery were evaluated by recording the number of daily pad use, subjective scoring scale [International Committee on Urinary Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICI-Q-SF), Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL)] and complications at 1 month after surgery. Social continence was defined as 0 to 1 pad use per day. Successful treatment was defined as social continence. Treatment improvement was defined as no social continence, but 50% or more improvement of symptoms compared with that before surgery. Other conditions were defined as treatment failure.Results:All operations were successfully completed. After 1 to 11 months of follow-up, all patients achieved social continence. The patients' postoperative daily use of urinary pads ranged from 0 to 1 piece, with a mean of 0.5 piece. ICI-Q-SF scores ranged from 1 to 7, with a mean of 3. I-QOL scores ranged from 72.1 to 85.2, with a mean of 77.0. All the indicators were significantly improved compared with those before operation. In terms of postoperative complications, one patient had dysuria and urinary retention 2 days after the removal of the catheter, which was improved after symptomatic treatment of anti-inflammatory, detumescence, and indwelling catheter. At the last follow-up, there were no surgical related complications.Conclusions:The single-incision transobturator bulbourethral sling suspension without skin tunnel puncture for the treatment of male urinary incontinence is safe and effective. Compared to the traditional surgical method, it does not increase the difficulty of the procedure and is technically feasible, offering clinicians a new approach and perspective.

【Objective】 To investigate the expressions of P53 and Ki-67 in prostate cancer (PCa)and to explore their correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics. 【Methods】 The expressions of P53 and Ki-67 in 90 PCa patients were detected with immunohistochemistry. Patients’ age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, postoperative Gleason score, pathological stage, and invasion of neurovascular cancer embolus of all patients were recorded. The relationship of P53 expression with the above indexes was evaluated. 【Results】 The positive rates of P53 and Ki-67 were 27.8% (25/90) and 46.7% (42/90), respectively. The positive rate of P53 in pT2 and pT3-T4 stage groups were 19.7% (13/66) and 50.0% (12/24) (P=0.005), and the positive rate of Ki-67 were 36.4% (24/66) and 75.0% (18/24) (P=0.001), respectively. The positive rate of Ki-67 in Gleason score ≤6, ≤7 and ≥8 groups were 30.4%, 53.8% and 66.7%, respectively, with statistical difference. Positive expression of P53 was related to Ki-67 expression, but not to patients’ age, preoperative PSA level, postoperative Gleason score and nerve and invasion of neurovascular cancer embolus. 【Conclusion】 P53 expression is related to tumor stage and Ki-67, while Ki-67 expression is associated with tumor stage ang grade.

Objective:To collect data on urinary flow rate in the elderly female population across the country and to analyze the range of reference values.Methods:This study enrolled 333 subjects from July 2020 to June 2022.The study implementation process was divided into two steps.In the first step, subjects completed an electronic questionnaire, which included basic information about the subject, a short form for urinary incontinence, and a scoring form for the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome.In the second step, the staff introduced the use of a mobile uroflowmetric device and distributed the instrument and materials.Uroflow rate data were automatically uploaded to a cloud database via the mobile phone.Subsequently, two or more physicians specializing in urinary control performed Uroflow rate-qualifying screenings and conducted statistical analyses.Results:A total of 333 subjects were enrolled in the study, and the researchers collected 1375 qualified urine flow rate records using a mobile urine flow rate instrument.The age of the subjects ranged from 60 to 84 years, with a mean age of 69 years.The reference ranges for urinary flow rate were found to be 24.8-26.2 s, with a mean urinary flow rate of 12.2-12.9 ml/s, a maximum urinary flow rate of 22.2-23.4 ml/s, and a time to peak of 8.5-9.7 s. The study observed a tendency for both maximal and mean urinary flow rates to decrease in older women as their age increased(Pearson correlation coefficient: -0.1, P<0.001). Conclusions:The uroflow rate of older women decreases with aging.Specifically, the average uroflow rate of women over 80 years old is lower than that of other age groups.This study aims to establish normal uroflow parameters for uroflowmetry in healthy older women in China.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of primary urethral carcinoma.Methods:The clinical and follow-up data of 12 patients with primary urethral carcinoma admitted to Beijing Hospital from July 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:There were four males and eight females, with an average age of 66.3(53~75)years.Nine patients underwent magnetic resonance examination before operation, and eight patients presented with abnormal urethral signals.The clinical stage of female patients was generally later than those of male patients, and all patients received surgical treatment.Four male patients did not receive post-operative adjuvant treatment, and all of them attained disease-free survival.Among the eight female patients, four patients received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy, five patients had recurrence or metastasis during follow-up, and two patients died.Conclusions:The clinical stage of female urethral cancer is later than that of male.MRI examination is beneficial to the determination of local invasion of urethral cancer.For female proximal urethral cancer and male posterior urethral cancer, radical resection has a good therapeutic effect.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors for bladder spasms in elderly patients after minimally invasive surgery of the lower urinary tract.Methods:Clinical data of elderly patients from 87 medical centers across the country who had received minimally invasive surgery of the bladder, prostate, or urethra from July 2016 to September 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.Based on the occurrence of bladder spasms, patients were divided into the spasm group and the control group.General information and clinical data were compared between the two groups, and potential risk factors for bladder spasms after surgery were analyzed.Results:A total of 1275 patients were enrolled, aged from 65 to 96 years, with an average age of(73.4±6.1). Bladder spasms occurred in 606(47.5%)of all patients.Univariate analysis showed that, compared with the control group, patients in the spasm group had statistically significant differences in gender, age, constipation, preoperative use of drugs, and surgical site(all P<0.05), while there were no significant differences between the two groups in ethnicity, body mass index(BMI), smoking, drinking, caffeine intake, and marital status(all P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age( OR=1.310, P=0.007), male( OR=0.595, P=0.030), preoperative use of drugs( OR=0.510, P=0.002)affecting bladder function, and constipation( OR=0.627, P<0.001)were independent influencing factors for bladder spasms in elderly patients after minimally invasive surgery of the lower urinary tract( P<0.05). Conclusions:Old age, male, preoperative use of drugs affecting bladder function, and constipation are risk factors for bladder spasms after minimally invasive lower urinary tract surgery in elderly patients.These findings can be used for guiding clinicians to conduct targeted interventions before surgery to prevent bladder spasms.

Objective:To explore the potential relationship of urethral pressure profilometry and the complications of artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) implantation.Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent AUS implantation in Beijing Hospital from March 2019 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were male. The average course of disease was 43.1 months(ranging 11-120 months). The average age was (68.6±13.2) years. The median number of pads used was 4.5 (3.0, 6.0). The preoperative maximum urethral pressure (MUP) was (84.6±25.5) cmH 2O, and the maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) was 51.0 (41.0, 74.0) cmH 2O. AUS implantation was performed through a single perineal incision in all patients. The sleeve size was mainly determined by the measured urethral circumference of the patient. After installation of all components, the urethral pressure profilometry was performed under the state of device inactivation and activation. The pump was activated 6 weeks after the operation, and telephone follow-up was performed 3 months after the activation of the device. The urinary control and complications were recorded. The results of follow-up were compared with the results of urethral pressure profilometry, and the preliminary conclusions were drawn. Results:In this study, 3 patients (20%) received 4.0cm cuffs, 10 patients (66.7%) received 4.5cm cuffs, and 2 patients (13.3%) received 5.0cm cuffs. The MUP and MUCP of AUS device in inactivated state were (82.5±30.2) cmH 2O and 51.0(48.0, 77.0) cmH 2O. In the activated state, MUP was (138.9±21.7) cmH 2O and MUCP was 109.0(94.0, 133.0) cmH 2O. Compared with that before operation, the urethral pressure in the inactivated state did not increase significantly (all P > 0.05), while the urethral pressure in the activated state increased significantly (all P < 0.001). The patients were followed-up for 3-33 months. Thirteen patients (86.7%) used the initial installation device, and all of them met the standard of social continence. One patient died of cerebrovascular accident. One patient took out the device due to urethral erosion. The incidence of complications was 26.7% (4/15), including painless hematuria in 2 cases, scrotum and penis infection in 1 case, and urethral erosion in 1 case. The MUP and MUCP of these patients were (100.0 ± 40.7) cmH 2O and (80.8 ± 39.7) cmH 2O respectively. In the intraoperative active state, the MUP was (151.5 ± 15.3) cmH 2O and the MUCP was (123.0 ± 17.2) cmH 2O. The MUP of the other 3 patients in the device activation state was significantly higher than the average value, and all of them were above 150 cm H 2O, except one patient who was infected due to cognitive problems and chronic urinary retention. In 11 patients without complications, the MUP and MUCP were (76.1±24.7) cmH 2O and (55.1±20.0) cmH 2O respectively. In the intraoperative active state, the MUP was (134.4±22.5) cmH 2O and the MUCP was (108.5±29.8) cmH 2O. Conclusions:AUS implantation has a definite curative effect. Poor comprehension, and MUP higher than 150 cmH 2O in the activated state of the device may be risk factors for complications.