Unlocking the potential-vitamin D in prostate cancer prevention

Prostate cancer poses a significant health challenge globally,demanding proactive prevention strategies.This editorial explores the emerging role of vitamin D in prostate cancer prevention.While traditionally associated with bone health,vitamin D is increasingly recognized for its broader impact on immune function,cellular signaling,and cancer prevention.Epidemiological studies suggest an intriguing link between vitamin D deficiency and elevated prostate cancer risk,particularly in regions with limited sunlight exposure.Mechanistically,vitamin D regulates cellular processes,inhibiting unchecked cancer cell growth and bols-tering immune surveillance.Personalized prevention strategies,considering individual factors,are deemed essential for harnessing the full potential of vitamin D.To unlock this potential,the future calls for robust research,public awareness campaigns,dietary improvements,and vigilant medical guidance.Collaborative efforts are poised to pave the way toward a future where vitamin D stands as a sentinel in prostate cancer prevention,ushering in hope and improved health for men worldwide.

The Outcome of Transvesical Prostatectomy—A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the commonest causes of lower obstructive uropathy and usually presents with lower urinary tract symptoms. However, in developing nations, the presentation is late often large prostate and associated complications of bladder outlet obstruction (diverticulae, stones, impaired renal function etc.) warranting open prostatectomy. Objective: The objective of this study is to share our experience of perioperative outcomes of open transvesical prostatectomy over a year involving two referral centers in Monrovia Liberia. Methodology: This was a retrospective study performed at The John F. Kennedy Medical Center and the Saint Joseph Catholic Hospital involving a total of 31 patients. Results: The mean age was 64.6 years (SD = 9.03) with a range 52 - 85 years. The study showed that 54.8% (17/31) of patients had preoperative catheter. The maximum duration of Catheter was greater than 4 weeks with a mean duration of 3.17 weeks. The mean hemoglobin was 11.30 g/dl. The commonest presenting complication was urinary retention at 25.8% (8/31) followed by hematuria 16.1% (5/31). Hypertension 41.9% (13/31) and diabetes 6.5% (/31) were the commonest comorbidity. The rate of postoperative complication was 38.7% with the commonest being surgical site infection 16.1% (5/31) and clot retentions 9.7% (3/31). There was a high rate of transfusion was 77.4% (24/31) patients. Up to about 13% (4/32) patients had coexisting stricture with 6.5% (2/31) patients treated with urethroplasty and 6.5% (2/31) patients treated by dilatation. The mortality rate was 6.5% (2/31) from renal impairment and severe sepsis. Conclusion: BPH is a common cause of lower obstructive uropathy. Most patients present with complications of the disease such as refractory symptoms, bladder stones or diverticulae necessitating surgery. However, due to the absence of endourological equipments in most parts of Africa and the large prostate at presentation, most settings consider open transvesical prostatectomy as a viable option. The perioperative morbidity is relatively higher, but the outcome remains acceptable.